With a lever big enough I can move the world{BattleTech CYOA]

MageOhki · Nov 10, 2018

Enjoy, people. I recommend some 80's synth, some LSD, and as always, stay away from ROB.
Edit Note: Original Version spoilered, the edited and slightly altered (about 100 word difference) version below. The major change is to shift one aspect of Kikyo's past slighlty different. I realized after discussion with Psyckosama, that was not where I wanted to go, nor did it help with where the story needed to go.

With a lever big enough I can move the world

A Battletech FanFiction
By
Andrew "MageOhki" Norris.

All properties not owned by the current rightholders to Battletech(InMediaRes and Microsoft, depending on specifics) and other properties (at this time, not determined) are the property of the writer. However, given this is a derived work, no intent to profit or otherwise infringe on the IP owner's rights are meant, and this is a work of fiction meant to entertain for free.

This is roughly based on the CYOA's running around for Battletech such as Valles' "Tell the World we tried" using this version of it: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SK7JCvb3J8ytG18XZtHDsi0KGVmUOtKdy84lQ-zCdtY/edit#

Without further ado, grab your neruohelment, put on the cooling vest, put on some 80's rock, turn the reactor on and let's go!

***

Grab a lever and stand.

If you're reading this, you're not meant to while I'm alive, I hope. Maybe… if not in this universe, you can, who knows? But… again, this is my own thoughts, my own way to decompress and deal with my insanity and life.

The things you learn over two lifetimes, boil down to key points.

As Star Trek pointed out, Random Omnipotent Beings appear to be assholes, but in reality, are just that. Random.

First impressions count. They stay with people. LRM fire actually is a good one.

There will always be those who seek power for its own sake, to impose their will on others because they want to. Not for the benefit of others, not for the improvement of humanity or their people, not to meet the responsibilities that power brings, but simply because they're assholes and sociopaths. It's scary, terrifying, dangerous and difficult to counter them. But it is oh so fun and rewarding to fuck them over.

In BattleTech, no matter where you go, you cannot outrun the past.

Also: Future of the 80's? Fuck yourself. Hope endures.

But the biggest thing I learned? With a lever big enough, you can move worlds. Just be careful in which direction. Actions have reactions.

From the journals and notes of Kikyo Onishi, New Avalon Press, 3291 AD, as part of the "Century of Chaos: The Movers and Shakers." series.

***

Waking up should be one of three ways in my experience. Instant reaching for a weapon to defend yourself or respond to combat is the worst of them, of course. Waking up to start a new day running a normal routine is another. A third way is waking up with your significant other. Learning about a fourth way wasn't my idea of fun, though it wasn't unpleasant. Where, on the other hand…

You'll do. I heard muzzily.

You'll do quite well to see what this recent spate of … CYOA is all about.

I rarely remember dreams, mind you and on hearing this, I thought to myself I'd forget it. Silly me. Some things will stick with you forever. Considering I never heard that voice again to date, I wonder, I really do.

I'm giving you levers… which way will you move the worlds, young humans? I'll be watching…

I drifted back out, feeling a flash, a sense of difference, a view of a laughing face, then drifting back into awareness, seeing a mirror in front of me.

Looking into the mirror in this hazy, I saw a pretty Japanese face, about 18 to 24, I'd guess, with jade green eyes, dark wine red hair, staring back at me. Memories flashed behind both eyes, feelings swept though the vision. Knowledge was exchanged. A sense of sadness from the jade green eyes, into my blue-green was exchanged.

Not that I'm evil or anything, you understand… you'll have the full lifespan you should have based on the youngest. At least from 'natural' causes, at least, I make no assurances your own actions will not get you killed. And they can. As one of you almost found out. Don't do that. There's easier ways to destroy your brains than taking stuff, you realize. However, more than the natural lifespan… you have to earn, children. And you can. Maybe. But your futures are fraught with peril… and will be even more so. You will be given a small amount of time to come to terms with what you are now, so you have a chance to settle into your lives before the peril starts.

With that last line, I felt like snarking, when weren't they? But, before I could, I felt the world fade again into the comforting warmth of sleep.

Again, it bears repeating. Silly me. I had a lot to learn. Kikyo got the better deal, I think. I don't know, I haven't found out either way. Maybe I'll learn when I die, and possibly meet her again.

***

Now, back to the fourth way of waking up I learned about. Being very warm, naked, sweathy, sticky and in a pile of bodies as a person is shaking your clammy shoulder, while flesh jiggles on you, is interesting when you've spent more than four decades not doing so. Or so you think, since part of you is saying this isn't the first time.

"Hey, Kiki. We have visitors!" Opening my eyes at the female voice, I saw a face similar to the one I just saw in a mirror, but softer, younger, with blue eyes and black hair. She was grinning, and part of me, part of me in this half state between awareness and sleep, recognized Aiko, my younger sister. The other part didn't. To be honest, I felt detached, and let myself run on autopilot, not sure what was going on. And reminded, an imperfect response now, was much better than the perfect response too late.

"Oh?" The voice that came out was not what part of me had expected, but the other part felt it was perfectly normal. Even fuzzed with sleep, it sounded like pure molten honey pouring into the ears as well as the low Alto tones promising pleasure and delights. Part of me was pleased with the way it came out, the other part was realizing that either this was a dream, or it was time to panic. Panicking bad, however. "Who is it, Ai?"

Ai, or Aiko Onishi, my jumbled memories fed me, my sister shook her head. "Must have been really fun, Sis, after you pushed me to bed. The lawyers that asked to see you today? Those people?" She grinned. "Must be important, they're here at 9am on a holiday, after last night?" She tilted her head. "You're not the only one who indulges, nor your guests." She cast a glance over the pile. "Maybe too much? You always tell me to wait, and not do things… and yet..."

My mind supplied the response though the slight headache that I discovered as I lifted myself out of the pile. Blinking rapidly, I took a breath, as Ai grabbed my hand and finished pulling my shorter body, both from what one part of me was used to, and to her out of the pile, as she held out a silk yukata in her other hand. "Learn from experience, mine, instead of your own. It's safer and less likely to get you in trouble." Pausing a second, I slipped on the yukata, and headed for where I felt the bathroom and shower was.

"Yeah, yeah. But c'mon." She said quietly, to keep the others still sleeping. "You started having fun about my age… so did Ichigo!" Tilting her head. "Both of you are insisting I can't. Why?"

Blinking rapidly again at the bright light that shone in my now hurting eyes, I blindly reached for something, only to have a bottle of water shoved into my right hand, and a pill bottle shoved into my left.

"And you really put one on. I can count of the number of hangovers you've had on my right hand. Though… saw some serious haze around here last night, stayed away, as you asked me to… I can guess why." Aiko snickered. "Anyways, I'll tell the lawyers you'll be a bit."

Chugging the water, as I watched the teenager walk out the room, her sweatshirt saying "NAIS Class of 3019" on the back, my mind was signing warning bells. Big, Loud, and insistent though the pain.

One thing most people never really truly understand, is meditation is possible under several situations, and most people do meditation, often enough during routines. Meditation isn't just clearing your thoughts, or 'seeking' enlightenment, it's understanding yourself, processing information, and last but not least, centering yourself. If you have a routine you can do on autopilot, you can meditate. Apparently my other half agreed.

Going though the morning motions the body and the other half remembered, my mind raced. A very luxurious, but smallish high tech bathroom, with a grated shower that I was in, odd, but... I had seen stranger. Noting carefully the area around, my mind finally informed me I was on a Princess class luxury liner/yacht. That I owned. This was just confirmation of the sweatshirt, however.

Three possibilities, I mused as I dried and combed my hair according to a routine that this body is used to, (and yes, pervs, the drapes and carpet do match, and the body is very much a match for the trained voice, not pure excessive, but shapely, toned, and firm more than handfuls.). First, this was a dream. If so, fine, go with it, and let it play out, no harm, no foul. Second: Reincarnation event. Since while I did/do believe in reincarnation, I've never heard any verifiable proof of a past life coming forward, and honestly, my karma wasn't that bad, was it, to end up in 3015 on New Avalon? Discount it, holding it as a secondary. Third possibility, given that strange … dream? Before waking up in the pile of flesh. A ROB event. Slang in various communities (my other half didn't recognize it, must be my half) for where an transdentant being pops you into another universe. Fun to read, yes. But Battletech was one of the more craptastic universes to be put into. Not the worst, mind you, Cyberpunk, Shadowrun, Warhammer (any, really), some parts of Traveller, let's not even mention most of the Pallidum games, all from the 80's made Battletech look good. But, that wasn't the point. What to do, was.

Hope for one, operate as three seemed like a plan. Part of that plan would be to *integrate* the two halves. Which was already happening, I could feel. The other part, was to go see the lawyers, and pray that the term CYOA didn't mean what I thought it meant, otherwise…

I keep saying this, but it does bears repeating, people. Silly me.

***

Walking through a spaceship, was a thrill, no question. To be fair, the part of me from 'here', the thrill was more it was hers. Finally. Though to be fair, she hadn't had much space travel, except for a few movie shoots, or modeling, but that was more than my 'other' side had had and she was not a space virgin, nor did she think space travel was 'a once in a lifetime' event. Unlike a lot of people, even on New Avalon, one of the richest worlds in the Inner Sphere. It helps to be rich, doesn't it? Or a popluar actress. Or both.

A brief discussion of Battletech's travel wouldn't be amiss, I suppose.

As an interstellar civilization, Battletech like most had FTL travel and easy interplanetary travel in a sense. (More on this later.) Space and star ships could be broken down into three basic types, jumpships (the part that is FTL), dropships, and small craft. Jumpships were were pretty much the drive, reactor, batteries and a control module. And docking rings. They stayed in deep space, often 10 plus AU from the planet people wanted to get to. So, a solution for reasonable cargo and passenger shipping had to be developed, since small craft just couldn't carry the load. Which lead to the next major ship type, and the one I was on. Dropship. Build a Jumpship with docking rings, and big ships that could attach to them, and detach after FTL travel. Small craft carried by previous designs of jumpships rarely reached 1000 tons, while dropships that could land on a planet hit 52,000 tons. Big difference in load. And give that dropships at the least had 15 mps squared acceleration, they could get to and from the jumpship and planet in a reasonable amount of time.

And I, well, my 'other' half, owned one of these massive things. My 20th century self… Squee. My other self, while still squee, wasn't over the fact of a spaceship, but of freedom and ability to do what she wanted. Without being bound to a planet, or someone else's ship.

When I mention my other half, I mean the half that grew up on New Avalon, acted as a child actress and model up until now, attended university at the average age for students in this universe (16, if you're curious, same age to enlist, same age of marriage, same age of several things.), studied thermonuclear engineering, and several other things! Not the half that grew up in the 20th century of Terra, fought in a war, gotten a PhD in history, and worked for a government. She had very specific views on how one should dress, even for meeting sharks who'll try to rip your arms off and eat them.

Which leads to the clicking of tall heels on a spaceship, without gravity unless under thrust, a short black pencil skirt, a low cut white silk blouse and a tasteful black blazer. As well as subtle makeup to enhance what nature had given,

Generally you want to look your best for lawyers who've asked to see you on your 20th birthday, and have insisted on coming to you. Even if it's one of the universal holidays all of Humanity practices and takes off work from. Most atypical of the amoral creatures. When they're not yours, it means one of three things. You have money they're going to take, and lots of it. You have money they want to keep or gain control of, and you're the ticket to do so. Last, but not least, they've been paid a lot of money. That apparently hasn't changed in 1000 years. Good to know.

Three lawyers, two male, one female rose as I entered the stateroom that Aiko had put them in, and she had thoughtfully seen to their needs, as well as making sure a carafe of coffee was waiting for me. Aiko and I, well local me, had had too much experience with Lawyers, me more than her, but in the last 4 years, way too much experience.

Generally, it could be put into three parts. Lawyers telling local me, I couldn't have what was mine by earnings, Lawyers telling me to sign contracts for work or endorsements, or lawyers delivering threatening statements, or hints that cooperation in certain issues would be appreciated. Even if I had set the situations up, or encouraged them. Or profited by them.

My memories from local me, made it quite clear, I was very materialistic, and didn't let little things like laws or general ethics get in the way. Morals? Bit different, I was thankful to say. Apparently the pleasure and love I felt when I looked at Aiko was very much a part of local me, as well as caring and affection for her friends and other family. But… there were downsides. It made enemies, it made waves, and I wasn't apparently the best at long term thinking.

"Miss. Kikyo Onishi?" The elder male of the pair spoke. "Daughter of Kiko Onishi of Ozawa, and per Lyran law, recognized child of Graf New Osaka?"

Yes, my name is Kikyo Onishi, apparently here and now. But, Brief discussion here. Lyran law, aka Lyran Commonwealth, one of the big five realms of the Inner Sphere of Battletech, has two states for children. Bastardy isn't *formally* recognized, but for a parent to recognize a child, he or she has to sign the birth document, with witnesses. It's not even a social stigma to have a bastard or two, either as mother or father, though at the highest levels, the nobility and very wealthy, married parents are preferred, after all.

However, there is social stigma surrounding bastards. Not taking care of them. So, the Lyrans, being the Lyrans, regulated it. There's two formal levels of parenthood. First is where you claim them as your son or daughter, second where they are a 'recognized child.' This is a lesser state where you don't have any claim on their title or the majority of their estate, unless you're the only child the noble or ultra rich in question. It doesn't stop them from leaving you large shares, however. It does however put them on the hook both legally and morally for child support. Yes, by 20th century standards, I was a bastard of Graf New Osaka's. And he honored his responsibilities, at least financially. But, back to the lawyers who were waiting for me to sit down.

I nodded in response, and sat down, after pouring myself a cup of coffee, cut with fresh cream and a teaspoon of sugar. Apparently local me didn't understand the joys of black coffee.

Crossing my legs, I put the saucer and cup on my knee. "You were most insistent on seeing me this day, but wouldn't say why? Mr..." I trailed off "And before we actually handle the affairs that brought you here, my solicitor, a Miss. Darwin will be arriving shortly."

"Ah, I am Lewis Corn, Barrister, and senior partner of Corn and Urkle Legal Affairs." I blinked once at the statement, wasn't the one that faced off most often with Lannesh and Zeem, my law firm, the one Miss. Darwin worked for, officially, though my affairs effectively handled most of her time and also my… ah, clients? I mentally shook my head, and focused back on Mr. Corn as he leaned forward. "It's not a bad thing, I don't think. We are here to represent Graf New Osaka's estate, and finalize his last wishes involving you." I blinked. I had known that my father in the here and now died, but since I had never met him, my other self had not felt any real sadness at his passing. A bit of curiosity at what'd happen to his estate, but, in reality, any legal obligation he had had towards me ended today, under Lyran law.

"I see. Shall we wait for Miss..." I was interrupted by the door sliding open and a pair of heels clicking. Turning around I studied the severely dressed woman who walked in. Blonde hair, kept in a tight bun, professional black suit and white blouse, sheer hose, and 3" heels made for a striking sight on a 5'11" woman. In her left hand was a briefcase.

"Gentlemen." Her tone was frosty, as noted above, the two firms were both elite, and often faced off in court. "Why are we here." She laid down her briefcase and opened it up.

"As I told your client, we're here finalizing Graf New Osaka's estate." Mr. Corn spoke up, slightly testily. "I'm sure you can handle such a simple matter as advising your client of how to accept a final bequest."

I carefully kept my face blank, as the two lawyers glared at each other. Finally, Ryanne, Miss. Darwin, spoke up, amusedly. "Couldn't handle losing the Stone accounts to us, could you?"
The woman with Mr. Corn put her hand on his shoulder before he could fire back. Gathering himself for a moment, he nodded once. "We're here to see to the estate, and we are only paid so much. So, let's be about it."

His assistant, the woman brought out a holoprojector, and put it on the table. Clicking a button, it started displaying a older male, who was clearly emaciated and missing most of his hair.

"Daughter." *coff, coff* "When you get this, I'll be dead, not a question. My last great adventure will start shortly." A hacking cough sprayed a fine mist of blood outside the hologram. "And this is because my last adventure here killed me. Or maybe LOKI. If LOKI gets me before the polonium I managed to ingest, along with far too many of my people as we explored a area. Either way. If it is LOKI, do please try to kill a few of them for me, those maniacs." I blinked, and shuddered. Polonium poisoning was not a way to go. If LOKI did kill him, I might thank them. And exactly *why* would LOKI, the fanatical special forces of the Lyran Commonwealth kill my biological father.

A coughing fit again brought my attention to the display. "I have sent a box containing some information to Corn and Urkle for delivery to you on your birthday, your inheritance, and my remaining people who were sworn to me, plus arranged for new hires to New Avalon, to arrive on your birthday, or as close to it as I could arrange. I do not trust my younger son to care for them properly, nor is my heiress, your niece capable of handling and caring for them. She's a bit too young." a wheezing sound issued from the speakers, and a long pause as he seemed to gather himself for a few final words. "Do read the messages in the sealed box, and while I question your judgement and some of your actions over the last few years, I do think you've done a admirable job of trying to meet what you see as your responsibilities, and that does make me proud. I know I've never said it to you, and this is my last chance. I love you daughter. Shake the world as you can."

The message ended, with an incredibly secure lockbox slid over from the younger male of the trio of lawyers across from me. "This requires a sample of your blood to unlock, and we have verifigraphed proof of it's security." A folder was slid over and Ryanne took it, reading though the papers, then nodding.

"Your liquid assets that he wished you to have are already in an account with UBS, accounts information and amounts are in the file." The woman spoke. Black haired, sharp features and black eyes created the impression of a computer behind her eyes. "Your actual physical inheritance, besides what is in the lock box, and is also listed in the file, will land at this drop port at 1200 hours tomorrow." She finished and looked at her superior, Mr. Corn. He nodded, removing a piece of paper. "This is proof that we have delivered the folder, the box and the proof of transfer for the physical assets that are arriving. After you sign, we have no further business." Before you receive the paper, Ryanne studies it, nods one.

"I note, that there is mention that the personnel assigned to the delivery as well as those mentioned as hire ons have been paid for two months. Is this accurate?" Ryanne raises an eyebrow.

"It is. May you have your client sign, it is a simple receipt." Mr. Corn apparently is not flustered by Ryanne's actions and quiet provocations over their abilities to be accurate.

"It's fine to sign, Kikyo." Ryanne pauses. "From all the files I just scanned, it's clear they're just delivery boys, so it seems to be their speed." All three of the other laweyrs shifted a bit at that, but said nothing. Ryanne passes me the receipt and a pen, which I use to sign, and pass back to Mr. Corn.

"Thank you." He stands, followed by his two assoicates. "When you find Miss. Darwin and her firm unsuited to your needs, we would be pleased if you, like your father chose to take proffer of our services." He nods once, and starts walking out.

"Oh, I doubt she'll come to you." Ryanne shoots back. "I've had no problems managing her affairs."

Mr. Corn stops, turns and looks at her. "And the gutter rag reporting wasn't stopped by you? As I said, Miss. Onishi, when you find." He strides out before Ryanne could respond.

Ryanne blew out a breath as the door closed behind the lawyers escorted by Aiko, who had waited. "Those assholes. They couldn't have done shit about the paparazzi, and you know it, they'd have been blindsided, we weren't. And we're taking steps to mitigate the situation, though it'd help, dear, if you could behave for a while. Or be willing to at least quietly name some names." Pausing a moment, raising a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, she sighed after the moment of silence. "Didn't expect so, not right now. As to the inheritance… I know Lyrans are maniacal about accumulating wealth, but this is insane."

"Oh?" I honestly didn't think it'd be much. My memories were that while the Graf did not stint, he wasn't overly generous, ethier. He left that for his mother and father, and their gifts to me.

"882 million cbills in several accounts at UBS, six Jumpships, one of which is a Monolith, of all things, hell, it might be the only privately owned one in existence! Seventy dropships, 52 of which are combat dropships. I'm pretty sure there's interstellar nations that don't own that many, and I don't mean one or a half dozen world policies, I mean the Outworlds Alliance!"

She paused, clearly rattled. Having regained some balance, she went on. "That isn't it, oh, no. Nearly 200 battlemechs, over 100 aerospace fighters, over five hundred armored fighting vehicles or infantry fighting vehicles…" She paused. "Quick math shows you could likely form two Star League combined arms brigades, just about, or a full RCT1, with leftovers. More than enough military hardware to conquer a planet!" She shook her head. "My advice, sell most of it and move on. Keep a jumpship or two, a few dropships, but the majority? Only thing it'd be good for is either bribing your way into the AFFS, or being a merc."

Part of me nodded at that, that was a truth. The other part remembered something. "Father stated he had people he wanted me to look after, not just the new hire ons. How many?"

Flipping though the file, she stopped at one page, scanning down. "Counting ship crews, it looks to be about 2200 people. Give or take." She paused, checking something else, and nodding once. "Add in the new hires, and you're looking at north of 3100 people. Mostly ship crews, but a fair number of technicians of military nature, and combat personnel."

I thought about it for a moment. "Do try to explore possible buyers, focusing on Davion interests, don't want to have onii-sama shot by my stuff, after all, but don't make any firm commitments. I need to think on this, and meet the people involved."

"Your choice. It'll do well to lessen some issues, if you've provided at fair rates an RCT's worth of heavy combat equipment, at least to the AFFS, and they have pull. They could make a lot of problems go away, Kiki." Ryanne sighed. "While we both know, your providing your friends and classmates ways to make money via those with money, wasn't illegal, nor your activities with our firm, I'm quite aware that we have kept a criminal lawyer for your people ready if needs be. And I've been careful not to ask is there anything you've done, or people working for you have done that'd require such. I don't want to know the answer, but with what we've been hearing from Avalon City Police… I can guess."

I thought to myself that I really needed to spend some time sorting through my memories of here, to find out exactly what was going on. This did not sound good. "And I'll be sure not to tell you unless I have to. And I understand."

"Look. You need to think about this." Ryanne leaned forward to look me in the eyes. "Even if you can skate criminally, and get all your friends out, it'll hurt, and cost money to fix your reputation. It'll also hurt you with the nobility and those who finance your films, though I'll admit, with all your other assets, and what you just received, that's not a problem." She paused. "But even then, the powers that be, can shitcan the films, and your other projects. You don't want that. Or so you told me." Her pleading voice sunk in. "And I doubt you really understand what's involved in running a mercenary command. Not a good idea, Kiki, not with your age, nor experience. If you really feel the need to take care of your absentee father's people, set them up, find them new units, if that's their wish, hire them on in your other ventures of a legal nature if not. There's options, and you're looking at well towards, maybe over 10 billion Cbills, you don't have to do anything you don't want or aren't qualified to do."

I paused for a moment. She was passionate about this, but… "As I said, Ryanne." I nodded once. "Let me think on it. I can see some edges in having a unit of mercenaries at my disposal. I also understand how bad a idea for me this would be." I paused for a second, mind whirring. Not quite true, but a lie wouldn't hurt, would it? "But… and I understand your point about my father… they're now my people."

Ryanne sighed. "As expected. At least think about what I said, Kiki? I need to get back to the firm to finish up some paperwork on all your assets being finally returned to your full control, plus now, adding this, to it." She shook her head. "Tomorrow, when you inspect the cargo and ships, I need a full list of what they are. Full." She stood and raised an eyebrow. "I do agree with at least thinking, now. At times, I wonder if you really think about the long term or even medium term effects of your actions!"

I blushed slightly, but nodded at her.

"Good." With that, Ryanne walked out. "Be well and stay out of sight, Kiki. We don't need, nor want the press to badger you. At all."

"... yes." I answered. "I'll stay here til tomorrow."

The door closed behind Ryanne after I stated the above. Intentionally. So I didn't have to listen to her reply.

***

As I went to what my mind had labeled 'my stateroom', it was empty. Apparently the room I had woken up in was something called a playroom. I could guess.

"Hey, onee-sama." Aiko stopped me before I could enter, and continued in Japanese. <"Your guests are gone, both the lawyers and those who partied with you last night. Why were they here, and why was Ryanne here?">

I paused, and thought about what to say. "I'll tell you later, but it was about my absentee father. He's dead, and he left me some things." I carefully slanted it to seem minor.

"Uh-huh." Aiko leaned against a bulkhead, arms crossed. "Lawyers don't come on New Year's day, just to deliver bequests of a minor nature. Try again."
Aiko was not stupid, just young, my mind supplied, not that I needed further proof of that. Looking her in the eye, I finally responded. "As I said, I'll tell you later. I need to think on it."

A tilt of the head was my response, for a long minute of time. Finally Aiko sighed. "Must be some heavy stuff. You gloated about getting Xanadu the moment you got the title." I nodded at that. Xanadu was the name of the Princess we were in. A gift from a fan, Duchess Numeror, she who was the first to have a tame Numeror Wolf… called Fluffy, of all things, Xanadu had been found in a valley on some world she didn't mention, semi crashed from the early 1st Succession War. The Duchess had the damage repaired, and all systems restored, then realized she didn't want the dropship. So.. give it to her favorite young actress. At least she was talked out of sending one of Fluffy's cubs with Xanadu.

"It is." I paused. "It means… lots of things. Father didn't just leave me money, stocks, bonds, even physical assets. He left me people."

Aiko facepalmed. "And you're already thinking on how to put them into your little network and keep them, take care of them, see to them. Because that's how you are." She shook her head. "I'll let you think on this, but Sis? These aren't your people. You owe Graf New Osaka nothing. If Mom wasn't the way she was, she'd have been alive, and we'd have shared the same father. But no… you're striving to be just like her.That got her in a bad place and killed." Aiko paused for a moment. "No, no, you're not striving to be her, you're striving to surpass her. Not only that, but you keep taking on responsibilities, that aren't yours. Doing whatever it takes, to your mind to meet those. And damm what it costs or could cost you." Aiko's eyes glittered. "If you don't slow down and think about things, and not take everything on, you'll kill yourself." She pushed off the Bulkhead, and stormed past me.

I honestly didn't know what to say about that. I really needed to meditate and work my way through the memories that I had from Kikyo. I hoped she was working through my memories, but, I had no idea. Putting that thought to action, I went into the stateroom, and locked the door behind me. Folding into Seiza, I closed my eyes, and put myself into a position to figure out exactly what was going on. I had a feeling that it was worse than I feared.

Now, at least this time, I wasn't being silly. Yay, me. Improvement! Even if I wanted to be silly.

***

To understand where I found myself, a brief, well, not so brief story has to be told for those who don't know where I was. At this point, and this location, as far as I could guess, I was in what my 20th century self would call a Battletech universe. Renamed from the FASA game Battledroids, Battletech could and should be considered the Stompy Robot TableTop game, which spawned several video games, role playing games, novels, and lots more. FASA pretty much wrote a game to have 10+ meter (30 feet or better for those using Imperial) tall robots piloted by 'Mechwarriors' (From the fact in universe said robots are called Battlemechs), shooting the everloving shit out of each other. The setting was to justify this combat.

Therefore, Battletech is a crapsack world (it doesn't sell product if it's all sweetness and light, eh?). Not the worst, not by far, but on a scale of 1 (Meh, you have a *high* chance as a player character to live out your life and do well, ala Traveller/MegaTraveller) to 10 (Ohgods, we is all gonna die… and not leave a good looking corpse, and nothing will change! Hi, Warhammer 40k) Battletech by the time I entered it had over 30 years of in universe lore, development and rules. The Setting was a solid 6 to 7 on the Crapsack scale. To be fair, this was due to all the lore, and there were periods of to in universe characters, the crapsack scale barely rated a 2. A Brief history is really needed to understand the time I'm in, so I'm summarizing for quick comprension.

Late 20th century, wars happen. Earth unifies. 2108 AD, first Interstellar travel. Late 23rd century, Terran colonies both revolt and are abandoned by the one species (Human) government. Shortly afterwards, Terra replaces that government with a new one, as the abandoned colonies form their own interstellar governments. Wars happen. Bigger and Bigger states form. Until mid 25th Century, the Battlemech is developed.

Due to its weight to firepower to crew ratio, and its ability to fight somewhat on almost *all* terrains, it becomes the premier combat asset to take and hold planets. During all this lead up, Humanity in effect *reverts* back (some would say never left) to in primus, a feudalistic society to greater and lesser extent, given the limitations of the star drive and the stresses of colonization. (It doesn't help that until the 27th century, there *is* no FTL communications in widespread use.). Everyone besides the Terran Hegemony (the Terran successor government, and the first users of Battlemechs) gets Battlemechs, and the bleat goes on. Flash to the end of the 26th Century, Ian Cameron, "Director-General" of the Terran Hegemony has managed to sucker (my view) the 5 states surrounding the Hegemony into a superstate, where he is (and his heirs) are first among 'equals' (again, my view).

This isn't working out too well, so he decides to bring the last free states (who told him either politely or politely, looking at you, Tarus, to bugger off.) to heel. 25 years later, with a death toll to *equal* barely the totals from all the wars before, The Star League rules over 99% of humanity. But the ones who told him to bugger off *don't* get even the 'lesser' say that the 5 states (called Great Houses now, since they are comprised of a ruling house over several hundred established worlds) get. These states who aren't great houses are called the Periphery, and are on the Periphery of what's now called the "Inner Sphere", This, of course leads to their exploitation and resentment.

Okay, it's now the 28th Century, towards the end of the Century. 3 of the 4 major Periphery states are *tired* of being bitchslapped around by the Star league and their pockets ran though for any and all loose change. So's the 4th, but their ruling house has a *plan!* He sets up the other three to revolt, while he's schmoozing up to the last heir of Ian Cameron, who's a minor, orphan, and pretty much left alone by anyone else with morals, ethics, or power. Yeah, you can see where this is going. As Kerensky, the official regent while Richard Cameron was underage, and the Commanding General of the Star League defense forces, finished squishing Amaris' covert rebellions, he however had to use almost all the SLDF, and Amaris was able to convince Richard to let Amaris' troops be his guards. Yeah, we all can predict where this is going.

Anyways, 10 years later, Kerensky shoots Amaris, destroys his nation, then tells the Great House lords, "Sod you all for a game of Soldiers" and (again, my point of view) deserts the Star League, and the Succession Wars begin. The 1st and 2nd are total war, and pretty much blast each other a good 400 years downward in technology and even more so in industrial capability. Too many worlds die during this period, too. And not marginal or only habitable due to ultra high tech, either.

By the time I was at, the waning years of the 3rd succession wars, battles were very small affairs, and more along the lines of raiding more than missions of conquest, since transporting troops to take worlds was difficult, and required effort. Jumpships, the FTL spaceships are down to maybe a tenth of what they were before the wars, and if the Inner Sphere could add 10 a year to the fleets, it was a good year. So, the Star League was regarded as the "Shining city on the hill", and wars were fought nominally over who'd rule. Not that all the Star League was gone, it had one known surviving element. The Ministry of Communications, renamed Comstar. More on them later.

This is why nearly 200 Battlemechs as an inheritance was mind boggling. Battles to conquer worlds very rarely had more engaging. That was about a third of the 'Mechs produced in one year, in the fallen times. Not to mention six Jumpships, one of which maybe 200 of them still remained. This does put a big target on your back.

Having meditated on the memories and everything else, I found myself and the 'previous' memories integrating, creating what could be called, Kikyo-me merge, or Kikyo-me for short. What I found, was a 20 year old woman, who had problems with impulse control, mild case of disinhibition, stubborn as all hell, dedicated to those she called hers, and working on being a cross between Lindsay Lohan and Heidi Fleiss at the same time.

This was a bit of a shock to a 45 year old combat veteran of a republican nation, who was while not straight laced, fairly 'tame' by any reasonable standard. Kikyo was not, and she had a bad habit of not thinking things though, not thinking of consequences at all.

The situation Kikyo had left her new self meant that at very best, I was viewed… not in the best light with my home nation's government or nobility, and my father, another state's noble, due to putting the functional equivalent of nearly 3 percent of their Battlemechs into my hands, instead of his Leige's… well, his own government likely wouldn't be too thrilled with me.

This is why I wasn't being silly when I thought it was worse than I knew. Those two governments above, were arguably lead by the two most moral and ethical leaders, and the states themselves were, for the period, out of the Great Houses, decent places to live both for rights, and actual opportunities to be had. And here I was, considered at best, an greedy and amoral Lindsay Lohan, or someone who was a traitor's daughter. Yeah. I actually asked myself. "How could it get worse?"

Trust me, I know I asked for it, and, yes, I got it. Good and hard.

***

After that session, I decided that I needed another shower, to unknotify my legs, in the dropship's sinfully appointed bathroom. Fusion power meant unlimited hot water, considering that I was planetside, and the nozzles were perfectly located to massage every bit of my body.

While relaxing, I was considering what I needed to do. The big one was find out what version of the Battletech universe I was in. That meant checking for a nation that didn't exist in the 'main' setting, to cover one video game, checking some facts out to cover fan fiction versions I didn't know about, praying a singing battleship didn't exist or had existed.

Looking for some people, here, Alpheratz, Terra, there, and everywhere would be part of it, lucky me, I just needed to spend money, and since I had nearly a billion of the local interstellar currency, which equated to ten billion at least of the currency I was used to, that was easy. Some alternate realities of the Battletech franchise wouldn't have their divergence points obvious yet, nor the key figures. Some would. Also would need to dig to see if any other large windfalls had been delivered… Oh, and if a bastard Calderon by the name of Jack existed.

He wasn't the only one on the find list with a vengeance, to be fair, but I doubted he was in existence. Or that I could find him. Some of those I'd personally kill, without question were mainline characters, who just needed to die. Let's not mention looting a few sites where I knew LosTech (lost technology) was. Helm was *number one* of course.

Before I could ponder more, Aiko stuck her head into the shower, eating a mouthful of water. After coughing for a few moments, as I turned the water off and grabbed a towel, she guled air down.

"Kiki." Pausing to make sure she wasn't going to cough again, she continued. "Ichigo's here! He's back. And…" She looked a bit unsure of herself, but plowed on. "And he doesn't look happy, not at all."

Drying off, and putting my wet hair into a towel that I wound on my head, I pondered this event, as Aiko waited. Ichigo had joined the military of our birth nation, the Federated Suns, ruled by one of the Five Great Houses, House Davion. The Armed Forces of the Federated Suns, AFFS for short, served the realm quite well over the last 150 years, though before that, their record was much more muddled. Ichigo being a honor graduate of one of the three premier military academies, was able to pick his assignment, and qualified on loyalty not just to the Suns, but to House Davion, get it.

The Davion Brigade of Guards, aka House Davion's personal household troops, was what he picked. Not only for the most loyal to House Davion, they also had to be the best that the Federated Suns had. Quite a feather in his cap, to get in straight from an academy. For the first two years, he had served with the Light Guards, one of their subunits, fighting.

Since his first two year tour, and until now, he had been with the Heavy Guards, Hanse Davion's, the current incarnation of House Davion, and the ruler of the Federated Suns, favorite unit. I had known he'd be back from the frontlines of the 3rd Succession war soon, just didn't realize it was today.

"I see." I paused, grabbing a robe and slipping on the sinfully soft terry cloth, I belted it, and nodded at Aiko. "I don't think we should keep him waiting, then."

Aiko nodded, and lead the way. Shortly, we were in the area where he was waiting; Xanadu's park deck, a carefully constructed luxury for a dropship. A veritable garden of exotic flowers and plants to enjoy during travels. It wasn't total luxury, after all, they did play a function in air recycling, but the Princess class was the only ship class period, to have one as stock. All others started with relying on air scrubbers or other mechanical methods to clean their air.

Hearing the thump of Aiko's sneakers, a strawberry blond haired, tall man, dressed in a orangish flight suit with leather jacket on, and a ballcap held in his hands turned around from the viewport. His sharp jaw clenched slightly on seeing me, but relaxed, with a resigned twinkle as he took in his two younger sisters.

"Right. Congratulations on getting into NAIS, Aiko." He smiled naturally at our younger Sister. "And congratulations on graduating, Kikyo." He paused at our nods. "Sorry I couldn't be there, but…"

"We know." Aiko shot me a look. "The demands of the war. Your gifts were nice, though!"

"I tried. And Aiko? I suggest you go to bed, it is 2 am." He looked stern at the youngest.

Aiko opened her mouth to protest… but caught the hidden message, and shook her head. "No, brother. Not this time. I'm pretty sure you two will need a referee to keep from wrecking the deck."

"We're not that bad." I protested before Ichigo could open his mouth. Aiko just looked at the two of us.

Strawberry blond hair tilted in it's buzz cut. Eyes narrowed, and Ichigo sighed. "Fine, you're old enough to fight, old enough to at least listen to this." Turning back to the older of the two young women. "Explain." Crossing his arms, he leaned back against a bracer. "I'm really curious to know what you've been up to enough to get the commander of the Heavy guards personally cutting my orders for a leave."

I tiled my head, my jade green eyes boring into his amber eyes, conveying my irritation at the way he was approaching this. "Are you sure you really want to know?"

"Yes."

I shrugged. "You remember how a new trustee was assigned to watch over my assets, correct?"

Ichigo tilted his head. "As well as Aiko's, yes." He paused. "As I was shipping out to the Light Guards, I couldn't do it, so…"

I nodded. "Said trustee in essence… ah... extremely limited funds." I spread my hands. "No extra funding for Aiko's tutors, no extra funding to maintain the lifestyle we had been living, and every penny she made sure was accounted for, and put any earnings from my acting or residuals into the funds. And yes, I tried to convince her otherwise."

"Okay. I see that." Ichigo thought for a moment. "You could have contacted me, and I could have gotten Family support involved to find a guardian a bit less… tight."

I blinked. Flipping though my memories, the only real response was… "My responsibility, I told you I'd take care of Aiko and home, while you were fighting so you didn't have to worry about us…" I paused. "Family support could have done that?"

"Pretty sure, one of my wing had a issue come up, and Family support got a guardian assigned to his son long enough to get the kid to where we were garrisoned…" Ichigo shrugged. "Getting a new guardian assigned would be fairly tame I'd figure."

I tilted my head and acted innocent. "Well, I wasn't told that… so I did a bit of… ah, trading."

Ichigo's eyes narrow. "Trading what, sister mine? I'm getting the distinct impression that you chose to get the money you thought you needed in ways that aren't the most ethical." He paused and nodded once. "Given everything, you chose to pick up mother's profession, just targeting those who financed your films, I suspect, and you got caught."

Aiko winced, but I bullied on, not impressed with his growing anger. "It's not illegal. And well, if they were going to…"

Taking a deep breath, he finally held up a hand. "I'm not going to debate the legalities of it. Nor the ethics, nor what it could do to all our situations, politically. That's an argument for later." He nodded once. "Now, to be really honest, that's not enough for the Marshal to call me in personally. All of it. Now." The last line came out hammered and preise, brooking no disobedience.

"Well, some of my classmates and friends were feeling even more ah.. Pinched…" I trailed off, not wanting to admit exactly what I did.

"Procurement." That came out flat and hammered. Before he could continue, or I threw a nasty comment at him, Aiko interrupted.

"Let's not forget throwing parties, with party favors, or getting nobles and the very rich stuff they shouldn't be getting, such as those party favors or items that are on a heavy tariff or restricted list."

I shot Aiko a betrayed look, only to have my head snap back to Ichigo.

"What." He responded in a strangled tone, pushing himself off the brace. "Drugs and illegal goods trafficking?"

"Ah…" I thought how to explain this, derailed from being irritated with him. "Not… quite."

"Not quite?" Running his hand through his hair, he took a deep breath. "Exactly what do you mean by quite? And did you get caught?"

I hurried on. "Well, the nobles just wanted this or that, I made a few connections and delivered on both sides, not an actual ah… organization to do so. Or directly selling. And all my friends were of age, so. Not illegal!" I paused, nodded once. "And no, I didn't get arrested or even brought in for questioning!"

"Uh-huh." Ichigo took a step forward, then gathered himself. "But that is something that would attract the attention of an AFFS senior officer, and have him send an junior officer to squish." Rubbing his chin for a moment, he nodded once. "Which means, the police don't have enough to act on, or all things being considered, want to handle it very quietly. Which we are going to do."

"Uh…" I stopped. I had no idea what Ichigo was referring to, how to handle the situation. Finally, I looked at him. "That's not including what my biological father sent or is sending as an inheritance."

"What?" Ichigo looked derailed for a second, and shook himself. "You mean there is more reasons for the senior staff to have their eyes laser focused on you?" He paused, clearly restraining his temper. "You realize that Aiko's attending NAIS can be hammered flat by them at will? And if they feel she's a security risk, and they would, given just the above, they will?"

I paused. No, I hadn't realized that, nor even really thought about it. Nor what it'd do to Ichigo's clearances. Before I could open my mouth, Ichigo just raised a hand.

"Don't bother. I can tell you didn't." He just shook his head. "Just like when younger, you thought several roles would be fun, not caring that they might get you type casted, or actually turn off your fans who pay to see you. You're worse than I am about long term thinking! And that says something, since I'm not a poster child for restraint!" Ichigo muttered under his breath the last. Taking a deep breath. "Now, what the hell did Graf New Osaka leave you that Aiko thinks would have the AFFS's attention?"

I paused, nodded once, pulling out a folder I had hidden in my robe. "Here's a copy of the list."

He took it and muttered a bit, at several lines, then paused a long moment, and a strangled voice came out. "A Monolith?" Shaking loose from the shock, he continued on. Finally, after several long moments, he passed it to Aiko who had her hand out impatiently.

Silence went though as Aiko scanned. She stopped, blinked, continued on, and finally snapped the folder shut. "... My question is *what* are the dropships, the battlemechs and all that. The details were somewhat sparse on that. Does the box you got include that information?"

"Good question." Amber eyes locked into mine. "And yes, I really understand why I was pushed here asap. So, what are they? If the box Aiko's referring to, tells you."

I tilted my head and sheepishly admitted. "Ah.. would you believe I haven't looked?"

"ARGGGGHHH!" Ichigo threw his hands up. "Seriously? That's …" He paused, tilting his head for a minute, then letting his chin hit his chest. "So us. You still have a battlemech in the holds you haven't even turned on."

I couldn't have a comeback, since we all had a habit of ripping open gifts the moment they were in our hands, but putting them aside once we saw what they were, to play with other things, if they weren't part of our interests or desires at the time. And since I knew it was a message from my dead father, I didn't think about if it was time critical or a more detailed listing, since exactly what the items were might be something national governments would be intensely interested in. Putting a Battlemech, a war machine of considerable power aside, was par for the course, I was an actress, not a Mechwarrior, though I had learned the basics for roles.

Taking a long, deep breath, Ichigo pointed at Aiko. "Fetch box. Bring box. Now."

Aiko scurried to obey, as Ichigo glared at me. Finally he relented, and admitted. "Upside, we can get your stunts squished, fairly easily. AFFS pays well for equipment. Even basic stuff. Sell some without major hassle or greed, and as a condition, squish this, with a promise…" He trailed off, nodding once. "Not to do more of what has their attention, maybe give some names, and it'll all blow over, and your career is fine." Blowing a deep breath, he nods once. "Bad, but fixable, thankfully."

I wanted to shoot back about ratting people out, but Aiko came in with the box. "Here!"

Ichigo studied the box for a second, then gestured at me. "Open it." Ichigo rarely took control of any situation we were all in, mostly due to .. well. Nuff said, my memories indicated he was used to being the only male in a household of women who had iron whims all the time. The AFFS was good for him, in letting him build up a backbone to corral us.

I put my thumb against the spot and felt a sting. The box popped open and revealed a rack of datachips, a small holographic projector and a datareader. On top of this was a written note. Simple, sweet and to the point. "Play the holomessage first."

Ichigo raised an eyebrow. I sighed, and took the three items out, putting the chips and datareader aside. Putting the projector on a ledge, I hit it's play button since it was a portable one.

A holograph came out, clearer and neater than most that I was used to. In it, my father, looking better than the previous message appeared.

"Daughter. I don't have much time, and much to do, so I will keep this short and sweet. These chips in this box have a detailed listing of your inheritance, the first two chips listing the equipment, its' state, and basic technical details, the 3rd through 6th listing the personnel I dearly wish you would care for, or at least see them properly settled, the 7th is exact spatial coordinates for the location of a Star League temporary naval support station, as well as a map on how to *get* there from Terra, with some options for other locations. The 8th and final chip is my best guess on what it is. I verified that it exists, but that's all. And before I could move to collect it, well. My message you'll receive with the lawyers will make it obvious."

He paused, and nodded once. "I've followed your life, even after Miho died, and what I've left you will either allow you to do whatever you want, conquer a planet outside the Great Houses, live a live of total luxury with as many boytoys as any girl could want, film the invasion of Terra, whatever. I was not surprised you are getting into trouble, after all you are my and your mother's daughter. It would be more of a surprise if you didn't. And you did, in a way that both disappoints me, and doesn't surprise me. The casting couch is alive and well, and you'd not be the first Lyran girl to directly monetized it." Ichigo just facepalms. "This will help you get out of it."

He coughed once, a racking sound, then took several deep breaths. "Right. My final and likely only advice to you. Trust but verify everyone. Even your older brother via Miho, or the people I am sending to you. Don't fully trust without severe verification any House Lord. Do not trust Comstar. I cannot repeat that enough, daughter. Do not. And make sure your little sister doesn't do too well in NAIS, or she takes a non science field. Or doesn't go into research. And if she does, she stays inside Davion's guards. With what I have left you… no matter what, if you parley it right, a planet, a whole planet can be yours. I would not deal with the Coordinator, putting aside all hate, simply because you are a woman, and well." His shrug is speaking.

"Janos… no, but it's more because I don't think he's at all trustworthy. Liao? Please." He nods. "Given all things, you'll not have a easy time with the last two, but they're at least honorable and pragmatic… if you remember that they take their duties seriously into account. But, you're going to have to deal with them. Not me. And I didn't help at all here. Good luck, and I hope you'll do your name and your blood proud." The holograph turns off and a chip appears, to be pulled out at will.

Ichigo tilts his head, picking up the reader and the first two chips. "Let me scan this really quick, I'm far more up to date than you are on military stuff, dear little sister who only plays a mechwarrior on screen."

I looked at him, sourly. "At least I know how to drive one, brother-mine, unlike you."

Ichigo doesn't comment as he reads slowly the information. One of his eyebrows twitches, and shortly, a quiet "Bullshit…" is breathed. His face turns stone after that. Somehow he plows though, even though by the end, he's whiter than some of the linen aboard Xanadu, or our mother's funeral kimono.

"Ichigo?" Aiko asks, concerned. He's afraid. I'm concerned too. I could not recall when he was afraid. Ever. He's always been head on, meet any challenge and overcome it. He feared nothing.

"First, hire security right the hell now. And by security, I mean ex Rabid Foxes." Ichigo finally responds. "LOKI is going to be out to kill you. If they don't know yet, they will, and they're going to want you dead thanks to the Graf." He pauses. "And we need to talk to the Heavy Guards CO. Once we verify this."

I tilt my head. "Why?"

"Because this is the biggest trove of Lostech this side of what C*'s hiding on Terra." Aiko has stolen the datapad, and is also growing white. Ichigo continues, regaining his balance. "And that means everyone is going to want it. Which means it's in your best interest to get rid of it. Now."

My eyes narrowed. Sure, we hadn't been close the last 8 years, but… Ichigo had to be reacting, not thinking. I paused at that. Something else we apparently shared, besides our family. But…

I bit out, clearly restraining my temper. "Excuse me?" Apparently I didn't keep enough anger out of my voice. Aiko winced and carefully eyed our positions.

"Get rid of it. All of it. Pay off and help the people he sent settle into other places, and be quit." He nodded as it was the most obvious thing.

Holding onto my temper by slimmest of margins, I managed to simply hold a hand to Aiko, who passed the data reader to me. Scanning the reader, I came to the conclusion while he was only reacting, … all things considered he was not wrong in a very viable solution. In fact, I suspected he was even more right than he thought. Putting aside every nation in the Sphere, Comstar was a threat too… and I knew from being not all just Kikyo, they had warships.

But… "Dear brother." I purred, "You are making some serious assumptions." I paused for effect. "First, it's impolite to make others' decisions for them. Second, they may want to stay together, and may have verbal promises from my father on what they get. Third: I'm thinking this might be a good way to get away from New Avalon for a bit. Maybe run a reality show focusing on a merc unit. Real mercs." Before I could continue, Ichigo made a strangled sound and reached for me. Ingrained training and instinct honed by both my mother and a sensei that had taken a shine to us siblings, snapped into action.

Wham. My hands snapped out, spreading Ichigo's out, as I dimly recognized the sound of Aiko running off, but I was more focused on leaping back after kneeing him in the abdomen.

Ichigo spent a moment bent over, then stragented. He stepped back and eyed me. "So. That's how we're going to have to play this." Nodding once, he started to move forward, as I positioned myself to break his set jaw with my foot.

Splash

Completely derailed, we both heard a annoyed voice. "Both of you. Stop that!" Feeling my towel unravel, and staring at my brother's hair with pieces of balloon in it, I realized Aiko had hit us both with water balloons left over from last night's fun. Cold water balloons. Without realizing it, we both mirrored each other, and looked at Aiko who was bouncing more water balloons in her hand. "Are you going to act as adults, and do nothing that'll have to send either of you to the hospital? Or never talk to each other again?" Her arch tone at the last matched the raised eyebrow. Trying to show how irritated she was with the supposed adults in the room, she misjudged one toss, pushing it higher and slightly backwards, and her head tracked the balloon, as it arched down. Straight on her nose.

Spash.

Ichigo was the first to lose it, joined by my giggling. Aiko pouted at the two of us, though that just made us laugh harder, at her drowned kitten look.

Ichigo sobered up first, but I finally wound down the giggling. "Right. Right." Ichigo ran his hands through his hair, removing the bits of balloon. "Look. Let's all just sleep on this. We can decide when we have more information. Let's try to not scream and leap for once?"

I nodded, and Aiko relaxed and sighed.

"Right. Kikyo, where's a bed for me so I can at least get some sleep? I've been up for nearly 30 hours now." Ichigo let the tiredness show. I tend to forget, that while he was always AFFS mad, when I got talent scouted, he too had picked up some roles. "So, yeah. Let's just all sleep on it."

I nodded. "This way." I paused, debating with myself, then giving in. "And I'll even get you a bedwarmer, too. I…" I pause. I am bitten by a bug that can't be resisted. "Never mind, brother, just get some rest." I smile innocently.

His eyes narrow at me as we walk through the hall. "Why don't I completely believe that." We stop at a door which I palm open.

"Your room with what you had left with me." I smile. "And I don't know what you're talking about."

"Uh-huh." He yawns. "Too tired to try to indulge or otherwise derail your whims right now." He puts actions to his words by tossing his two bags next to the bed he then falls into. "Love you, little minx." he mutters tiredly.

"Love you too, annoyance." I smile. One thing I remembered was he had a crush on an actress who had played an older sister to me in a movie. And said actress, Kelia Harper was still acting, was still a good friend, and more importantly, because she hadn't made the transfer to adult roles as well, someone who'd be counted on for discreet entertaining. Plus Kelia thought my brother was a dear. And had a thing for flyboys. Putting actions to thoughts, I moved to contact her and invite her here. Should be a great, though late christmas present!

I paused at the door of my own stateroom. I needed to also start some investigations. I remembered this possible recruit on Alpheratz. She'd ethier be getting a inheritance herself, useful information to have, or she'd not have the personality download, and be a very useful recruit.

***

As I waited for my family and guest to arrive, I looked over the list I had made on a separate, non networked datapad. Besides setting in motion finding a possible Phantom Mech pilot, I had started checks on names I had remembered from various forums for quests and stories that had Self Inserts or similar concepts executed. Some would seriously hinder plans, some would require running away as fast as possible to a hole no one could find us, some would be useful allies, even if they weren't actual Self Inserts. It could also be that none of the existed. I had also called a technician I knew, one Debora Hickey to inspect and fire up the mech I actually did own in my own name. I had hopes I could recruit her to be Bun Bun's permanent tech, as she had just gotten her certification and out of the AFFS.

"Hey, Sis." A head plopped on my shoulder and a cheerfully sweet voice was in my ear. "What are you studying so carefully?" Aiko's breath blew into my ear, being extremely distracting. One downside to our family, was we were all morning people and generally operated on less sleep than most. And we were smart.

I shook her head off, to her grumble as I clicked off the screen. "A list of things to do."

"Uh-huh. I saw names, and a few notes about books or maps you wanted to get." Aiko's blue eyes looked into mine. "You have a plan. And I want to know. More importantly, who are those people, and why various locations. How'd you know someone in Samantha, of all places, the Cordincat's capital world? Much less that boondock of a capital for the Outworlds, "

"Ah." I did mention that my family was smart. Ichigo often joked he was the dummy of the family… yet he managed to breeze through one of the three best military academies in the Federated Suns, dual tracking branches, and officer training… while still making the top 10 at the same time he was picking up most of a serious science degree.

I was smarter, of course, though that wasn't really meant as a boast, Ichigo was far more physically inclined than me or Aiko, and was better than average in those areas, as I blew the grave curve. This was on top of more and better tutoring. However, I had gotten in trouble because Aiko's brains put mine to shame, and I spent like water to have her tutoring and schooling put mine and Ichigo's to shame. She got the best I could get, no matter the cost or risk. Pausing a moment, I thought and then shrugged.

"Would you believe before you woke me up I had a very detailed dream?" I shrugged.

"... what did you take at the party." Aiko's blue eyes bored into my jade green, clearly worried.

"A bit of Brace, a sniff of Can-do…" I trailed off ticking my fingers, realizing that my previous partying could be lethal, given the drugs involved. Also a good explanation of everything, so maybe I was crazy.… "And a sniff of Melange. Oh, and of course the usual drinks and some …" Before I could finish, my head was driven into my plate by a hard slap.

"Idiot." a female tired voice accompanied the slap. "Didn't what happened to me, teach you anything?" Kelia Harper, she of the slap and the hiss, a dusky skinned young woman with a near match to my hair color, met my eyes with her forest green ones as I looked up at her. At 5'8", she'd tower over me, and she was angry. For good reason, though. "But, no, you had to mix psychoactives, to boot! One of which is frigging unpredictable. Space Sand, really?"

She had overdone Can-Do, an sensory enhancement drug at a party, and the crash was epic even for the drug, which triggered depression after the high. She hung herself, barely being undone in time to save her life, but the drugs used to keep her breathing and from brain damage, threw her into even more of a loop. 18 months later she could finally resume her life, but it had hammered her career, and even though she had been drug free since then, making the hustlings of parties, bars and all that kept her previous party ways in visible, meaning she had problems getting any serious project or roles.

"Ah…" I responded, debating on how pissed she was. Her tired but satisfied body language contrasted with her clear anger about the party, and Ichigo behind her, looking well rested, was making strangling gestures behind her back at my neck. "I didn't buy it…"

Aiko hissed. "No, you just arranged for it. Sister…" Ichigo took the other side of the table.

"She's right." Ichigo's expression was stern. "We'll talk later."

I wiped my breakfast, which I had made off my face. Aiko had grabbed a box of cereal, while Ichigo looked around. "... We'll see."

"No, we will." Ichigo's voice was unyielding. "And on this, don't push it. We both know what can happen. Look, Minx. I want to be driven nuts by your stunts for a long time."

I couldn't respond to that, while Ichigo kept looking around.

"Okay, minx. Where's breakfast? Staff?" Ichigo finally broke down and asked.

"I gave them the day off, so they could figure out if they wanted to move onto the dropship…" I shrugged. Kelia just rolled her eyes, and moved to the galley.

"I got it. I have a feeling that I don't want to hear the screaming match." She sashayed out, still looking tired, but satisfied, and even more relaxed now that she wasn't part of yet another family spat.

Ichigo sipped from a coffee cup put in front of him by Aiko. A long moment as my two siblings simply stared at me. Finally, Ichigo spoke. "We have too much to do, but I'm beginning to think getting you, and Aiko…" He turned to look at Aiko who shook her head no at the implied question. "Off planet for a while might be smart. Seriously. Melange?" He paused. "I could actually understand Brace. Even Can-do. Maybe. Booze? Eh. Some stims, sure. But mixing Melange on top of those others?" He paused, nodded once. "I know I can't say much about drug use or drinking, but I do the first under orders, and only when there is serious need."

A brief on Melange reads, unpredictable, especially when mixed with others. Oddly enough Brace had a tendency, if you kept both drugs small doses to mellow out Can-do's crash. But… Ichigo was absolutely right to be pissed about Melange. Named after the critical drug of an early spaceflight sci fi series, Melange's effects were as noted, unpredictable, with the gamut ranging from mental acumen improving, nothing, a mellow feeling, a dissassionaion with reality, mild to severe hallucinogens, and supposedly, in rare cases, when mixed with other drugs, psychic visions, though no one really had proof of such. Or so people said, but… people kept trying. The effects got more dangerous and random when you mixed it with other drugs, with the LD-50 dropping severely. Brace was just a relaxat, reducing tensions and stress, and Can-Do was an sensory enhancement drug, both semi legal, and fairly safe in moderation.

I thought for a moment. As much as part of me wanted to lay into Ichigo, the fact there were no bodies from the New Year's eve party was a near miracle. "Okay. You're right. In my defense, when Sasha." A director we all knew, Sasha From was someone who always couldn't quite make it big, but had constantly worked, doing just enough to keep in studio's books by low profit, but still profitable films and shows, overall. It also helped that he threw awesome parties and got talent, aka actresses and actors to help hustle the money men. Recently though, he had started to lose his touch in directing, as he grew older, simply because his charming routine combined with his looks no longer worked on young women. Price of partying too often. "Brought it out, we were all 2/3rds of the way to blasted out of our minds on Firewine."

Ichigo's eyes narrowed. Aiko groaned. "Sasha's slime." She threw up her hands, barely keeping the spoon she had from flying off. "Seriously, why invite him? You don't need him, you don't have to deal with him. I swear, every time I see him, I want to take a shower. Slimly!"

Ichigo sighed. "He's useful. He's got all the ears." Shrugging. "Though I agree. He's not to be at parties, and given that Brace and Melange are on several lists, I'll see if I can get him busted. Melange especially. That one will get him 20 years on Jessup, if nothing else. And you better not have been touching or arranging for it, sister."

I shook my head no, rapidly. He was right, too about the legal consequences of the drug. Melange remained trafficked, even with it's high unpredictability, and high risks, because while as noted above, there was no proof of 'contacting the universe', there was enough hearsay, to make desperate people or those already on the other side of sane take it, for a change in lifestyle, or answers to questions they had. Or the lure of powers. Whichever. Given that resulted in Avalon city, an agonizing death a day from the drug as parts of brains reworte themselves, the police were zero tolerance on it.

"No, I won't deal it, and I can't honestly remember why I thought it was a good idea. Really." I shuddered.

"Uh-huh." Ichigo sighed. "First, and I will personally make sure of this, Sasha is a dead man. Or at the very least, doing 20 as a miner. Second, I'm seriously considering monitoring you closely."

I started to rise, heated words coming to my lips, then I sat back down. As much as I wanted to, oh, how I wanted to… one thing we all agreed on was to look after each other as much as we could, and protect each other. I didn't need a minder… but Melange? Mixing that with all the others? "Fine." I bit. It wasn't that Ichigo was being a hypocritical son of a bitch, it was he was genuinely concerned. While we had all been lucky not to see anyone die from it, we knew of several who in the entertainment industry tried to use it for the next great hit, only to become a drooling mess, or even die.

Ichigo narrowed his eyes again, then nodded. "Good. I think you've realized how insane you were."

Aiko rolled her eyes and hit him on the shoulder. "Put it aside. I wanna hear about this dream."

Ichigo turned and looked betrayed at his baby sister. "Aiko…"

"Hey, there's a reason why even with the severe penalties of law, people still take it."

She shrugged. "Even though I agree with you, that Sis had chugged too much ethanol, and poured her brains out of her ears…" Aiko paused, and I saw the worry on her face. "And I know what melange can do. That's…" She pauses. After a moment she nods once. "Really weird chemical structure on top of a reputation for other things… and seriously, worm farts? What was the universe on when it came up with that?"

Keria walked in. "Melange? Who knows. Though I'll bet you all who thought it was a good idea. What possessed you to invite Sasha? Man's last two films have bombed, and people have been steering sweet young talent away from him, recently. He needs a hit or two, and willing people to star in it."

Watching as she put a plate in front of Ichigo and a empty seat, I thought about it. "Actually… " I sighed. "I didn't have the heart to kick him out. He slipped in with Zinaida and had brought a couple bottles with him, so… we all took pity on him."

"I hope that's over with." Keria took a bite of her eggs. "No proof, but I'm pretty sure he was the one to ah… enhance what I took." Keria never really talked to others about exactly that night, but rumors were rumors. "And well."

Aiko nodded. "Yeah, the paparazzi have been linking him to some shady deals." She shot me a look. "Which is likey how they decided to dig into your life."

I shook my head. "Moot point. I agree. I had to be stoned out of my mind to even consider the idea." I shot Ichigo who was smirking, a look. "And I don't need a minder to remind me of that."

Ichigo didn't look impressed by the look, and just shook his head. "We'll see. Hmm… possible angle to get out of a lot of this, dump it all on Sasha's head. Guy was an ass anyways."

Keria and I had to snicker at that. Aiko looked, as she finished her cereal, her blue eyes narrowing.

"Okay, enough stalling. If nothing else, I wanna know these dreams. If repeating them and they're as freaky as some are, it'll only help you to remember." She grinned. "Plus you tell and write decent stories!"

I rolled my eyes. Taking a deep breath, I started. "Well. It's pretty much this: I dreamed of a life lived in a universe, oh, around the 20th century on Terra, where we were living in a game. As in, someone created the game, wrote lore for it, and that's where we are."

Ichigo snorted. "That's about as fantastic as the rumors around Mechwarriors who can appear invisible with their mechs or …" He paused, and I picked up.

"Prince Ian's last fight?" Ichigo went still. After a minute, he blew out a breath and added. "I'd ask how you know, but, you could…" He stopped at my raised hand. Aiko's eyes narrowed.

"It's not impossible, I guess… " She shrugged. "I mean there's been always strange things, Jonathan Cameron, rumors of mechwarriors able to make their mechs invisible, people not really knowing why they did something, just a hunch…" Aiko pondered. "And let's be honest, quantum theory demands alternate realities, it's direct in the KF equations."

I nodded, while Ichigo looked a bit conflicted. Keria snorted.

"Oh, please. It's a drug dream, you all can't be taking it seriously." Keria just shook her head. "It's bad science fiction."

Ichigo looked at the ceiling of the dining area. "It's not that I'm taking it as gospel, it's that I'm aware enough that to know truth is stranger than fiction."

"Prove it."

"Would you say some of New Kyoto or Ozawa's anime is bad martial arts?" Aiko shot.

Keria snorted. "Of course, hell, the Street Fighter series is proof of that. Ki? Please."

Three snickers responded to her derisions. I was able to beat the other two. "While not true, the ability to use life force to do things… exists."

"Ha. No way." She shook her head. "The Kurtians would have used it against us by now."

"They do." Ichigo was quiet. "While, yes, ki blasts, all that stuff is beyond reality, the ability to use your own internal energy to enhance your personal fighting, stealth, even appear more attractive or personable exists." Keria's head whipped around to stare at Ichigo, only to whip around to Aiko

"Or you thought Kikyo's popularity when fans meet her was just due to how good she is at presenting a nice personality?" A arched eyebrow from Aiko indicated how little Keria should believe it.

I shook my head, glaring at Aiko. "It's not that bad, but yes, basically you can enhance what you already have. But not to too far beyond human norm, so…" I shrug. "Most people just assume it's in variance, since not only do you need specific training for it, the ability to use it is fairly rare and people generally assume easily."

"Then why isn't it in heavy use?" Keria shot back.

"Because it's really only good for martial arts, personal appearances, espionage, assassinations. Generally, it enhances, not make you a god." Ichigo shrugs. "Which is why I thought those myths were possibly some unique ki ability." At Keria's incredulous look, he grinned and his hand began to glow with a incredibly faint warm black light to my eyes, but not Kelia's, that he rubbed on her shoulder, to her leaping back.

"What the…" She turned to Aiko who shook her head.

"Not unlocked mine yet." Aiko shrugged and Kelia turned to look at me, and I responded with my own aura. Normally a soft red and gold, hints of blue are now visible to those sensitive to ki. If Keria wasn't explicitly looking for what the aura did, she'd have missed it.

Blowing out a breath, I let the tiredness show. "Doing that takes energy."

Kelia simply *looked* at us. "You felt more 'here'." She paused. "More attractive, more friendly… and that thing with Ichigo's hand? Yow… I thought I was going to be burned." Ichigo nodded shortly.

"Yep. It's almost always subtle. Which is why I'm only thinking the ghost stories are a possibility. Quite possibly some stealth Lostech, too, never discount the easiest explanation."

I narrowed my eyes, and then shook my head. "I doubt ki, Annoyance. I'd dread the amount of training or ability needed to make a mech invisible, much less an Archer."

Kelia blew out a breath. "So, basically, you three aren't *discounting* the possibility."

"Anything's possible." Ichigo shrugged. "It'd help if there was some easy to prove factoids you got from this lore… but there's enough undreamed of under the heavens..." He trailed off. Nodding once. "And your ki color is off, too. You shouldn't have blue. And your gold tints are stronger."

"What color?" Kelia looked lost.

"Battle aura." Aiko snorted. "Ki potentials and adepts can see it, those without, can't. Answers that question about you."

I snickered. "That it does, you don't have it." I shrugged. "Think of it if it'd help as an extra muscle or knack, nothing more. Just like you're very good at projecting a role, or Aiko with anything scientific."

Kelia blew out a breath. "I'd say you're pulling special effects, but I watched Ichigo get dressed, no way he could put on sheer gloves and a heater without me seeing. Okay. Let's assume it's possible. Melange is weird anyways, and has really weird effects on occasion." She took a deep breath. "Is there anything as Ichigo said that is easy to prove or disprove? I mean, only reason even with your little stunts, I'm taking this seriously, is myths and legends have some truths." We all nodded at that.

I shook my head. "Said person was an decent fan of the game, though rants about our technology were amusing." I tapped my chin. "And haunting bulletin boards where fanworks were performed…" Ichigo nodded.

Aiko grounded, and banged her head. "Oh, gods, so many 'interpretations'." Kelia joined her in wincing.

"So… you have to sort though. Any *easy* ones?" Ichigo raised an eyebrow.

"Epsilon Eridani." Three blank stares.

I grinned at their look. "Supposedly, when one of the cities was leveled during the First Succession war… a… " I narrowed my eyes, thinking. Trying to pull a memory and was successful. "Madison, their capital before and after the Coup, not only had a Star League Mint, but a depot for the Defense Force. And there's another one in the Shamus Mountains with a Colossus, that's the only hard detail that's ah, easy to prove and from 'official' canon of the game."

I shrugged. "Names, and rest from 'fanworks' I've already started. Apparently the dream guy had a habit of making basic plans for every situation."

Aiko snorted. "Sounds like an officer of a competent military." Ichigo nodded.

"He was."

Kelia's head titled. "He, as in a guy? Ouch. THat must have been fun."

"Eh… past lives." Kelia shook her head.

"You buddhists. Tsk." She grinned to remove the sting. "But nothing on the Depot in Madison?"

I shook my head. "No specific details, but implications of a semi or fully automated repair/refurbishment center."

Ichigo narrowed his eyes. "That's your easy?" He looked up.

I sighed. "It's proof at least in concept, if not there, then the lore was just that, fiction. If there, or some of the names I started searches on are here…"

Ichigo nodded. "Then it's worth investigating more. Otherwise…"

Aiko opened her mouth, then closed it for a moment. "And you have a shake and bake, add people merc unit. … this is sounding like bad fiction."

I snickered, but Kelia blinked. "Yes… that does actually make things… interesting. God.. or to you heathens, the Universe does not do conidicendes." Several nods with that.

Ichigo shrugged. "Then you give everything you know or dreamed to MIIO, and we're golden." He grinned. "Hell, you might get a planet of your very own to turn into a sin palace, to compete with Hardcore!" His smile took the sting out of it.

"No, before that, and even before the Colossus recovery, there's some things we can do."

"Any expert on Combine culture, has to know Helm's got the cache." I looked at Ichigo, who nodded softly.

"Yes, the Coordinator himself wouldn't have gone himself, unless he reasonably expected it to be there, and it explains the temper tantrum he threw. Face." He rolled his eyes and his tone came out disgusted. The Imperial Japanese wannabes of the Draconis Combine had been some of the worst offenders of the conga train of planetary destruction that took part in the First and Second Succession wars over the empty throne of the Star League. While Kentarus, a world where they replicated the Imperial Japanese Army's Rape of Nanking, but on a planetary scale to the tune of 85 million baoyented, beheaded, tortured to death, and all that, was a 'high' point of their genocidal activities, Helm got the Draconis Combine's touch as well, just from orbital fire, nukes and impersonal slaughter.

My face was impassive, at his last words. However, I didn't let the disgust I felt, stronger than normal at genocidal Snakes, show in my voice. "What the memories did show is the cache would be found in 3028, and how it was found." I paused, and grinned. "And where, and how to get in. Which if we can verify the geology that the novel described, fairly unique…"

Ichigo blinked. Keria blinked. Aiko grinned.

"Not proof, but…" Ichigo interrupted her.

"Details."

"Underground river, dammed up, near Freeport, I'd have to fully write it down, and do some sketches, plus ask a planetary surveyor or geologist."

"And we know some!" Aiko cheered. "Anything else?"

"Yep. And you can help, Ichigo." His eyebrows rose.

"Oh?" A wealth of meaning there.

"Ask MIIO for some trivia on Helm, like what the senior nobility for the planet got as regalia, as part of Castle Helmfast." Ichigo's eyebrow rose at that, and I answered his question. "Key item is a data chip. It's not only important as some info is on it, maps, precisely, but acts as a key to the hidden depot. Don't use it and try to force the doors… boom. No idea why the belt and pistol are part of it." I shrugged.

Ichigo nodded. "I don't recall those specifics on the Helm landhold, so I doubt you'd have any reason to know them. MIIO should, and shouldn't be that classified. As for confirming that the SLDF used an underground cavern system carved out by a river, we'd just need some maps, and a surveyor who's good at that type of analysis to look at."

"Doesn't solve the problem of getting it." Kelia shrugged. "I mean, raiding…"

I grinned. "And that we won't be doing."

"Huh?" "What?" "You have to be kidding me…" Kelia was the last to speak, a bit bemused.

"Oh, think about this. I own the merc unit, am a actress who's written some ah… fiction."

"Uh-huh…" Aiko was the first to verbalize the 'What the hell are you thinking' implication, but they were all thinking.

I looked at Keria. "How much you want to bet the FWLM would swallow a actress wanting to do a movie about Helm's hammering by the snakes, considering said actress is from the Suns, and is willing to hang around the region for 5 years while doing it?"

Ichigo blinked. Aiko blinked. Kelia paused. Paused some more. "Got a role for me, I hope…" I nodded at that. "Could work, yes." Kelia thought about it some more. "And I'm sure that they'd *not* get the idea we're actually cache hunting…"

"We?" Ichigo and Aiko chorused.

"If you think I would believe you'd let Kiki wander off to do this insanity alone, you're crazy. And getting away from New Avalon wouldn't be a bad idea for her or me." She shrugged. "If nothing else, I could while not filming ethier do PIO work, or if nothing else, act as a maid… what's the military term for that?"

"Steward." Ichigo stated. "Yeah, that'd work. Though Aiko has NAIS, I have the Guards." He looked at the room. "But… This might work. IF we have some proof before the long haul." Nodding once. "Kelia, I don't think I need to tell you not to tell anyone under the Sword's rules." She shook her head. "Well, then we need to meet with the people coming… about 1700 zulu, and then decide and see what we have to work with." I tamped down irritation at Ichigo's assuming command, but he *was* used to it, and the fact is, I'd have to lean on him to make this work.

"I have a tech coming by to fire Bun Bun up, I think it'd make a bigger and better impression on the people if I could show them I could at least walk a mech." I tapped my lips. "Couldn't hurt."

Ichigo shook his head. "No, it couldn't. Right, We have…" He looked at a big watch on his left wrist and nodded. "6 hours. Let's get what we need done before we have to go meet them." Pausing a moment, he nodded once, and in Japanese spoke into Aiko's ears. <"Make sure Kelia doesn't go anywhere else."> With hearing that I realized what I had done. My previous self here trusted Kelia. My other previous self had known better, but hadn't twigged to the danger, lulled by the trust. I winced, subtle enough that only Ichigo picked up on it, and as he stood up, he winked and nodded. "See you all in a bit." With that, he strode out, followed by Kelia who had indicated she was going to take a nap until then.

"Before you even think about trying to lecture me about staying in NAIS, I'll remind you I can study and take the tests remotely or via challenge." She sniffed. "Or take a few years off, come back, and then finish my degree." She shook her head. "I want to be part of this… think of the things we can find…" She grew starry eyed, then shook herself back to reality. "And if it's false, well, it's only a semester. Not a big deal."

I didn't have an response. Part of me was very much aware this was risky, but that'd not bother Aiko, the other part of me realized leaving her behind was almost, no, maybe more risky. Putting aside national states, there were many players behind the scenes that could and would not only threaten Aiko but either kill her or worse, kidnap her to get to me and what I held.

"We'll see." I finally said. Aiko stood up and walked out, shooting a look that I had no problems translating as 'No, we won't.'

***

Battlemechs. The disputed kings of Battle. Well, depending who you talked to. Any serious professional who studied history, knew that the Artillery was still king, just not often brought to the battlefield. The reason for the Battletech game, in fact. Basic concept? Big Giant Stompy robots that can level city blocks in a short amount of time. Piloted by one person, who became the knights of the setting. Pretty much the whole thing.

Now, being in a 'real' world that ran close to what those in universes where they didn't exist would consider 'real physics', how did they work? The fundamental issue with combat Mecha was ground pressure, which the this universe's designers had solved earlier on. IT's called oversized feet, in relation to their height, and in primus, Battlemechs weren't much more, and in several cases placing less pressure than your average human, on the ground, and we put some serious pressure on the ground.

The other issue, is how did they become kings of the battlefield? They're tall, they're visible, they're costly, they're ultra high tech. Even with Battletech's technology favoring mostly non hanger queen and endurance designs, Battlemechs shouldn't have taken over the premier shock role from tanks, or so 'realists' argue. But they did.

Because for all their flaws, all their cost, they had several edges that couldn't be countered. Far more terran independent than tanks, more nimble than tanks, and more importantly, even the lightest tanks couldn't match the training years a Mechwarrior. (In essence, the 20 and 25 ton 2 man tanks needed 4 man years for a crew to be trained, a Battlemech pilot, aka Mechwarrior, needed 2 to 3. This only got more divergent with heavier tanks.)

All things equal, when you factor in interstellar lift, crew training needs, and their terrain ability, Battlemechs actually make sense as a supplantant for tanks. Add in the glamour of being Knights in their armor?

Yeah. What a lot of people who played the game and talked about how unlike 'reality', didn't get, was it made sense. You in space lift, have to carry the most effective assets you can, that can do the most. Add in crew training and crew lift costs? Battlemechs' superiority on the battlefield was more the nature of war. The Hollywood effect was just bonus. I'll admit in universe people took the hollywood effect too far, at times, but in reality, there were sound reasons. And I lived in a realm where they weren't completely worshipped.

All this flashed through my head, as I stared at the white and grey Battlemech with long shoulders, forward cockpit, and armored fists in front of me. An Archer, at 70 tons, was the premier fire support design. Armed with generally 40 long ranged missiles per salvo, and backup weapons, Archers filled the role of direct distance fire and short ranged artillery on the battlefields, and often were used as commander's rides. In fact, one senior commander of the time, the famous mercenary Jamie Wolf, used an Archer as his command vehicle. Another who was about to become famous, Morgan Kell also used an Archer.

As I looked at Debora Hickey, a just mustered out AFFS mech tech, as well as a slightly younger than I former child actress, swarm down from Bun Bun's cockpit, I pondered the amusement of the universe. Battlemechs, by and large ran hot.

It's not an understatement to say that some battlemechs ran hot enough to vaporize the sweat off their mechwarrior's body as they fought, though at that point they almost always shut down. To combat that, mechwarriors had cooling systems they wore, really glorified nouveau freon piping and similar to keep the heat from literally boiling the mechwarrior.

At first, and since the fall of technology cooling suits are in essence vests over the chest, and piping in a giant bulky neurohelmet, the item that allows mechwarriors to really pilot their mechs, connected to the Battlemech's own cooling system.

However, the Star League had better. Much better. Instead of just a vest worn with as little, in fact one fiction set in the game's universe had a female mechwarrior of this general period remove her vest and reveal the only thing she was wearing was her panties… Men were no more dressed ethier, so don't think it's pure sexism, just read above about Battlemechs and cockpit heat.

The suit that had come with Bun Bun from my paternal grandparents, was a Star League cooling suit of the Civil war era. Not only did it have the tubing vest, but it had tubes covering the thighs and several other areas to help reduce the heat load on the Mechwarrior. The tubes were smaller, a bit more flexible, connected to a smaller helm, made out of material that transmitted temperature better, and last but not least, linked to pumps carried on the belt, as well as an extra heat exchanger so the suit itself did some of the work. And it allowed a reasonable skintight outfit to be worn under it, of some heat conductivity.

Only problem is, I knew I was hot, so… I had to be amused. The suit I had would do a better job, and keep me warm OUTSIDE the mech, but the cheesecake factor of the current cooling models, I was ideal for. Upside, the suit, while still scaled for a 5'4" ish woman, was skintight, and had mesh arms, so, some more tasteful cheesecake was still possible. As proven by the skintight catsuit I was currently wearing, in a tasteful black.

"Oi, Kiki." A voice broke into my amusement, as Debora eyed me. "Bun Bun's ready for initial calibration, which stuns me you haven't done it before. Plus security." She hissed the last, stunned that I hadn't done that.

"Right." I replied, looking at the sandy haired grease stained young woman. I felt Ichigo step to my side, with Kelia studying the hanger near Xanadu where Bun Bun stood proud a few feet away. "Status?"

"Good for a couple of months of full use on hydrogen, weapons passed basic in hanger check, all electronics and reactor did too, though the acid test is firing them. Ammo state is zero, no LRMS for the launchers. And may I say that's the best computer system in a mech I've worked with?" I raised my eyebrow at her. "Responsive as hell, plus whoever put him to bed did a good job. Also some oddities. You really need a senior tech to take a look at this, and tell you some differences, this guy's hardware is good, Kiki."

Ichigo's voice sounded a bit bemused. "How so, Deb? It's an Archer."

"Yes, built in 2764, last log entry 2783, kept sealed and quiet until now, and a SLDF
serial number, Ichi." She shrugged. "Even if Bun Bun wasn't royal, he's still a late era SLDF mech, which means a lot of nifty electronics we can't build."

I broke in. "Are you saying my grandparents, sent me a Royal?" Royal mechs were the most advanced, most high tech mechs ever produced to Inner sphere knowledge. Filled with all the toys possible, they increased combat capability by an easy fifty percent per ton, generally over the pitiful number of new mechs built now.

"Maybe. If it's a 2Rb, it's missing Artemis, though given that it seems to have room for an extra ton of ammo, as well as the Machine gun next to it's right med, makes sense. It's most certainly got freezers and Endo steel, which means double strength heat sinks, and a lighter frame…" She trailed off, then nodded once, picking up the train of thought. "So, given that and it's computer systems? Yeah, it's a Royal."

I stared. Ichigo just facepalmed while Aiko snickered. Finally I just shook my head. "That does explain where the cooling suit came from."

"Which you need a tailor who can work with it for, not me. I can uncrate a mech, sure, with the toys you have to repair stuff? Easy. Modify that suit?" The sandy haired tech snickered. "Not. Even if I wanted to get my hands all over your hot little bod.. Can't do it."

I winked at her, showing off a bit but nodded. "But for just walking…"

"Bun Bun would be nice and chill with just stretching his legs, Kiki." Deb snickered. "Hell, even firing all his piss off weapons would not make him run hot. But still, better get that done if you're going to do more than just walk him. Which would be a huge shame." She nodded. "I get the sense he's in the mood to kill some things."

I rolled my eyes. "And I'm the Japanese girl who's supposed to believe in kami, Deb, not you."

She shrugged. "My view, m'kay, shorty?" She was taller than me, but still, calling me short was a bit of an annoyance.

"Right." Ichigo finally broke in. "We have about 2 hours left, so get in there, and start calibration." His head shake indicated he just didn't want to deal with anything but the impending situation.

Walking over to the raisable platform, I nodded at Debora, who pressed a button and
the lift rose to the top of the cockpit, where the hatch was open and waiting. Boarding mechs was idiosyncratic to each mech, and the Archer's hatch was on the top of the cockpit, and we were now level with the opening. A part of the gantry was extending to let a person walk out to the waiting mech.

"Well." Debora stated. "Get in, the gantry's extended and you drop into it." She tilted her head and smiled. "I'll stay out here, you put this cord into where I've marked." With that, she handed me a cord.

"Got it." Walking to the edge of the gantry, I simply stepped off, half spinning and catching the gantry's lip to keep from squishing, instead of using the rope ladder that had come attached to the portable gantry lift. Using the grip I had gotten, to slow down my descent, I released and fell the remaining few meters into the cockpit, bending slightly to absorb the shock.

A faint shout from 12 meters below indicated what the onlookers thought. "Showoff!" in a female tone indicated that Aiko was watching, as I truly entered the battlemech.

Looking around the cockpit, I found Debora's sticky note, and put the cord in. After a moment, the speakers crackled. "Right, Kiki. First, I've already done and put in your baseline from 5 years ago, that'll help as it compares the current and previous patterns. Second, there's another sticky note where you plug in that datachip I had you make. Put it in."

I nodded. Debora was insistent I put the security vocal cues and responses in privately, or with no one that I didn't trust implicitly in the room. I had done so, with Aiko helping, and now, Debora was uploading the ones I had done.

"Two … ah. One for powering up and sensors on, one for weapons free and movement free. Nice. Good check." Pausing a moment, then her voice, satisfied conutined.. "Right, go ahead and fire up, I can't hear you since I disabled the mech, and once it's verified to work, the chip will be erased."

Flipping the master Start switch, a contralto voice spoke. "What is required for Evil to triumph?"

"For Good men to stand by."

"Master start activated. Reactor Online, Systems Check. Warning, Machine gun is out of ammunition, Warning, No LRM Ammunition in Magazine 1, Warning, No LRM Ammunition in Magazine 2." Lights began to turn from red to yellow to green in various spots, though a selection of lights remained red, the gyro and limb actuator status lights as well as the weapon status lights.

"I do not stand idly by."

"Sensors online, All movement Systems online. All weapons Online. Warning. No LRM ammunition. Warning. No Machine Gun Ammunition, Warning. Pilot is not wearing a neruohelm. Warning. No full synchronicity with Pilot Ferret has been determined."

I *stared* at that. Making a mental note to stab Debora somewhere soft, after asking where did she hear of Sluggy Freelance, since it was after all the divergent dates, I put the Neruohelm in my lap, thrilling in the hum of the reactor behind me, the sense of power that Bun Bun possessed, even half disarmed. I began to understand dimly what Mechwarriors really felt.

Shaking the thought loose, I started to go through the mental checklist I had memorized, but before I could even finish a tenth of it, a voice broke in. Debora again. "Right, now that almost all's green, I can hear you. First, we're going to put on the Neurohelm. You know it's the most important bit."

I gathered my hair, and took off a hair band from my wrist. Putting it into a ponytail, I let my hands expertly wind it into a bun, which I used a pin out of my vest pocket to secure. Having done that, I put on what made Battlemechs truly possible as weapons of war.

The Neruohelm. This, over the programming and sensors and automation built into Battlemechs, made the war machines possible. At it's basic, it was a EKG reader, able to translate the neurons firing into something the computer understood. This allowed for various activities, such as the computers knowing the pilot really wanted to step just a little bit, when the controls couldn't parse it, how much to grip with hands or when to override the very conservative movement programs, so a Battlemech could actually dance, if the pilot was good enough. I wasn't.

Current versions were the size of giant buckets, and rested on people's shoulders, and could only do the most basic, while smaller versions, more oversized motorcycle like, or even more compact had existed, none were being made. As with my cooling suit, Bun Bun came with one of the best ever made. Not only could it read more types of thoughts, it did it better, and could allow computers not set to track multiple targets track them.

Even better, both compact versions could transmit information to the pilot. Very basic information (usually where you were hit), but the more advanced could give nudges on what the pilot should be paying attention.

The downside of course, was a fairly complex process of calibration to the Neurohelm as well as to the Battlemech. Baselines could be done, and I had had one, but even then a fair bit of time was needed to make the Battlemech and it's pilot understand each other.

"Right. Beginning comparison map. Think of walking." A pair of lights had gone red, as well as several other lights have gone yellow, indicating an helm mismatch.

"Doing so." I responded.

"Think of swinging your arms." Debora ran though several dozen more matches, then finished sourly "Good news, you're fine to go with Neruohelms. Bad news is, whoever did your calibration before fucked it. Barely 75% match on baseline."

I wasn't going to tell her what happened, I realized how insane that'd be, but I had a better guess on what caused the conflict. Putting that aside… "So…"

"Now we spend the next hour and a half getting some of the stuff out of the way. Let's have you take your hands off the controls, if not already, and I'm going to run you through a checklist of what you need to think. It's going to take a while, sadly, then you're going to have to do more!" The Tech answered with a bit of sadism. "Let's get this started."

Sighing, I spent the next hour and a half doing what she said, which involved mostly answering questions, thinking about certain movements, twitching certain body parts and on and on.

As Debora stopped, I sourly spoke, a bit sweaty, already having unzipped my front to my waistline. "I thought you said Bun Bun would be cool."

"For a battlemech he is. You're the idiot who thought putting on a skintight non mesh bodysuit was a good idea." Debora's voice shot back.

"I'm going to stab you somewhere soft. And where did you learn about Sluggy Freelance?"

"Dad. He's a fan of late 20th century newspaper comic strips." She replied. "So, Ferret-girl, with these reads, Bun Bun won't stab you if you move him, though I'd avoid fighting him yet. And don't try anything too fancy. Walking at most." She paused. "And we need to get this done, so… block time. But given the glare below, I want the cable back, and I'll let Ichigo get up here." Punching the release for the cable, I sat back and waited. Her face shortly appeared at the cockpit canopy, as the gantry lowered down. She was cheerfully waving pixie sticks at me.

"I will get her, somehow…" I muttered. Pulling out the booklet I had put in my valley, I opened it to the pages of cockpit lights, and started double checking what each light meant. While Battlemechs had vocal systems to inform pilots, and some, like Bun Bun tried to tell their pilots things via the neruohelm, backups such as display lights, HUDs, and other MFD existed for helping the pilot keep an eye on various aspects of his or her mech. Managing these systems was nearly half the training involved with piloting a mech.

Shortly a thump was heard, and I turned around to look behind me. The rope ladder I had earlier saw, was in the cockpit, and Aiko was scrambling down it, and as she stepped aside, Ichigo and then Kelia followed. I felt *very* crowded, even as the three got very well acquainted as they squished together.

Given the size of cockpits for Battlemechs, one additional person besides the pilot could fit in, two more were pushing it, and three over the pilot was a very tight fit, even after adjusting the seat and pedals to fit my very small size, at least for Battlemech pilots.

"It warms my heart to see my friends and family growing closer." I remarked a bit sardonically. "But I do have to wonder why you all are here."

Ichigo rolled his eyes. "I'm here to get you to the dropship pads where your fleet is landing, Aiko because she's curious, and Kelia… not sure."

"Better than being tied up by Aiko and kept in Xanadu." The named woman shot back. "I gathered you don't quite trust me."

Aiko shot back from where she was squished, a bit out of breath. "Would… off, get elbow out of my chest, Kelia! You, in our ow! Shoes?" She finally got settled where she would not be squished and having sharp joints put into her body. "Seriously."

Kelia just smiled. "Of course not, I could write that script myself."

"Ha, ha." Ichigo snorted. "And where did you learn to tie up people, Aiko?"

"Hojojutsu, got into Mom's books." I suspect Ichigo and Kelia felt Aiko's shrug.

I shot back. "And who did you practice with?" I said quietly, full of menace.

I felt a grin on my back. "No one, which is why I'm not happy with Kelia." Aiko chirped at me.

"Okay, you three." Kelia interrupted a bit bemused. "Hojojustu?"

Ichigo rolled his eyes. "Art of tying prisoners up, basically."

"Uh-huh. And Kiki didn't get a bit lethal when she asked who Aiko practiced with. Full story." Kelia's tone was amused.

I shot back as I watched the gantry roll away, and Debora hop out to a waiting truck, where a flag had been taped to the roll bar. :"Ichigo isn't telling the whole story. It has a devolved art, called Shibari."

"Oh…" Kelia's tone indicated she understood. "Did Ichigo study that book? And does he need a sparring partner?"

A moment of quiet was in the cockpit, finally broken by Aiko. "Do not want to know. Do not want to hear. Do not need to know."

Ichigo's voice was amused. "I'll be buying you dinner tonight. Justice is served."

"Why thank you."

I cut in. "We're about to move. Hold on." I put my feet into the pedals, and my hands on the joysticks. As Debora pulled the truck to a lead position, I waved the left hand of Bun Bun, which she understood as 'ready'. With that, she puttered the truck forward, guiding Bun Bun out into the open. I grinned as I hit the pedals, and Bun Bun's onboard autopilots took over. "Let's go!" I sang softly, thrilling to Bun Buns barely restrained power as he strode into the sunlight, smooth as silk.

End Chapter 1.

***

Grab a lever and stand.

If you're reading this, you're not meant to while I'm alive, I hope. Maybe… if not in this universe, you can, who knows? But… again, this is my own thoughts, my own way to decompress and deal with my insanity and life.

The things you learn over two lifetimes, boil down to key points.

As Star Trek pointed out, Random Omnipotent Beings appear to be assholes, but in reality, are just that. Random.

First impressions count. They stay with people. LRM fire actually is a good one.

There will always be those who seek power for its own sake, to impose their will on others because they want to. Not for the benefit of others, not for the improvement of humanity or their people, not to meet the responsibilities that power brings, but simply because they're assholes and sociopaths. It's scary, terrifying, dangerous and difficult to counter them. But it is oh so fun and rewarding to fuck them over.

In BattleTech, no matter where you go, you cannot outrun the past.

Also: Future of the 80's? Fuck yourself. Hope endures.

But the biggest thing I learned? With a lever big enough, you can move worlds. Just be careful in which direction. Actions have reactions.

From the journals and notes of Kikyo Onishi, New Avalon Press, 3291 AD, as part of the "Century of Chaos: The Movers and Shakers." series.

***

Waking up should be one of three ways in my experience. Instant reaching for a weapon to defend yourself or respond to combat is the worst of them, of course. Waking up to start a new day running a normal routine is another. A third way is waking up with your significant other. Learning about a fourth way wasn't my idea of fun, though it wasn't unpleasant. Where, on the other hand…

You'll do. I heard muzzily.

You'll do quite well to see what this recent spate of … CYOA is all about.

I rarely remember dreams, mind you and on hearing this, I thought to myself I'd forget it. Silly me. Some things will stick with you forever. Considering I never heard that voice again to date, I wonder, I really do.

I'm giving you levers… which way will you move the worlds, young humans? I'll be watching…

I drifted back out, feeling a flash, a sense of difference, a view of a laughing face, then drifting back into awareness, seeing a mirror in front of me.

Looking into the mirror in this haze, I saw a pretty Japanese face, about 18 to 24, I'd guess, with jade green eyes, dark wine red hair, staring back at me. Memories flashed behind both eyes, feelings swept though the vision. Knowledge was exchanged. A sense of sadness from the jade green eyes, into my blue-green was exchanged.

Not that I'm evil or anything, you understand… you'll have the full lifespan you should have based on the youngest. At least from 'natural' causes, at least, I make no assurances your own actions will not get you killed. And they can. As one of you almost found out. Don't do that. There's easier ways to destroy your brains than taking stuff, you realize. However, more than the natural lifespan… you have to earn, children. And you can. Maybe. But your futures are fraught with peril… and will be even more so. You will be given a small amount of time to come to terms with what you are now, so you have a chance to settle into your lives before the peril starts.

With that last line, I felt like snarking, when weren't they? But, before I could, I felt the world fade again into the comforting warmth of sleep.

Again, it bears repeating. Silly me. I had a lot to learn. Kikyo got the better deal, I think. I don't know, I haven't found out either way. Maybe I'll learn when I die, and possibly meet her again.

***

Now, back to the fourth way of waking up I learned about. Being very warm, naked, sweaty, sticky and in a pile of bodies as a person is shaking your clammy shoulder, while flesh jiggles on you, is interesting when you've spent more than four decades not doing so. Or so you think, since part of you is saying this isn't the first time.

"Hey, Kiki. We have visitors!" Opening my eyes at the female voice, I saw a face similar to the one I just saw in a mirror, but softer, younger, with blue eyes and black hair. She was grinning, and part of me, part of me in this half state between awareness and sleep, recognized Aiko, my younger sister. The other part didn't. To be honest, I felt detached, and let myself run on autopilot, not sure what was going on. And reminded, an imperfect response now, was much better than the perfect response too late.

"Oh?" The voice that came out was not what part of me had expected, but the other part felt it was perfectly normal. Even fuzzed with sleep, it sounded like pure molten honey pouring into the ears as well as the low Alto tones promising pleasure and delights. Part of me was pleased with the way it came out, the other part was realizing that either this was a dream, or it was time to panic. Panicking bad, however. "Who is it, Ai?"

Ai, or Aiko Onishi, my jumbled memories fed me, my sister shook her head. "Must have been really fun, Sis, after you pushed me to bed. The lawyers that asked to see you today? Those people?" She grinned. "Must be important, they're here at 9am on a holiday, after last night?" She tilted her head. "You're not the only one who indulges, nor your guests." She cast a glance over the pile. "Maybe too much? You always tell me to wait, and not do things… and yet..."

My mind supplied the response through the slight headache that I discovered as I lifted myself out of the pile. Blinking rapidly, I took a breath, as Ai grabbed my hand and finished pulling my shorter body, both from what one part of me was used to, and to her out of the pile, as she held out a silk yukata in her other hand. "Learn from experience, mine, instead of your own. It's safer and less likely to get you in trouble." Pausing a second, I slipped on the yukata, and headed for where I felt the bathroom and shower was.

"Yeah, yeah. But c'mon." She said quietly, to keep the others still sleeping. "You started having fun about my age… so did Ichigo!" Tilting her head. "Both of you are insisting I can't. Why?"

Blinking rapidly again at the bright light that shone in my now hurting eyes, I blindly reached for something, only to have a bottle of water shoved into my right hand, and a pill bottle shoved into my left.

"And you really put one on. I can count the number of hangovers you've had on my right hand. Though… saw some serious haze around here last night, stayed away, as you asked me to… I can guess why." Aiko snickered. "Anyways, I'll tell the lawyers you'll be a bit."

Chugging the water, as I watched the teenager walk out the room, her sweatshirt saying "NAIS Class of 3019" on the back, my mind was sounding warning bells. Big, Loud, and insistent though the pain.

One thing most people never really truly understand, is meditation is possible under several situations, and most people do meditation, often enough during routines. Meditation isn't just clearing your thoughts, or 'seeking' enlightenment, it's understanding yourself, processing information, and last but not least, centering yourself. If you have a routine you can do on autopilot, you can meditate. Apparently my other half agreed.

Going through the morning motions the body and the other half remembered, my mind raced. A very luxurious, but smallish high tech bathroom, with a grated shower that I was in, odd, but... I had seen stranger. Noting carefully the area around, my mind finally informed me I was on a Princess class luxury liner/yacht. That I owned. This was just confirmation of the sweatshirt, however.

Three possibilities, I mused as I dried and combed my hair according to a routine that this body is used to, (and yes, pervs, the drapes and carpet do match, and the body is very much a match for the trained voice, not pure excessive, but shapely, toned, and firm more than handfuls.). First, this was a dream. If so, fine, go with it, and let it play out, no harm, no foul. Second: Reincarnation event. Since while I did/do believe in reincarnation, I've never heard any verifiable proof of a past life coming forward, and honestly, my karma wasn't that bad, was it, to end up in 3015 on New Avalon? Discount it, holding it as a secondary. Third possibility, given that strange … dream? Before waking up in the pile of flesh. A ROB event. Slang in various communities (my other half didn't recognize it, must be my half) for where a transcendent being pops you into another universe. Fun to read, yes. But Battletech was one of the more craptastic universes to be put into. Not the worst, mind you, Cyberpunk, Shadowrun, Warhammer (any, really), some parts of Traveller, let's not even mention most of the Palladium games, all from the 80's made Battletech look good. But, that wasn't the point. What to do, was.

Hope for one, operate as three seemed like a plan. Part of that plan would be to *integrate* the two halves. Which was already happening, I could feel. The other part was to go see the lawyers, and pray that the term CYOA didn't mean what I thought it meant, otherwise…

I keep saying this, but it does bear repeating, people. Silly me.

***

Walking through a spaceship, was a thrill, no question. To be fair, the part of me from 'here', the thrill was more it was hers. Finally. Though to be fair, she hadn't had much space travel, except for a few movie shoots, or modeling, but that was more than my 'other' side had had and she was not a space virgin, nor did she think space travel was 'a once in a lifetime' event. Unlike a lot of people, even on New Avalon, one of the richest worlds in the Inner Sphere. It helps to be rich, doesn't it? Or a popular actress. Or both.

A brief discussion of Battletech's travel wouldn't be amiss, I suppose.

As an interstellar civilization, Battletech like most had FTL travel and easy interplanetary travel in a sense. (More on this later.) Space and star ships could be broken down into three basic types, jumpships (the part that is FTL), dropships, and small craft. Jumpships were pretty much the drive, reactor, batteries and a control module. And docking rings. They stayed in deep space, often ten plus AU from the planet people wanted to get to. So, a solution for reasonable cargo and passenger shipping had to be developed, since small craft just couldn't carry the load. Which lead to the next major ship type, and the one I was on. Dropship. Build a Jumpship with docking rings, and big ships that could attach to them, and detach after FTL travel. Small craft carried by previous designs of jumpships rarely reached 1,000 tons, while dropships that could land on a planet hit 52,000 tons. Big difference in load. And given that dropships at the least had fifteen mps squared acceleration, they could get to and from the jumpship and planet in a reasonable amount of time.

And I, well, my 'other' half, owned one of these massive things. My 20th century self… Squee. My other self, while still squee, wasn't over the fact of a spaceship, but of freedom and ability to do what she wanted. Without being bound to a planet, or someone else's ship.

When I mention my other half, I mean the half that grew up on New Avalon, acted as a child actress and model up until now, attended university at the average age for students in this universe (sixteen, if you're curious, same age to enlist, same age of marriage, same age of several things.), studied thermonuclear engineering, and several other things! Not the half that grew up in the twentieth century of Terra, fought in a war, gotten a PhD in history, and worked for a government. She had very specific views on how one should dress, even for meeting sharks who'll try to rip your arms off and eat them.

Which leads to the clicking of tall heels on a spaceship, without gravity unless under thrust, a short black pencil skirt, a low cut white silk blouse and a tasteful black blazer. As well as subtle makeup to enhance what nature had given.

Generally you want to look your best for lawyers who've asked to see you on your twentieth birthday, and have insisted on coming to you. Even if it's one of the universal holidays all of Humanity practices and takes off work from. Most atypical of the amoral creatures. When they're not yours, it means one of three things. You have money they're going to take, and lots of it. You have money they want to keep or gain control of, and you're the ticket to do so. Last, but not least, they've been paid a lot of money. That apparently hasn't changed in 1,000 years. Good to know.

Three lawyers, two male, one female rose as I entered the stateroom that Aiko had put them in, and she had thoughtfully seen to their needs, as well as making sure a carafe of coffee was waiting for me. Aiko and I, well local me, had had too much experience with lawyers, me more than her, but in the last four years, way too much experience.

Generally, it could be put into three parts. Lawyers telling local me, I couldn't have what was mine by earnings, Lawyers telling me to sign contracts for work or endorsements, or lawyers delivering threatening statements, or hints that cooperation in certain issues would be appreciated. Even if I had set the situations up, or encouraged them. Or profited by them.

My memories from local me, made it quite clear, I was very materialistic, and didn't let little things like laws or general ethics get in the way. Morals? Bit different, I was thankful to say. Apparently the pleasure and love I felt when I looked at Aiko was very much a part of local me, as well as caring and affection for her friends and other family. But… there were downsides. It made enemies, it made waves, and I wasn't apparently the best at long term thinking.

"Miss. Kikyo Onishi?" The elder male of the pair spoke. "Daughter of Kiko Onishi of Ozawa, and per Lyran law, recognized child of Graf New Osaka?"

Yes, my name is Kikyo Onishi, apparently here and now. But, Brief discussion here. Lyran law, aka Lyran Commonwealth, one of the big five realms of the Inner Sphere of Battletech, has two states for children. Bastardy isn't formally recognized, but for a parent to recognize a child, he or she has to sign the birth document, with witnesses. It's not even a social stigma to have a bastard or two, either as mother or father, though at the highest levels, the nobility and very wealthy, married parents are preferred, after all.

However, there is social stigma surrounding bastards. Not taking care of them. So, the Lyrans, being the Lyrans, regulated it. There's two formal levels of parenthood. First is where you claim them as your son or daughter, second where they are a 'recognized child.' This is a lesser state where you don't have any claim on their title or the majority of their estate, unless you're the only child of the noble or ultra rich in question. It doesn't stop them from leaving you large shares, however. It does however put them on the hook both legally and morally for child support. Yes, by twentieth century standards, I was a bastard of Graf New Osaka's. And he honored his responsibilities, at least financially. But, back to the lawyers who were waiting for me to sit down.

I nodded in response, and sat down, after pouring myself a cup of coffee, cut with fresh cream and a teaspoon of sugar. Apparently local me didn't understand the joys of black coffee.

Crossing my legs, I put the saucer and cup on my knee. "You were most insistent
on seeing me this day, but wouldn't say why? Mr..." I trailed off "And before we actually handle the affairs that brought you here, my solicitor, a Miss. Darwin will be arriving shortly."

"Ah, I am Lewis Corn, Barrister, and senior partner of Corn and Urkle Legal Affairs." I
blinked once at the statement, wasn't the one that faced off most often with Lannesh and Zeem, my law firm, the one Miss. Darwin worked for, officially, though my affairs effectively handled most of her time and also my… ah, clients? I mentally shook my head, and focused back on Mr. Corn as he leaned forward. "It's not a bad thing, I don't think. We are here to represent Graf New Osaka's estate, and finalize his last wishes involving you." I blinked. I had known that my father in the here and now died, but since I had never met him, my other self had not felt any real sadness at his passing. A bit of curiosity at what'd happen to his estate, but, in reality, any legal obligation he had had towards me ended today, under Lyran law.

"I see. Shall we wait for Miss..." I was interrupted by the door sliding open and a pair of heels clicking. Turning around I studied the severely dressed woman who walked in. Blonde hair, kept in a tight bun, professional black suit and white blouse, sheer hose, and three-inch heels made for a striking sight on a 5'11" woman. In her left hand was a briefcase.

"Gentlemen." Her tone was frosty, as noted above, the two firms were both elite, and often faced off in court. "Why are we here?" She laid down her briefcase and opened it up.

"As I told your client, we're here finalizing Graf New Osaka's estate." Mr. Corn spoke up, slightly testily. "I'm sure you can handle such a simple matter as advising your client of how to accept a final bequest."

I carefully kept my face blank, as the two lawyers glared at each other. Finally, Ryanne, Miss. Darwin, spoke up, amusedly. "Couldn't handle losing the Stone accounts to us, could you?"
The woman with Mr. Corn put her hand on his shoulder before he could fire back. Gathering himself for a moment, he nodded once. "We're here to see to the estate, and we are only paid so much. So, let's be about it."

His assistant, the woman, brought out a holoprojector, and put it on the table. Clicking a button, it started displaying an older male, who was clearly emaciated and missing most of his hair.

"Daughter." *coff, coff* "When you get this, I'll be dead, not a question. My last great adventure will start shortly." A hacking cough sprayed a fine mist of blood outside the hologram.
"And this is because my last adventure here killed me. Or maybe Loki. If Loki gets me before the polonium I managed to ingest, along with far too many of my people as we explored an area. Either way. If it is Loki, do please try to kill a few of them for me, those maniacs."

I blinked, and shuddered. Polonium poisoning was not a way to go. If Loki did kill him, I might thank them. And exactly why would Loki, the fanatical special forces of the Lyran Commonwealth kill my biological father.

A coughing fit again brought my attention to the display. "I have sent a box containing some information to Corn and Urkle for delivery to you on your birthday, your inheritance, and my remaining people who were sworn to me, plus arranged for new hires to New Avalon, to arrive on your birthday, or as close to it as I could arrange. I do not trust my younger son to care for them properly, nor is my heiress, your niece capable of handling and caring for them. She's a bit too young." a wheezing sound issued from the speakers, and a long pause as he seemed to gather himself for a few final words. "Do read the messages in the sealed box, and while I question your judgement and some of your actions over the last few years, I do think you've done an admirable job of trying to meet what you see as your responsibilities, and that does make me proud. I know I've never said it to you, and this is my last chance. I love you daughter. Shake the world as you can."

The message ended, with an incredibly secure lockbox slid over from the younger male of the trio of lawyers across from me. "This requires a sample of your blood to unlock, and we have verigraphed proof of it's security." A folder was slid over and Ryanne took it, reading through the papers, then nodding.

"The liquid assets that he wished you to have are already in an account with UBS, accounts information and amounts are in the file." Black haired, sharp features and black eyes created the impression of a computer behind her eyes. "Your actual physical inheritance, besides what is in the lock box, and is also listed in the file, will land at this drop port at 1200 hours tomorrow." She finished and looked at her superior, Mr. Corn.

He nodded, removing a piece of paper. "This is proof that we have delivered the
folder, the box and the proof of transfer for the physical assets that are arriving. After you sign, we have no further business." Before you receive the paper, Ryanne studies it and nods once.

"I note that there is mention that the personnel assigned to the delivery as well as those mentioned as hire-ons have been paid for two months. Is this accurate?" Ryanne raises an eyebrow.

"It is. May you have your client sign? It is a simple receipt." Mr. Corn doesn't appear flustered by Ryanne's actions and quiet provocations over their abilities to be accurate.

"It's fine to sign, Kikyo." Ryanne pauses. "From all the files I just scanned, it's clear
they're just delivery boys, so it seems to be their speed." All three of the other lawyers shifted a bit at that, but said nothing. Ryanne passes me the receipt and a pen, which I use to sign, and I hand the paper back to Mr. Corn.

"Thank you." He stands, followed by his two associates. "When you find Miss. Darwin and her firm unsuited to your needs, we would be pleased if you, like your father chose to take proffer of our services." He nods once, and starts walking out.

"Oh, I doubt she'll come to you." Ryanne shoots back. "I've had no problems managing her affairs."

Mr. Corn stops, turns and looks at her. "And the gutter rag reporting wasn't stopped by you? As I said, Miss Onishi, when you find." He strides out before Ryanne could respond.

Ryanne blew out a breath as the door closed behind the lawyers escorted by Aiko, who had waited. "Those assholes. They couldn't have done shit about the paparazzi, and you know it, they'd have been blindsided, we weren't. And we're taking steps to mitigate the situation, though it'd help, dear, if you could behave for a while. Or be willing to at least quietly name some names." Pausing a moment, raising a perfectly sculpted eyebrow, she sighed after a moment of silence. "Didn't expect so, not right now. As to the inheritance… I know Lyrans are maniacal about accumulating wealth, but this is insane."

"Oh?" I honestly didn't think it'd be much. My memories were that while the Graf did not stint, he wasn't overly generous, ethier. He left that for his mother and father, and their gifts to me.

"882 million cbills in several accounts at UBS, six Jumpships, one of which is a Monolith, of all things, hell, it might be the only privately owned one in existence! Seventy dropships, fifty-two of which are combat dropships. I'm pretty sure there's interstellar nations that don't own that many, and I don't mean one or a half dozen world policies, I mean the Outworlds Alliance!"

She paused, clearly rattled. Having regained some balance, she went on. "That
isn't it, oh, no. Nearly 200 battlemechs, over 100 aerospace fighters, over 500 armored fighting vehicles or infantry fighting vehicles…" She paused. "Quick math shows you could likely form two Star League combined arms brigades, just about, or a full RCT1, with leftovers. More than enough military hardware to conquer a planet!" She shook her head. "My advice, sell most of it and move on. Keep a jumpship or two, a few dropships, but the majority? Only thing it'd be good for is either bribing your way into the AFFS, or being a merc."

Part of me nodded at that, that was a truth. The other part remembered something. "Father stated he had people he wanted me to look after, not just the new hire ons. How many?"

Flipping through the file, she stopped at one page, scanning down. "Counting ship crews, it looks to be about 2200 people. Give or take." She paused, checking something else, and nodding once. "Add in the new hires, and you're looking at north of 3,100 people. Mostly ship crews, but a fair number of technicians of military nature, and combat personnel."

I thought about it for a moment. "Do try to explore possible buyers, focusing on Davion interests, don't want to have onii-sama shot by my stuff, after all, but don't make any firm commitments. I need to think on this, and meet the people involved."

"Your choice. It'll do well to lessen some issues, if you've provided at fair rates an RCT's worth of heavy combat equipment, at least to the AFFS, and they have pull. They could make a lot of problems go away, Kiki." Ryanne sighed. "While we both know, your providing your friends and classmates ways to make money via those with money, wasn't illegal, nor your activities with our firm, I'm quite aware that we have kept a criminal lawyer for your people ready if needs be. And I've been careful not to ask is there anything you've done, or people working for you have done that'd require such. I don't want to know the answer, but with what we've been hearing from Avalon City Police… I can guess."

I thought to myself that I really needed to spend some time sorting through my memories of here, to find out exactly what was going on. This did not sound good. "And I'll be sure not to tell you unless I have to. And I understand."

"Look. You need to think about this." Ryanne leaned forward to look me in the eyes. "Even if you can skate criminally, and get all your friends out, it'll hurt, and cost money to fix your reputation. It'll also hurt you with the nobility and those who finance your films, though I'll admit, with all your other assets, and what you just received, that's not a problem." She paused. "But even then, the powers that be, can shitcan the films, and your other projects. You don't want that. Or so you told me." Her pleading voice sunk in. "And I doubt you really understand what's involved in running a mercenary command. Not a good idea, Kiki, not with your age, nor experience. If you really feel the need to take care of your absentee father's people, set them up, find them new units, if that's their wish, hire them on in your other ventures of a legal nature if not. There's options, and you're looking at well towards, maybe over 10 billion Cbills, you don't have to do anything you don't want or aren't qualified to do."

I paused for a moment. She was passionate about this, but… "As I said, Ryanne." I nodded once. "Let me think on it. I can see some edges in having a unit of mercenaries at my disposal. I also understand how bad an idea for me this would be." I paused for a second, mind whirring. Not quite true, but a lie wouldn't hurt, would it? "But… and I understand your point about my father… they're now my people."

Ryanne sighed. "As expected. At least think about what I said, Kiki? I need to get back to the firm to finish up some paperwork on all your assets being finally returned to your full control, plus now, adding this to it." She shook her head. "Tomorrow, when you inspect the cargo and ships, I need a full list of what they are. Full." She stood and raised an eyebrow. "I do agree with at least thinking, now. At times, I wonder if you really think about the long term or even medium term effects of your actions!"

I blushed slightly, but nodded at her.

"Good." With that, Ryanne walked out. "Be well and stay out of sight, Kiki. We don't need, nor want the press to badger you. At all."

"... yes." I answered. "I'll stay here till tomorrow."

The door closed behind Ryanne. Intentionally. So I didn't have to listen to her reply.

***

As I went to what my mind had labeled 'my stateroom', it was empty. Apparently the room I had woken up in was something called a playroom. I could guess.

"Hey, onee-sama." Aiko stopped me before I could enter, and continued in Japanese. <"Your guests are gone, both the lawyers and those who partied with you last night. Why were they here, and why was Ryanne here?">

I paused, and thought about what to say. "I'll tell you later, but it was about my absentee father. He's dead, and he left me some things." I carefully slanted it to seem minor.

"Uh-huh." Aiko leaned against a bulkhead, arms crossed. "Lawyers don't come on New Year's day, just to deliver bequests of a minor nature. Try again."

Aiko was not stupid, just young, my mind supplied, not that I needed further proof of that. Looking her in the eye, I finally responded. "As I said, I'll tell you later. I need to think on it."

A tilt of the head was my response, for a long minute of time. Finally Aiko sighed. "Must be some heavy stuff. You gloated about getting Xanadu the moment you got the title." I nodded at that. Xanadu was the name of the Princess we were in. A gift from a fan, Duchess Numeror, she who was the first to have a tame Numeror Wolf… called Fluffy, of all things, Xanadu had been found in a valley on some world she didn't mention, semi crashed from the early First Succession War. The Duchess had the damage repaired, and all systems restored, then realized she didn't want the dropship. So.. give it to her favorite young actress. At least she was talked out of sending one of Fluffy's cubs with Xanadu.

"It is." I paused. "It means… lots of things. Father didn't just leave me money, stocks, bonds, even physical assets. He left me people."

Aiko facepalmed. "And you're already thinking on how to put them into your little network and keep them, take care of them, see to them. Because that's how you are." She shook her head. "I'll let you think on this, but Sis? These aren't your people. You owe Graf New Osaka nothing. If Mom wasn't the way she was, she'd have been alive, and we'd have shared the same father. But no… you're striving to be just like her.That got her in a bad place and killed." Aiko paused for a moment. "No, no, you're not striving to be her, you're striving to surpass her. Not only that, but you keep taking on responsibilities, that aren't yours. Doing whatever it takes, to your mind to meet those. And damn what it costs or could cost you." Aiko's eyes glittered. "If you don't slow down and think about things, and not take everything on, you'll kill yourself." She pushed off the bulkhead, and stormed past me.

I honestly didn't know what to say about that. I really needed to meditate and work my way through the memories that I had from Kikyo. I hoped she was working through my memories, but I had no idea. Putting that thought to action, I went into the stateroom, and locked the door behind me. Folding into seiza, I closed my eyes, and put myself into a position to figure out exactly what was going on. I had a feeling that it was worse than I feared.

Now, at least this time, I wasn't being silly. Yay, me. Improvement! Even if I wanted to be silly.

***

To understand where I found myself, a brief, well, not so brief story has to be told for those who don't know where I was. At this point, and this location, as far as I could guess, I was in what my 20th century self would call a Battletech universe. Renamed from the FASA game Battledroids, Battletech could and should be considered the Stompy Robot TableTop game, which spawned several video games, role-playing games, novels, and lots more. FASA pretty much wrote a game to have ten plus meter (thirty feet or better for those using Imperial) tall robots piloted by 'Mechwarriors' (From the fact in universe said robots are called Battlemechs), shooting the everloving shit out of each other. The setting was to justify this combat.

Therefore, Battletech is a crapsack world (it doesn't sell product if it's all sweetness and light, eh?). Not the worst, not by far, but on a scale of 1 (Meh, you have a high chance as a player character to live out your life and do well, ala Traveller/MegaTraveller) to 10 (Ohgods, we is all gonna die… and not leave a good looking corpse, and nothing will change! Hi, Warhammer 40k) Battletech by the time I entered it had over thirty years of in universe lore, development and rules. The Setting was a solid 6 to 7 on the crapsack scale. To be fair, this was due to all the lore, and there were periods of time that to in-universe characters, the crapsack scale barely rated a 2. A Brief history is really needed to understand the time I'm in, so I'm summarizing for quick comprension.

Late 20th century, wars happen. Earth unifies. 2108 AD, first Interstellar travel. Late 23rd century, Terran colonies both revolt and are abandoned by the one species (Human) government. Shortly afterwards, Terra replaces that government with a new one, as the abandoned colonies form their own interstellar governments. Wars happen. Bigger and Bigger states form. Until mid 25th Century, the Battlemech is developed.

Due to its weight to firepower to crew ratio, and its ability to fight somewhat on almost all terrains, it becomes the premier combat asset to take and hold planets. During all this lead up, Humanity in effect reverts back (some would say never left) to in primus, a feudalistic society to greater and lesser extent, given the limitations of the star drive and the stresses of colonization. (It doesn't help that until the 27th century, there is no FTL communications in widespread use.). Everyone besides the Terran Hegemony (the Terran successor government, and the first users of Battlemechs) gets Battlemechs, and the beat goes on. Flash to the end of the 26th Century, Ian Cameron, "Director-General" of the Terran Hegemony has managed to sucker (my view) the five states surrounding the Hegemony into a superstate, where he (and his heirs) are first among 'equals' (again, my view).

This isn't working out too well, so he decides to bring the last free states (who told him either politely or politely, looking at you, Taurus, to bugger off.) to heel. Twenty-five years later, with a death toll to equal barely the totals from all the wars before, The Star League rules over 99% of humanity. But the ones who told him to bugger off don't get even the 'lesser' say that the five states (called Great Houses now, since they are comprised of a ruling house over several hundred established worlds) get. These states who aren't great houses are called the Periphery, and are on the Periphery of what's now called the "Inner Sphere". This, of course leads to their exploitation and resentment.

Okay, it's now the 28th Century, towards the end of the Century. Three of the four major Periphery states are tired of being bitchslapped around by the Star league and their pockets ran though for any and all loose change. So's the 4th, but their ruling house has a *plan!* He sets up the other three to revolt, while he's schmoozing up to the last heir of Ian Cameron, who's a minor, orphan, and pretty much left alone by anyone else with morals, ethics, or power.

Yeah, you can see where this is going. As Kerensky, the official regent while Richard Cameron was underage, and the Commanding General of the Star League defense forces, finished squishing Amaris' covert rebellions, he however had to use almost all the SLDF, and Amaris was able to convince Richard to let Amaris' troops be his guards. Yeah, we all can predict where this is going.

Anyways, ten years later, Kerensky shoots Amaris, destroys his nation, then tells the Great House lords, "Sod you all for a game of Soldiers" and (again, my point of view) deserts the Star League, and the Succession Wars begin. The 1st and 2nd are total war, and pretty much blast each other a good 400 years downward in technology and even more so in industrial capability. Too many worlds die during this period, too. And not marginal or only habitable due to ultra high tech, either.

By the time I was at, the waning years of the Third succession wars, battles were very small affairs, and more along the lines of raiding more than missions of conquest, since transporting troops to take worlds was difficult, and required effort. Jumpships, the FTL spaceships are down to maybe a tenth of what they were before the wars, and if the Inner Sphere could add ten a year to the fleets, it was a good year. So, the Star League was regarded as the "Shining city on the hill", and wars were fought nominally over who'd rule. Not that all the Star League was gone, it had one known surviving element. The Ministry of Communications, renamed Comstar. More on them later.

This is why nearly 200 Battlemechs as an inheritance was mind boggling. Battles to conquer worlds very rarely had more engaging. That was about a third of the 'Mechs produced in one year, in the fallen times. Not to mention six Jumpships, out of which maybe 2000 of them still remained. This does put a big target on your back.

Having meditated on the memories and everything else, I found myself and the 'previous' memories integrating, creating what could be called, Kikyo-me merge, or Kikyo-me for short. What I found, was a twenty year old woman, who had problems with impulse control, mild case of disinhibition, stubborn as all hell, dedicated to those she called hers, and working on being a cross between Lindsay Lohan and and your average college coed who didn't want student loans at the same time.

This was a bit of a shock to a forty-five year old combat veteran of a republican nation, who was while not straight laced, fairly 'tame' by any reasonable standard. Kikyo was not, and she had a bad habit of not thinking things through, not thinking of consequences at all.

The situation Kikyo had left her new self meant that, at very best, I was viewed… not in the best light with my home nation's government or nobility, and my father, another state's noble, due to putting the functional equivalent of nearly three percent of their Battlemechs into my hands, instead of his Liege's… well, his own government likely wouldn't be too thrilled with me.

This is why I wasn't being silly when I thought it was worse than I knew. Those two governments above, were arguably lead by the two most moral and ethical leaders, and the states themselves were, for the period, out of the Great Houses, decent places to live both for rights, and actual opportunities to be had. And here I was, considered at best, a greedy and amoral Lindsay Lohan, or someone who was a traitor's daughter. Yeah. I actually asked myself. "How could it get worse?"

Trust me, I know I asked for it, and, yes, I got it. Good and hard.

***

After that session, I decided that I needed another shower, to unknotify my legs, in the dropship's sinfully appointed bathroom. Fusion power meant unlimited hot water, considering that I was planetside, and the nozzles were perfectly located to massage every bit of my body.

While relaxing, I was considering what I needed to do. The big one was find out what version of the Battletech universe I was in. That meant checking for a nation that didn't exist in the 'main' setting, to cover one video game, checking some facts out to cover fan fiction versions I didn't know about, praying a singing battleship didn't exist or had existed.

Looking for some people, here, Alpheratz, Terra, there, and everywhere would be part of it, lucky me, I just needed to spend money, and since I had nearly a billion of the local interstellar currency, which equated to ten billion at least of the currency I was used to, that was easy. Some alternate realities of the Battletech franchise wouldn't have their divergence points obvious yet, nor the key figures. Some would. Also would need to dig to see if any other large windfalls had been delivered… Oh, and if a bastard Calderon by the name of Jack existed.

He wasn't the only one on the find list with a vengeance, to be fair, but I doubted he was in existence. Or that I could find him. Some of those I'd personally kill, without question were mainline characters, who just needed to die. Let's not mention looting a few sites where I knew LosTech (lost technology) was. Helm was number one of course.

Before I could ponder more, Aiko stuck her head into the shower, eating a mouthful of water. After coughing for a few moments, as I turned the water off and grabbed a towel, she gulped air down.

"Kiki." Pausing to make sure she wasn't going to cough again, she continued. "Ichigo's here! He's back. And…" She looked a bit unsure of herself, but plowed on. "And he doesn't look happy, not at all."

Drying off, and putting my wet hair into a towel that I wound on my head, I pondered this event, as Aiko waited. Ichigo had joined the military of our birth nation, the Federated Suns, ruled by one of the Five Great Houses, House Davion. The Armed Forces of the Federated Suns, AFFS for short, served the realm quite well over the last 150 years, though before that, their record was much more muddled. Ichigo being an honor graduate of one of the three premier military academies, was able to pick his assignment, and qualified on loyalty not just to the Suns, but to House Davion, get it.

The Davion Brigade of Guards, aka House Davion's personal household troops, was what he picked. Not only for the most loyal to House Davion, they also had to be the best that the Federated Suns had. Quite a feather in his cap, to get in straight from an academy. For the first two years, he had served with the Light Guards, one of their subunits, fighting.

Since his first two year tour, and until now, he had been with the Heavy Guards, Hanse Davion's, the current incarnation of House Davion, and the ruler of the Federated Suns, favorite unit. I had known he'd be back from the frontlines of the Third Succession war soon, just didn't realize it was today.

"I see." I paused, grabbing a robe and slipping on the sinfully soft terry cloth, I belted it, and nodded at Aiko. "I don't think we should keep him waiting, then."

Aiko nodded, and lead the way. Shortly, we were in the area where he was waiting; Xanadu's park deck, a carefully constructed luxury for a dropship. A veritable garden of exotic flowers and plants to enjoy during travels. It wasn't total luxury, after all, they did play a function in air recycling, but the Princess class was the only dropship class period, to have one as stock. All others started with relying on air scrubbers or other mechanical methods to clean their air.

Hearing the thump of Aiko's sneakers, a strawberry blond-haired, tall man, dressed in an orangish flight suit with leather jacket on, and a ballcap held in his hands turned around from the viewport. His sharp jaw clenched slightly on seeing me, but relaxed, with a resigned twinkle as he took in his two younger sisters.

"Right. Congratulations on getting into NAIS, Aiko." He smiled naturally at our younger
Sister. "And congratulations on graduating, Kikyo." He paused at our nods. "Sorry I couldn't be there, but…"

"We know." Aiko shot me a look. "The demands of the war. Your gifts were nice, though!"

"I tried. And Aiko? I suggest you go to bed, it is two am." He looked stern at the youngest.

Aiko opened her mouth to protest… but caught the hidden message, and shook her head. "No, brother. Not this time. I'm pretty sure you two will need a referee to keep from wrecking the deck."

"We're not that bad." I protested before Ichigo could open his mouth. Aiko just looked at
the two of us.

Strawberry blond hair tilted in it's buzz cut. Eyes narrowed, and Ichigo sighed. "Fine, you're old enough to fight, old enough to at least listen to this." Turning back to the older of the two young women. "Explain." Crossing his arms, he leaned back against a bracer. "I'm really curious to know what you've been up to enough to get the commander of the Heavy guards personally cutting my orders for a leave."

I tilted my head, my jade green eyes boring into his amber eyes, conveying my irritation at the way he was approaching this. "Are you sure you really want to know?"

"Yes."

I shrugged. "You remember how a new trustee was assigned to watch over my assets, correct?"

Ichigo tilted his head. "As well as Aiko's, yes." He paused. "As I was shipping out to the Light Guards, I couldn't do it, so…"

I nodded. "Said trustee in essence… ah... extremely limited funds." I spread my hands. "No extra funding for Aiko's tutors, no extra funding to maintain the lifestyle we had been living, and every penny she made sure was accounted for, and put any earnings from my acting or residuals into the funds. And yes, I tried to convince her otherwise."

"Okay. I see that." Ichigo thought for a moment. "You could have contacted me, and I
could have gotten Family support involved to find a guardian a bit less… tight."

I blinked. Flipping through my memories, the only real response was… "My responsibility, I told you I'd take care of Aiko and home, while you were fighting so you didn't have to worry about us…" I paused. "Family support could have done that?"

"Pretty sure, one of my wing had an issue come up, and family support got a guardian assigned to his son long enough to get the kid to where we were garrisoned…" Ichigo shrugged. "Getting a new guardian assigned would be fairly tame I'd figure."

I tilted my head and acted innocent. "Well, I wasn't told that… so I did a bit of… ah, trading."

Ichigo's eyes narrow. "Trading what, sister mine? I'm getting the distinct impression that you chose to get the money you thought you needed in ways that aren't the most ethical." He paused and nodded once. "Given everything, you chose to pick up mother's tricks towards the nobility and weren't discreet about it, and started playing the nobles off each other.

Aiko winced, but I bulled on, not impressed with his growing anger. "It's not illegal. And well, if they were going to…"

Taking a deep breath, he finally held up a hand. "I'm not going to debate the legalities of it. Nor the ethics, nor what it could do to all our situations, politically. That's an argument for later." He nodded once. "Now, to be really honest, that's not enough for the Marshal to call me in personally. All of it. Now." The last line came out hammered and preise, brooking no disobedience.

"Well, some of my classmates and friends were feeling even more ah.. Pinched…" I
trailed off, not wanting to admit exactly what I did.

"Introduced them on how to play nobles against each other for favors. Sugar daddy'ing. That could be considered corruption." That came out flat and hammered. Before he could continue, or I threw a nasty comment at him, Aiko interrupted.

"Let's not forget throwing parties, with party favors, or getting nobles and the very rich stuff they shouldn't be getting, such as those party favors or items that are on a heavy tariff or restricted list."

I shot Aiko a betrayed look, only to have my head snap back to Ichigo.

"What." He responded in a strangled tone, pushing himself off the brace. "Drugs and illegal goods trafficking?"

"Ah…" I thought how to explain this, derailed from being irritated with him. "Not… quite."

"Not quite?" Running his hand through his hair, he took a deep breath. "Exactly what do you mean by quite? And did you get caught?"

I hurried on. "Well, the nobles just wanted this or that, I made a few connections and delivered on both sides, not an actual ah… organization to do so. Or directly selling. And all my friends were of age, so. Not illegal!" I paused, nodded once. "And no, I didn't get arrested or even brought in for questioning!"

"Uh-huh." Ichigo took a step forward, then gathered himself. "But that is something that would attract the attention of an AFFS senior officer, and have him send a junior officer to squish." Rubbing his chin for a moment, he nodded once. "Which means, the police don't have enough to act on, or all things being considered, want to handle it very quietly. Which we are going to do."

"Uh…" I stopped. I had no idea what Ichigo was referring to, how to handle the situation. Finally, I looked at him. "That's not including what my biological father sent or is sending as an inheritance."

"What?" Ichigo looked derailed for a second, and shook himself. "You mean there is more reasons for the senior staff to have their eyes laser focused on you?" He paused, clearly restraining his temper. "You realize that Aiko's attending NAIS can be hammered flat by them at will? And if they feel she's a security risk, and they would, given just the above, they will?"

I paused. No, I hadn't realized that, nor even really thought about it. Nor what it'd do to Ichigo's clearances. Before I could open my mouth, Ichigo just raised a hand.

"Don't bother. I can tell you didn't." He just shook his head. "Just like when younger, you thought several roles would be fun, not caring that they might get you type-cast, or actually turn off your fans who pay to see you. You're worse than I am about long term thinking! And that says something, since I'm not a poster child for restraint!" Ichigo muttered the last under his breath. Taking a deep breath. "Now, what the hell did Graf New Osaka leave you that Aiko thinks would have the AFFS's attention?"

I paused, nodded once, pulling out a folder I had hidden in my robe. "Here's a copy of the list."

He took it and muttered a bit, at several lines, then paused a long moment, and a strangled voice came out. "A Monolith?" Shaking loose from the shock, he continued on. Finally, after several long moments, he passed it to Aiko who had her hand out impatiently.

Silence went through as Aiko scanned. She stopped, blinked, continued on, and finally snapped the folder shut. "... My question is what are the dropships, the battlemechs and all that. The details were somewhat sparse on that. Does the box you got include that information?"

"Good question." Amber eyes locked into mine. "And yes, I really understand why I was pushed here asap. So, what are they? If the box Aiko's referring to, tells you."

I tilted my head and sheepishly admitted. "Ah.. would you believe I haven't looked?"

"ARGGGGHHH!" Ichigo threw his hands up. "Seriously? That's …" He paused, tilting his head for a minute, then letting his chin hit his chest. "So us. You still have a battlemech in the holds you haven't even turned on."

I couldn't have a comeback, since we all had a habit of ripping open gifts the moment they were in our hands, but putting them aside once we saw what they were, to play with other things, if they weren't part of our interests or desires at the time. And since I knew it was a message from my dead father, I didn't think about if it was time critical or a more detailed listing, since exactly what the items were might be something national governments would be intensely interested in. Putting a Battlemech, a war machine of considerable power aside, was par for the course, I was an actress, not a Mechwarrior, though I had learned the basics for roles.

Taking a long, deep breath, Ichigo pointed at Aiko. "Fetch box. Bring box. Now."

Aiko scurried to obey, as Ichigo glared at me. Finally he relented, and admitted. "Upside, we can get your stunts squished, fairly easily. AFFS pays well for equipment. Even basic stuff. Sell some without major hassle or greed, and as a condition, squish this, with a promise…" He trailed off, nodding once. "Not to do more of what has their attention, maybe give some names, and it'll all blow over, and your career is fine." Blowing a deep breath, he nods once. "Bad, but fixable, thankfully."

I wanted to shoot back about ratting people out, but Aiko came in with the box. "Here!"

Ichigo studied the box for a second, then gestured at me. "Open it." Ichigo rarely took control of any situation we were all in, mostly due to .. well. Nuff said, my memories indicated he was used to being the only male in a household of women who had iron whims all the time. The AFFS was good for him, in letting him build up a backbone to corral us.

I put my thumb against the spot and felt a sting. The box popped open and revealed a rack of datachips, a small holographic projector and a datareader. On top of this was a written note. Simple, sweet and to the point. "Play the holomessage first."

Ichigo raised an eyebrow. I sighed, and took the three items out, putting the chips and datareader aside. Putting the projector on a ledge, I hit it's play button since it was a portable one.

A holograph came out, clearer and neater than most that I was used to. In it, my father, looking better than the previous message appeared.

"Daughter. I don't have much time, and much to do, so I will keep this short and sweet. These chips in this box have a detailed listing of your inheritance, the first two chips listing the equipment, its' state, and basic technical details, the third through sixth listing the personnel I dearly wish you would care for, or at least see them properly settled, the seventh is exact spatial coordinates for the location of a Star League temporary naval support station, as well as a map on how to get there from Terra, with some options for other locations. The eighth and final chip is my best guess on what it is. I verified that it exists, but that's all. And before I could move to collect it, well. My message you'll receive with the lawyers will make it obvious."

He paused, and nodded once. "I've followed your life, even after Miho died, and what I've left you will either allow you to do whatever you want, conquer a planet outside the Great Houses, live a life of total luxury with as many boytoys as any girl could want, film the invasion of Terra, whatever. I was not surprised you are getting into trouble, after all you are my and your mother's daughter. It would be more of a surprise if you didn't. And you did, in a way that both disappoints me, and doesn't surprise me. The casting couch is alive and well, and you'd not be the first Lyran girl to accept using it to your benefit." Ichigo just facepalms. "This will help you get out of it."

He coughed once, a racking sound, then took several deep breaths. "Right. My final and likely only advice to you. Trust but verify everyone. Even your older brother via Miho, or the people I am sending to you. Don't fully trust without severe verification any House Lord. Do not trust Comstar. I cannot repeat that enough, daughter. Do not. And make sure your little sister doesn't do too well in NAIS, or she takes a non science field. Or doesn't go into research. And if she does, she stays inside Davion's guards. With what I have left you… no matter what, if you parley it right, a planet, a whole planet can be yours. I would not deal with the Coordinator, putting aside all hate, simply because you are a woman, and well." His shrug is speaking.

"Janos… no, but it's more because I don't think he's at all trustworthy. Liao? Please." He nods. "Given all things, you'll not have an easy time with the last two, but they're at least honorable and pragmatic… if you remember that they take their duties seriously into account. But, you're going to have to deal with them. Not me. And I didn't help at all here. Good luck, and I hope you'll do your name and your blood proud." The holograph turns off and a chip appears, to be pulled out at will.

Ichigo tilts his head, picking up the reader and the first two chips. "Let me scan this really quick, I'm far more up to date than you are on military stuff, dear little sister who only plays a mechwarrior on screen."

I looked at him, sourly. "At least I know how to drive one, brother-mine, unlike you."

Ichigo doesn't comment as he reads slowly the information. One of his eyebrows twitches, and shortly, a quiet "Bullshit…" is breathed. His face turns stone after that. Somehow he plows through, even though by the end, he's whiter than some of the linen aboard Xanadu, or our mother's funeral kimono.

"Ichigo?" Aiko asks, concerned. He's afraid. I'm concerned too. I could not recall when he was afraid. Ever. He's always been head on, meet any challenge and overcome it. He feared nothing.

"First, hire security right the hell now. And by security, I mean ex Rabid Foxes." Ichigo finally responds. "Loki is going to be out to kill you. If they don't know yet, they will, and they're going to want you dead thanks to the Graf." He pauses. "And we need to talk to the Heavy Guards CO. Once we verify this."

I tilt my head. "Why?"

"Because this is the biggest trove of Lostech this side of what C*'s hiding on Terra." Aiko has stolen the datapad, and is also growing white. Ichigo continues, regaining his balance. "And that means everyone is going to want it. Which means it's in your best interest to get rid of it. Now."

My eyes narrowed. Sure, we hadn't been close the last eight years, but… Ichigo had to be reacting, not thinking. I paused at that. Something else we apparently shared, besides our family. But…

I bit out, clearly restraining my temper. "Excuse me?" Apparently I didn't keep enough anger out of my voice. Aiko winced and carefully eyed our positions.

"Get rid of it. All of it. Pay off and help the people he sent settle into other places, and be quit." He nodded as it was the most obvious thing.

Holding onto my temper by the slimmest of margins, I managed to simply hold a hand to Aiko, who passed the data reader to me. Scanning the reader, I came to the conclusion while he was only reacting, … all things considered he was not wrong in a very viable solution. In fact, I suspected he was even more right than he thought. Putting aside every nation in the Sphere, Comstar was a threat too… and I knew from being not all just Kikyo, they had warships.

But… "Dear brother." I purred, "You are making some serious assumptions." I paused for effect. "First, it's impolite to make others' decisions for them. Second, they may want to stay together, and may have verbal promises from my father on what they get. Third: I'm thinking this might be a good way to get away from New Avalon for a bit. Maybe run a reality show focusing on a merc unit. Real mercs." Before I could continue, Ichigo made a strangled sound and reached for me. Ingrained training and instinct honed by both my mother and a sensei that had taken a shine to us siblings, snapped into action.

Wham. My hands snapped out, spreading Ichigo's out, as I dimly recognized the sound of Aiko running off, but I was more focused on leaping back after kneeing him in the abdomen.

Ichigo spent a moment bent over, then straightened. He stepped back and eyed me. "So. That's how we're going to have to play this." Nodding once, he started to move forward, as I positioned myself to break his set jaw with my foot.

Splash

Completely derailed, we both heard an annoyed voice. "Both of you. Stop that!" Feeling my towel unravel, and staring at my brother's hair with pieces of balloon in it, I realized Aiko had hit us both with water balloons left over from last night's fun. Cold water balloons. Without realizing it, we both mirrored each other, and looked at Aiko who was bouncing more water balloons in her hand. "Are you going to act as adults, and do nothing that'll have to send either of you to the hospital? Or never talk to each other again?" Her arch tone at the last matched the raised eyebrow. Trying to show how irritated she was with the supposed adults in the room, she misjudged one toss, pushing it higher and slightly backwards, and her head tracked the balloon, as it arched down. Straight on her nose.

Spash.

Ichigo was the first to lose it, joined by my giggling. Aiko pouted at the two of us, though that just made us laugh harder, at her drowned kitten look.

Ichigo sobered up first, but I finally wound down the giggling. "Right. Right." Ichigo ran his hands through his hair, removing the bits of balloon. "Look. Let's all just sleep on this. We can decide when we have more information. Let's try to not scream and leap for once?"

I nodded, and Aiko relaxed and sighed.

"Right. Kikyo, where's a bed for me so I can at least get some sleep? I've been up for nearly thirty hours now." Ichigo let the tiredness show. I tend to forget, that while he was always AFFS mad; when I got talent scouted, he too had picked up some roles. "So, yeah. Let's just all sleep on it."

I nodded. "This way." I paused, debating with myself, then giving in. "And I'll even get you a bed warmer, too. I…" I pause. I am bitten by a bug that can't be resisted. "Never mind, brother, just get some rest." I smile innocently.

His eyes narrow at me as we walk through the hall. "Why don't I completely believe that." We stop at a door which I palm open.

"Your room with what you left with me." I smile. "And I don't know what you're talking about."

"Uh-huh." He yawns. "Too tired to try to indulge or otherwise derail your whims right now." He puts actions to his words by tossing his two bags next to the bed he then falls into. "Love you, little minx." he mutters tiredly.

"Love you too, annoyance." I smile. One thing I remembered was that he had a crush on an actress who had played an older sister to me in a movie. And said actress, Kelia Harper was still acting, was still a good friend, and more importantly, because she hadn't made the transfer to adult roles as well, someone who'd be counted on for discreet entertaining. Plus Kelia thought my brother was a dear. And had a thing for flyboys. Putting actions to thoughts, I moved to contact her and invite her here. Should be a great, though late christmas present!

I paused at the door of my own stateroom. I needed to also start some investigations. I remembered this possible recruit on Alpheratz. She'd ethier be getting an inheritance herself, useful information to have, or she'd not have the personality download, and be a very useful recruit.

***

As I waited for my family and guest to arrive, I looked over the list I had made on a separate, non networked datapad. Besides setting in motion finding a possible Phantom Mech pilot, I had started checks on names I had remembered from various forums for quests and stories that had Self Inserts or similar concepts executed. Some would seriously hinder plans, some would require running away as fast as possible to a hole no one could find us, some would be useful allies, even if they weren't actual Self Inserts. It could also be that none of the existed. I had also called a technician I knew, one Debora Hickey to inspect and fire up the mech I actually did own in my own name. I had hopes I could recruit her to be Bun Bun's permanent tech, as she had just gotten her certification and out of the AFFS.

"Hey, Sis." A head plopped on my shoulder and a cheerfully sweet voice was in my ear. "What are you studying so carefully?" Aiko's breath blew into my ear, being extremely distracting. One downside to our family, was that we were all morning people and generally operated on less sleep than most. And we were smart.

I shook her head off, to her grumble as I clicked off the screen. "A list of things to do."

"Uh-huh. I saw names, and a few notes about books or maps you wanted to get." Aiko's blue eyes looked into mine. "You have a plan. And I want to know. More importantly, who are those people, and why various locations. How'd you know someone in Samantha, of all places, the Cordincat's capital world? Much less that boondock of a capital for the Outworlds, "

"Ah." I did mention that my family was smart. Ichigo often joked he was the dummy of the family… yet he managed to breeze through one of the three best military academies in the Federated Suns, dual tracking branches, and officer training… while still making the top ten at the same time he was picking up most of a serious science degree.

I was smarter, of course, though that wasn't really meant as a boast, Ichigo was far more physically inclined than me or Aiko, and was better than average in those areas, as I blew the grave curve. This was on top of more and better tutoring. However, I had gotten in trouble because Aiko's brains put mine to shame, and I spent like water to have her tutoring and schooling put mine and Ichigo's to shame. She got the best I could get, no matter the cost or risk. Pausing a moment, I thought and then shrugged.

"Would you believe before you woke me up I had a very detailed dream?" I shrugged.

"... what did you take at the party." Aiko's blue eyes bored into my jade green, clearly worried.

"A bit of Brace, a sniff of Can-do…" I trailed off ticking my fingers, realizing that my previous partying could be lethal, given the drugs involved. Also a good explanation of everything, so maybe I was crazy.… "And a sniff of Melange. Oh, and of course the usual drinks and some …" Before I could finish, my head was driven into my plate by a hard slap.

"Idiot." a female tired voice accompanied the slap. "Didn't what happened to me, teach you anything?" Kelia Harper, she of the slap and the hiss, a dusky skinned young woman with a near match to my hair color, met my eyes with her forest green ones as I looked up at her. At 5'8", she'd tower over me, and she was angry. For good reason, though. "But, no, you had to mix psychoactives, to boot! One of which is frigging unpredictable. Space Sand, really?"

She had overdone Can-Do, a sensory enhancement drug at a party, and the crash was epic even for the drug, which triggered depression after the high. She hung herself, barely being undone in time to save her life, but the drugs used to keep her breathing and from brain damage, threw her into even more of a loop. Eighteen months later she could finally resume her life, but it had hammered her career, and even though she had been drug free since then, making the hustlings of parties, bars and all that kept her previous party ways in visible, meaning she had problems getting any serious project or roles.

"Ah…" I responded, debating on how pissed she was. Her tired but satisfied body language contrasted with her clear anger about the party, and Ichigo behind her, looking well rested, was making strangling gestures behind her back at my neck. "I didn't buy it…"

Aiko hissed. "No, you just arranged for it. Sister…" Ichigo took the other side of the table.

"She's right." Ichigo's expression was stern. "We'll talk later."

I wiped my breakfast, which I had made, off my face. Aiko had grabbed a box of cereal, while Ichigo looked around. "... We'll see."

"No, we will." Ichigo's voice was unyielding. "And on this, don't push it. We both know what can happen. Look, Minx. I want to be driven nuts by your stunts for a long time."

I couldn't respond to that, while Ichigo kept looking around.

"Okay, minx. Where's breakfast? Staff?" Ichigo finally broke down and asked.

"I gave them the day off, so they could figure out if they wanted to move onto the dropship…" I shrugged. Kelia just rolled her eyes, and moved to the galley.

"I got it. I have a feeling that I don't want to hear the screaming match." She sashayed out, still looking tired, but satisfied, and even more relaxed now that she wasn't part of yet another family spat.

Ichigo sipped from a coffee cup put in front of him by Aiko. A long moment as my two siblings simply stared at me. Finally, Ichigo spoke. "We have too much to do, but I'm beginning to think getting you, and Aiko…" He turned to look at Aiko who shook her head no at the implied question. "Off planet for a while might be smart. Seriously. Melange?" He paused. "I could actually understand Brace. Even Can-do. Maybe. Booze? Eh. Some stims, sure. But mixing Melange on top of those others?" He paused, nodded once. "I know I can't say much about drug use or drinking, but I do the first under orders, and only when there is serious need."

A brief on Melange reads, unpredictable, especially when mixed with others. Oddly enough Brace had a tendency, if you kept both drugs small doses to mellow out Can-do's crash. But… Ichigo was absolutely right to be pissed about Melange. Named after the critical drug of an early spaceflight sci fi series, Melange's effects were as noted, unpredictable, with the gamut ranging from mental acumen improving, nothing, a mellow feeling, a disassociation with reality, mild to severe hallucinogens, and supposedly, in rare cases, when mixed with other drugs, psychic visions, though no one really had proof of such. Or so people said, but… people kept trying. The effects got more dangerous and random when you mixed it with other drugs, with the LD-50 dropping severely. Brace was just a relaxant, reducing tensions and stress, and Can-Do was a sensory enhancement drug, both semi legal, and fairly safe in moderation.

I thought for a moment. As much as part of me wanted to lay into Ichigo, the fact there were no bodies from the New Year's Eve party was a near miracle. "Okay. You're right. In my defense, when Sasha." A director we all knew, Sasha From was someone who always couldn't quite make it big, but had constantly worked, doing just enough to keep in studio's books by low profit, but still profitable films and shows, overall. It also helped that he threw awesome parties and got talent, aka actresses and actors to help hustle the money men. Recently though, he had started to lose his touch in directing, as he grew older, simply because his charming routine combined with his looks no longer worked on young women. Price of partying too often. "Brought it out, we were all two-thirds of the way to blasted out of our minds on Firewine."

Ichigo's eyes narrowed. Aiko groaned. "Sasha's slime." She threw up her hands, barely keeping the spoon she had from flying off. "Seriously, why invite him? You don't need him, you don't have to deal with him. I swear, every time I see him, I want to take a shower. Slimy!"

Ichigo sighed. "He's useful. He's got all the ears." Shrugging. "Though I agree. He's not to be at parties, and given that Brace and Melange are on several lists, I'll see if I can get him busted. Melange especially. That one will get him twenty years on Jessup, if nothing else. And you better not have been touching or arranging for it, sister."

I shook my head no, rapidly. He was right, too about the legal consequences of the drug. Melange remained trafficked, even with it's high unpredictability, and high risks, because while as noted above, there was no proof of 'contacting the universe', there was enough hearsay, to make desperate people or those already on the other side of sane take it, for a change in lifestyle, or answers to questions they had. Or the lure of powers. Whichever. Given that resulted in, an agonizing death a day from the drug as parts of brains rewrote themselves, the Avalon City police were zero tolerance on it.

"No, I won't deal it, and I can't honestly remember why I thought it was a good idea. Really." I shuddered.

"Uh-huh." Ichigo sighed. "First, and I will personally make sure of this, Sasha is a dead man. Or at the very least, doing twenty as a miner. Second, I'm seriously considering monitoring you closely."

I started to rise, heated words coming to my lips, then I sat back down. As much as I wanted to, oh, how I wanted to… one thing we all agreed on was to look after each other as much as we could, and protect each other. I didn't need a minder… but Melange? Mixing that with all the others? "Fine." I bit. It wasn't that Ichigo was being a hypocritical son of a bitch, it was he was genuinely concerned. While we had all been lucky not to see anyone die from it, we knew of several who in the entertainment industry tried to use it for the next great hit, only to become a drooling mess, or even die.

Ichigo narrowed his eyes again, then nodded. "Good. I think you've realized how insane you were."

Aiko rolled her eyes and hit him on the shoulder. "Put it aside. I wanna hear about this dream."

Ichigo turned and looked betrayed at his baby sister. "Aiko…"

"Hey, there's a reason why even with the severe penalties of law, people still take it."
She shrugged. "Even though I agree with you, that Sis had chugged too much ethanol, and poured her brains out of her ears…" Aiko paused, and I saw the worry on her face. "And I know what melange can do. That's…" She pauses. After a moment she nods once. "Really weird chemical structure on top of a reputation for other things… and seriously, worm farts? What was the universe on when it came up with that?"

Kelia walked in. "Melange? Who knows. Though I'll bet you all who thought it was a good idea. What possessed you to invite Sasha? Man's last two films have bombed, and people have been steering sweet young talent away from him, recently. He needs a hit or two, and willing people to star in it."

Watching as she put a plate in front of Ichigo and an empty seat, I thought about it. "Actually… " I sighed. "I didn't have the heart to kick him out. He slipped in with Zinaida and had brought a couple bottles with him, so… we all took pity on him."

"I hope that's over with." Kelia took a bite of her eggs. "No proof, but I'm pretty sure he was the one to ah… enhance what I took." Kelia never really talked to others about exactly that night, but rumors were rumors. "And well."

Aiko nodded. "Yeah, the paparazzi have been linking him to some shady deals." She shot me a look. "Which is likely how they decided to dig into your life."

I shook my head. "Moot point. I agree. I had to be stoned out of my mind to even consider the idea." I shot Ichigo who was smirking, a look. "And I don't need a minder to remind me of that."

Ichigo didn't look impressed by the look, and just shook his head. "We'll see. Hmm… possible angle to get out of a lot of this, dump it all on Sasha's head. Guy was an ass anyways."

Kelia and I had to snicker at that. Aiko looked, as she finished her cereal, her blue eyes narrowing.

"Okay, enough stalling. If nothing else, I wanna know these dreams. If repeating them and they're as freaky as some are, it'll only help you to remember." She grinned. "Plus you tell and write decent stories!"

I rolled my eyes. Taking a deep breath, I started. "Well. It's pretty much this: I dreamed of a life lived in a universe, oh, around the twentieth century on Terra, where we were living in a game. As in, someone created the game, wrote lore for it, and that's where we are."

Ichigo snorted. "That's about as fantastic as the rumors around Mechwarriors who can appear invisible with their mechs or …" He paused, and I picked up.

"Prince Ian's last fight?" Ichigo went still. After a minute, he blew out a breath and added. "I'd ask how you know, but you could…" He stopped at my raised hand. Aiko's eyes narrowed.

"It's not impossible, I guess… " She shrugged. "I mean there's been always strange things, Jonathan Cameron, rumors of mechwarriors able to make their mechs invisible, people not really knowing why they did something, just a hunch…" Aiko pondered. "And let's be honest, quantum theory demands alternate realities, it's direct in the KF equations."

I nodded, while Ichigo looked a bit conflicted. Kelia snorted.

"Oh, please. It's a drug dream, you all can't be taking it seriously." Kelia just shook her head. "It's bad science fiction."

Ichigo looked at the ceiling of the dining area. "It's not that I'm taking it as gospel, it's that I'm aware enough that to know truth is stranger than fiction."

"Prove it."

"Would you say some of New Kyoto or Ozawa's anime is bad martial arts?" Aiko shot.

Kelia snorted. "Of course, hell, the Street Fighter series is proof of that. Ki? Please."

Three snickers responded to her derisions. I was able to beat the other two. "While not true, the ability to use life force to do things… exists."

"Ha. No way." She shook her head. "The Kuritans would have used it against us by now."

"They do." Ichigo was quiet. "While, yes, ki blasts, all that stuff is beyond reality, the ability to use your own internal energy to enhance your personal fighting, stealth, even appear more attractive or personable exists." Kelia's head whipped around to stare at Ichigo, only to whip around to Aiko.

"Or you thought Kikyo's popularity when fans meet her was just due to how good she is at presenting a nice personality?" An arched eyebrow from Aiko indicated how little Kelia should believe it.

I shook my head, glaring at Aiko. "It's not that bad, but yes, basically you can enhance what you already have. But not to too far beyond human norm, so…" I shrug. "Most people just assume it's in variance, since not only do you need specific training for it, the ability to use it is fairly rare and people generally assume easily."

"Then why isn't it in heavy use?" Kelia shot back.

"Because it's really only good for martial arts, personal appearances, espionage, assassinations. Generally, it enhances, not makes you a god." Ichigo shrugs. "Which is why I thought those myths were possibly some unique ki ability." At Kelia's incredulous look, he grinned and his hand began to glow with an incredibly faint warm black light to my eyes, but not Kelia's, that he rubbed on her shoulder, to her leaping back.

"What the…" She turned to Aiko who shook her head.

"Not unlocked mine yet." Aiko shrugged and Kelia turned to look at me, and I responded with my own aura. Normally a soft red and gold, hints of blue are now visible to those sensitive to ki. If Kelia wasn't explicitly looking for what the aura did, she'd have missed it.

Blowing out a breath, I let the tiredness show. "Doing that takes energy."

Kelia simply looked at us. "You felt more 'here'." She paused. "More attractive, more friendly… and that thing with Ichigo's hand? Yow… I thought I was going to be burned." Ichigo nodded shortly.

"Yep. It's almost always subtle. Which is why I'm only thinking the ghost stories are a possibility. Quite possibly some stealth Lostech, too, never discount the easiest explanation."

I narrowed my eyes, and then shook my head. "I doubt ki, Annoyance. I'd dread the amount of training or ability needed to make a 'Mech invisible, much less an Archer."

Kelia blew out a breath. "So, basically, you three aren't discounting the possibility."

"Anything's possible." Ichigo shrugged. "It'd help if there was some easy to prove factoids you got from this lore… but there's enough undreamed of under the heavens..." He trailed off. Nodding once. "And your ki color is off, too. You shouldn't have blue. And your gold tints are stronger."

"What color?" Kelia looked lost.

"Battle aura." Aiko snorted. "Ki potentials and adepts can see it, those without, can't. Answers that question about you."

I snickered. "That it does, you don't have it." I shrugged. "Think of it if it'd help as an extra muscle or knack, nothing more. Just like you're very good at projecting a role, or Aiko with anything scientific."

Kelia blew out a breath. "I'd say you're pulling special effects, but I watched Ichigo get dressed, no way he could put on sheer gloves and a heater without me seeing. Okay. Let's assume it's possible. Melange is weird anyways, and has really weird effects on occasion." She took a deep breath. "Is there anything as Ichigo said that is easy to prove or disprove? I mean, only reason even with your little stunts, I'm taking this seriously, is myths and legends have some truths." We all nodded at that.

I shook my head. "Said person was a decent fan of the game, though rants about our technology were amusing." I tapped my chin. "And haunting bulletin boards where fanworks were performed…" Ichigo nodded.

Aiko grounded, and banged her head. "Oh, gods, so many 'interpretations'." Kelia joined her in wincing.

"So… you have to sort though. Any easy ones?" Ichigo raised an eyebrow.

"Epsilon Eridani." Three blank stares.

I grinned at their look. "Supposedly, when one of the cities was leveled during the First Succession War… a… " I narrowed my eyes, thinking. Trying to pull a memory and was successful. "Madison, their capital before and after the Coup, not only had a Star League Mint, but a depot for the Defense Force. And there's another one in the Shamus Mountains with a Colossus, that's the only hard detail that's ah, easy to prove and from 'official' canon of the game."

I shrugged. "Names, and rest from 'fanworks' I've already started. Apparently the dream guy had a habit of making basic plans for every situation."

Aiko snorted. "Sounds like an officer of a competent military." Ichigo nodded.

"He was."

Kelia's head titled. "He, as in a guy? Ouch. THat must have been fun."

"Eh… past lives." Kelia shook her head.

"You buddhists. Tsk." She grinned to remove the sting. "But nothing on the Depot in Madison?"

I shook my head. "No specific details, but implications of a semi or fully automated repair/refurbishment center."

Ichigo narrowed his eyes. "That's your easy?" He looked up.

I sighed. "It's proof at least in concept, if not there, then the lore was just that, fiction. If there, or some of the names I started searches on are here…"

Ichigo nodded. "Then it's worth investigating more. Otherwise…"

Aiko opened her mouth, then closed it for a moment. "And you have a shake and bake, add people merc unit. … this is sounding like bad fiction."

I snickered, but Kelia blinked. "Yes… that does actually make things… interesting. God.. or to you heathens, the Universe does not do conidicendes." Several nods with that.

Ichigo shrugged. "Then you give everything you know or dreamed to MIIO, and we're golden." He grinned. "Hell, you might get a planet of your very own to turn into a sin palace, to compete with Hardcore!" His smile took the sting out of it.

"No, before that, and even before the Colossus recovery, there's some things we can do."

"Any expert on Combine culture, has to know Helm's got the cache." I looked at Ichigo, who nodded softly.

"Yes, the Coordinator himself wouldn't have gone himself, unless he reasonably expected it to be there, and it explains the temper tantrum he threw. Face." He rolled his eyes and his tone came out disgusted. The Imperial Japanese wannabes of the Draconis Combine had been some of the worst offenders of the conga train of planetary destruction that took part in the First and Second Succession wars over the empty throne of the Star League. While Kentarus, a world where they replicated the Imperial Japanese Army's Rape of Nanking, but on a planetary scale to the tune of eighty-five million bayoneted, beheaded, tortured to death, and all that, was a 'high' point of their genocidal activities, Helm got the Draconis Combine's touch as well, just from orbital fire, nukes and impersonal slaughter.

My face was impassive, at his last words. However, I didn't let the disgust I felt, stronger than normal at genocidal Snakes, show in my voice. "What the memories did show is the cache would be found in 3028, and how it was found." I paused, and grinned. "And where, and how to get in. Which if we can verify the geology that the novel described, fairly unique…"

Ichigo blinked. Kelia blinked. Aiko grinned.

"Not proof, but…" Ichigo interrupted her.

"Details."

"Underground river, dammed up, near Freeport, I'd have to fully write it down, and do some sketches, plus ask a planetary surveyor or geologist."

"And we know some!" Aiko cheered. "Anything else?"

"Yep. And you can help, Ichigo." His eyebrows rose.

"Oh?" A wealth of meaning there.

"Ask MIIO for some trivia on Helm, like what the senior nobility for the planet got as regalia, as part of Castle Helmfast." Ichigo's eyebrow rose at that, and I answered his question. "Key item is a data chip. It's not only important as some info is on it, maps, precisely, but acts as a key to the hidden depot. Don't use it and try to force the doors… boom. No idea why the belt and pistol are part of it." I shrugged.

Ichigo nodded. "I don't recall those specifics on the Helm landhold, so I doubt you'd have any reason to know them. MIIO should, and shouldn't be that classified. As for confirming that the SLDF used an underground cavern system carved out by a river, we'd just need some maps, and a surveyor who's good at that type of analysis to look at."

"Doesn't solve the problem of getting it." Kelia shrugged. "I mean, raiding…"

I grinned. "And that we won't be doing."

"Huh?" "What?" "You have to be kidding me…" Kelia was the last to speak, a bit bemused.

"Oh, think about this. I own the merc unit, am an actress who's written some ah… fiction."

"Uh-huh…" Aiko was the first to verbalize the 'What the hell are you thinking' implication, but they were all thinking.

I looked at Kelia. "How much you want to bet the FWLM would swallow an actress wanting to do a movie about Helm's hammering by the snakes, considering said actress is from the Suns, and is willing to hang around the region for five years while doing it?"

Ichigo blinked. Aiko blinked. Kelia paused. Paused some more. "Got a role for me, I hope…" I nodded at that. "Could work, yes." Kelia thought about it some more. "And I'm sure that they'd not get the idea we're actually cache hunting…"

"We?" Ichigo and Aiko chorused.

"If you think I would believe you'd let Kiki wander off to do this insanity alone, you're crazy. And getting away from New Avalon wouldn't be a bad idea for her or me." She shrugged. "If nothing else, I could while not filming ethier do PIO work, or if nothing else, act as a maid… what's the military term for that?"

"Steward." Ichigo stated. "Yeah, that'd work. Though Aiko has NAIS, I have the Guards." He looked at the room. "But… This might work. IF we have some proof before the long haul." Nodding once. "Kelia, I don't think I need to tell you not to tell anyone under the Sword's rules."

She shook her head. "Well, then we need to meet with the people coming… about 1700 zulu, and then decide and see what we have to work with." I tamped down irritation at Ichigo's assuming command, but he was used to it, and the fact is, I'd have to lean on him to make this work.

"I have a tech coming by to fire Bun Bun up, I think it'd make a bigger and better impression on the people if I could show them I could at least walk a mech." I tapped my lips. "Couldn't hurt."

Ichigo shook his head. "No, it couldn't. Right, We have…" He looked at a big watch on his left wrist and nodded. "Six hours. Let's get what we need done before we have to go meet them." Pausing a moment, he nodded once, and in Japanese spoke into Aiko's ears. <"Make sure Kelia doesn't go anywhere else."> With hearing that I realized what I had done. My previous self here trusted Kelia. My other previous self had known better, but hadn't twigged to the danger, lulled by the trust. I winced, subtle enough that only Ichigo picked up on it, and as he stood up, he winked and nodded. "See you all in a bit." With that, he strode out, followed by Kelia who had indicated she was going to take a nap until then.

"Before you even think about trying to lecture me about staying in NAIS, I'll remind you I can study and take the tests remotely or via challenge." She sniffed. "Or take a few years off, come back, and then finish my degree." She shook her head. "I want to be part of this… think of the things we can find…" She grew starry eyed, then shook herself back to reality. "And if it's false, well, it's only a semester. Not a big deal."

I didn't have a response. Part of me was very much aware this was risky, but that'd not bother Aiko, the other part of me realized leaving her behind was almost, no, maybe more risky. Putting aside national states, there were many players behind the scenes that could and would not only threaten Aiko but either kill her or worse, kidnap her to get to me and what I held.

"We'll see." I finally said. Aiko stood up and walked out, shooting a look that I had no problems translating as 'No, we won't.'

***

Battlemechs. The disputed kings of Battle. Well, depending who you talked to. Any serious professional who studied history, knew that the Artillery was still king, just not often brought to the battlefield. The reason for the Battletech game, in fact. Basic concept? Big Giant Stompy robots that can level city blocks in a short amount of time. Piloted by one person, who became the knights of the setting. Pretty much the whole thing.

Now, being in a 'real' world that ran close to what those, in universes where they didn't exist, would consider 'real physics', how did they work? The fundamental issue with combat Mecha was ground pressure, which this universe's designers had solved earlier on. It's called oversized feet, in relation to their height, and in primus, Battlemechs weren't much more, and in several cases placing less pressure than your average human, on the ground, and we put some serious pressure on the ground.

The other issue, is how did they become kings of the battlefield? They're tall, they're visible, they're costly, they're ultra high tech. Even with Battletech's technology favoring mostly non hanger queen and endurance designs, Battlemechs shouldn't have taken over the premier shock role from tanks, or so 'realists' argue. But they did.

Because for all their flaws, all their cost, they had several edges that couldn't be countered. Far more terran independent than tanks, more nimble than tanks, and more importantly, even the lightest tanks in terms of crew couldn't match the training years of a Mechwarrior. (In essence, the twenty and twenty-five ton two-man tanks needed four man-years for a crew to be trained, a Battlemech pilot, aka Mechwarrior, needed two to three. This only got more divergent with heavier tanks.)

All things equal, when you factor in interstellar lift, crew training needs, and their terrain ability, Battlemechs actually make sense as a supplement for tanks. Add in the glamour of being knights in their armor?

Yeah. What a lot of people who played the game and talked about how unlike 'reality', didn't get, was it made sense. You in space lift, have to carry the most effective assets you can, that can do the most. Add in crew training and crew lift costs? Battlemechs' superiority on the battlefield was more the nature of war. The Hollywood effect was just bonus. I'll admit in universe people took the hollywood effect too far, at times, but in reality, there were sound reasons. And I lived in a realm where they weren't completely worshipped.

All this flashed through my head as I stared at the white and grey Battlemech with long shoulders, forward cockpit, and armored fists in front of me. An Archer, at seventy tons, was the premier fire support design. Armed with generally forty long ranged missiles per salvo, and backup weapons, Archers filled the role of direct distance fire and short ranged artillery on the battlefields, and often were used as commander's rides. In fact, one senior commander of the time, the famous mercenary Jamie Wolf, used an Archer as his command vehicle. Another who was about to become famous, Morgan Kell also used an Archer.

As I looked at Debora Hickey, a just mustered out AFFS mech tech, as well as a (slightly younger than I) former child actress, swarm down from Bun Bun's cockpit, I pondered the amusement of the universe. Battlemechs, by and large ran hot.

It's not an understatement to say that some battlemechs ran hot enough to vaporize the sweat off their mechwarrior's body as they fought, though at that point they almost always shut down. To combat that, mechwarriors had cooling systems they wore, really glorified nouveau freon piping and similar to keep the heat from literally boiling the mechwarrior.

At first, and since the fall of technology cooling suits are in essence vests over the chest, and piping in a giant bulky neurohelmet, the item that allows mechwarriors to really pilot their mechs, connected to the Battlemech's own cooling system.

However, the Star League had better. Much better. Instead of just a vest worn with as little, in fact one fiction set in the game's universe had a female mechwarrior of this general period remove her vest and reveal the only thing she was wearing was her panties… Men were no more dressed ethier, so don't think it's pure sexism, just read above about Battlemechs and cockpit heat.

The suit that had come with Bun Bun from my paternal grandparents, was a Star League cooling suit of the Civil War era. Not only did it have the tubing vest, but it had tubes covering the thighs and several other areas to help reduce the heat load on the Mechwarrior. The tubes were smaller, a bit more flexible, connected to a smaller helm, made out of material that transmitted temperature better, and last but not least, linked to pumps carried on the belt, as well as an extra heat exchanger so the suit itself did some of the work. And it allowed a reasonable skintight outfit to be worn under it, of some heat conductivity.

Only problem is, I knew I was hot, so… I had to be amused. The suit I had would do a better job, and keep me warm OUTSIDE the mech, but the cheesecake factor of the current cooling models, I was ideal for. Upside, the suit, while still scaled for a 5'4" ish woman, was skintight, and had mesh arms, so some more tasteful cheesecake was still possible. As proven by the skintight catsuit I was currently wearing, in a tasteful black.

"Oi, Kiki." A voice broke into my amusement, as Debora eyed me. "Bun Bun's ready for initial calibration, which stuns me you haven't done it before. Plus security." She hissed the last, stunned that I hadn't done that.

"Right." I replied, looking at the sandy haired grease stained young woman. I felt Ichigo step to my side, with Kelia studying the hanger near Xanadu where Bun Bun stood proud a few feet away. "Status?"

"Good for a couple of months of full use on hydrogen, weapons passed basic in hanger check, all electronics and reactor did too, though the acid test is firing them. Ammo state is zero, no LRMS for the launchers. And may I say that's the best computer system in a mech I've worked with?" I raised my eyebrow at her. "Responsive as hell, plus whoever put him to bed did a good job. Also some oddities. You really need a senior tech to take a look at this, and tell you some differences, this guy's hardware is good, Kiki."

Ichigo's voice sounded a bit bemused. "How so, Deb? It's an Archer."

"Yes, built in 2764, last log entry 2783, kept sealed and quiet until now, and a SLDF
serial number, Ichi." She shrugged. "Even if Bun Bun wasn't royal, he's still a late era SLDF Mech, which means a lot of nifty electronics we can't build."

I broke in. "Are you saying my grandparents, sent me a Royal?" Royal mechs were the most advanced, most high tech mechs ever produced to Inner sphere knowledge. Filled with all the toys possible, they increased combat capability by an easy fifty percent per ton, generally over the pitiful number of new mechs built now.

"Maybe. If it's a 2Rb, it's missing Artemis, though given that it seems to have room for an extra ton of ammo, as well as the Machine gun next to it's right med, makes sense. It's most certainly got freezers and Endo steel, which means double strength heat sinks, and a lighter frame…" She trailed off, then nodded once, picking up the train of thought. "So, given that and it's computer systems? Yeah, it's a Royal."

I stared. Ichigo just facepalmed while Aiko snickered. Finally I just shook my head. "That does explain where the cooling suit came from."

"Which you need a tailor who can work with it for, not me. I can uncrate a mech, sure, with the toys you have to repair stuff? Easy. Modify that suit?" The sandy haired tech snickered. "Not. Even if I wanted to get my hands all over your hot little bod.. Can't do it."

I winked at her, showing off a bit but nodded. "But for just walking…"

"Bun Bun would be nice and chill with just stretching his legs, Kiki." Deb snickered. "Hell, even firing all his piss off weapons would not make him run hot. But still, better get that done if you're going to do more than just walk him. Which would be a huge shame." She nodded. "I get the sense he's in the mood to kill some things."

I rolled my eyes. "And I'm the Japanese girl who's supposed to believe in kami, Deb, not you."

She shrugged. "My view, m'kay, shorty?" She was taller than me, but still, calling me short was a bit of an annoyance.

"Right." Ichigo finally broke in. "We have about 2 hours left, so get in there, and start calibration." His head shake indicated he just didn't want to deal with anything but the impending situation.

Walking over to the raisable platform, I nodded at Debora, who pressed a button and
the lift rose to the top of the cockpit, where the hatch was open and waiting. Boarding mechs was idiosyncratic to each mech, and the Archer's hatch was on the top of the cockpit, and we were now level with the opening. A part of the gantry was extending to let a person walk out to the waiting mech.

"Well." Debora stated. "Get in, the gantry's extended and you drop into it." She tilted her head and smiled. "I'll stay out here, you put this cord into where I've marked." With that, she handed me a cord.

"Got it." Walking to the edge of the gantry, I simply stepped off, half spinning and catching the gantry's lip to keep from squishing, instead of using the rope ladder that had come attached to the portable gantry lift. Using the grip I had gotten, to slow down my descent, I released and fell the remaining few meters into the cockpit, bending slightly to absorb the shock.

A faint shout from twelve meters below indicated what the onlookers thought. "Showoff!" in a female tone indicated that Aiko was watching, as I truly entered the battlemech.

Looking around the cockpit, I found Debora's sticky note, and put the cord in. After a moment, the speakers crackled. "Right, Kiki. First, I've already done and put in your baseline from 5 years ago, that'll help as it compares the current and previous patterns. Second, there's another sticky note where you plug in that datachip I had you make. Put it in."

I nodded. Debora was insistent I put the security vocal cues and responses in privately, or with no one that I didn't trust implicitly in the room. I had done so, with Aiko helping, and now, Debora was uploading the ones I had done.

"Two … ah. One for powering up and sensors on, one for weapons free and movement free. Nice. Good check." Pausing a moment, then her voice, satisfied continued.. "Right, go ahead and fire up, I can't hear you since I disabled the mech, and once it's verified to work, the chip will be erased."

Flipping the master Start switch, a contralto voice spoke. "What is required for evil to triumph?"

"For good men to stand by."

"Master start activated. Reactor Online, Systems Check. Warning, Machine gun is out of ammunition, Warning, No LRM Ammunition in Magazine 1, Warning, No LRM Ammunition in Magazine 2." Lights began to turn from red to yellow to green in various spots, though a selection of lights remained red, the gyro and limb actuator status lights as well as the weapon status lights.

"I do not stand idly by."

"Sensors online, All movement Systems online. All weapons Online. Warning. No LRM ammunition. Warning. No Machine Gun Ammunition, Warning. Pilot is not wearing a neurohelmet. Warning. No full synchronicity with Pilot Ferret has been determined."

I stared at that. Making a mental note to stab Debora somewhere soft, after asking where did she hear of Sluggy Freelance, since it was after all the divergent dates, I put the neurohelmet on my lap, thrilling in the hum of the reactor behind me, the sense of power that Bun Bun possessed, even half disarmed. I began to understand dimly what Mechwarriors really felt.

Shaking the thought loose, I started to go through the mental checklist I had memorized, but before I could even finish a tenth of it, a voice broke in. Debora again. "Right, now that almost all's green, I can hear you. First, we're going to put on the neurohelmet. You know it's the most important bit."

I gathered my hair, and took off a hairband from my wrist. Putting it into a ponytail, I let my hands expertly wind it into a bun, which I used a pin out of my vest pocket to secure. Having done that, I put on what made Battlemechs truly possible as weapons of war.

The neurohelmet. This, over the programming and sensors and automation built into Battlemechs, made the war machines possible. At it's basic, it was a EKG reader, able to translate the neurons firing into something the computer understood. This allowed for various activities, such as the computers knowing the pilot really wanted to step just a little bit, when the controls couldn't parse it, how much to grip with hands or when to override the very conservative movement programs, so a Battlemech could actually dance, if the pilot was good enough. I wasn't.

Current versions were the size of giant buckets, and rested on people's shoulders, and could only do the most basic, while smaller versions, more oversized motorcycle like, or even more compact had existed, none were being made. As with my cooling suit, Bun Bun came with one of the best ever made. Not only could it read more types of thoughts, it did it better, and could allow computers not set to track multiple targets track them.

Even better, both compact versions could transmit information to the pilot. Very basic information (usually where you were hit), but the more advanced could give nudges on what the pilot should be paying attention.

The downside of course, was a fairly complex process of calibration to the neurohelmet as well as to the Battlemech. Baselines could be done, and I had had one, but even then a fair bit of time was needed to make the Battlemech and it's pilot understand each other.

"Right. Beginning comparison map. Think of walking." A pair of lights had gone red, as well as several other lights have gone yellow, indicating a helm mismatch.

"Doing so." I responded.

"Think of swinging your arms." Debora ran through several dozen more matches, then finished sourly "Good news, you're fine to go with Neurohelmets. Bad news is, whoever did your calibration before fucked it. Barely 75% match on baseline."

I wasn't going to tell her what happened, I realized how insane that'd be, but I had a better guess on what caused the conflict. Putting that aside… "So…"

"Now we spend the next hour and a half getting some of the stuff out of the way. Let's have you take your hands off the controls, if not already, and I'm going to run you through a checklist of what you need to think. It's going to take a while, sadly, then you're going to have to do more!" The Tech answered with a bit of sadism. "Let's get this started."

Sighing, I spent the next hour and a half doing what she said, which involved mostly answering questions, thinking about certain movements, twitching certain body parts and on and on.

As Debora stopped, I sourly spoke, a bit sweaty, already having unzipped my front to my waistline. "I thought you said Bun Bun would be cool."

"For a battlemech he is. You're the idiot who thought putting on a skintight non mesh bodysuit was a good idea." Debora's voice shot back.

"I'm going to stab you somewhere soft. And where did you learn about Sluggy Freelance?"

"Dad. He's a fan of late 20th century newspaper comic strips." She replied. "So, Ferret-girl, with these reads, Bun Bun won't stab you if you move him, though I'd avoid fighting him yet. And don't try anything too fancy. Walking at most." She paused. "And we need to get this done, so… block time. But given the glare below, I want the cable back, and I'll let Ichigo get up here." Punching the release for the cable, I sat back and waited. Her face shortly appeared at the cockpit canopy, as the gantry lowered down. She was cheerfully waving pixie sticks at me.

"I will get her, somehow…" I muttered. Pulling out the booklet I had put in my valley, I opened it to the pages of cockpit lights, and started double checking what each light meant. While Battlemechs had vocal systems to inform pilots, and some, like Bun Bun tried to tell their pilots things via the neurohelmet, backups such as display lights, HUDs, and other MFD existed for helping the pilot keep an eye on various aspects of his or her mech. Managing these systems was nearly half the training involved with piloting a mech.

Shortly a thump was heard, and I turned around to look behind me. The rope ladder I had earlier saw, was in the cockpit, and Aiko was scrambling down it, and as she stepped aside, Ichigo and then Kelia followed. I felt very crowded, even as the three got very well acquainted as they squished together.

Given the size of cockpits for Battlemechs, one additional person besides the pilot could fit in, two more were pushing it, and three over the pilot was a very tight fit, even after adjusting the seat and pedals to fit my very small size, at least for Battlemech pilots.

"It warms my heart to see my friends and family growing closer." I remarked a bit sardonically. "But I do have to wonder why you all are here."

Ichigo rolled his eyes. "I'm here to get you to the dropship pads where your fleet is landing, Aiko because she's curious, and Kelia… not sure."

"Better than being tied up by Aiko and kept in Xanadu." The named woman shot back. "I gathered you don't quite trust me."

Aiko shot back from where she was squished, a bit out of breath. "Would… off, get elbow out of my chest, Kelia! You, in our ow! Shoes?" She finally got settled where she would not be squished and having sharp joints put into her body. "Seriously."

Kelia just smiled. "Of course not, I could write that script myself."

"Ha, ha." Ichigo snorted. "And where did you learn to tie up people, Aiko?"

"Hojojutsu, got into Mom's books." I suspect Ichigo and Kelia felt Aiko's shrug.

I shot back. "And who did you practice with?" I said quietly, full of menace.

I felt a grin on my back. "No one, which is why I'm not happy with Kelia." Aiko chirped at me.

"Okay, you three." Kelia interrupted a bit bemused. "Hojojutsu?"

Ichigo rolled his eyes. "Art of tying prisoners up, basically."

"Uh-huh. And Kiki didn't get a bit lethal when she asked who Aiko practiced with. Full story." Kelia's tone was amused.

I shot back as I watched the gantry roll away, and Debora hop out to a waiting truck, where a flag had been taped to the roll bar. :"Ichigo isn't telling the whole story. It has a devolved art, called Shibari."

"Oh…" Kelia's tone indicated she understood. "Did Ichigo study that book? And does he need a sparring partner?"

A moment of quiet was in the cockpit, finally broken by Aiko. "Do not want to know. Do not want to hear. Do not need to know."

Ichigo's voice was amused. "I'll be buying you dinner tonight. Justice is served."

"Why thank you."

I cut in. "We're about to move. Hold on." I put my feet into the pedals, and my hands on the joysticks. As Debora pulled the truck to a lead position, I waved the left hand of Bun Bun, which she understood as 'ready'. With that, she puttered the truck forward, guiding Bun Bun out into the open. I grinned as I hit the pedals, and Bun Bun's onboard autopilots took over. "Let's go!" I sang softly, thrilling to Bun Buns barely restrained power as he strode into the sunlight, smooth as silk.

End Chapter 1.

1: RCT, aka Regimental Combat Team. Nine to ten regiments of combat units, one of which was almost always a Battlemech regiment (120 or so battlemechs) or equivalent in unit size to a Star League division. Fills the same basic role as a corps did in previous wars. Ryanne isn't kidding in this period of Battletech history, an RCT can and often did take a planet.

MageOhki · Dec 4, 2018

Edit note: Chapter 2's two parts are spoilered since they're the orginal version, not edited. Edited Chapter 2 and new chapters follow.

Right. Grab your smartgun, put on the mirrorshades, hit the radio to produce 80's hair band tunes, 'casue we're going 80's

And for those of you say it's nice she's not Hanse worshipping or throwing her stuff at his feet... She's on New Avalon, what is a poor fox to do when a henhouse comes to him?

... Besides get the eggs, of course.

With a lever big enough I can move the world

Chapter 2

A Battletech FanFiction

By

Andrew "MageOhki" Norris.

See Chapter 1 for disclaimers and other information

Find your footing.

When dealing with those who are powerful, sly and cunning, much less rulers of interstellar policies of great size, be bold, is not always a good strategy. But the timid don't win.

Bluffing and lying work, but sooner or later, your bluffs will be called, and your lies will be exposed. Be prepared to cover them. Better yet, only do it when you have to… and still have a plan B.

There are three things you can always trust to screw you over. A person's greed, a mule's stubbornness, and your own inability to recognize when you're over your head.

Be careful with trusting people, even family. Even if they have loyalty to you, a question you must ask is… who else are they loyal to?

Letting anyone into your heart is a risk, you might get it broken. But being alone is so much worse.

From the journals and notes of Kikyo Onishi, New Avalon Press, 3291 AD, as part of the "Century of Chaos: The Movers and Shakers." series.

As we strode out of the warehouse that was an impromptu hanger, I listened to the chatter of my passengers.

"Huh. Much better than the last time I rode with you." Kelia muttered. "These mechs are something else."

Ichigo was paying attention to what I was doing. "She's using mostly automated programs, and pretty much letting Bun Bun's computers do the work. Smart."

I rolled my eyes, as we stepped out into the sunlight, and Debora quickly veered to the side. "Where are we going."

"Loaded with a local waypoint map?" Ichigo asked, and got my nod, as I pulled up the map he was referring to. "Waypoint Bravo-3, Waypoint Bravo-5, Delta -3, then Echo-7. Let the computers do the work."

Punching those in, I took my feet off the pedals, and kept light hands on the joysticks, as autopilot engaged. Even current mechs could do this safely, given the nature of a Dropship spaceport, Bun Bun just did it as if he had a veteran at the controls. I had already transmitted our course to the Ground Traffic control center. Didn't want to get vaporized by a dropship, after all.

A Dropship port is a fairly big place, so going to where we were supposed to go took a fair bit of time. Before we could get to the last waypoint, Two Battlemechs painted in the Heavy Guards colors stepped in front of us, and a transmission rattled over my speakers.

"Halt and state your business." The male voice was professional and to the point.

I halted Bun Bun, and before I could reach my radio's frequency settings, Bun Bun had already set the radio to transmit on the correct frequency.

"Kikyo Onishi, to watch arrival of several dropships which are now mine." I would have added more, but Ichigo's hand cut me off.

"Captain Onishi here, why has the Heavy Guards been deployed?" Ichigo's tone was curious. "The dropships were expected, after all."

"Wait one." Within a moment, a third mech, another Archer had stepped around the buildings, and stopped in front of us. The Archer then proceed to lean down and let a pair of uniformed soldiers climb aboard a hand, which was then raised, and the Archer stepped forward, bringing the hand to where the soldiers could look into the cockpit, as I opened the hatch.

The female of the pair was holding a video camera, and Ichigo waved at it. "Kuniochi, why are there three women in the cockpit, besides you?"
I spun my head to look at Ichigo, while Aiko did the same, mouthing 'Kunoichi'?

"One is the owner of this mech, and the dropships arriving, my sister.. The youngest is my youngest sister, Aiko, and the other is a friend, Kelia Harper." Ichigo's tone was a bit frosty

"Aaa, see you didn't tell them your call sign, then. I wonder why." The voice sounded amused. "Must be a good friend, considering…"

"Virgin, respectfully, shut up." Ichigo shot back. "Kikyo has a right to see her property, does she not?"

The Mechwarrior call signed Virgin responded, still amused. "Ayep. What's the loadout status?"

"No ammo."

"Safe the lasers, and you're good to proceed." The voice was now more serious.

I did so, and Ichigo nodded. "Done, sir, now again, may I ask why my unit seems to be out in force?"

"Besides the fact we have enough military dropships to fully carry us and a bit more landing?" The tone was asking 'Are you stupid?' "Classified. Miss Onishi, your waypoints are Echo-7, Gamma-3, Hotel-5, you will be met by someone at Hotel-5."

My smart ass mode engaged. "Understood, ah, I didn't get your name, just your call sign… which if you want fixed is possible, you know…"

A moment of silence as several snickers were heard from other units on the net. "Major Zibler, Miss Onishi, and I'm married."

"Aaaa. Must be a story." I plugged in the waypoints, and nodded at the receipt. "Good to go."

"Understood." The three mechs stepped aside, and I let Bun Bun's autopilot engage.

As Bun Bun strode forward at a sedate 20 kph, Aiko finally asked. "Kunoichi?" Her voice was delighted. "Wouldn't that be Kiki's or my nickname?"

"Callsigns aren't flattering." Kelia responded, still amused. "Though I'll admit those two were epic." Ichigo's jaw was a bit tense.

I shot back, amused as well. "Could be worse, Ichigo could be Virgin instead."
"That one I've got to hear." Kelia nodded. Ichigo sighed.

"Can we drop it?" Three feminine eyes looked at each other.

"For now." "Only until I want you to do something." "Oh, I'll be kind."

Ichigo just shook his head. "Yuk it up. At least I'm not Zibler."

"And how did he get that?" Kelia responded.

"Idiot on his first night partying at Albion stated he would only have sex on his wedding night. A friend of his shot back. 'So forever a virgin you will remain!' It stuck." Ichigo grinned.

Aiko snickered. "And Kunoichi?"

Ichigo rolled his eyes. "Was given that because Mom was a single mother, and I'm pretty decent at being stealthy." He paused, and nodded once. "'So, Subaltern Onishi, what you're saying is your family is a Kunoichi family?'"

I sighed. Aiko signed and nodded. "Not so bad, then, I guess."

"Ayup." Ichigo settled back a bit.

Before any of us could continue harassing the poor man, we saw a Battlemaster, with a collection of other mechs turn and look at us. Along it's left side were two stripes running heightwise, one red, one white, while the rest of the mech's metal was in Davion Blue, with sunbursts and swords on the Shoulders. All the mechs except my white and grey Bun Bun were in variants of that pattern, which confirmed they were the Heavy Guards.

Ichigo had stiffened, then sighed. "Well, that explains why the Heavy's here."

I didn't turn to look, but I know he felt my question, and he answered it. "I'd be very unsurprised, Kiki, if that's not the First Prince himself."

"Oh." I concentrated on being *very* inoffensive. "Oh. You think he's…"

Ichigo's shrug was felt by all of us. "Partly here to gawk, partly here to likely start sounding you out about getting all that stuff, would be my bet."

I would have commented, but the Battlemaster had waved, then pointed at a spot next to the assault class mech. I understood what that meant.

"I'm pretty sure they radio'ed ahead." I said dryly. "I suspect he wants to raid the henhouse early on."

Ichigo's look I felt though the seat.

"Hey, the family symbol is a Fox." I shot back as I carefully and slowly moved Bun Bun next to the Battlemaster, so our shoulders would be less than a meter apart, as we overlooked the spaceport.

"Uh-huh. Pop the top so we can climb out and see." Aiko called out, and I obliged. Shortly, the two other women were out and sitting on Bun Bun's shoulders, having moved carefully, while Ichigo unfolded the Rumble seat to watch.

I flipped a camera to watch the Battlemaster, while the main view was on the spaceport, and Ichigo told me the channel to listen for Flight control.

Shortly, Flight control's channel grew frantic, and we had the awe inspiring sight of dropship after dropship landing. Most impressive were the Colossi and the Mammoths, respectively the largest ever military dropship, and the largest planetary capable cargo dropship.

70 dropships. That was well beyond 2 billion Cbills in hardware, capable of transporting over a hundred and fifty thousand tons of cargo, over two Regimental Combat teams, just about, the largest formations in combat currently comprised of 9 plus regiments of front line combat troops, split among battlemechs, tanks and infantry. What was in them would easily equip at least one of the RCT's. My displays presented which dropship was which, likely force composition, and other detailed analysis. I was totally impressed with the data flowing across the screens.

I was distracted from watching the last aerodyne shaped dropship taxi to join the rest of the flotilla, as well as the data streaming through my Heads Up Display, by the Battlemaster turning to face one of the mechs. I was irresistibly reminded of an argument going on, even though I couldn't hear anything, it was just the body language the mechs were displaying. Shortly, the Battlemaster's language turned satisfied, and the Victor's was a bit rejected, but the Victor held out a hand near where I suspected the hatch was.

"Miss Onishi." The radio crackled, and the unfamiliar male voice on it continued. "Please do not move, you have someone who wishes to talk to you." The voice put action to words, as a man stepped onto the hand, only wearing a cooling vest, very short shorts and a pair of boots, accompanied by a pistol on his leg and a knife in his boot, stepped onto the hand.

Shortly a voice called out after the Victor had put itself in front of me, and raised the hand to the hatch. "Can I drop in?" Ichigo's stiffening wasn't needed to tell me who it was, though part of me was going "Shatner?"
"Of course, Your Highness." I responded before Ichigo could.

I looked up and discovered three things. A: Hanse Davion really was a James Kirk expy. B: He also had the same bare chest thing going Kirk did. C: Kikyo really liked the look and vibe, who knew she was fond of older and more powerful males.

With a thump Hanse Davion arrived into Bun Bun's cockpit. "Captain, Miss Onishi."

"Sir." "Your Highness." He waved off our attempts to stand, and respectively salute or bow, and looked around.

"... This is not a standard Archer, a 2R, I believe, that's in it's documentation." He didn't sound accusing or threatening, just amused.

I thought for a moment, and shrugged. "Nope. Didn't really know about it, til I fired it
up." Pausing for a moment, I grinned at the look on his face. Complete incomprension. "Couldn't, the conservator was being… restrictive on more than just liquid assets."

"Excuse me?" Hanse's tone wasn't just the polite inquiry of a gentleman, he was honestly curious to what I was implying, instead of not using a Battlemech, as his mind couldn't wrap around anyone with one not learning all about it or using it.

"When Ichigo was assigned to the Guards, and assigned off planet, while I was empancipated, I still needed by law an conservator." Hanse nodded, understanding, and I continued. "She was quite… strict on the limitations, and I quote, what does an actress need with a Battlemech, but no judge would sign off on selling property, so…"

"I.. see." He turned to look at Ichigo. "And pray tell, Captain, why was this not handled?"

Ichigo shot me a look. "Sire, I was not informed, for my sister tends to believe she can do anything."

"Ah…" Hanse leaned against the cockpit wall. "Then this should be at least less unpleasant than I hoped. I do intend to try to gain what you inherited." He paused looking at me. "For fair value, of course, of course. While there are legal means to rend it from you, mind you, considering some of the dropships… I much rather not have to go through the process. Not only would it be dimly looked upon… it likely would be more expensive."

I nodded. Squishing an internal voice that demanded certain considerations of a more intimate nature in lieu of cash, I instead asked… "Exactly what do you want?"

"The jumpship and military dropships to start, honestly. Would you like a Duchy?" Hanse smiled roguishly. "All things considered, I'm going to try very hard to make sure that Monolith doesn't leave New Avalon without being in AFFS colours. And I am prepared to make strenuous efforts and legal at that to keep the Colossi in the same state. I'm stunned they got here, in fact"

I nodded at that. "I'm afraid some of your goals will be difficult to attain. But first I have to see what the people with them, my father's people, now my people, want." I shrugged. "I'm responsible for them, so…"

"I see." Hanse leaned back and looked at me, his eyes piercing. "I do see indeed. I'm quite prepared to sweeten the dealmaking, you realize."

"Perhaps. But, I'm not going to make any decisions til I know exactly what the people want, and what I have to work with." I spread my hands, taking a deep breath, noting the quick flicker of Hanse's eyes to my valley. "Even then, I do have a few plans of my own."

Hasne's eyes bored in. "Elaborate." His tone brooked no disobedience.

"Well, I've been given a few places that might be interesting to visit…" I trailed off, letting him fill in the blanks.

"Your father was a bit of a treasure hunter, I believe, as so proven, in fact… Ah, he sent a list of places he couldn't visit?" His question was more of a statement.

I simply smiled, letting him draw the conclusions. His eyes narrowed, finally he spoke. "I'm inclined to slightly disbelieve that, but reports did say a courier with a secure box arrived to his lawyers here, and all things considered… But details."

"Well, some information has come to light that the Star League depots and repair centers in Epsilon Eridani aren't as gone as we thought." I shrugged slightly. "From what I've been given, there's two worth investigating. One that might have a dropship in it, another that seems to be a major repair and refit center for the ground forces. No idea what's in there, though I suspect a lot of automated tooling and repair bays, from what I can gather. Or at least bits of them."

"And?" Hanse wasn't satisfied.

"Let's say this. I'm pretty sure, that Minoru's decision to personally lead the looting of Helm wasn't based on bad intel. I have some suspicions, but there's some easily verifiable facts that'll make it fairly easy to prove if I'm on the right track. Plus, I figured out the perfect cover to loot it, and get away clean." I smiled at that.

Hanse's raised eyebrow was matched by Ichigo's facepalm, but I obliged his question.

"Well, I *am* a Fedrat, and wouldn't it be natural to make a movie about yet another Weeaboo actroity?"
Hanse's expression was a prize. You could see him just blanking for a moment, then going "Weeaboo?"

"Wannabe Imperial Japanese maniac." Ichigo's voice dryly answered the question.

Hanse for a long moment was quiet. "Weeaboo. Weeaboo. I like that." He smiles. "Almost as much as I like the idea of stealing Helm from underneath Janos, without a clue on his part." Pausing. "But is it *worth* it to me to risk a serious bird in the hand?"

I paused for a moment. "Information on exactly what Major Keeler hid away is iffy, anywhere from a regiment to at least six regiments of mechs, plus equivalents in other areas, and spare parts, of course. Plus possibly ah… special weapons." Hanse's eyebrow was still cocked slightly indicating he wasn't convinced. I sighed, finally agreeing to reveal my trump card. "Some, some information has come to light that indicates he saw where we, as in the Successor states were going, and the likely result. And he took steps to at least prevent the loss of knowledge. Not saying that he got his hands on Prometheus, but some hints are that he did his best to recreate it. But not verifiable, and it's just a … likely suspicion"

Hanse went still. Finally, after a long moment, he thought about it. "I'll want to see your logic on the possibility of the cache being there. I'm almost tempted to say damn the cost, and get to the cache now. Just the possibility of a put together Prometheus..." He paused again. "No, I am tempted. Explain your logic on why you think Major Keeler did so."

"He's an engineer. He fought the Liberation wars, and saw what happened to the Terrans, and the SLDF. He also likely studied history, and well… Doesn't take much to draw conclusions." I paused, "And if you're already in a pessimistic mood…"

"I would say that's a thin reed." Hanse pondered. "A thin reed indeed."

I nodded. "And our relations as I understand it with the Free World league are fairly profitable and not worth ah… disturbing over a slim possibility. And considering that we have a decent shot at getting away with the cache cleanly, without ..."

"There *is* that." Hanse shrugged. "While our relations are generally good, as you pointed out with the Free World League, we, as in the Federated suns have occasionally undertaken raids, some recently against them, and if I was even halfway convinced that the information you say was there, I'd go myself with your brother covering my troops."

He carefully studied me. "As it stands, I'm not sure I believe you at all. I will think on this. I do think you're not telling me everything, and I know you're trying to convince me of what you want to do. The question I have, is it what you are telling me, or is it a cover up."

I thought for a moment. "True to the first." I paused. "On the second, I can say it's my goal, but again…"

"Quite." He thought for a moment, then nodded. "I can see the idea you got about Helm, given your brother's article on it. I will want to see some more data on the location." He paused again. "As for allowing you to acquire it in the method, I'm of two minds of it. Epsilon Eridani can be collected by *my* people, if you give the information. While part of me, truly wishes to be about this as fast and as powerfully as possible, your brother's loyalty, and your mother's service to the realm, has also earned you a fair bit of leeway." My confusion at the last showed clearly.

His raised eyebrow at Ichigo and a shake of the head that answered the question. He then turned to me, and nodded once. "Your mother was Order of Five Pillars." The Order of the Five Pillars was one of the two security services of the Draconis Combine, the most hated rival of the Federated Suns, and tied for the worst Successor state, in my view.

"She defected, blowing open a century long spy ring, plus several others, and secrets. I thought you knew." He shrugged. "Ian offered her a barony, she turned it down." He turned to Ichigo who wasn't looking happy. "She has every right to know. Considering what the Order was doing, and your family line, Capitan, she has to know, as it's DMI's view she was killed by an ISF agent."

Ichigo's expression was stone. "Sire. I… was trying to think on how to …"

Hanse's raised hand cut him off. "Understandable." He turned back to me. "Even if I go along with this, I will insist on conditions, as you are my subject, and by tradition and law, owe me fealty. But House Davion has avoided compelling service. I do not want to be the first to do so."

I was still rattled by everything, and my mouth ran away with me. "Well, if you ordered me to your bed, Sire, I don't think I'd consider that a hardship. In fact, I'd consider it very fun."

The strangled sound from my brother really wanted me to have a camera, but Hanse's response even caught me off guard. "That'd be the third date, I'm afraid. Not the first."

I just gaped, completely taken aback. He grinned, then sobered. "I assume your mouth ran away with you, of course, mind you, as that was quite gauche of you. And unlike your usual behavior, from what I understand. I'll chalk it up to the revelation I just laid on you." He turned to my gaping brother who was choking. "Breathe, man, breathe. It's not the first, nor the last offer I've received, though to be fair, it's one of the most direct."
Ichigo finally caught his breath, his face still completely shocked. "Kikyo. Seriously. Are you insane? You don't say that!"

I winced slightly. "I apologize, Sire. It was… more than gauche, all things considered. What are the conditions?"

Hanse thought shortly. "NAIS and DMI technical personnel go through the ships and
mechs for anything of interest. Ethier buy it direct or loan it to the NAIS. The Colossus, the Excaliburs, the Vengeances and oh, those Titans and the Monolith are leased to the AFFS, with indemnity bonds if lost." He thought for a moment. "I provide any and all needed personnel, of course to fill out the unit. Though I'd like to know exactly what are you thinking unit wise."

He held up his hand. "Your youngest sister remains, not only is the NAIS the best place to grow such a mind, NAIS itself would benefit. And of course, one of you will accept the Barony that your mother refused."

Ichigo broke in. "Sire, I'd not recommend the majority of the unit being AFFS or former AFFS, that'll make it obvious that we're a cover to anyone with a brain."

Hanse paused, nodded. "At least a fair amount, mind you. Your sister…"

"I understand and agree, Sire. Minders are a good idea." Ichigo smiles at me.

I open my mouth, but before I could say anything Hanse smiles as well. "And you'll be one of them Captain, who better?"

Ichigo nods. "Can I assume this won't affect my career?" Hanse nods.

"Personal detailing by the First Prince always looks good on a young officer's resume." Hanse nodded for a moment, then added. "While I'd suggest that you don't command the unit direct, Kikyo, it's also a tradition the owner does. I'll look around for a very competent XO, in that case."

I thought for a moment. "Right now, unit wise, I'm eying a Brigade type formation, though in reality it'd be a Alliance wing. One regiment of ASF, one of mechs, one of armor, one of infantry, supported by a battalion of ADA, arty, MP, Engineers, and logistical support elements. With the amount of mechs supposedly there, I might have two. Always wondered why the 1st Cav wasn't that, it'd fit so nicely with the DLC doctrine."

Hanse paused, and thought about it. "Viable." He finally stated. "And you can try the idea out for us, if it DOES work, well, more Armored Cav is never a bad idea."

I nodded. "As for the ships, no. Stripping them of Royal technology? Yes. But if this is to work, more transport is better. It also makes us less tied visibility to you, though if Aiko remains, that's your assurance we'll come back, at least for a while. Any mech or vehicle that is SLDF Late regular or Royal, unless it's already a personal ride, I have no problems selling, or more precisely exchanging for other mechs."

I tapped my chin. "It's going to be difficult enough convincing Marik to agree to at least headquarter a full Brigade, much less two on Helm, without them thinking we're Davion pet mercs. This isn't to say I intend to keep all the dropships, putting aside from what information I had, they had to skeleton crew a fair chunk of them to get them here."

Hanse pondered. "And for dropships you don't intend to keep?"

"Sell them, though my initial thinking is trade them to either the Lyrans or Marik for an additional jumpship or two. I won't sell the heavier units, since they simplify transport."

"I understand that logic, which is why I'm not inclined to pass up a chance to simplify my own shipping issues." Hanse smiled a bit crookedly at that.

"I'm not disinclined to write a contract where if the unit folds, the AFFS has absolute first refusal to buy the jumpships and heavier dropships, verified by Comstar as little as I trust them." I shrugged slightly. "Similar to a lien." I shrugged. "This is also contingent on of course the people in the unit being inclined to go along with me. And…"

I pondered a moment as The Fox just looked at me, a bit impassive. "After the Marik contract, the FS has first refusal on the unit's services?" I paused for a moment. "Oh, and we do the Eridani hit for you, or as part. Even without the planned sales, I'm pretty sure as is, at best, I'd still have open lift, so…"

"That would help a tad, in justifying it, yes." Hanse looked through the open hatch for a moment, then back at me. "Which ones are you considering selling?"

"Unions, Buccaneers, Danais for sure, possibly others, though keeping the Mammoths and Mules is on my list." I could tell I hadn't sold Hanse on the idea. "But, remember, there's possibly that Colossus in the Severon Mountains… while I want it…"

"I would argue a bird in the hand, is better than two in the bush, young lady." Hanse smiled, to take the sting out of it. "But your object is to attain additional jumpships, is it not?"

"By and large, yes, and keep my landing transport to a decent amount. It'd also be a reassurance I'd be tempted to not stay." Hanse nodded at that. "I'm seriously resistant on the idea of losing my heaviest dropships. Putting aside my own personal preferences, they make the number of jumpships less, meaning I can free up lift. Unless you want to back a hit on Tortuga, and capturing all their jumpships…" I snorted.

Ichigo twitched slightly. Hasne's eyebrow rose, then lowered, as he clearly pondered that.

"That… has potential. That does have potential as a viable idea." Hanse leaned back. "Removing their jumpships, or even a fair fraction would be a serious help, yes."

Ichigo thought for a second. "Sire… would it be possible to get OWA backing on this? Perhaps a wing of their famed Nightmares to support the hit on the jumpships." He nodded once, looking at me. "It'd also help recruiting. And when were you going to tell him about other sites?"

Hanse's eyebrow was raised at the last. I looked at my brother. "I'm not sure of other sites, Brother dear." My voice was a bit venom filled with the last, then I nodded. "Plus, I'm not sure how to get to the Rim World hidden base, yet that Father assured was there."

"A Rim World hidden base? One of the ones they used to support the Uprising?"

I nodded. "That's what the information says."

"Where."

"Outside Lyran space, sadly." Hanse nodded at the last, putting it aside.

"I agree on the OWA idea, and to be honest, while MIIO has some information on the Domains, it wouldn't surprise me if the Outworlders have more, just from captured data over the years. I hadn't considered asking." He nodded once, clearly making a mental note. "They'll want some considerations for the pirate stomp, mind you, but I'm sure they'll go along with it. As for the hidden Uprising support base, as well as any other you have a strong feeling about… Well. I think we have a way to get what we both want."

I understood. I had screwed up, severely. Hanse was in the driver's seat now, and he wanted what I knew about other lostech sites. I wasn't going to give him all, but enough to whet his appetite.

"Castle Brian on Illyria, a crashed Argo class dropship that was making deliveries to Castle Brians in what's now the Reach, another Colossus on Phecda, but I think that's buried, another Castle Brian on Clinton, and last but not least, New Dallas." I ticked off what I could recall. "Those are what I know of for sure, though Illyria is a maybe, while New Dallas is big trouble, if not done just right." I nodded once. "And I'll appreciate you not asking how I know all of those. Until I can prove what I know, that's why I didn't want to tell you more. Plus… well, I see a possibility that'll upend the board we're all on. There are more, but I'd really need to dig through and prove them, or are so risky that I'd not do it without warship support."

Hanse nodded at the last. "And what is this possibility you see?"

"An alliance." I realized I was about to butterfly away one upcoming event.

Hanse snorted. "With Janos? Not likely. No offense to the Periphery states, the only one worth the effort hates us, for admittedly good reason. Who? Katrina? What'd she gain by that."

"The strongest military combined with the strongest economy." Ichigo said slowly, realizing it. Hanse stopped and thought about it.

"We would have interests in common, and it's an open debate if Tamar or Sandoval hates the Dragon more…" Hanse thought about it. "And all things being equal… Our relations with the Lyrans are while not the best, admittedly, nowhere near the worst."

I nodded. "And she's a soldier, and is after reforming her military."

Hanse was clearly deep in thought. "How would this come about, you think?"

I shrugged helplessly. "It's just my read of the Archon. See seems dislinced to expend her daughter's life on endless war. If anyone knows the cost of this war, it's her. No offense, Sire, but while you have fought, and fought well, she led Infantry. She'd be searching for a way to change the nature of the game, I would suspect. And you have to admit, no one's considered it… or if they have, they didn't try." I shuddered. Being an infantryman in this period was not a safe occupation, even for the military.

"... I would contest, but I understand and grant you, that she knows what infantry suffers better than I do. Something to consider, something to consider indeed. And you're right, it at least has the virtue of something different." Hanse was clearly intrigued by the proposal. "And as your brother points out, we have what she lacks, and she has what we lack…" He had been derailed by the vistas that opened up. After a long moment he shook his head and returned to reality.

"As much as I would consider it, I'd need more than just your view of her, to even remotely consider it, Kikyo. But I can at the least look into it." He nodded. "And well, let's say this. Bring me Helm, and it's even half of what you think it is, and I'll have room to approach her, without her approaching me. Togruta is a prize to help, admittedly, though I'd prefer if we squish the den. Taking it's jumpships though would help for a while."

I shook my head. "Not without my unit being at full strength, Sire, and in a way, we'd
need to put boots on the ground long term to hold it. Otherwise..."

Hanse nodded. "Well. Even removing a clutch of jumpships from their custody would be enough, I think."

I nodded. "It won't be fast, I'll need to recruit up to at least some strength, I think we should also try as hard as hell to take as many dropships as we can." Hanse nodded at that. "Unless we can find an occupation force for a long time, we're out of very many good options."

He nodded. "I'll think on that." He pauses. "However." He flashed a rogue's grin. "You need to see if you can even put together the unit, and have my people go over the equipment." He nods once, unclasping his vest as Ichigo had just stuck his head out to look around, and leans slightly forward. "How about this, we seriously conduct negotiations at dinner, say… tomorrow evening?"

I nodded, swallowing to get moisture back in my mouth. Hanse kept in shape during this period.

"Outstanding!" He straightened, and nodded once. "I'll have my Guards collect you, say around 5? For a private dinner? Do bring a preliminary TOO for Onishi's Armored Cavalry."

"Yes, Your Highness." Really, what else could I say.

"Captain, help me to the other mech." Hanse's tone was of an order, which Ichigo hurried to obey.

After the Victor started to step away, Ichigo waved at the two girls, who started back. He turned to me. "And you… what were you thinking agreeing to a private dinner. He's going to try to seduce you into signing everything away to him, even with the information, or to giving him specific details."

I glared back at Ichigo. "My life, my choices. And I'm not that foolish."

"Uh, huh. We need to meet your people." Ichigo made it clear he wasn't happy and that future discussions would happen. However, as Aiko and Kelia dropped in, I started moving Bun Bun towards the dropships, reaching for the responsibility, and my mind thinking though the unit.
***

The nature of space travel and the size of the interstellar economy at it's peak, not what it has fallen to, was brought home, as I walked through the grounded dropships of the dropship port. All of mine were put at the farthest possible location from Avalon city, which meant from where I watched them land was a good 40 kilometer hike, and I hadn't watched them land from the other edge.

Given traffic rules and laws for the port, it took slightly more than an hour before I could get to the dropships, and I had to shake my head. By the time Bun Bun had reached the first of my ships, my father's people had managed to set up a basic security cordon.

Said Security cordon included several mechs which made it quite clear that I'd have to stop, and I found a perfect place to do so, as I saw Ryanne plus the film crew I had arranged. Shrugging, I turned to my passengers. "Looks like it's time to dismount, and do things."

Ichigo leaned forward to look out the cockpit, and nodded. "Yep." Aiko and Kelia had
already undogged the hatch and tossed out the rope ladder that was in a locker.

"Fun." Kelia commented as Aiko was already out of the cockpit, as she tested the latter. "I'm beginning to see why Mechwarriors are fit." Before I could shoot back a response, she was already climbing out, and Ichigo was watching her do so.

"Enjoying the view, brother?" I snarked as I noticed where his eyes were.

Ichigo's tone was amused. "Oh, of course. I am a fighter pilot." He grabbed the rope and begun to haul himself out, and as a parting shot stated. "So, let's see if you're still in shape, bet you can't beat my time down!"

I watched as he scurried down, and grinned. One thing about a movie I had done, was the counslants, actual mechwarriors, had not only taught me the basics of driving a mech, but explained a few tricks. Fishing out a pair of gloves from my jumpsuit, I put them on, and waited til Ichigo had hit the ground.

As I looked down from the lip of the cockpit, I grinned, and shouted down at Ichigo. "Let's see about that time." With that, I grabbed the rope ladder, and proceed to rappel down, bouncing all the way, while I treated the rope ladder as straight rope.

"... Okkkaaay." Ichigo paused as I grinned at him. "I should have known you were saving that trick… Learned it on a set?"

I nodded, noting Aiko's facepalm. Kelia had just smiled at Ichigo, as she patted him on his arm.

Before I could ask Aiko, Ryanne had stomped over. "Can you tell these neanderthals, I'm your lawyer, and that they're to let me in…. Why the film crew?"

I nodded at her, and smiled. "Well, might as well get started with the 'Real Lives of Mercenaries', no? Even if it doesn't go anywhere, introducing myself and explaining things to them, would be a good idea to have on film, anyways."

Ryanne nodded. "Fine, let's get this going." Before either of us could move, a towering blonde mustached man, with a single lock of blond hair to keep him from being totally bald walked over. I glanced over his muscular frame, clearly shown by no shirt, metal gauntlets and baggy pants, and a errant mental thought crossed my mind, clearly Kikyo!original's thinking, wondering about if his stamina matched up.

"Are you really Kikyo Onishi? The star of 'Freedom's Price?'" I didn't wince, but mentioning that B movie I had starred in, simply for the money, though I had to admit, the on site consultants were good and we had tried to make more of it than the script had planned, but there was only so much that could be done.

"I am. Not my personal best, I'll admit, but…" I trailed off.

"Oh, wow, I loved you in that film! You were so good as a insurgent stealing mechs from the Kurtians!" My mind reminded myself of how some were acquired, and a impish part of me suggested I reenact those scenes with the good man in front of me. "Can you sign my copy of the movie's poster?"

"Sure… in a bit?" I smiled impishly. "Why are you on New Avalon?"

"We're here to meet the new owner of Fuji's Mercenaries." The man nodded. "Though I don't know who it is, every time I ask, I just get laughed at." He paused, facepalming. Removing his hand, he continued on. "Forgive me, Miss Onishi, I'm Alexander Armstrong, one of the platoon sergeants for the Infantry. Can I ask why you're here?"

My impish side couldn't resist the opening father's people had given me. "I'm Fuji's recognized daughter, Sergeant." I waited as he blinked. Blinked again.

"Oh. Err..." I could see the thoughts running through his head. After a quiet minute, he stopped, and then nodded once. "Of course, Ma'am. I'm sorry for delaying…"

I held up a hand, smiling at him. "You didn't, and I'll be by your quarters to sign the poster anyways. Always nice to meet a fan." My smile shifted to an impish grin, at the slight look of worry that crossed his eyes. "Don't worry, I'm not going to inspect quarters today, I believe. And I'm quite aware that posters of me sell well. Not ashamed of it." His relief was visible, as he started to lead us to the guards.

"And who is this lovely blonde next to you… and the people behind them?" Alexander's inquiry wasn't pro forma, but honestly curious.
"My Lawyer, Ryanne Darwin, and a film crew to record my introductory address to the Unit." I paused. "Fuji's Mercenaries? Really? Father couldn't have thought a better name?"

Armstrong shrugged. "It is a holding name, to get us here, I was told. The new owner…" He trailed off, and blushed slightly. "Sorry, you, are to actually give us our official name. Any ideas?"

I would swear the sparkles as he puppy eyed me would blind anyone. But, I indulged his curiosity. "I'm thinking Kiki's Heavy Cavalry."

"... Use Onishi, I'd suggest. Sounds more professional." Darwin interrupted. "That is if you've lost your mind."

I shot her a look. "I still need to address the unit and find what *they* want to do." I nodded at Alexander. "It's only proper."

Alexander was spared answering, as we reached the gate, where a older, weatherbeaten man was waiting. "Colonel Sved, I present to you Miss Kikyo Onishi, her guests, her lawyer, a Ryanne Darwin, and a film crew."

His bass voice matched his body, a very Viking warrior look, though his accent made Ichigo's eyes narrow. "I accept the responsibility, Sergeant. Return to your post." He turned to look at me, scanning up and down my body, eyes narrowing slightly at something, then looking over the rest of the group. "Ma'am, what are your intentions for our people?"

I nodded at him. "First, to address them, and film it so our people on the jumpships and those with other duties may see it. This address will be to lay out what is going on, and what I would like to have happen. I will simply ask, does the unit wish to stay together as a mercenary unit, and have me as owner and commander, with competent seconds, or disband and move on. I do have a few things we could be doing, as a unit. Then I will meet with our senior officers who are on planet, and discuss House Davion's interest in our equipment."

He studied me for a long moment. "Understood. I should warn you a few of the mechs
and ASF have been earmarked for people in the unit. Only a few, 4 mechs and one tank. Oh, and a recommendation from your lord father, that you take one of the mechs. I do avdise you, if we do try to make the unit a success, we keep the dropships, we'll need them."

I thought about it for a moment, then nodded. "That shouldn't be a problem on the mechs or the tank. As for Father's suggestion, without good reason, I'll stick with Bun Bun." I smiled innocenlty. "He's quite deceptive." The Colonel's eyes swept over the Archer in the background.

"Archers are not uncommon command mechs, no. And I'll take your word for his deceptive qualities. The dropships?"

I shook my head. "We aren't going to be able to keep the technology, if they are Royal. House Davion would be arguably criminally negligent not to get their hands on that many samples to reverse engineer. The actual dropships, on the other hand… oh, you better believe I'll do my best to keep them. I counted how many we have, vs. how many rings we have. I did not like that math." My voice had dropped slighlty on that last.

A grim chuckle rumbled out of his chest. Turning, he lead us slightly deeper into the landing zone. "That's sadly the way the universe is, Ma'am. We're lucky to have as many jumpships as we do now. I think only the Dragoons have enough interstellar lift to completely transport themselves."

"I understand that. Doesn't mean I have to like it." I shook my head.

"Corporal!" Sved pointed at one man. "Spread the word, unit assembly at the First Colossus in a half hour." With that, the pointed out young man rabbited away to spread the word. "Apologies, I believe it's best to get the address done as soon as possible." I nodded at that, and he continued. "And no, you don't. Just deal with it. Which is why keeping our Colossi and others is important, Ma'am, as I see you understand."

I didn't respond to that, as we kept walking towards a towering dropship, the aforementioned Colossus. "Are the ships named yet, Colonel?" I idly asked.

"Not names that we gave them, Ma'am." He shook his head. "Your lord father had made it clear that we were to wait til we were ready, or you were in charge to do so."

"Ah." I paused. "I take it you've been with him a while."

"Aye, before you were even a lustful thought in his head." Sved smiled a bit at that, clearly testing the waters of my reaction.

"I can believe that." I thought for a second. "So, he's been assembling this for a while, then?"

"The last few years, yes. He wasn't the most fond of Alessandro, shall we say? Not that anyone could blame him, but… it lead to some rash choices, which he decided to undo." His eyebrow rose slightly to question did I understand what wasn't being said.

"No one can blame him for not trusting Alessandro's abilities, no, given all things… And well, who wouldn't want to make a fresh start with a new, and more competent Archon, considering the climate in Skye. Not sure he picked the right way to do it, but…" I trailed off.

"Quite so. It is where we're at." As we walked closer to the ship, he quietly asked. "I take it you are taking responsibility for us? As your lord father wished?"

"If you'll have me, that is, and we can come to agreements." I looked at the people gathering. "I didn't quite expect this level of responsibility, but… Needs must."

The Colonel didn't say a word for a long moment. "Aye, they do. And calling Summer a devil is apt. He has his claws into your older brother by Lord Fuji. All I can say about that situation on New Kyoto, is at least your niece, the Lord's heir, isn't against you, but… she couldn't be responsible for us, and we would have drawn too much attention to her at this critical time."

"Oh?" My tone indicated idle curiosity, nothing more.

His tone answered the question in the same way. "She's 17, m'lady. And has a regent assigned by Katrina. Though she has seen some of your movies, and wants to meet you herself, I was lead to understand."

"Ah." My response indicated I understood all the messages that the Colonel, who just smiled at the answer, was trying to pass. "Well, that won't be immediately, I'm afraid to say."

He just nodded, as we boarded the dropship, my family and friends following a minute later. Ichigo had been silent during our discussion.

The Colonel turned to face me fully, and nodded once. "I'll go to seeing that the unit is ready for your speech and send Armstrong to get you when it's time. With your permission, of course?"

I knew the question he asked wasn't a question. "Of course." I watched as he left, then turned to Ichigo.

"You're quiet." I quirked an eyebrow at my more military inclined brother.

"Was studying the people and the equipment." Ichigo hadn't turned to face me, but was looking at a Battlemech. Finally, he turned to face me. "I'm getting the impression the Colonel expected you to keep the unit together. I know you found out yesterday, but did you…" I cut him off.

"No." I paused. "I noted that myself, Itcy." For a moment I thought on how to put it as we both watched Aiko and Kelia look at the various mechs in the bay. The filming crew had already gone out to set up to tape the address. After a moment I nodded.

"My suspicion is that the Colonel knows about the find outside the Lyran Commonwealth. And well.." I raised an eyebrow.

"A merc unit with some loyalty would be a smart play, and you'd want to have a security force once that stuff was brought home." Ichigo nodded. "It's also helpful he's from Rasalhague, meaning no love for the DC, and wouldn't mind a stronger FS, leaning as proof that the find is factory related, as your father stated."

I tilted my head at Ichigo. "And why you didn't go MIIO is clear. It's likely you're right about his loyalties. But… please, O5P, much less ISF would be more than willing to insert lisenters into a merc unit."

Ichigo simply rolled his eyes. "While still possible, Kiki, unlikely, as handing this over to the Weeaboos would set him up for life. That's why I don't think so."

"Trust, but verify, and agreed." I tapped my hip slightly. "As well as something we need to remember." Ichigo got the point as he nodded. "But…"

"Yeah. Decided what you'll say?" The raised eyebrow was clearly questioning my sanity at this, but not denying the benefits.

"The truth. Has the novelty of being rarely done. As for more, Adlib it." I shrugged. "It's not like I haven't watched speeches of military personnel before."

"Who hasn't?" Ichigo agreed. "Not a bad plan, but keep it short and simple." Aiko had wandered up and snorted at that.

"She couldn't keep it simple if she tried. Nor short." Aiko's innocent smile wasn't believed by either of us as Ichigo and I looked at her.

"Ha. Ha. Ha." I paused, and nodded once. "And we need to plot some ideas. Did you bring a IS map?" I had asked Ichigo if he could get an 2760 or so era map, listing systems, planets and moons.

"Yep. Standard reader format. Why?" Ichigo's eyebrow rose.

"Plotting how we do this." Aiko grinned. "What path, time, the works."

I turned to my little sister and shook my head. "Not we. It's highly unlikely Prince Davion is going to let you off planet until he's sure of our loyalty. And by sure… I mean sure, which means bringing home prizes he can't deny."

Aiko opened her mouth, only to have Ichigo's stare shut it. After a moment, she sighed. "I'll figure…"

A snort from the sole male in the bay ended her thought. "Good luck outfoxing the Fox, Aiko. Kiki hasn't done it yet, he's reserving judgement." Ichigo shook his head. "And we're not even sure the Prince's going to agree. And to be honest, I'm torn about the ideas. Part of me wants to do it, simply for the good we'd do for the Suns, the other part of me wants to just give all the info to the Prince, and keep both of you out of the line of fire. So expecting me to disagree with my liege, on something that keeps you safe…"

"And means I'm a hostage." Aiko shot back. "And what do you mean that the Prince hasn't agreed?"

"Yes. But since we don't plan to betray our birth nation… " I trailed off. "Low risk, and you can get the best education that the Suns can buy. If, as Ichigo Prince Davion agrees to let us go. Aiko, even if we give him all the advanced technology, or enough of it, these are Colossus class Dropships, Excalibur class too. Not to mention the Vengeances and Titans."

Ichigo picked up my statement. "To be deadly blunt, the three Excaliburs can carry a third of an RCT into battle, the Colossus, assuming stock, could, with say…" His pause was clearly to do a bit of math, "one Vengeance and… call it three Triumphs…" He nodded, sasified, and continued. "Carry an entire RCT into battle, Achy. He'd be a fool to pass it up. The FSN is desperately short of transport. Just the Colossuses and Excaliburs alone represents roughly an 1% increase in the FSN's combat dropship lift. That's not mentioning the Monolith, the 6 Overlords, or the rest."

I picked up from Ichigo's pause. "And 180 mechs, 120 ASF, 500 plus combat AFV, means he could build at least one more RCT, or Two, with some add ons. At a very *cheap* price. Ichigo knows more, but I'm pretty sure we're barely keeping up with losses…"

"Pretty much." Ichigo nods. "It'd be more likely used to bring other units up to strength, most units are lucky if they're at 90% of mechs, ASF and combat vees."

Aiko looked at both of us. "We're Federated Suns citizens, he can't just take it."

Ichigo nodded. "Not quite true, but politically, you're correct." Ichigo sighed. "He's an absolute monarch, Aiko. The High Council really doesn't exist."

I interrupted. "And while the Nobles and other wealthy members of the Suns would throw three types of bitchfits if he just seized it, if he paid fair value, or went through the courts, using some previous laws, he'd get away with it. The Suns seized jumpships in the 1st Succession war, Aiko. And while yes, they paid rental and eventually compensation for losses…"

"We're still paying a bit, from the military's budget." Ichigo responded. "And as a unit with maybe 10% of our strength in personnel compared to equipment… The courts would side."

Aiko looked at both of us. "Why? Why would he do theft at …"

"Because it's good for the Suns. It means a stronger military. If one actress gets cash instead of hardware, no one would care, figuring a 20 year old wild party girl couldn't use the equipment anywhere near as good as the AFFS could." Kelia broke in.

I nodded. "And in a way, without what we know, he's right." I paused and nodded once. "This isn't to say what I know from…" I shrugged, careful to imply what happened, but not say it. "Says he'd do it lightly, nor that he'd like it. And what he said to me in Bun Bun indicates the same… but his personal ethics and morality have to be put aside for The Federated Suns. That's the meaning of the oaths he took. To be the Devil himself if needs must."

Ichigo nodded. "Doesn't mean he's not a good man, just…" He sighed. "The truth is, the higher up you get, the more honor and integrity, and morality have to be put aside for duty."

"I'm not saying I won't work with him. I was born here, my 'other' memories indicate that he'd be one of the better First Princes, and he's about as good as a man can be in his position, but he's in the same boat as Katrina, who would dearly love to burn LOKI to the ground, but can't. Becasue she needs them, as amoral, reckless, and frankly disgusting they are, they're a tool she needs to keep normal Lyrans safe." I nodded once, and Ichigo picked up for me.

"House Davion does a decent job, generally. House Steiner, not too bad either, but that's about it in this period. Well, not counting the Periphery states, but..." He shrugged. "I'm loyal to him, but I'm not blind to his faults, nor that he can't live up to the ideal we have of him and his house. That he tries to do the best he can, is enough, in this flawed universe."

I looked her in the eyes, and tried to convey how deadly serious this was. "This does not mean we can't make it better. I've been given a big enough lever, and I will find the fulcrum to move worlds." I smiled. "For the better."

"But that means we have to work with what we have now." Ichigo nodded at me. "And that means recognizing flaws and the facts as they are. And that at times, levers get stepped on. Which we don't want for you."

Aiko looked at us both, trying to think of some argument that would counter what we had said and implied. Finally she sighed.

"I guess." She blew out a breath. "You'll get this done fast… right? And safely?"

Ichigo looked at me and I looked back at him, and we both turned. "We're not leaving yet, Achy." Ichigo smiled. "And Well… I'm pretty good, so I'll make sure Ferret here doesn't get over her head." I hit him for the ferret crack, but before I could respond to his crack Aiko commented sourly.

"And who'll keep you from getting over his head, Kunoichi…"

"Me." Kelia grinned. "I've been there, so I have a good idea on how to get out." She tapped her lips. "And these two maniacs need a minder, older, wiser, more cynical…"

"Hey, wait a second." "I'm the same age as you, Kelia!" I and Ichigo responded.

"Ma'am? We're ready." Armstrong stomped up, interrupting and being clear that he hadn't listened in.

"Saved by the bell, I do believe." Kelia grinned as I shot her a dirty look.

MageOhki · Mar 26, 2019

Edited chapter two follows.

And a bit later than planned but at least done here's part 2 of Chapter 2.

"Keep it simple, keep it easy." Ichigo advised again as we walked out, which triggered something in me.

I paused for a moment, and turned to look at him with a sweet smile. "Dear brother… my unit, my people, and I do believe I have more experience in public speaking than you do." I paused again, stomping on the panic at not having a script to work off of, and continued smiling. "I do think you believe you are in charge." My smile dropped. "Correct that belief. These are my people, my responsibility, not yours. I have to inform them of who am I, what I intend, and convince them that they should stay under a 20 year old who's rep is 'party girl actress', not a halfway decent battlefield commander or one with the potential to be such."

I resumed walking, and threw over my shoulder. "Me. Not you. You might be assigned to join me, or be part of this unit, yes, but you will never be the one who the buck stops for here. You made your choices, live with them. I did." I threw my hair back and strode to the podium, leaving dead silence behind me, and feeling a bit lighter. Apparently I had some anger towards Ichigo's choices in life. Something to work on, but... Time to give a speech.

Stepping up to the mic, seeing the cameras zooming in on me behind the gathered personnel, which a quick count showed well over 500 people, I knew it was showtime. Time to convince people who had no good reason to trust my abilities. Drawing a deep breath, I started and leaned slightly into the microphone. An impish thought took me, and for a brief second, I examined it. And then ran with it.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Kiyko Onishi. I'm not an actress portraying your new commander, I am the owner and commander today. This wasn't what I planned on. This wasn't what you planned on, this wasn't what my father planned on, clearly. But that's the universe for you." Looking around at the reactions, I nodded once and continued on.

"I didn't know much about my father, except he was competent and did his best to meet his responsibilities. I didn't know that he was putting together a mercenary regiment. I didn't know he was going to leave it to me, or I'd have studied a few other areas than the engineering program I just finished, magna cum laude, I might add." Sipping at a glass of water, I took the moment to gather my thoughts.

"What I do know is he was an excellent leader, an excellent judge of character, and someone who had the ability to pick those who'd be best for the jobs he had in mind. He was also a explorer, both of space and history. The proof is literally in front of me and behind me." I waved at the Colossus that was behind me, then at the senior people of the unit.

"I also know that the primary purpose of a mercenary unit can be summed up as 'Make the other sorry son of a bitch die for his nation or contract.' I also know that I can learn to truly command a unit, and do well. Otherwise, Father would not have sent you to me, he had other children, and of course his heir to his title. I know I can fight a battlemech, and even have some training to do so. I know, given time, I can do what my father wanted. Which is to command you. Lead you. Fight with you. He sent you to me, because he could no longer meet his responsibility towards you. He entrusted me with that, and I will not let you down. I will not break up what he started. I will not fail in the trust he left me."

Leaning forward even more, I grew more intense. "What I need from you, is your decision. Do you want me to lead you. Do you want to stay in the unit. Do you trust me to rise to what you need me to be? And I need that answer by tomorrow afternoon. Time waits for no one, and as always, vultures gather. Again, I am Kikyo Onishi, your new commander and leader. And I will lead us well. Which means I will listen, I will learn, and I will care. Which means I have a lot of learning to do, and a lot of work to do, to get up to speed."

I stepped back and nodded once. "Dismissed." Murmurs rose as the people clumped together to talk to each other, and I turned to the closer group. Father's senior people who survived, and of course my family and friends.

"Nice speech." Sved spoke in a soft rumble as I approached. "I've told the senior officers to assemble, but this is Evie Cook, our chief technician."

A weathered dirty blond looked over my clothing, tsking. "No cooling suit, even walking on a tarmac?"

"Bun Bun runs very cool." I smiled.

"He's an Archer, that'd have to be a modified one… How much training do you have?" Evie asked.

"About 3 to 4 months instruction by mercs, plus since I got Bun Bun an half hour to hour a day sim practice." I shrugged. "My conservator was quite pointed that I… ah, how did she put it? Ah! 'Did not need to use a Battlemech, even if she owned it, since an actress or fusion engineer had no place…'" I sighed. "So…"

Evie thought for a moment. "I see. I'll get several techs to look her over. She's not standard, that's for sure. Too smooth for a rookie."

"He." I shook my head.

"Ah." The tech shrugged. "No matter. He was moving too smooth to be anything less than fine tuned, either you had very good techs, are much better than you indicate or…" Before she could finish a rough voice broke in.

"She's fluff. Hasn't even thought about fighting a day in her life, Evie. And she couldn't have moved the mech, she's not been trained to do so." A bearded giant of a man strode forward, looking like a wall of muscle. He glared down at me, and I shot him a look, itching to just show him. "We should have been sent to Baron Azula, not her." Before I could shoot back at him, Gry rumbled.

"We weren't, because he is, in order, first a shit commander, second a traitor to the Archon, third so politically naive he actually believes the crap Lestrange is peddling. Kikyo at least isn't stupid, has been used to direction so if needs be we can shape her, which you are good at, and is also very much a person who looks after her own. Or so the very expensive private detectives her father hired indicated." He smiled. "Among other things, some of which was easy to find out."

"Azula isn't that bad…" Uri started, only to be looked at by a still young looking blonde who walked up.

"Uri, he is, and he blames it on his subordinates. Or do you not remember how I came to the Count's attention?" As Uri paused for a moment, she turned to me. "Hey, I'm a fan of your movies… not as bad as Armstrong, but who is?" She winked. "Jaroslava, one of your mechwarriors."

I nodded, smiling at her, then turning to Uri. "I see." My smile grew sharp and Ichigo started muttering under his breath. "Care to put your pride where your mouth is?"

"What?"

"Here, now, unarmed, first to be knocked out." I smiled innocently at him. "It's not like you have anything to fear, is it?"

Uri looked up and down. "You have no training, girl…" He paused. "And this isn't a movie set."

I looked at Gry. "You said Father made a file on me…" He nodded. "Did Uri read it?"

"He did." I blinked at the response

"Give my lawyer the detectives' names, we want that money back." I nodded, and turned to Uri, who was considering me as he looked up and down my frame, noting that for all the softness of my curves, there was muscle and tone backing it up, plus his expression was saying something about me bothered him.

"Bah. She's just fluff. Movie fluff." He stripped off his jacket, and settled into a boxing stance.

"Call it." I looked at Gry, who nodded, as I stepped roughly ten feet away from him and settled into a watchful stance.

"No lethal blows, no crippling." Gry waited til we both nodded, but before he could speak the starting words, Jaroslava broke in.

"You all know she actually does all her own fight scenes, right?" The blonde grinned, as she looked at the giant.

Gry shook his head. "Go."

I let my ki flow, and hit the watchful state that all good practitioners needed as Uri advanced, careful to keep his guard up, and watching my hands.

As his fist darted in, I flowed down, and into a kick, aiming for his side, to disable him as fast as possible, but for a man of his size, he was quick, though my kick did stagger him enough that my follow through jump kick caught his jaw, knocking him to one side, and as I came down, I spun again in another kick.

This one connected firmly on his temple, and down he went.

"Good thing you used the side of your foot." Gry said mildly.

A redheaded woman, with a bag with a red cross on it dropped next to the fallen giant. "Next time you feel the need to beat sense into Uri, ma'am, make sure he's wearing headgear." A pause, as she checked his eyes. "And don't kick him in the temple. He's got a mild concussion I suspect."

I shrugged, but before I could respond, a man spoke. "Flashy, but I recognize the style from another lady I saw fight, when I was still a believer in the crap sold in the Combine." I looked at an half asian man. "I'm Tokutomi Kartodirdjo, your father saved me from being killed by ISF, when I thought flying starships for the DCA was not a good idea anymore. Cumin here," He jerked a thumb at a swarthy redheaded man, "is my boss, and runs the Fleet." I nodded at both men, who had the classic pale look of spacers.

"My mother taught me, and I learned some from here and there, as well." I smiled.

"Uh-huh. I'm not asking any more questions." He shrugged and leaned against the podium.

"Urg.." Uri groaned as the doctor put smelling salts under his nose…

"What were you doing?" The redhead's voice was calm.

"Showing some fluff she wasn't on a movie set… why am I on the ground?"

"Yeah, you have a mild concussion, because she kicked your ass." The Doctor stated amused. "And she made it look easy."

"... oh."

Ichigo broke in. "Thank you, sincerely on agreeing to being her kicking bag today. She needed to blow off steam. And I was getting the feeling it was time for another of our… ah, spars. I rather not replace another cup this week, thank you very much."

Uri with a bit of help eyed me blearly. "Okay." He winced at the sunlight. "So, you're not totally fluff." He paused, rubbing his side. "And kick like a cornered rabbit. I should know better." He straightened, and shook his head. "Okay, okay. I deserved that. But will you listen to what we have to say?"

"Of course." I shrugged. "I'd be a fool not to listen to those who know what they're doing in their fields."

"Good… good… now I'm going to go get an ice pack." He staggered off, followed by a few others.

"Huh." I shook myself. "Okay, I do need to see Gry, Cumin and Evie, I think, plus whoever's in charge of the dropships… and the rest can go get information on what our people want to do?" I looked around at everyone, some I just met, some who hadn't been introduced. Several nods responded to my statement. "Right, let's get going. The clock's ticking, we're not a proven by law unit yet, and the Federated Suns, specifically the First Prince, is eying his checkbook, and wondering how much the courts will say he has to pay to get our stuff." I clapped my hands. "Go, go… I have dinner with him tomorrow, and I want to give him an answer that means we stay together and keep most, if not all our stuff." Several smiles, several nods.

Gry nodded at the three I mentioned, and to the others, backed me up. "Get to it, people, she's right, time's a ticking."

As the rest scattered, I looked at the two remaining who Gry had waved at. "Ma'am, this is Tim Nichols, our overall dropship commander, he flies a Mammoth." The weathered spacer nodded at me, and he was of a cut my inner Kikyo found tasty, slim, ripped and a bit salt and pepper with piercing black eyes. His wave at the younger Indian looking woman, who spoke.

"I'm Meheitav'el Mari, I fly a Vengeance, and acting overall combat dropship CO." Her smooth alto was soft. She had the look Ichigo and fellow pilots did, though the metal peeking out of her jumpsuit's leg said why she wasn't in a cockpit. She noticed my glance. "Bad ejection from a Sparrowhawk. As your brother can tell you, it's not healthy taking one of those up against the Snakes."

"Lucky they didn't shoot you while you were *out* of your Sparrowhawk." Ichigo mildly noted.

"They tried. Is why I have a new leg. Nowhere good as the older model, alas." She shrugged. "Was bumming around for a bit, your sister's father picked me up to run the ships, since I had some experience in covering assault ops, both from a command deck and an fighter."

Ichigo's eyebrow rose a bit, but he nodded.

"Right." Clapping my hands together, I drew the five's attention to me. "Issues. Evie, as Chief Technician, you're also handling supplies?" She nodded. "What's the major issue we have to solve right now."

Evie raised her eyebrow as to ask where did I figure there was one. "Food, well, coffee and food, plus Diesel. We're virtually out of the former two, except the jumpships having two months worth each, and we're out of gas for our ICE. Which do I prioritize, and do you have any good sources?"

"Coffee, then food. Don't worry about fuel for the ICE, hydrogen though… And" I turned to look at Rayanne who nodded. "Rayanne can help there."

"No fuel? Not for our tanks?" Gry asked mildly, a clear question, as if he was questioning my thinking.

I grinned, looking at Aiko who was bouncing in glee, based off one of our discussions on how stupid logistics were in the 31st century. "Nope. Well, low priority, as with a bit of luck, we'll replace all engines with fuel cells."

Evie's eyebrows drew together as she narrowed her eyes, while Gry and Uri who had walked back in were about to speak.

It was Mari who spoke up first. "Aren't those just for civilian use? Not reliable enough? Cranky? Short ranged?"

I shook my head, a few loose bangs flying around. "Don't our industrial mechs have them? As for reliability, they're pretty solid. I'm thinking of not having to tote around two types of fuel."

"She's right. They're as reliable as the ICE's we got, and I'll admit, not having to tote Diesel, just water or hydrogen around would simplify things a bit, and water's easy to get. Yeah, we'd take a range hit, but the cells, offhand, are lighter, so we might be able to make up the range by bigger tanks." She paused, then nodded. "Risk of explosions due to the hydrogen instead of Diesel, but realistically, tanks burn easy anyways."

Gry's eyes narrowed, and a slight smile crossed his face. "And the fact no one uses them for military?"

Evie shrugged slightly. "NIH? Laziness? Annoyance at having to reequip? Scarborough Tried with the J-Edgar, DCMS wasn't buying, which also likely threw off people. Of course, since you had to add heat sinks to the poor hover, in that case, to keep it's weapon load, it did suck."

Uri snorted. "And the others?" Evie shrugged.

"Don't ballistics and missiles not need cooling on tanks?" I raised an eyebrow at Evie. "And well…" I shrugged. "Less fuel types, and one that requires processing our reactors can do…" I paused, and nodded once. "I figure since the SLDF didn't use them at all for military use, most people missed the boat, and well… 'If the SLDF didn't do it…'"

A snort there was shared. I grinned. "Exactly. Evie, is it possible?"

"Sure." She looked at the others. "It'd require people, and money to buy the cells, and time, of course."

Several more people walked up. "Hey. I'm Meta Jinks. I run your infantry" The short and weathered black woman waved a hand at the man that stepped next to her. "Albert here, Albert Shelton, " a classic English looking man nodded. "Is your tanker boss."

A Half Japanese woman eyed me, her gray hair speaking to her age, though the small number of wrinkles indicated she wasn't too old. "I'm Micte Messana, your fighter boss. Hydrogen? Why?"

"I'd be curious, myself." Albert spoke up in a New Avalon accent himself.

Evie raised her eyebrows at me. I nodded.

"Replace all our ICE's with Fuel cells." I saw a bit of puzzlement finally breaking through on my words, so I expanded. "Hydrogen burning engines, not fusion reactors." I sighed. "Okay, simple? You take hydrogen gas, oxygen, run it through an electrical setup, out comes water and electricity. And as any person who has studied fusion engineering or worked on reactors, or had 'Emergency fueling 101 of your mech' knows, crackers, or the device used to break hydrogen and oxygen apart from water, is built into every fusion reactor just about." I grinned. "Or Fusion Design 101 lied to me."

Albert narrowed his eyes. "That'd help, but Hydrogen is explosive… but." He shrugged. "I doubt it's much more of a risk than Diesel, in some cases. Why hasn't more people done this?" Evie answered him in an aside, quietly.

"Any other pressing issues tech or supply wise that has to be handled now?" I raised an eyebrow as Evie finished.

"Yes." Evie raised an eyebrow. "'Fusion Design 101 lying to you'?"

"Magna Cum Laude, Capitol City University, Fusion Engineering." I smiled sweetly. I shrugged at the slight looks of amusement and questions. "I figured it'd be cheaper to maintain Bun Bun, if I could do a lot of the work myself. And acting degrees are for posers. If I'm going to spend money on a degree, I'm getting a degree that pays well in a career that I can have as backup."

Evie grinned. "Smart." Several nods ran around at that.

I looked at her. "Anything else?" She shook her head and waved at Cummin.

"Fuel for the jump and dropships, and all fusion reactors are done, Ma'am, and while I'd want to set up a rotation for liberty, I can handle that, though would like to know how long we'll be here." The swarthy jumpship officer nodded. "I expect a bit while recruiting." I nodded at that.

"Okay. I'll get you that info as fast as possible." I nodded and turned to look at the others.

Gry pointed at Albert.

"I'd appreciate some range time and exercise time for my crews, considering you're going to sideline their vehicles, but, it's not critical. And I'll add to Gry's request for more people, as I expect he'll do." I nodded at the officer that Ichigo was staring at.

"I understand, and in fact, if at all possible, schedule in field exercises for all units. I'll see about renting some training grounds." I looked at everyone who nodded. "Give me… well, give me and Rayanne," The named woman sighed, put upon, though I didn't miss the cash register sounds in her mind. "2 days?" I looked at everyone, who nodded again.

Gry looked around at everyone else who shook their head, leaving it to him. I raised an eyebrow.

He smiled. "As you can guess, we need to register our new name with the MRB, "

The Mercenary Review Board, aka Comstar's attempt to control the mercs was the rating and bonding agency for the mercenary units and the houses. "And of course, get you registered with the Mercenary Guild." The Guild was for the mercenaries themselves. It did what the MRB did for units, but for individual mercenaries. I nodded.

"And start recruiting as fast as possible?" I smiled innocently. He grinned back.

"You understand. As you, yourself pointed out, the First Prince knows, and well, why make it easy for him?" Gry's slight smile was shared by most, though Albert and Ichigo looked a bit bothered.

"Can't say that's a bad idea." I paused. "Right, I have dinner with him scheduled tomorrow, do we have a uniform yet?" Gry shook his head, and I grinned. "That I can take care of shortly." Gry's eyebrow rose at that statement.

"Professionalism. Not only should we have a uniform, it helps with recruiting and with morale, so our people know we're a unit. Not a cast together bunch headed mostly in one direction. And..." I smiled at Ichigo. "Prince Davion will understand the message of me in a uniform that's registered with the Guild and MRB means."

Uri relaxed slightly at that, and several more nods. I looked around, and noted that no one seemed to want to press the issue, though Jinks and Uri were trading looks. Finally Uri himself spoke. "No insult to the First Prince intended, but you need a security detail. Putting aside the threat that LOKI provides, your half brother was very angry, and well… can't argue he's capable of doing some dumb things."

Ichigo interrupted. "Got a call in to a person who owes me a favor, for a good detail, or at least a solid line on one." Uri looked stubborn til Jenks herself spoke up.

"I'll detail Armstrong's squad for short term, until your line comes though, though I'd want to verify their skills." She shook her head. "It's not just LOKI, or an idiot…" She mildly glared at Uri, who raised his hand in a manner indicating between the two to drop it. "Or even other national actors I'm concerned about. Let's… say lostech finders have had a bad habit of ending up dead. By 'unknown' actors." Her voice dripped sarcasm.

Ichigo nodded. "Works for me."

I looked around, a bit annoyed. "If you're all finished making decisions for me…"

Gry interrupted. "Ma'am, Meta's in charge of security. Let her do her job… and Uri is the person I had slated to actually act as somewhat of a mentor."

I blushed slightly. "Oh." I paused and nodded once. "Good leaders find people and let them do their jobs." I shook my head.

"Exactly." He looked around and nodded. "I'll go with you to see the uniform idea, and then we can go deal with the Board and Guild." He raised an eyebrow at that, seeing if I'd challenge him. Since I agreed with him, I simply nodded. "REST of you, get to work. Bed down the people in the warehouses, so they can spread out, and start uncrating the equipment." Everyone nodded and with various salutes, departed.

Evie had remained behind for a moment. "Can I have Bun Bun's override? So we can get him into a bay?"

I shook my head. "A friend, who's also a tech has it, Debora Hickey. She's next to him." Evie nodded with this, and moved off to where Bun Bun was waiting.

Gry turned to look at me. "We also have to discuss organization ma'am… and ranks."

I pulled out a chip from my valley and handed it to him. "My thinking on targeting recruiting, Table of Organization, Table of Equipment, and rank structure, Brigadier, if I may be so bold…"

His eyebrows hit his hairline.

"I didn't sleep much last night."

Pulling out a clunky datapad, my mind screamed. Fuck you futurists of the 80's. Unlike the sleekness of a Kindle or Ipad of the other world me would know, this looked like something you'd see in Star Trek, the original series for that. Did explain why his side cargo pocket on his trousers bulgeled, though. Putting the chip in, he used the controls to tab throughout the document I had spent several hours creating. By the time he finished a fast scan though, I'd have sworn his eyebrows hit the back of his neck.

Finally he looked at me. "Remarkably complete and has some things that, unless you leaned on your brother, it shouldn't. Most units don't organise support that deeply." Ichigo raised an eyebrow, and was passed the datapad. "But workable, very workable. I note the uniform design, though I only saw it in monochrome. Will do for a dress or semi formal one."

"We really do need to form the Command unit as fast as we can, I believe." I nodded. "That'll make any other issue moot, with courts or unit, if there's a solid combined arms regiment with support to build around…" I trailed off.

"Agreed. I'd not say that it'd completely constrain anyone, but the Suns, like the Commonwealth, is a nation of laws. That's before the Review Board, and it's master Comstar gets involved." He nodded. "And outside the advanced technology, Davion wouldn't have a leg to stand on, if there is a unit. I have a car arranged, let's pick up Armstrong and his squad, and get to the offices, if you're meeting with Davion tomorrow."

I grinned. "Let's."

Guifier's Clothier, Avalon City, New Avalon, Early Afternoon, Jan 2nd, 3015,

"Kiki, Kiki, Kiki." The man shook his head sorrowfully. "You never write, you never call, unless you need something. A man would think you don't love him anymore…"

I rolled my eyes. "Didn't we talk New Year's eve?" I grinned taking the sting out.

He put his hand to his heart, "But that was business! Not pleasure!"

"Uh-huh, and you staying for most of the party?" I just shook my head.

He grinned. "Well, so many…"

"Right, pretty pretty boys you call men." I singsonged. His laughter rang.

Ichigo and Gry were just looking at each other, sighing. Richard, the proprietor of the shop finally stopped pulling my chain, and turned to look at the two gentlemen. "Does your brother need a new dress uniform, Kikyo? And this gentleman a tuxedo for an event?" He walked around the two men. Ichigo just snickered at Gry's uneasiness.

"No, and stop the ham." I mentally marked my XO's discomfort, and wondered was it the frank appraisal, or Rich's usual routine with customers who didn't know him very well. "How is your wife… and five children."

"Six. And you well know how Lisa is, since she catered your party for New Year's" He answered absently. Gry's head snapped around.

"Yes, Richard's a fan of the classic style, where in New York City in the 80's all the fashion designers were gay." I rolled my eyes. "It's all a clever trick to get young women to strip and let him feel them up, even though he's dedicated to his wife."

"But it works." Richard protested. "And I can't say I don't love my job!"

"Ah… It's not the flamboyant act. It's I thought we were here for uniforms, a tux? Really?" Gry finally spoke, bemused. He shook his head. "I've seen worse. You should see Mira butch it up when she's of the mind."

Richard turned to me. "Uniforms? You?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "Hanse Davion wants to ah… acquire my inheritance from my father." I tapped my lips with a finger and nodded once. "It's mostly equipment, but with a solid core to form a merc unit, right now… combined arms regiment, give or take?"

"With lift, lots of lift, yes, ma'am." Gry nodded.

"But there's enough equipment easily for a division." I nodded. "And some of it… well. I can't blame the Prince for wanting it. But there's implicit.. Duty involved."

"Uh-huh." Richard looked long and hard for a moment. "I'm not quite sure I buy that. You spent too much getting that gift from his parents fitted right." He shrugged a bit though. "However, do you have sketches of the uniform?" He accepted a chip from me, and put it into a reader on his counter.

The holo fuzzed a bit, til Richard thumped the display, then it steadied. I grinned. "So?"

"Kikyo, dear…" He shook his head as he pulled up a display and went to work, adjusting, redrawing some lines, checking layers. "Do you have preference for color… ah, I see. Hmm, delineated by branch of service, nice touch…. Oh, Kiki, kiki, kiki. You didn't talk to Ichigo, did you?"
"Oh?" I tilted my head.

"Turtleneck pullover of a soft wool blend for summer? And this fabric choice. Gah! You've driven mechs before, Kikyo, you know how hot they get." Richard looked at me slightly amused. Gry's wince could be heard.

"Oh… I wasn't thinking Summer." Richard and Ichigo both shot me a look that said 'Clearly.' Gry snickered a bit.

Richard returned to the display and nodded once. "But workable. Very much so. While I don't get many commissions for merc units, I'm aware the better ones do… the fly by nights or small ones… don't." He paused. "With these modifications, it'll present the image you want, yes. More breathable fabric, and a light pullover with a turtleneck collar for summer will generally do, though you have a notation, this is duty, not combat or work uniform. For a dress variant, may I suggest adding a cape?" He sketched one on, and let it show, with four images in the holo. Two male, two female, one without, one with cape, and the caped ones wearing a slim rapier next to it.

Gry leaned forward, and Richard looked at me. "My XO." Richard leaned back to let Gry study the images. First, starting from the bottom were cavalry, or shin high boots, female version having a two to three inch heel, then for males, baggy black trousers, tucked into the boots, the female uniform with a straight a-line skirt with it's hemline at just below the knee. A single-breasted space jacket with a black stripe along a sealing strip, which attached to a over the right shoulder strap which held the rank of the wearer covered the torso and waist, clinched by a belt with a Houou,my family crest or kamon as I thought of it.

"Silver piping for enlisted along the sealing, rank bars the same for enlisted, gold for officer, their pips in gold as well." Richard commented sotto voice. "Branch color is the turtleneck, strap and name plate, except for mechwarriors, where the name's in white, since their branch color is black. Space personnel use a red color for the jacket, not black. I removed the cuff band, no need for it, not really."

"Cycle the colors, show the work uniform." Gry commanded mildly, and Richard put it into words.

"No taste for the work uniforms, none at all, Kikyo." Richard shook his head sorrowfully. The technician and medical jumpsuits had their shoulders and to their breast line in their branch color, with rank pins at the same place they'd be on the duty uniform, while the rest tended to have fatigues of the late 20th century US Army, also called BDU's, with branch color for their name, and rank in dull white or yellow depending on enlisted or officer at their right collar. To the self from the 20th century, I recognized the Star trek uniform, modified of course. The capes on the 'dress' versions only went to the waist, and were the same color of the jacket. They attached to the uniform at carefully hidden clasps at the collarbone points, and had a braided rope in branch color connecting the two clasps

"I have to admit, I like the touch of the leather jacket, Richard for flight crew" Ichigo spoke up after that image had shown, a soft leather jacket in the style called bomber, with a strap for rank and rank.

"That was Kikyo's idea, I just adjusted it slightly." Richard looked at Ichigo's jacket pointedly. "I wonder where she got the idea."

"Yep." Ichigo's amusement could be heard in his word.

"It'll do. It'll do very well." Gry pronounced. "It's professional, yet conveys a image, and works to unify the unit. And the shoulder patches are a nice touch, left shoulder for the overall flash, right for the regimental flash, if we end up being multi regimental, that is"

"Dear Kikyo forgot one thing." Richard returned to his keyboard, and typed in a few commands. "May I suggest a Beret of this style? It's called American, with the regimental flash on it, except for senior senior officers, who wear the overall crest?"

I paused, grinning. My inner old self demanded this. I really wanted now the Black Beret back. "In branch color?"

Gry tilted his head one way, then the other. "And rank pins on it, as well, over the flash, and we're good. Perfect. At least outside actual field work, then we'd want helmets, but for garrison or day uniforms, much less formals, yes. How long for one for the boss, one for me? Do provide the capes. And I gather providing full pattern for mass production is a non issue?"

"Oh… yes." He grinned. "I don't do mass production, m'boy. But patterns for shops that do? Yes. There's been several times, studios needed uniforms of a 'design', and came to me for the pattern." Gry nodded at Richard. "As for how long… Hmm. I'd have to fit you, that'd take … call it an hour for that. Berets, Trousers, the pullover? Half hour per person, I have those or can quickly put one together, it's a stock pattern. Patches… I can send the design to a shop that'll have them here in 2 hours. Jacket's the pain,and Kikyo's skirt." He pulled the holo up and looked closer. "Bomber Jacket, I'd have to order, at least the dye job on it, that'll take time, I don't do that. Cape's trivial. It's the jacket. Call it… hour at most to sketch it… say two to make it at most." He paused. "A skirt for Kikyo isn't a real problem, it's putting in the mag strip at the stripe so she can move if needs be."

"I see." Gry turned to me and nodded.

"Okay… 3 hours, then?" I sighed. "Your normal account?"

"Oh, yes, invoice will be delivered, with the pattern." He grinned knowing why I sighed. He was the best on planet, but charged as such. Richard turned to Gry. "And as for you, I'll let Melissa put her hands all over you. Not my thing, you understand." He winked.

Gry dryly replied. "And having a woman run her hands over me, does happen to be a thing of mine, so we're both pleased."

"Excellent!" Richard turned to look at Ichigo who simply shook his head.

"But while we wait, Richard, can I use your phone?" Richard nodded at Ichigo, who walked behind the counter.

I watched as Gry got measured, and slowly drifted over to the counter, listening to Ichigo's second call.

"Hey, Morgan, this is Ichigo." He nodded at the response he got. "Right, right, you said you owed me one. Collecting on it." He grinned at the response. "Well, this is easy. Need at least a good name for a bodyguard, highly professional. Someone who can put in a full detail." He nodded at the response. "Kikyo, you met her once, picked up a merc unit as inheritance." The snicker that escaped him from the response had my eyebrow climbing. After he caught himself. "So, I need a name or some. Got any?"

Ichigo blinked at the response. "Really? Seriously? Who?" His expression went blank on the response. "I got to hear this. When?" He tilted his head. "Well, you know of Guifier's?" He nodded at the response. "So… Cheerful Hopes, half hour?" He grinned. "Yeah, I'll buy the first, least I can do. I got to hear this, Morgan. See you."

Hanging up the phone, he raised his voice. "We lucked out, it appears the guy I was owed a major favor not only is at loose ends right now, but is willing to personally consider the detail role."

"Who?" Gry's voice raised.

"Major Morgan Blackhand." Ichigo grinned. "Kiki met him… what, five years ago?" I nodded, a cigar smoking stubble faced man appearing in my memories, who had said he owed Ichy big.

"... what does he do?" Gry didn't move an inch, but was curious.

"Can't say, though he wears DMI patches." Ichigo's voice rose in a challenge.

Gry's silence said he understood.

I tilted my head. "Okay, why would he be willing to do it himself?" I tilted my head the other way. "And he's a Rabid Fox, I'd bet." Ichigo's wince confirmed what I said. "Again, why?"

"He'll tell you, when he tells me, but apparently.. Well, black ops stink for a reason."

Gry's voice dryly responded. "You'd be shocked at how many mercs have done them before becoming a merc, and been covered with the aftereffects."

Ichigo and I paused. Finally I sighed. "It's likely less than I expect, Gry. Much less."

Gry paused at that. "That's a story there, Ma'am… that's a story on how you are that cynical."

"And one you might never know." Ichigo responded before I could, only to grimace as my fist impacted his waist.

"Don't answer for me. Even if right." I turned to Gry and raised my voice. "Not today at the very least, Gry, not today."

"Ah." The pause indicated several things. "Everyone has secrets, Ma'am, mercs more than most, and a past. As long as it doesn't come back to bite, in the end… no one cares."

I grinned. "That's the plan. That's the plan. To have the past stay the past."

Cheerful Hopes, Capital City, New Avalon, Mid afternoon.

Stepping through the doors, my eyes casually swept the bar, comparing it to several other times I had been in it. I froze when my mind came up with a mismatch, and said that at least a dozen people were too fit and too observant to be the normal bar crowd. Gry had stopped when I did, only to follow me as I had recognized the man we were to meet, who had a quirked eyebrow as Ichigo hadn't broken stride. Shortly we were at his table.

"Major Blackhand, I presume." I said dryly. "And your friends." He smirked, looking at Ichigo who blinked and scanned the room, with Gry nodding behind me, understanding why I had frozen slightly.

"Good instincts." His gravelly voice was approving. "More than your brother." He waved at a chair, and I dropped my Silver Ice Weasel fur coat in the chair next to him.

"I'm wondering at times how he survived on the Kuritan Front, yes." I dryly commented, shooting him a glare. "Or other times." Ichigo didn't say a word, knowing that he was in trouble for several things though he wasn't sure what. "I'm surprised. When did Cheerful Hopes become… Frothy Fox, I think it is?"

Morgan grinned around his cigar. "You're right there. Got a few drinks on order, hope your XO doesn't mind, but got him a Timbuktu Dark." Gry nodded his thanks.

"So." I looked at Gry who raised an eyebrow, indicating this was my job. Turning back to Morgan, I steepled my fingers together. "Why are you willing to quit MI6?" MI6, or Military Intelligence, Section 6 of the Department of Military Intelligence, was the Davion's version of the SAS or Delta, the best of the best, the most qualified operators for direct action missions, and used in the most critical situations. They had earned the name Rabid Foxes and it wasn't a compliment, not when first used for them.

Morgan snorted at that. "Willing? No. But I'm not accepting a return to leading a troop, instead of my company, or being kicked out of MI6, for some asshole not telling me the details, and expecting me to slaughter an orphanage." My eyebrows rose at that.

"We're the Federated Suns. We're not supposed to do that." I paused, nodding once. "Though I'm realistic enough to know you might have to, but…"

Morgan sipped his beer and before he could speak, the somewhat rattled waitress had arrived. He waited til she was again out of earshot, and I had sipped at the Cuba Libre that was placed in front of me.

"Well. Good to see you're not total fluff." He paused, and shrugged. "Let's say this. I wasn't given the information needed to make the on site call I had to, and I made one that was not acceptable to command, however, I made it based on the information I had." He shrugged. "I'll say if I had the information I was supposed to have, or at least more, I'd likely have made a different choice, or at the very least, be more sanguine about the situation, but, in this case, someone's covering their ass and I don't like it. Fuck 'em."

His look at me was challenging.

Ichigo was about to speak only to have my eyes boring into his. "Hush, brother." Turning back to Morgan, I smiled sweetly. "Why didn't you bring your case to Yvonne or the First Prince? Neither would be… unsympathetic to the situation. Nor would they blame you for following policy without reason to override that you knew. I wouldn't."

Morgan blew out a breath. "Because, in a way, it's not worth it." He shook his head. "What, you think all our ops are Real Tales of…" He snorted, mentioning a off and on again holovid supposedly dramazing the Rabid Foxes.

I shook my head in them. "I act, yes, but unlike enough of my well, fellows in that field, I'm quite aware that if any television show including news is even 25% accurate, much less ah, dramatizations, I'd be honestly shocked." I twirled a finger. "Even if I do plan to shoot a reality show using the Heavy Cav, I'm not going to try that hard to make it realistic." Morgan laughed out loud at that.

"I like your sense." He leaned forward. "I don't have a problem with at least a short term gig til shit hits the fan again, and I get my company back… Let's talk numbers."

"I don't want you for just a bodyguard." I nodded. Internally squealing, I was gloating. Gloating. An elite operator? Who was an officer and at least 10 year veteran of such? Oh, yes.

Morgan took a puff and blew out the smoke. "Oh?"

"Having you, just as a bodyguard, or leader of such, or hell, just leading the recon elements for a multi regimental force, is a waste." I nodded seriously. "So… how'd you feel about putting together and leading a Direct Action unit? At least company, though I'd prefer at least a battalion." I heard Gry's sharp intake of breath. He was right to be shocked. Very few mercenary commands could boast of operators, and maybe only a dozen could boast of a company. Battalion? Maybe 3 or 4 at best.

"You think big. Time scale." Morgan's grin was infectious.

"Depends. I figure at worst you could put together a company ready for operations of a limited nature in 6 months, no less. Full Battalion, with a bit of luck, and this does require you recruiting only no longer working operators, and those still mostly qualified… I'd expect nothing less than a year. Three if we had to train them." I leaned back at him.

Morgan's eyes narrowed. "Good and mostly accurate thinking there. Costly though."

I smiled innocently. "I asked around and thought about it. If anything, your people have to be, no, are better trained before they step on the field than anyone else. So… first your people have to be proven, then go through training as intense as flight school, SERE, and space operations, then add in more training on top of that. At the least. That takes time." I titled my head at him. "Am I wrong?"

He blew the cigar smoke and I sniffed appreciatively. "No, you're not, though I think you're underestimating how hard the training is. And the cost."

"If we have to train operators, if 1 in 4 make it, and you don't kill or cripple for life one in ten, during the training, I'd be pleasantly surprised." I answered coldly, and hiding the pleasure of the shocked expression crossing Morgan's face. "And it's worth every penny afterwards." I paused, face tight as I bit out the next. "And it'd save countless of not just of your operators, but the line personnel. Worth it in the long run."

"Well.. huh." He took a long drag of his cigar, finally stubbing it out. "You've got a clear idea at least on what it'd take." He looked thoughtful. "Well. I can see some potential here. Still, numbers?"

I slipped a piece of paper out of hiding, and slipped it over to him, after circling the top number. His eyebrows rose slightly. "Pay as an o-5 top flight Mechwarrior with bonuses, I see."

"And the authority to go with it, if we go full bore." I nodded. "I don't stint."

He nodded. "And what does Sved here think of this brainstorm of yours."

Gry looked a bit uncomfortable. "I'm not sure." He turned to look at me, with a sigh. "You realize, if we do this, we're going to be heavily marked, and we'll have to bring Blackhand in on most everything? I'd suggest even more than you're bringing me in."

I nodded. Morgan grinned more. Gry just shook his head. "I'm torn. I like the idea, on one point, it'd allow us to really charge, on the other… well. Dirty business."

Morgan snorted, and I barely held back from joining him. "We're in a dirty business, period. What it takes so we come home and spend our paychecks is good." I paused, turning to look at Morgan. "Not that that means slaughtering orphanages. Ever. Nothing could be worth that. If it is, we'll find a different way."

Gry looked somewhat uncomfortable. "I really think this is a case of where the past may be needed to know, Ma'am, stuff that wasn't…" I held up my hand.

"When I'm sure I can trust you. Or are you willing to undergo babblejuice?" I raised my eyebrow. "I've already made a mistake in trusting one person." I didn't look at the said person.

Gry's eyebrows rose slightly. "I… see." He didn't answer the question, and I left it at that.

"Which raises a question, are you, at least for limited questioning?" Morgan's eyebrow's hit his pompadour.

"Huh." He paused and lit another cigar, drawing it. When it was properly drawing again, he grinned once again. "Limited, and agreed on questions before, with someone who has a clue of what they're doing? Sure. It'll be fun. It's been a while since me and my team have had fun juicing each other."

"I'm afraid I'll not be able to let your boys juice you, but I'm sure we can both come to an agreement on who. At least. Maybe a pair, one each?" Morgan grinned.

"I see we understand each other. Almost tempted to get you to agree to some juicing." I raised my eyebrows.

"It includes memory enhancement, doesn't it?" I tilted my head. He nodded, curious where I was going. "Then I just might have to agree to such. I do hope you can find a qualified interrogator."

"That's not a problem. As for the company you want. Got checks handy?" Morgan stood up, waving at a woman.

I raised my eyes. "On me, no. Gettable in a couple hours, yes." The Why was unsaid.

Morgan smiled. "Eh, paperwork can wait." He turned to the vaguely hispanic woman that had stepped up, observing me. Her shock of white hair over her eye contrasted with the tight black braid quite elegantly. Her trench coat covered a tight fitting pair of trousers and a black blouse, as well as the weapons I knew she had on her. "Ma'am, this is Captain Rios, called Rogue. I'll have her handle your close in with a squad."

"Ma'am." Her eyebrow rose in a question at Blackhand.

"Well, you did say the company would follow me, and I said only if I could make sure you all weren't going to be screwed by it. Meet our new employer who wants a Direct Action company." The woman's eyebrow was joined by another. "For her mercenary command." Captain Rios turned to scan me, and finally in a soft soprano spoke.

"... I… see. Sir, before we depart the Service, may I suggest something?" Her tone was frosty.

"Strangle an MI2 profiler?" His smile already indicated that he had that thought. "Ahead of you, there. I'll go collect the rest to see if they were serious, but for now, I'd want you and your squad on close." Rogue nodded at her superior.

I thought of protesting, but shelved it. Morgan was right, more than he knew, actually, and more importantly, best not piss off the man who'd be responsible for my personal safety and my unit's most critical missions. But… "You know Guifier's, right?" I received a nod. "Well, we'll be there waiting for two uniforms, and fitting the Captain's, though her rank will be higher I think…" I trailed off. "As well as her squad's…"

Rios developed a slight smile. "And dare I hope when Solo finds us, his?"

"Hey!" I returned her smile at Morgan's exclamation.

"I do what to see what's under his trenchcoat and pullover, yes, I do…"

Rios smiled a bit more. "I don't think you'll be disappointed. At least looking."

"... I may need to rethink this." Morgan muttered. "At least putting you two together."

I tilted my head, and smiled innocently, looking at my watch. "Well, we need to go, several meetings to do, dropping you off to have a uniform tailored, along with a few of your people…" I paused as he seemed to wilt a bit, then muttered under my breath. "Seems like old times, like Ranger school to me. Always running." I wasn't sure, but Morgan's eyes seemed to narrow slightly at the last.

Dropship Xanadu, Avalon Spaceport, Avalon City, New Avalon, Late Evening.

I rolled my eyes, as Rios directed her platoon throughout Xanadu. I understood what she was doing, but as it stood, if anyone got in, we were screwed anyways. I quirked an eyebrow at Morgan who just grinned.

"We'll deal with full security once we get a full crew for her, Ma'am." the stubble faced man smiled around his cigar. "For now, let Rios soothe her paranoia. She's good at this."

I snrked. "And she didn't really like the fact she's good looking enough to be a pinup herself, and that I drafted her."

Morgan shrugged. "Her beer money thanks you though."

I rolled my eyes. "Uh-huh." I nodded as Rios waved that it was clear.

Shortly, the senior staff was assembled in a convenient nook of the park deck. Morgan grinned as Rios swept the area for bugs.

"Now that institutional paranoia is satisfied, can we handle business? I hope everyone's read the brief and unit organization." I raised an eyebrow

Gry nodded, but looked around, finally ending up on Morgan, after sorting though Cummin, Evie, Mari, Tim, Micte, Albert and Arwan. "You're first, Blackhand."

He nodded. "My impression? You're going nuts. Merc units do not and I need to repeat this, do not have the need or want for the support elements you want. Unless you're really serious about having a multi regimental combat team size, or at the least a old SLDF division, Boss. Which I'd question how'd you afford the people and hell, just finding the gear. Much less transport."

Several nods. I responded after a moment to see how others reacted, but that was the general view. "For the money, I don't intend to give Hanse Davion, one damned thing. He'll pay." I grinned. "As for acquiring the equipment…" I sighed. "Look again at Deep support. Evie?"

"It's… oh, hell." She nodded. "We can't buy the equipment finished? We buy the frames, the parts, and do it ourselves. Commodore, how many contacts do you know that could source even full ASF frames? Or …"

"That's workable." Cummin nodded at Evie. "Very much so. Time consuming, so unless you get a favorable contract from Davion… we're going to have to scrounge our asses off to make it viable. But it is."

I nodded. "And once up and running, well, I'm sure the Dragoons or Light Horse make money providing that to smaller units."

Gry nodded. "As well as their host nation units. Clever, very clever. That just leaves transport. Assuming we can get money out of Davion."

I nodded. "That… honestly, likely will take a *lot* of time to make work. Unless any of you have a list of sites Father forgot to tell me that had a pile of dropships."

Gry shook his head. "Only thing I knew about was a lead on where the Argo crashed." He raised an eyebrow.

"The Star League concept for a heavy support and forward base with a grav deck?" I quirked an eyebrow.

"That be it." He was mildly impressed. I shrugged.

"One visiting lecturer commented on her drive and reactor from what little Gainax has of the plans." I shrugged. "Stuck in the mind."

Evie nodded. "Understandable." She paused. "Now, the big issue. Hiring. You mentioned recruiting posters and like?"

I grinned. "Why do you think the film crew ran around shooting stills? Of just about anything we let them?"

"And that's why Rayanne isn't here." Gry nodded. "She's with the ad exec to put the campaign together. Are you serious about the docu-drama idea?"

"Money, money, money. Every extra shilling counts!" I smiled innocently. I sobered. "If people want out because of it, we can let them go, if they just don't want to be on TV, that's doable."

Evie shook her head. "I don't have a problem, and so far not many of my people even have raised it." She looked around with a slight challenge. "If nothing else, long term, it might pay out, if young kids see how techs are critical, might get more into science and engineering, much less actual techs."

Gry nodded. Blackhand raised an hand. "My only issue is operational security, and keeping our operators, outside… well, maybe your bodyguard platoon, say?" He raised a eyebrow at me. I nodded understanding. "Outside the camera lens, or at the very least we get to edit shit and 'shop it so our people aren't marked."

"Understood, agreed, and I'm mildly surprised to see you letting any on camera." I shot back.

"Rogue abuse." Several snickers were done in response. Evie stopped the laughing for a moment, and nodded once.

"Only other issue *I* have, honestly, is how and why you want that many medics. One medically, at least paramedic level trained per squad?" She shot me a look. "That's beyond excessive. Only Canopus does that. And…" I held up my head, reenforcing the command with a look.

"Our people will have the best treatment and care we can get them. Putting aside having more people in a unit able to do medical duties, basic, at least, is a good thing for morale and internal capabilities, here's a question for you." I looked at Morgan with a smile. "How likely will people be to start shit with us on planet, if we're treating their kid's fevers or broken bones? Fixing their teeth? Helping their parents with heart issues?" I raised an sculpted eyebrow. I turned to look at Mari and Gry. "Same with our engineers. If we build roads, repair buildings, string power lines…" I trailed off.

Gry nodded. "That helps, as I'm sure Blackhand would agree Hearts and minds is an important bit. But it also leads to garrison work of recently conquered worlds, which… well. I didn't do it as a merc, but there's times… and that's Marik space, not Draconic held."

I nodded. "We'll just have to be careful til we're sure we can handle it. Though… I'd not be fond of being on recently liberated worlds from the Combine, I'd not trust the ISF not to bury cells to try to kill us."

Morgan snorted. "I'd trust them." He paused and shifted his cigar. "To do exactly that, and try to set it up to blame us for other things."

Various nods at that. I continued and added. "But between those two reasons, that's my thinking."

Evie thought about it. "Canopians have high retention rates in their units, maybe that's a reason. Worth a try at least."

Gry shrugged. "It'll help with infantry and armor recruiting, they're always a pain, since a lot of people consider them unimportant. As for the specialist combat arms… make that part of the deal with Hanse. Getting them otherwise… difficult." Before I could respond, a knock, and hatch opening interrupted us.

Kelia stepped in with Rayanne following her. "Hey." Trailing behind her was a man I had met several times before. De'Ath Bredon. Handsome in a sleek way, and with an great sense of humor, he had done a lot of work on various ad campaigns for my movies and other activities. He had an eye to targeting military as well, but had never really gotten noticed by the executives of various firms for bigger and better things. A tad just into middle age, he had taken his 'failure' to go beyond mid level manager with grace.

"Yo, Kikyo." The man smiled. "Got some test pictures and text to try out for the posters you wanted. Wasn't too difficult." He laid out the posters he had in mind, and put pages on the table.

Gry scanned through the papers, and put one aside. "This, this will work for pros." Morgan looked at it, quirked an eyebrow and nodded.

"Should do… now let's see the bait." He grinned.

It was hilarious, I mean come on. I know I look damn good, better than most in fact and i know that my personal presence and ability to command attention was why I was so successful as an actress. But here, my athletic figure hinted at a more obvious hourglass, breasts emphasized to look bigger than they actually were, and airbrushing to make my hair look redder, my eyes more emerald and my skin more porcelain. It was a fantasy, but this fantasy would make money, and send people into the unit.

Gry snorted. "Uniform in front of the troops, cooling suit with Rios next to her holding the rifle up, and the one where she leans forward at the table. Tasteful, but still *not* unprofessional."

I tilted my head. "Keep some of the others, might run them as limited prints. The shot of Rios and Morgan working out is nice, Scythe boy."

Evie grinned. "I like the one of me and a few of my minions disassembling that tank. Might work for targeted recruiting."

"Yeah, my thought. The more cheesecake ones, like Gry boarding his Highlander, nah, whoever shot those didn't get the message." He paused. "So as I must, I'll snip those for personal or limited sales. ALong with several ah… 'action' shots."

I nodded. "I like the one where it's a wide view of the unit in front of my speech. Whoever did the overlay of the uniforms…"

"Can't clip her yet, she's new but she's got talent, Kikyo." He sobered.

I wagged my finger. "No reaping! You're paid to immortalize, not cut people short!" I grinned at him.

He grinned back. "So… that's why I'm not allowed at parties anymore. Tsk."

I shook my head sorrowfully. "No, that's because you make too many bad jokes." I grinned, then turned serious. "That's enough?"

"Those three, and the Text, yes." He returned to serious mode. "I can have a set ready to run to the Guild and other places in … call it a half hour for the final three to be proofed then an hour to run off 100 each?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Works!" I grinned. "Gry?"

"When they're ready, I'll send Uri to the Guild to post them and register recruiting, and to the MRB to also include it in our package and register everything. I'll go around a few bars and post as well." Gry nodded, looking at Uri who had trailed behind the ad executive.

"Outstanding, I don't want to be a grim and ruin people's drinking, as people accuse me of…" De'Ath was grinning as he spoke. "Anyways, let me go and handle this." He nodded.

I toyed with the idea of inviting him back after he was done with that for a talk and a possible private recruitment session, but I squashed it, at least in front of my minions.

MageOhki · Feb 15, 2020

I apologize to all readers, but I *do* have news (and is it nerco'ing your *own* thread, anyways?)

First and Foremost: As soon as I feel up to it Lever 1 and 2 will be edited for some retcrons and shifting of tone. I haven't gotten to it yet, becasue in the last 22 days:

Lever 3 went from 4.5kw to 30ishKW
Lever 4 completed (18 or so KW)
Lever 5 completed at about the same as above
Lever 6 at 20kw and done.

>> I *really* need to edit don't I?

MageOhki · Feb 19, 2020

Note: This is the edited version of Chapter 2. Enjoy. Chapter 3 and 4 to follow sometime tonight.
Right. Grab your smartgun, put on the mirrorshades, hit the radio to produce 80's hair band tunes, 'casue we're going 80's

And for those of you say it's nice she's not Hanse worshipping or throwing her stuff at his feet... She's on New Avalon, what is a poor fox to do when a henhouse comes to him?

... Besides get the eggs, of course.

With a lever big enough I can move the world

Chapter 2

A Battletech FanFiction
By
Andrew "MageOhki" Norris.

See Chapter 1 for disclaimers and other information
With this version I would like to thank Drakensis for kitbitzing and Editing, JG/Joe Gunnarson (Of Whateley fame) for the same, Minako/Scratx for kibitizing, and Case/Fosfor for the same as Minako. Y'all made this go a LOT faster than the first two, thank you. Psyckosama deserves an especial shoutout for helping reinspire, some basic visualizaiton and idea throwing.

Find your footing.

When dealing with those who are powerful, sly and cunning, much less rulers of interstellar policies of great size, be bold, is not always a good strategy. But the timid don't win.

Bluffing and lying work, but sooner or later, your bluffs will be called, and your lies will be exposed. Be prepared to cover them. Better yet, only do it when you have to… and still have a plan B.

There are three things you can always trust to screw you over. A person's greed, a mule's stubbornness, and your own inability to recognize when you're over your head.

Be careful with trusting people, even family. Even if they have loyalty to you, a question you must ask is… who else are they loyal to?

Letting anyone into your heart is a risk, you might get it broken. But being alone is so much worse.

From the journals and notes of Kikyo Onishi, New Avalon Press, 3291 AD, as part of the "Century of Chaos: The Movers and Shakers." series.

New Avalon Capital Spaceport, Morning, January 2nd, 3015

As we strode out of the warehouse that was an impromptu hanger, I listened to the chatter of my passengers.

"Huh. Much better than the last time I rode with you." Kelia muttered. "These mechs are something else."

Ichigo was paying attention to what I was doing. "She's using mostly automated programs, and pretty much letting Bun Bun's computers do the work. Smart."

I rolled my eyes, as we stepped out into the sunlight, and Debora quickly veered to the side. "Where are we going."

"Loaded with a local waypoint map?" Ichigo asked, and got my nod, as I pulled up the map he was referring to. "Waypoint Bravo-3, Waypoint Bravo-5, Delta -3, then Echo-7. Let the computers do the work."

Punching those in, I took my feet off the pedals, and kept light hands on the joysticks, as autopilot engaged. Even current mechs could do this safely, given the nature of a Dropship spaceport, Bun Bun just did it as if he had a veteran at the controls. I had already transmitted our course to the Ground Traffic control center. Didn't want to get vaporized by a dropship, after all.

A Dropship port is a fairly big place, so going to where we were supposed to go took a fair bit of time. Before we could get to the last waypoint, Two Battlemechs painted in the Heavy Guards colors stepped in front of us, and a transmission rattled over my speakers.

"Halt and state your business." The male voice was professional and to the point.

I halted Bun Bun, and before I could reach my radio's frequency settings, Bun Bun had already set the radio to transmit on the correct frequency.

"Kikyo Onishi, to watch arrival of several dropships which are now mine." I would have added more, but Ichigo's hand cut me off.

"Captain Onishi here, why has the Heavy Guards been deployed?" Ichigo's tone was curious. "The dropships were expected, after all."

"Wait one." Within a moment, a third mech, another Archer had stepped around the buildings, and stopped in front of us. The Archer then proceed to lean down and let a pair of uniformed soldiers climb aboard a hand, which was then raised, and the Archer stepped forward, bringing the hand to where the soldiers could look into the cockpit, as I opened the hatch.

The female of the pair was holding a video camera, and Ichigo waved at it. "Kunoichi, why are there three women in the cockpit, besides you?"

I spun my head to look at Ichigo, while Aiko did the same, mouthing 'Kunoichi'?

"One is the owner of this mech, and the dropships arriving, my sister.. The youngest is my youngest sister, Aiko, and the other is a friend, Kelia Harper." Ichigo's tone was a bit frosty

"Aaa, see you didn't tell them your call sign, then. I wonder why." The voice sounded amused. "Must be a good friend, considering…"

"Virgin, respectfully, shut up." Ichigo shot back. "Kikyo has a right to see her property, does she not?"

The Mechwarrior call signed Virgin responded, still amused. "Ayep. What's the loadout status?"

"No ammo."

"Safe the lasers, and you're good to proceed." The voice was now more serious.

I did so, and Ichigo nodded. "Done, sir, now again, may I ask why my unit seems to be out in force?"

"Besides the fact we have enough military dropships to fully carry us and a bit more landing?" The tone was asking 'Are you stupid?' "Classified. Miss Onishi, your waypoints are Echo-7, Gamma-3, Hotel-5, you will be met by someone at Hotel-5."

My smart ass mode engaged. "Understood, ah, I didn't get your name, just your call sign… which if you want fixed is possible, you know…"

A moment of silence as several snickers were heard from other units on the net. "Major Zibler, Miss Onishi, and I'm married."

"Aaaa. Must be a story." I plugged in the waypoints, and nodded at the receipt. "Good to go."

"Understood." The three mechs stepped aside, and I let Bun Bun's autopilot engage.

As Bun Bun strode forward at a sedate 20 kph, Aiko finally asked. "Kunoichi?" Her voice was delighted. "Wouldn't that be Kiki's or my nickname?"

"Callsigns aren't flattering." Kelia responded, still amused. "Though I'll admit those two were epic." Ichigo's jaw was a bit tense.

I shot back, amused as well. "Could be worse, Ichigo could be Virgin instead."

"That one I've got to hear." Kelia nodded. Ichigo sighed.

"Can we drop it?" Three feminine eyes looked at each other.

"For now." "Only until I want you to do something." "Oh, I'll be kind."

Ichigo just shook his head. "Yuk it up. At least I'm not Zibler."

"And how did he get that?" Kelia responded.

"Idiot on his first night partying at Albion stated he would only have sex on his wedding night. A friend of his shot back. 'So forever a virgin you will remain!' It stuck." Ichigo grinned.

Aiko snickered. "And Kunoichi?"

Ichigo rolled his eyes. "Was given that because Mom was a single mother, and I'm pretty decent at being stealthy." He paused, and nodded once. "'So, Subaltern Onishi, what you're saying is your family is a Kunoichi family?'"

I sighed. Aiko signed and nodded. "Not so bad, then, I guess."

"Ayup." Ichigo settled back a bit.

Before any of us could continue harassing the poor man, we saw a Battlemaster, with a collection of other mechs turn and look at us. Along it's left side were two stripes running heightwise, one red, one white, while the rest of the 'Mech's metal was in Davion Blue, with sunbursts and swords on the Shoulders. All the mechs except my white and grey Bun Bun were in variants of that pattern, which confirmed they were the Heavy Guards.

Ichigo had stiffened, then sighed. "Well, that explains why the Heavy's here."

I didn't turn to look, but I know he felt my question, and he answered it. "I'd be very unsurprised, Kiki, if that's not the First Prince himself."

"Oh." I concentrated on being very inoffensive. "Oh. You think he's…"

Ichigo's shrug was felt by all of us. "Partly here to gawk, partly here to likely start sounding you out about getting all that stuff, would be my bet."

I would have commented, but the Battlemaster had waved, then pointed at a spot next to the assault class mech. I understood what that meant.

"I'm pretty sure they radio'ed ahead." I said dryly. "I suspect he wants to raid the henhouse early on."

Ichigo's look I felt though the seat.

"Hey, the family symbol is a Fox." I shot back as I carefully and slowly moved Bun Bun next to the Battlemaster, so our shoulders would be less than a meter apart, as we overlooked the spaceport.

"Uh-huh. Pop the top so we can climb out and see." Aiko called out, and I obliged. Shortly, the two other women were out and sitting on Bun Bun's shoulders, having moved carefully, while Ichigo unfolded the Rumble seat to watch.

I flipped a camera to watch the Battlemaster, while the main view was on the spaceport, and Ichigo told me the channel to listen for Flight control.

Shortly, Flight control's channel grew frantic, and we had the awe-inspiring sight of dropship after dropship landing. Most impressive were the Colossi and the Mammoths, respectively the largest ever military dropship, and the largest planetary capable cargo dropship.

Seventy dropships. That was well beyond two billion C-bills in hardware, capable of transporting over a hundred and fifty thousand tons of cargo, over two Regimental Combat teams, just about, the largest formations in combat currently comprised of nine plus regiments of front line combat troops, split among battlemechs, tanks and infantry. What was in them would easily equip at least one of the RCT's. My displays presented which dropship was which, likely force composition, and other detailed analysis. I was totally impressed with the data flowing across the screens.

I was distracted from watching the last aerodyne shaped dropship taxi to join the rest of the flotilla, as well as the data streaming through my Heads Up Display, by the Battlemaster turning to face one of the mechs. I was irresistibly reminded of an argument going on, even though I couldn't hear anything, it was just the body language the mechs were displaying. Shortly, the Battlemaster's language turned satisfied, and the Victor's was a bit rejected, but the Victor held out a hand near where I suspected the hatch was.

"Miss Onishi." The radio crackled, and the unfamiliar male voice on it continued. "Please do not move, you have someone who wishes to talk to you." The voice put action to words, as a man stepped onto the hand, only wearing a cooling vest, very short shorts and a pair of boots, accompanied by a pistol on his leg and a knife in his boot, stepped onto the hand.

Shortly a voice called out after the Victor had put itself in front of me, and raised the hand to the hatch. "Can I drop in?" Ichigo's stiffening wasn't needed to tell me who it was, though part of me was going "Shatner?"

"Of course, Your Highness." I responded before Ichigo could.

I looked up and discovered three things. A: Hanse Davion really was a James Kirk expy. B: He also had the same bare chest thing going Kirk did. C: Kikyo really liked the look and vibe, who knew she was fond of older and more powerful males.

With a thump Hanse Davion arrived into Bun Bun's cockpit. "Captain, Miss Onishi."

"Sir." "Your Highness." He waved off our attempts to stand, and respectively salute or bow, and looked around.

"... This is not a standard Archer, a 2R, I believe, that's in it's documentation." He didn't sound accusing or threatening, just amused.

I thought for a moment, and shrugged. "Nope. Didn't really know about it, 'til I fired it
up." Pausing for a moment, I grinned at the look on his face. Complete incomprension. "Couldn't, the conservator was being… restrictive on more than just liquid assets."

"Excuse me?" Hanse's tone wasn't just the polite inquiry of a gentleman, he was honestly curious to what I was implying, instead of not using a Battlemech, as his mind couldn't wrap around anyone with one not learning all about it or using it.

"When Ichigo was assigned to the Guards, and assigned off planet, while I was emancipated, I still needed by law a conservator." Hanse nodded, understanding, and I continued. "She was quite… strict on the limitations, and I quote, what does an actress need with a Battlemech, but no judge would sign off on selling property, so…"

"I.. see." He turned to look at Ichigo. "And pray tell, Captain, why was this not handled?"

Ichigo shot me a look. "Sire, I was not informed, for my sister tends to believe she can do anything."

"Ah…" Hanse leaned against the cockpit wall. "Then this should be at least less unpleasant than I hoped. I do intend to try to gain what you inherited." He paused looking at me. "For fair value, of course, of course. While there are legal means to rend it from you, mind you, considering some of the dropships… I much rather not have to go through the process. Not only would it be dimly looked upon… it likely would be more expensive."

I nodded. Squishing an internal voice that demanded certain considerations of a more intimate nature in lieu of cash, I instead asked… "Exactly what do you want?"

"The jumpship and military dropships to start, honestly. Would you like a Duchy?" Hanse smiled roguishly. "All things considered, I'm going to try very hard to make sure that Monolith doesn't leave New Avalon without being in AFFS colours. And I am prepared to make strenuous efforts and legal at that to keep the Colossi in the same state. I'm stunned they got here, in fact."

I nodded at that. "I'm afraid some of your goals will be difficult to attain. But first I have to see what the people with them, my father's people, now my people, want." I shrugged. "I'm responsible for them, so…"

"I see." Hanse leaned back and looked at me, his eyes piercing. "I do see indeed. I'm quite prepared to sweeten the dealmaking, you realize."

"Perhaps. But, I'm not going to make any decisions 'til I know exactly what the people want, and what I have to work with." I spread my hands, taking a deep breath, noting the quick flicker of Hanse's eyes to my valley. "Even then, I do have a few plans of my own."

Hasne's eyes bored in. "Elaborate." His tone brooked no disobedience.

"Well, I've been given a few places that might be interesting to visit…" I trailed off, letting him fill in the blanks.

"Your father was a bit of a treasure hunter, I believe, as so proven, in fact… Ah, he sent a list of places he couldn't visit?" His question was more of a statement.

I simply smiled, letting him draw the conclusions. His eyes narrowed, finally he spoke. "I'm inclined to slightly disbelieve that, but reports did say a courier with a secure box arrived to his lawyers here, and all things considered… But details."

"Well, some information has come to light that the Star League depots and repair centers in Epsilon Eridani aren't as gone as we thought." I shrugged slightly. "From what I've been given, there's two worth investigating. One that might have a dropship in it, another that seems to be a major repair and refit center for the ground forces. No idea what's in there, though I suspect a lot of automated tooling and repair bays, from what I can gather. Or at least bits of them."

"And?" Hanse wasn't satisfied.

"Let's say this. I'm pretty sure that Minoru's decision to personally lead the looting of Helm wasn't based on bad intel. I have some suspicions, but there's some easily verifiable facts that'll make it fairly easy to prove if I'm on the right track. Plus, I figured out the perfect cover to loot it, and get away clean." I smiled at that.

Hanse's raised eyebrow was matched by Ichigo's facepalm, but I obliged his question.

"Well, I am a Fedrat, and wouldn't it be natural to make a movie about yet another Weeaboo actroity?"

Hanse's expression was a prize. You could see him just blanking for a moment, then going "Weeaboo?"

"Wannabe Imperial Japanese maniac." Ichigo's voice dryly answered the question.

Hanse for a long moment was quiet. "Weeaboo. Weeaboo. I like that." He smiles. "Almost as much as I like the idea of stealing Helm from underneath Janos, without a clue on his part." Pausing. "But is it worth it to me to risk a serious bird in the hand?"

I paused for a moment. "Information on exactly what Major Keeler hid away is iffy, anywhere from a regiment to at least six regiments of mechs, plus equivalents in other areas, and spare parts, of course. Plus possibly ah… special weapons." Hanse's eyebrow was still cocked slightly indicating he wasn't convinced. I sighed, finally agreeing to reveal my trump card. "Some, some information has come to light that indicates he saw where we, as in the Successor states were going, and the likely result. And he took steps to at least prevent the loss of knowledge. Not saying that he got his hands on Prometheus, but some hints are that he did his best to recreate it. But not verifiable, and it's just a … likely suspicion"

Hanse went still. Finally, after a long moment, he thought about it. "I'll want to see your logic on the possibility of the cache being there. I'm almost tempted to say damn the cost, and get to the cache now. Just the possibility of a put together Prometheus..." He paused again. "No, I am tempted. Explain your logic on why you think Major Keeler did so."

"He's an engineer. He fought the Liberation wars, and saw what happened to the Terrans, and the SLDF. He also likely studied history, and well… Doesn't take much to draw conclusions." I paused, "And if you're already in a pessimistic mood…"

"I would say that's a thin reed." Hanse pondered. "A thin reed indeed."

I nodded. "And our relations as I understand it with the Free World league are fairly profitable and not worth ah… disturbing over a slim possibility. And considering that we have a decent shot at getting away with the cache cleanly, without ..."

"There is that." Hanse shrugged. "While our relations are generally good, as you pointed out with the Free World League, we, as in the Federated suns have occasionally undertaken raids, some recently against them, and if I was even halfway convinced that the information you say was there, I'd go myself with your brother covering my troops."

He carefully studied me. "As it stands, I'm not sure I believe you at all. I will think on this. I do think you're not telling me everything, and I know you're trying to convince me of what you want to do. The question I have, is it what you are telling me, or is it a cover up."

I thought for a moment. "True to the first." I paused. "On the second, I can say it's my goal, but again…"

"Quite." He thought for a moment, then nodded. "I can see the idea you got about Helm, given your brother's article on it. I will want to see some more data on the location." He paused again. "As for allowing you to acquire it in the method, I'm of two minds of it. Epsilon Eridani can be collected by my people, if you give the information. While part of me, truly wishes to be about this as fast and as powerfully as possible, your brother's loyalty, and your mother's service to the realm, has also earned you a fair bit of leeway." My confusion at the last showed clearly.

His raised eyebrow at Ichigo and a shake of the head that answered the question. He then turned to me, and nodded once. "Your mother was Order of Five Pillars." The Order of the Five Pillars was one of the two security services of the Draconis Combine, the most hated rival of the Federated Suns, and tied for the worst Successor state, in my view.

"She defected, blowing open a century long spy ring, plus several others, and secrets. I thought you knew." He shrugged. "Ian offered her a barony, she turned it down." He turned to Ichigo who wasn't looking happy. "She has every right to know. Considering what the Order was doing, and your family line, Captain, she has to know, as it's DMI's view she was killed by an ISF agent."

Ichigo's expression was stone. "Sire. I… was trying to think on how to …"

Hanse's raised hand cut him off. "Understandable." He turned back to me. "Even if I go along with this, I will insist on conditions, as you are my subject, and by tradition and law, owe me fealty. But House Davion has avoided compelling service. I do not want to be the first to do so."

I was still rattled by everything, and my mouth ran away with me. "Well, if you ordered me to your bed, Sire, I don't think I'd consider that a hardship. In fact, I'd consider it very fun."

The strangled sound from my brother really wanted me to have a camera, but Hanse's response even caught me off guard. "That'd be the third date, I'm afraid. Not the first."

I just gaped, completely taken aback. He grinned, then sobered. "I assume your mouth ran away with you, of course, mind you, as that was quite gauche of you. And unlike your usual behavior, from what I understand. I'll chalk it up to the revelation I just laid on you." He turned to my gaping brother who was choking. "Breathe, man, breathe. It's not the first, nor the last offer I've received, though to be fair, it's one of the most direct."

Ichigo finally caught his breath, his face still completely shocked. "Kikyo. Seriously. Are you insane? You don't say that!"

I winced slightly. "I apologize, Sire. It was… more than gauche, all things considered. What are the conditions?"

Hanse thought shortly. "NAIS and DMI technical personnel go through the ships and
mechs for anything of interest. Ethier buy it direct or loan it to the NAIS. The Colossus, the Excaliburs, the Vengeances and oh, those Titans and the Monolith are leased to the AFFS, with indemnity bonds if lost." He thought for a moment. "I provide any and all needed personnel, of course to fill out the unit. Though I'd like to know exactly what are you thinking unit wise."

He held up his hand. "Your youngest sister remains, not only is the NAIS the best place to grow such a mind, NAIS itself would benefit. And of course, one of you will accept the Barony that your mother refused."

Ichigo broke in. "Sire, I'd not recommend the majority of the unit being AFFS or former AFFS, that'll make it obvious that we're a cover to anyone with a brain."

Hanse paused, nodded. "At least a fair amount, mind you. Your sister…"

"I understand and agree, Sire. Minders are a good idea." Ichigo smiles at me.

I opened my mouth, but before I could say anything Hanse smiles as well. "And you'll be one of them Captain, who better?"

Ichigo nods. "Can I assume this won't affect my career?" Hanse nods.

"Personal detailing by the First Prince always looks good on a young officer resume." Hanse nodded for a moment, then added. "While I'd suggest that you don't command the unit direct, Kikyo, it's also a tradition the owner does. I'll look around for a very competent XO, in that case."

I thought for a moment. "Right now, unit wise, I'm eyeing a Brigade type formation, though in reality it'd be an Alliance wing. One regiment of ASF, one of mechs, one of armor, one of infantry, supported by a battalion of ADA, arty, MP, Engineers, and logistical support elements. With the amount of mechs supposedly there, I might have two. Always wondered why the 1st Cav wasn't that, it'd fit so nicely with the DLC doctrine."

Hanse paused, and thought about it. "Viable." He finally stated. "And you can try the idea out for us, if it DOES work, well, more Armored Cav is never a bad idea."

I nodded. "As for the ships, no. Stripping them of Royal technology? Yes. But if this is to work, more transport is better. It also makes us less tied visibility to you, though if Aiko remains, that's your assurance we'll come back, at least for a while. Any mech or vehicle that is SLDF late Regular or Royal, unless it's already a personal ride, I have no problems selling, or more precisely exchanging for other mechs."

I tapped my chin. "It's going to be difficult enough convincing Marik to agree to at least headquarter a full brigade, much less two on Helm, without them thinking we're Davion pet mercs. This isn't to say I intend to keep all the dropships, putting aside from what information I had, they had to skeleton crew a fair chunk of them to get them here."

Hanse pondered. "And for dropships you don't intend to keep?"

"Sell them, though my initial thinking is trade them to either the Lyrans or Marik for an additional jumpship or two. I won't sell the heavier units, since they simplify transport."

"I understand that logic, which is why I'm not inclined to pass up a chance to simplify my own shipping issues." Hanse smiled a bit crookedly at that.

"I'm not disinclined to write a contract where if the unit folds, the AFFS has absolute first refusal to buy the jumpships and heavier dropships, verified by Comstar as little as I trust them." I shrugged slightly. "Similar to a lien." I shrugged. "This is also contingent on of course the people in the unit being inclined to go along with me. And…"

I pondered a moment as The Fox just looked at me, a bit impassive. "After the Marik contract, the FS has first refusal on the unit's services?" I paused for a moment. "Oh, and we do the Eridani hit for you, or as part. Even without the planned sales, I'm pretty sure as is, at best, I'd still have open lift, so…"

"That would help a tad, in justifying it, yes." Hanse looked through the open hatch for a moment, then back at me. "Which ones are you considering selling?"

"Unions, Buccaneers, Danais for sure, possibly others, though keeping the Mammoths and Mules is on my list." I could tell I hadn't sold Hanse on the idea. "But, remember, there's possibly that Colossus in the Severon Mountains… while I want it…"

"I would argue a bird in the hand is better than two in the bush, young lady." Hanse smiled, to take the sting out of it. "But your object is to attain additional jumpships, is it not?"

"By and large, yes, and keep my landing transport to a decent amount. It'd also be a reassurance I'd be tempted to not stay." Hanse nodded at that. "I'm seriously resistant on the idea of losing my heaviest dropships. Putting aside my own personal preferences, they make the number of jumpships less, meaning I can free up lift. Unless you want to back a hit on Tortuga, and capturing all their jumpships…" I snorted.

Ichigo twitched slightly. Hasne's eyebrow rose, then lowered, as he clearly pondered that.

"That… has potential. That does have potential as a viable idea." Hanse leaned back. "Removing their jumpships, or even a fair fraction would be a serious help, yes."

Ichigo thought for a second. "Sire… would it be possible to get OWA backing on this? Perhaps a wing of their famed Nightmares to support the hit on the jumpships." He nodded once, looking at me. "It'd also help recruiting. And when were you going to tell him about other sites?"

Hanse's eyebrow was raised at the last. I looked at my brother. "I'm not sure of other sites, brother dear." My voice was a bit venom filled with the last, then I nodded. "Plus, I'm not sure how to get to the Rim World hidden base, yet that Father assured was there."

"A Rim World hidden base? One of the ones they used to support the Uprising?"

I nodded. "That's what the information says."

"Where."

"Outside Lyran space, sadly." Hanse nodded at the last, putting it aside.

"I agree on the OWA idea, and to be honest, while MIIO has some information on the Domains, it wouldn't surprise me if the Outworlders have more, just from captured data over the years. I hadn't considered asking." He nodded once, clearly making a mental note. "They'll want some considerations for the pirate stomp, mind you, but I'm sure they'll go along with it. As for the hidden Uprising support base, as well as any other you have a strong feeling about… Well. I think we have a way to get what we both want."

I understood. I had screwed up, severely. Hanse was in the driver's seat now, and he wanted what I knew about other lostech sites. I wasn't going to give him all, but enough to whet his appetite.

"Castle Brian on Illyria, a crashed Argo class dropship that was making deliveries to Castle Brians in what's now the Reach, another Colossus on Phecda, but I think that's buried, another Castle Brian on Clinton, and last but not least, New Dallas." I ticked off what I could recall. "Those are what I know of for sure, though Illyria is a maybe, while New Dallas is big trouble, if not done just right." I nodded once. "And I'll appreciate you not asking how I know all of those. Until I can prove what I know, that's why I didn't want to tell you more. Plus… well, I see a possibility that'll upend the board we're all on. There are more, but I'd really need to dig through and prove them, or are so risky that I'd not do it without warship support."

Hanse nodded at the last. "And what is this possibility you see?"

"An alliance." I realized I was about to butterfly away one upcoming event.

Hanse snorted. "With Janos? Not likely. No offense to the Periphery states, the only one worth the effort hates us, for admittedly good reason. Who? Katrina? What'd she gain by that?"

"The strongest military combined with the strongest economy." Ichigo said slowly, realizing it. Hanse stopped and thought about it.

"We would have interests in common, and it's an open debate if Tamar or Sandoval hates the Dragon more…" Hanse thought about it. "And all things being equal… Our relations with the Lyrans are while not the best, admittedly, nowhere near the worst."

I nodded. "And she's a soldier, and is after reforming her military."

Hanse was clearly deep in thought. "How would this come about, you think?"

I shrugged helplessly. "It's just my read of the Archon. See seems dislinced to expend her daughter's life on endless war. If anyone knows the cost of this war, it's her. No offense, Sire, but while you have fought, and fought well, she led Infantry. She'd be searching for a way to change the nature of the game, I would suspect. And you have to admit, no one's considered it… or if they have, they didn't try." I shuddered. Being an infantryman in this period was not a safe occupation, even for the military.

"... I would contest, but I understand and grant you, that she knows what infantry suffers better than I do. Something to consider, something to consider indeed. And you're right, it at least has the virtue of something different." Hanse was clearly intrigued by the proposal. "And as your brother points out, we have what she lacks, and she has what we lack…" He had been derailed by the vistas that opened up. After a long moment he shook his head and returned to reality.

"As much as I would consider it, I'd need more than just your view of her, to even remotely consider it, Kikyo. But I can at the least look into it." He nodded. "And well, let's say this. Bring me Helm, and it's even half of what you think it is, and I'll have room to approach her, without her approaching me. Togruta is a prize to help, admittedly, though I'd prefer if we squish the den. Taking its jumpships though would help for a while."

I shook my head. "Not without my unit being at full strength, Sire, and in a way, we'd
need to put boots on the ground long term to hold it. Otherwise..."

Hanse nodded. "Well. Even removing a clutch of jumpships from their custody would be enough, I think."

I nodded. "It won't be fast, I'll need to recruit up to at least some strength, I think we should also try as hard as hell to take as many dropships as we can." Hanse nodded at that. "Unless we can find an occupation force for a long time, we're out of very many good options."

He nodded. "I'll think on that." He pauses. "However." He flashed a rogue's grin. "You need to see if you can even put together the unit, and have my people go over the equipment." He nods once, unclasping his vest as Ichigo had just stuck his head out to look around, and leans slightly forward. "How about this, we seriously conduct negotiations at dinner, say… tomorrow evening?"

I nodded, swallowing to get moisture back in my mouth. Hanse kept in shape during this period.

"Outstanding!" He straightened, and nodded once. "I'll have my Guards collect you, say around 5? For a private dinner? Do bring a preliminary TOO for Onishi's Armored Cavalry."

"Yes, Your Highness." Really, what else could I say.

"Captain, help me to the other 'Mech." Hanse's tone was of an order, which Ichigo hurried to obey.

After the Victor started to step away, Ichigo waved at the two girls, who started back. He turned to me. "And you… what were you thinking agreeing to a private dinner? He's going to try to seduce you into signing everything away to him, even with the information, or to giving him specific details."

I glared back at Ichigo. "My life, my choices. And I'm not that foolish."

"Uh, huh. We need to meet your people." Ichigo made it clear he wasn't happy and that future discussions would happen. However, as Aiko and Kelia dropped in, I started moving Bun Bun towards the dropships, reaching for the responsibility, and my mind thinking though the unit.

***

The nature of space travel and the size of the interstellar economy at its peak, not what it has fallen to, was brought home, as I walked through the grounded dropships of the dropship port. All of mine were put at the farthest possible location from Avalon City, which meant from where I watched them land was a good forty kilometer hike, and I hadn't watched them land from the other edge.

Given traffic rules and laws for the port, it took slightly more than an hour before I could get to the dropships, and I had to shake my head. By the time Bun Bun had reached the first of my ships, my father's people had managed to set up a basic security cordon.

Said Security cordon included several mechs which made it quite clear that I'd have to stop, and I found a perfect place to do so, as I saw Ryanne plus the film crew I had arranged. Shrugging, I turned to my passengers. "Looks like it's time to dismount, and do things."

Ichigo leaned forward to look out the cockpit, and nodded. "Yep." Aiko and Kelia had
already undogged the hatch and tossed out the rope ladder that was in a locker.

"Fun." Kelia commented as Aiko was already out of the cockpit, as she tested the ladder. "I'm beginning to see why Mechwarriors are fit." Before I could shoot back a response, she was already climbing out, and Ichigo was watching her do so.

"Enjoying the view, brother?" I snarked as I noticed where his eyes were.

Ichigo's tone was amused. "Oh, of course. I am a fighter pilot." He grabbed the rope and began to haul himself out, and as a parting shot stated. "So, let's see if you're still in shape, bet you can't beat my time down!"

I watched as he scurried down, and grinned. One thing about a movie I had done, was the consultants, actual mechwarriors, had not only taught me the basics of driving a mech, but explained a few tricks. Fishing out a pair of gloves from my jumpsuit, I put them on, and waited 'til Ichigo had hit the ground.

As I looked down from the lip of the cockpit, I grinned, and shouted down at Ichigo. "Let's see about that time." With that, I grabbed the rope ladder, and proceed to rappel down, bouncing all the way, while I treated the rope ladder as straight rope.

"... Okkkaaay." Ichigo paused as I grinned at him. "I should have known you were saving that trick… Learned it on a set?"

I nodded, noting Aiko's facepalm. Kelia had just smiled at Ichigo, as she patted him on his arm.

Before I could ask Aiko, Ryanne had stomped over. "Can you tell these neanderthals, I'm your lawyer, and that they're to let me in…. Why the film crew?"

I nodded at her, and smiled. "Well, might as well get started with the 'Real Lives of Mercenaries', no? Even if it doesn't go anywhere, introducing myself and explaining things to them, would be a good idea to have on film, anyways."

Ryanne nodded. "Fine, let's get this going." Before either of us could move, a towering blonde mustached man, with a single lock of blond hair to keep him from being totally bald walked over. I glanced over his muscular frame, clearly shown by no shirt, metal gauntlets and baggy pants, and an errant mental thought crossed my mind, clearly Kikyo!original's thinking, wondering about if his stamina matched up.

"Are you really Kikyo Onishi? The star of 'Freedom's Price?'" I didn't wince, but mentioning that B movie I had starred in, simply for the money, though I had to admit, the on site consultants were good and we had tried to make more of it than the script had planned, but there was only so much that could be done.

"I am. Not my personal best, I'll admit, but…" I trailed off.

"Oh, wow, I loved you in that film! You were so good as an insurgent stealing mechs from the Kuritans!" My mind reminded myself of how some were acquired, and an impish part of me suggested I reenact those scenes with the good man in front of me. "Can you sign my copy of the movie's poster?"

"Sure… in a bit?" I smiled impishly. "Why are you on New Avalon?"

"We're here to meet the new owner of Fuji's Mercenaries." The man nodded. "Though I don't know who it is, every time I ask, I just get laughed at." He paused, facepalming. Removing his hand, he continued on. "Forgive me, Miss Onishi, I'm Alexander Armstrong, one of the platoon sergeants for the Infantry. Can I ask why you're here?"

My impish side couldn't resist the opening father's people had given me. "I'm Fuji's recognized daughter, Sergeant." I waited as he blinked. Blinked again.

"Oh. Err..." I could see the thoughts running through his head. After a quiet minute, he stopped, and then nodded once. "Of course, Ma'am. I'm sorry for delaying…"

I held up a hand, smiling at him. "You didn't, and I'll be by your quarters to sign the poster anyways. Always nice to meet a fan." My smile shifted to an impish grin, at the slight look of worry that crossed his eyes. "Don't worry, I'm not going to inspect quarters today, I believe. And I'm quite aware that posters of me sell well. Not ashamed of it." His relief was visible, as he started to lead us to the guards.

"And who is this lovely blonde next to you… and the people behind them?" Alexander's inquiry wasn't pro forma, but honestly curious.

"My lawyer, Ryanne Darwin, and a film crew to record my introductory address to the Unit." I paused. "Fuji's Mercenaries? Really? Father couldn't have thought of a better name?"

Armstrong shrugged. "It is a holding name, to get us here, I was told. The new owner…" He trailed off, and blushed slightly. "Sorry, you, are to actually give us our official name. Any ideas?"

I would swear the sparkles as he puppy eyed me would blind anyone. But, I indulged his curiosity. "I'm thinking Kiki's Heavy Cavalry."

"... Use Onishi, I'd suggest. Sounds more professional." Darwin interrupted. "That is if you've lost your mind."

I shot her a look. "I still need to address the unit and find what they want to do." I nodded at Alexander. "It's only proper."

Alexander was spared answering, as we reached the gate, where an older, weatherbeaten man was waiting. "Colonel Sved, I present to you Miss Kikyo Onishi, her guests, her lawyer, a Ryanne Darwin, and a film crew."

His bass voice matched his body, a very Viking warrior look, though his accent made Ichigo's eyes narrow. "I accept the responsibility, Sergeant. Return to your post." He turned to look at me, scanning up and down my body, eyes narrowing slightly at something, then looking over the rest of the group. "Ma'am, what are your intentions for our people?"

I nodded at him. "First, to address them, and film it so our people on the jumpships and those with other duties may see it. This address will be to lay out what is going on, and what I would like to have happen. I will simply ask, does the unit wish to stay together as a mercenary unit, and have me as owner and commander, with competent seconds, or disband and move on. I do have a few things we could be doing, as a unit. Then I will meet with our senior officers who are on planet, and discuss House Davion's interest in our equipment."

He studied me for a long moment. "Understood. I should warn you a few of the mechs
and ASF have been earmarked for people in the unit. Only a few, four mechs and one tank. Oh, and a recommendation from your lord father, that you take one of the mechs. I do advise you, if we do try to make the unit a success, we keep the dropships, we'll need them."

I thought about it for a moment, then nodded. "That shouldn't be a problem on the mechs or the tank. As for Father's suggestion, without good reason, I'll stick with Bun Bun." I smiled innocently. "He's quite deceptive." The Colonel's eyes swept over the Archer in the background.

"Archers are not uncommon command mechs, no. And I'll take your word for his deceptive qualities. The dropships?"

I shook my head. "We aren't going to be able to keep the technology, if they are Royal. House Davion would be arguably criminally negligent not to get their hands on that many samples to reverse engineer. The actual dropships, on the other hand… oh, you better believe I'll do my best to keep them. I counted how many we have, vs. how many rings we have. I did not like that math." My voice had dropped slightly on that last.

A grim chuckle rumbled out of his chest. Turning, he lead us slightly deeper into the landing zone. "That's sadly the way the universe is, Ma'am. We're lucky to have as many jumpships as we do now. I think only the Dragoons have enough interstellar lift to completely transport themselves."

"I understand that. Doesn't mean I have to like it." I shook my head.

"Corporal!" Sved pointed at one man. "Spread the word, unit assembly at the First Colossus in a half hour." With that, the pointed out young man rabbited away to spread the word. "Apologies, I believe it's best to get the address done as soon as possible." I nodded at that, and he continued. "And no, you don't. Just deal with it. Which is why keeping our Colossi and others is important, Ma'am, as I see you understand."

I didn't respond to that, as we kept walking towards a towering dropship, the aforementioned Colossus. "Are the ships named yet, Colonel?" I idly asked.

"Not names that we gave them, Ma'am." He shook his head. "Your lord father had made it clear that we were to wait 'til we were ready, or you were in charge to do so."

"Ah." I paused. "I take it you've been with him a while."

"Aye, before you were even a lustful thought in his head." Sved smiled a bit at that, clearly testing the waters of my reaction.

"I can believe that." I thought for a second. "So, he's been assembling this for a while, then?"

"The last few years, yes. He wasn't the most fond of Alessandro, shall we say? Not that anyone could blame him, but… it lead to some rash choices, which he decided to undo." His eyebrow rose slightly to question did I understand what wasn't being said.

"No one can blame him for not trusting Alessandro's abilities, no, given all things… And well, who wouldn't want to make a fresh start with a new, and more competent Archon, considering the climate in Skye. Not sure he picked the right way to do it, but…" I trailed off.

"Quite so. It is where we're at." As we walked closer to the ship, he quietly asked. "I take it you are taking responsibility for us? As your lord father wished?"

"If you'll have me, that is, and we can come to agreements." I looked at the people gathering. "I didn't quite expect this level of responsibility, but… Needs must."

The Colonel didn't say a word for a long moment. "Aye, they do. And calling Summer a devil is apt. He has his claws into your older brother by Lord Fuji. All I can say about that situation on New Kyoto, is at least your niece, the Lord's heir, isn't against you, but… she couldn't be responsible for us, and we would have drawn too much attention to her at this critical time."

"Oh?" My tone indicated idle curiosity, nothing more.

His tone answered the question in the same way. "She's 17, m'lady. And has a regent assigned by Katrina. Though she has seen some of your movies, and wants to meet you herself, I was lead to understand."

"Ah." My response indicated I understood all the messages that the Colonel, who just smiled at the answer, was trying to pass. "Well, that won't be immediately, I'm afraid to say."

He just nodded, as we boarded the dropship, my family and friends following a minute later. Ichigo had been silent during our discussion.

The Colonel turned to face me fully, and nodded once. "I'll go to seeing that the unit is ready for your speech and send Armstrong to get you when it's time. With your permission, of course?"

I knew the question he asked wasn't a question. "Of course." I watched as he left, then turned to Ichigo.

"You're quiet." I quirked an eyebrow at my more military inclined brother.

"Was studying the people and the equipment." Ichigo hadn't turned to face me, but was looking at a Battlemech. Finally, he turned to face me. "I'm getting the impression the Colonel expected you to keep the unit together. I know you found out yesterday, but did you…" I cut him off.

"No." I paused. "I noted that myself, Itchy." For a moment I thought on how to put it as we both watched Aiko and Kelia look at the various mechs in the bay. The filming crew had already gone out to set up to tape the address. After a moment I nodded.

"My suspicion is that the Colonel knows about the find outside the Lyran Commonwealth. And well.." I raised an eyebrow.

"A merc unit with some loyalty would be a smart play, and you'd want to have a security force once that stuff was brought home." Ichigo nodded. "It's also helpful he's from Rasalhague, meaning no love for the DC, and wouldn't mind a stronger FS, leaning as proof that the find is factory related, as your father stated."

I tilted my head at Ichigo. "And why you didn't go MIIO is clear. It's likely you're right about his loyalties. But… please, O5P, much less ISF would be more than willing to insert listeners into a merc unit." Listeners was the slang term for friendly people who simply passed on information to actual case agents of an intelligence or security organization, an example would be an accountant inside a business, who'd report odd funding or odd spending on a project to his friends in the intel agency. In Battletech, given the nature of any decently sized mercenary unit, a lot of their recruits came from national armies, making it easy for intelligence agencies to gather information that way.

Ichigo simply rolled his eyes. "While still possible, Kiki, unlikely, as handing this over to the Weeaboos would set him up for life. That's why I don't think so."

"Trust, but verify, and agreed." I tapped my hip slightly. "As well as something we need to remember." Ichigo got the point as he nodded. "But…"

"Yeah. Decided what you'll say?" The raised eyebrow was clearly questioning my sanity at this, but not denying the benefits.

"The truth. Has the novelty of being rarely done. As for more, Adlib it." I shrugged. "It's not like I haven't watched speeches of military personnel before."

"Who hasn't?" Ichigo agreed. "Not a bad plan, but keep it short and simple." Aiko had wandered up and snorted at that.

"She couldn't keep it simple if she tried. Nor short." Aiko's innocent smile wasn't believed by either of us as Ichigo and I looked at her.

"Ha. Ha. Ha." I paused, and nodded once. "And we need to plot some ideas. Did you bring an IS map?" I had asked Ichigo if he could get an 2760 or so era map, listing systems, planets and moons.

"Yep. Standard reader format. Why?" Ichigo's eyebrow rose.

"Plotting how we do this." Aiko grinned. "What path, time, the works."

I turned to my little sister and shook my head. "Not we. It's highly unlikely Prince Davion is going to let you off planet until he's sure of our loyalty. And by sure… I mean sure, which means bringing home prizes he can't deny."

Aiko opened her mouth, only to have Ichigo's stare shut it. After a moment, she sighed. "I'll figure…"

A snort from the sole male in the bay ended her thought. "Good luck outfoxing the Fox, Aiko. Kiki hasn't done it yet, he's reserving judgement." Ichigo shook his head. "And we're not even sure the Prince's going to agree. And to be honest, I'm torn about the ideas. Part of me wants to do it, simply for the good we'd do for the Suns, the other part of me wants to just give all the info to the Prince, and keep both of you out of the line of fire. So expecting me to disagree with my liege, on something that keeps you safe…"

"And means I'm a hostage." Aiko shot back. "And what do you mean that the Prince hasn't agreed?"

"Yes. But since we don't plan to betray our birth nation… " I trailed off. "Low risk, and you can get the best education that the Suns can buy. If, as Ichigo says, Prince Davion agrees to let us go. Aiko, even if we give him all the advanced technology, or enough of it, these are Colossus class Dropships, Excalibur class too. Not to mention the Vengeances and Titans."

Ichigo picked up my statement. "To be deadly blunt, the three Excaliburs can carry a third of an RCT into battle, the Colossus, assuming stock, could, with say…" His pause was clearly to do a bit of math, "one Vengeance and… call it three Triumphs…" He nodded, sasified, and continued. "Carry an entire RCT into battle, Achy. He'd be a fool to pass it up. The FSN is desperately short of transport. Just the Colossuses and Excaliburs alone represents roughly a 1% increase in the FSN's combat dropship lift. That's not mentioning the Monolith, the 6 Overlords, or the rest."

I picked up from Ichigo's pause. "And 180 mechs, 120 ASF, 500 plus combat AFV, means he could build at least one more RCT, or Two, with some add ons. At a very cheap price. Ichigo knows more, but I'm pretty sure we're barely keeping up with losses…"

"Pretty much." Ichigo nods. "It'd be more likely used to bring other units up to strength, most units are lucky if they're at 90% of mechs, ASF and combat vees."

Aiko looked at both of us. "We're Federated Suns citizens, he can't just take it."

Ichigo nodded. "Not quite true, but politically, you're correct." Ichigo sighed. "He's an absolute monarch, Aiko. The High Council really doesn't exist."

I interrupted. "And while the nobles and other wealthy members of the Suns would throw three types of bitchfits if he just seized it, if he paid fair value, or went through the courts, using some previous laws, he'd get away with it. The Suns seized jumpships in the First Succession war, Aiko. And while yes, they paid rental and eventually compensation for losses…"

"We're still paying a bit, from the military's budget." Ichigo responded. "And as a unit with maybe 10% of our strength in personnel compared to equipment… The courts would side."

Aiko looked at both of us. "Why? Why would he do theft at …"

"Because it's good for the Suns. It means a stronger military. If one actress gets cash instead of hardware, no one would care, figuring a twenty-year-old wild party girl couldn't use the equipment anywhere near as good as the AFFS could." Kelia broke in.

I nodded. "And in a way, without what we know, he's right." I paused and nodded once. "This isn't to say what I know from…" I shrugged, careful to imply what happened, but not say it. "Says he'd do it lightly, nor that he'd like it. And what he said to me in Bun Bun indicates the same… but his personal ethics and morality have to be put aside for The Federated Suns. That's the meaning of the oaths he took. To be the Devil himself if needs must."

Ichigo nodded. "Doesn't mean he's not a good man, just…" He sighed. "The truth is, the higher up you get, the more honor and integrity, and morality have to be put aside for duty."

"I'm not saying I won't work with him. I was born here, my 'other' memories indicate that he'd be one of the better First Princes, and he's about as good as a man can be in his position, but he's in the same boat as Katrina, who would dearly love to burn Loki to the ground, but can't. Because she needs them, as amoral, reckless, and frankly disgusting they are, they're a tool she needs to keep normal Lyrans safe." I nodded once, and Ichigo picked up for me.

"House Davion does a decent job, generally. House Steiner, not too bad either, but that's about it in this period. Well, not counting the Periphery states, but..." He shrugged. "I'm loyal to him, but I'm not blind to his faults, nor that he can't live up to the ideal we have of him and his house. That he tries to do the best he can, is enough, in this flawed universe."

I looked her in the eyes, and tried to convey how deadly serious this was. "This does not mean we can't make it better. I've been given a big enough lever, and I will find the fulcrum to move worlds." I smiled. "For the better."

"But that means we have to work with what we have now." Ichigo nodded at me. "And that means recognizing flaws and the facts as they are. And that at times, levers get stepped on. Which we don't want for you."

Aiko looked at us both, trying to think of some argument that would counter what we had said and implied. Finally she sighed.

"I guess." She blew out a breath. "You'll get this done fast… right? And safely?"

Ichigo looked at me and I looked back at him, and we both turned. "We're not leaving yet, Achy." Ichigo smiled. "And Well… I'm pretty good, so I'll make sure Ferret here doesn't get over her head." I hit him for the ferret crack, but before I could respond to his crack Aiko commented sourly.

"And who'll keep you from getting over his head, Kunoichi…?"

"Me." Kelia grinned. "I've been there, so I have a good idea on how to get out." She tapped her lips. "And these two maniacs need a minder, older, wiser, more cynical…"

"Hey, wait a second." "I'm the same age as you, Kelia!" I and Ichigo responded.

"Ma'am? We're ready." Armstrong stomped up, interrupting and being clear that he hadn't listened in.

"Saved by the bell, I do believe." Kelia grinned as I shot her a dirty look.

"Keep it simple, keep it easy." Ichigo advised again as we walked out, which triggered something in me.

I paused for a moment, and turned to look at him with a sweet smile. "Dear brother… my unit, my people, and I do believe I have more experience in public speaking than you do." I paused again, stomping on the panic at not having a script to work off of, and continued smiling. "I do think you believe you are in charge." My smile dropped. "Correct that belief. These are my people, my responsibility, not yours. I have to inform them of who am I, what I intend, and convince them that they should stay under a twenty year old who's rep is 'party girl actress', not a halfway decent battlefield commander or one with the potential to be such."

I resumed walking, and threw over my shoulder. "Me. Not you. You might be assigned to join me, or be part of this unit, yes, but you will never be the one who the buck stops for here. You made your choices, live with them. I did." I threw my hair back and strode to the podium, leaving dead silence behind me, and feeling a bit lighter. Apparently I had some anger towards Ichigo's choices in life. Something to work on, but... Time to give a speech.

Stepping up to the mic, seeing the cameras zooming in on me behind the gathered personnel, which a quick count showed well over 500 people, I knew it was showtime. Time to convince people who had no good reason to trust my abilities. Drawing a deep breath, I started and leaned slightly into the microphone. An impish thought took me, and for a brief second, I examined it. And then ran with it.

"Hello, everyone. I'm Kiyko Onishi. I'm not an actress portraying your new commander, I am the owner and commander today. This wasn't what I planned on. This wasn't what you planned on, this wasn't what my father planned on, clearly. But that's the universe for you." Looking around at the reactions, I nodded once and continued on.

"I didn't know much about my father, except he was competent and did his best to meet his responsibilities. I didn't know that he was putting together a mercenary regiment. I didn't know he was going to leave it to me, or I'd have studied a few other areas than the engineering program I just finished, magna cum laude, I might add." Sipping at a glass of water, I took the moment to gather my thoughts.

"What I do know is he was an excellent leader, an excellent judge of character, and someone who had the ability to pick those who'd be best for the jobs he had in mind. He was also an explorer, both of space and history. The proof is literally in front of me and behind me." I waved at the Colossus that was behind me, then at the senior people of the unit.

"I also know that the primary purpose of a mercenary unit can be summed up as 'Make the other sorry son of a bitch die for his nation or contract.' I also know that I can learn to truly command a unit, and do well. Otherwise, Father would not have sent you to me, he had other children, and of course his heir to his title. I know I can fight a battlemech, and even have some training to do so. I know, given time, I can do what my father wanted. Which is to command you. Lead you. Fight with you. He sent you to me, because he could no longer meet his responsibility towards you. He entrusted me with that, and I will not let you down. I will not break up what he started. I will not fail in the trust he left me."

Leaning forward even more, I grew more intense. "What I need from you, is your decision. Do you want me to lead you. Do you want to stay in the unit. Do you trust me to rise to what you need me to be? And I need that answer by tomorrow afternoon. Time waits for no one, and as always, vultures gather. Again, I am Kikyo Onishi, your new commander and leader. And I will lead us well. Which means I will listen, I will learn, and I will care. Which means I have a lot of learning to do, and a lot of work to do, to get up to speed."

I stepped back and nodded once. "Dismissed." Murmurs rose as the people clumped together to talk to each other, and I turned to the closer group. Father's senior people who survived, and of course my family and friends.

"Nice speech." Sved spoke in a soft rumble as I approached. "I've told the senior officers to assemble, but this is Evie Cook, our chief technician."

A weathered dirty blond looked over my clothing, tsking. "No cooling suit, even walking on a tarmac?"

"Bun Bun runs very cool." I smiled.

"He's an Archer, that'd have to be a modified one… How much training do you have?" Evie asked.

"About three to four months instruction by mercs, plus since I got Bun Bun a half hour to hour a day sim practice." I shrugged. "My conservator was quite pointed that I… ah, how did she put it? Ah! 'Did not need to use a Battlemech, even if she owned it, since an actress or fusion engineer had no place…'" I sighed. "So…"

Evie thought for a moment. "I see. I'll get several techs to look her over. She's not standard, that's for sure. Too smooth for a rookie."

"He." I shook my head.

"Ah." The tech shrugged. "No matter. He was moving too smooth to be anything less than fine-tuned, either you had very good techs, are much better than you indicate or…" Before she could finish a rough voice broke in.

"She's fluff. Hasn't even thought about fighting a day in her life, Evie. And she couldn't have moved the 'Mech, she's not been trained to do so." A bearded giant of a man strode forward, looking like a wall of muscle. He glared down at me, and I shot him a look, itching to just show him. "We should have been sent to Baron Azula, not her." Before I could shoot back at him, Gry rumbled.

"We weren't, because he is, in order, first an shit commander, second a traitor to the Archon, third so politically naive he actually believes the crap Lestrange is peddling. Kikyo at least isn't stupid, has been used to direction so if needs be we can shape her, which you are good at, and is also very much a person who looks after her own. Or so the very expensive private detectives her father hired indicated." He smiled. "Among other things, some of which was easy to find out."

"Azula isn't that bad…" Uri started, only to be looked at by a still young looking blonde who walked up.

"Uri, he is, and he blames it on his subordinates. Or do you not remember how I came to the Count's attention?" As Uri paused for a moment, she turned to me. "Hey, I'm a fan of your movies… not as bad as Armstrong, but who is?" She winked. "Jaroslava, one of your mechwarriors."

I nodded, smiling at her, then turning to Uri. "I see." My smile grew sharp and Ichigo started muttering under his breath. "Care to put your pride where your mouth is?"

"What?"

"Here, now, unarmed, first to be knocked out." I smiled innocently at him. "It's not like you have anything to fear, is it?"

Uri looked up and down. "You have no training, girl…" He paused. "And this isn't a movie set."

I looked at Gry. "You said Father made a file on me…" He nodded. "Did Uri read it?"

"He did." I blinked at the response

"Give my lawyer the detectives' names, we want that money back." I nodded, and turned to Uri, who was considering me as he looked up and down my frame, noting that for all the softness of my curves, there was muscle and tone backing it up, plus his expression was saying something about me bothered him.

"Bah. She's just fluff. Movie fluff." He stripped off his jacket, and settled into a boxing stance.

"Call it." I looked at Gry, who nodded, as I stepped roughly ten feet away from him and settled into a watchful stance.

"No lethal blows, no crippling." Gry waited 'til we both nodded, but before he could speak the starting words, Jaroslava broke in.

"You all know she actually does all her own fight scenes, right?" The blonde grinned, as she looked at the giant.

Gry shook his head. "Go."

I let my ki flow, and hit the watchful state that all good practitioners needed as Uri avadanced, careful to keep his guard up, and watching my hands.

As his fist darted in, I flowed down, and into a kick, aiming for his side, to disable him as fast as possible, but for a man of his size, he was quick, though my kick did stagger him enough that my follow through jump kick caught his jaw, knocking him to one side, and as I came down, I spun again in another kick.

This one connected firmly on his temple, and down he went.

"Good thing you used the side of your foot." Gry said mildly.

A redheaded woman, with a bag with a red cross on it dropped next to the fallen giant. "Next time you feel the need to beat sense into Uri, ma'am, make sure he's wearing headgear." A pause, as she checked his eyes. "And don't kick him in the temple. He's got a mild concussion I suspect."

I shrugged, but before I could respond, a man spoke. "Flashy, but I recognize the style from another lady I saw fight, when I was still a believer in the crap sold in the Combine." I looked at a half-asian man. "I'm Tokutomi Kartodirdjo, your father saved me from being killed by ISF, when I thought flying starships for the DCA was not a good idea anymore. Cumin here," He jerked a thumb at a swarthy redheaded man, "is my boss, and runs the Fleet." I nodded at both men, who had the classic pale look of spacers.

"My mother taught me, and I learned some from here and there, as well." I smiled.

"Uh-huh. I'm not asking any more questions." He shrugged and leaned against the podium.

"Urg.." Uri groaned as the doctor put smelling salts under his nose…

"What were you doing?" The redhead's voice was calm.

"Showing some fluff she wasn't on a movie set… why am I on the ground?"

"Yeah, you have a mild concussion, because she kicked your ass." The Doctor stated amused. "And she made it look easy."

"... oh."

Ichigo broke in. "Thank you, sincerely on agreeing to being her kicking bag today. She needed to blow off steam. And I was getting the feeling it was time for another of our… ah, spars. I rather not replace another cup this week, thank you very much."

Uri with a bit of help eyed me blearly. "Okay." He winced at the sunlight. "So, you're not totally fluff." He paused, rubbing his side. "And kick like a cornered rabbit. I should know better." He straightened, and shook his head. "Okay, okay. I deserved that. But will you listen to what we have to say?"

"Of course." I shrugged. "I'd be a fool not to listen to those who know what they're doing in their fields."

"Good… good… now I'm going to go get an ice pack." He staggered off, followed by a few.

"Huh." I shook myself. "Okay, I do need to see Gry, Cumin and Evie, I think, plus whoever's in charge of the dropships… and the rest can go get information on what our people want to do?" I looked around at everyone, some I just met, some who hadn't been introduced. Several nods responded to my statement. "Right, let's get going. The clock's ticking, we're not a proven-by-law unit yet, and the Federated Suns, specifically the First Prince, is eyeing his checkbook, and wondering how much the courts will say he has to pay to get our stuff." I clapped my hands. "Go, go… I have dinner with him tomorrow, and I want to give him an answer that means we stay together and keep most, if not all our stuff." Several smiles, several nods.

Gry nodded at the three I mentioned, and to the others, backed me up. "Get to it, people, she's right, time's a ticking."

As the rest scattered, I looked at the two remaining who Gry had waved at. "Ma'am, this is Tim Nichols, our overall dropship commander, he flies a Mammoth." The weathered spacer nodded at me, and he was of a cut my inner Kikyo found tasty, slim, ripped and a bit salt and pepper with piercing black eyes. His wave at the younger Indian looking woman, who spoke.

"I'm Meheitav'el Mari, I fly a Vengeance, and acting overall combat dropship CO." Her smooth alto was soft. She had the look Ichigo and fellow pilots did, though the metal peeking out of her jumpsuit's leg said why she wasn't in a cockpit. She noticed my glance. "Bad ejection from a Sparrowhawk. As your brother can tell you, it's not healthy taking one of those up against the Snakes."

"Lucky they didn't shoot you while you were out of your Sparrowhawk." Ichigo mildly noted.

"They tried. Is why I have a new leg. Nowhere good as the older model, alas." She shrugged. "Was bumming around for a bit, your sister's father picked me up to run the ships, since I had some experience in covering assault ops, both from a command deck and a fighter."

Ichigo's eyebrow rose a bit, but he nodded.

"Right." Clapping my hands together, I drew the five's attention to me. "Issues. Evie, as Chief Technician, you're also handling supplies?" She nodded. "What's the major issue we have to solve right now."

Evie raised her eyebrow as to ask where did I figure there was one. "Food, well, coffee and food, plus diesel. We're virtually out of the former two, except the jumpships having two months worth each, and we're out of gas for our ICE. Which do I prioritize, and do you have any good sources?"

"Coffee, then food. Don't worry about fuel for the ICE, hydrogen though… And," I turned to look at Rayanne who nodded. "Rayanne can help there."

"No fuel? Not for our tanks?" Gry asked mildly, a clear question, as if he was questioning my thinking.

I grinned, looking at Aiko who was bouncing in glee, based off one of our discussions on how stupid logistics were in the 31st century. "Nope. Well, low priority, as with a bit of luck, we'll replace all engines with fuel cells."

Evie's eyebrows drew together as she narrowed her eyes, while Gry and Uri who had walked back in were about to speak.

It was Mari who spoke up first. "Aren't those just for civilian use? Not reliable enough? Cranky? Short ranged?"

I shook my head, a few loose bangs flying around. "Don't our industrial mechs have them? As for reliability, they're pretty solid. I'm thinking of not having to tote around two types of fuel."

"She's right. They're as reliable as the ICE's we got, and I'll admit, not having to tote Diesel, just water or hydrogen around would simplify things a bit, and water's easy to get. Yeah, we'd take a range hit, but the cells, offhand, are lighter, so we might be able to make up the range by bigger tanks." She paused, then nodded. "Risk of explosions due to the hydrogen instead of diesel, but realistically, tanks burn easy anyways."

Gry's eyes narrowed, and a slight smile crossed his face. "And the fact no one uses them for military?"

Evie shrugged slightly. "NIH? Laziness? Annoyance at having to reequip? Scarborough tried with the J-Edgar, DCMS wasn't buying, which also likely threw off people. Of course, since you had to add heat sinks to the poor hover, in that case, to keep it's weapon load, it did suck."

Uri snorted. "And the others?" Evie shrugged.

"Don't ballistics and missiles not need cooling on tanks?" I raised an eyebrow at Evie. "And well…" I shrugged. "Less fuel types, and one that requires processing our reactors can do…" I paused, and nodded once. "I figure since the SLDF didn't use them at all for military use, most people missed the boat, and well… 'If the SLDF didn't do it…'"

A snort there was shared. I grinned. "Exactly. Evie, is it possible?"

"Sure." She looked at the others. "It'd require people, and money to buy the cells, and time, of course."

Several more people walked up. "Hey. I'm Meta Jinks. I run your infantry" The short and weathered black woman waved a hand at the man that stepped next to her. "Albert here, Albert Shelton, " a classic English looking man nodded. "Is your tanker boss."

A Half Japanese woman eyed me, her gray hair speaking to her age, though the small number of wrinkles indicated she wasn't too old. "I'm Micte Messana, your fighter boss. Hydrogen? Why?"

"I'd be curious, myself." Albert spoke up in a New Avalon accent himself.

Evie raised her eyebrows at me. I nodded.

"Replace all our ICE's with Fuel cells." I saw a bit of puzzlement finally breaking through on my words, so I expanded. "Hydrogen burning engines, not fusion reactors." I sighed. "Okay, simple? You take hydrogen gas, oxygen, run it through an electrical setup, out comes water and electricity. And as any person who has studied fusion engineering or worked on reactors, or had 'Emergency fueling 101 of your mech' knows, crackers, or the device used to break hydrogen and oxygen apart from water, is built into every fusion reactor just about." I grinned. "Or Fusion Design 101 lied to me."

Albert narrowed his eyes. "That'd help, but hydrogen is explosive… but." He shrugged. "I doubt it's much more of a risk than diesel, in some cases. Why hasn't more people done this?" Evie answered him in an aside, quietly.

"Any other pressing issues tech or supply wise that has to be handled now?" I raised an eyebrow as Evie finished.

"Yes." Evie raised an eyebrow. "'Fusion Design 101 lying to you'?"

"Magna Cum Laude, Capitol City University, Fusion Engineering." I smiled sweetly. I shrugged at the slight looks of amusement and questions. "I figured it'd be cheaper to maintain Bun Bun, if I could do a lot of the work myself. And acting degrees are for posers. If I'm going to spend money on a degree, I'm getting a degree that pays well in a career that I can have as backup."

Evie grinned. "Smart." Several nods ran around at that.

I looked at her. "Anything else?" She shook her head and waved at Cummin.

"Fuel for the jump and dropships, and all fusion reactors are done, Ma'am, and while I'd want to set up a rotation for liberty, I can handle that, though would like to know how long we'll be here." The swarthy jumpship officer nodded. "I expect a bit while recruiting." I nodded at that.

"Okay. I'll get you that info as fast as possible." I nodded and turned to look at the others.

Gry pointed at Albert.

"I'd appreciate some range time and exercise time for my crews, considering you're going to sideline their vehicles, but it's not critical. And I'll add to Gry's request for more people, as I expect he'll do." I nodded at the officer that Ichigo was staring at.

"I understand, and in fact, if at all possible, schedule in field exercises for all units. I'll see about renting some training grounds." I looked at everyone who nodded. "Give me… well, give me and Rayanne," The named woman sighed, put upon, though I didn't miss the cash register sounds in her mind. "Two days?" I looked at everyone, who nodded again.

Gry looked around at everyone else who shook their head, leaving it to him. I raised an eyebrow.

He smiled. "As you can guess, we need to register our new name with the MRB, "

The Mercenary Review Board, aka Comstar's attempt to control the mercs was the rating and bonding agency for the mercenary units and the houses. "And of course, get you registered with the Mercenary Guild." The Guild was for the mercenaries themselves. It did what the MRB did for units, but for individual mercenaries. I nodded.

"And start recruiting as fast as possible?" I smiled innocently. He grinned back.

"You understand. As you, yourself pointed out, the First Prince knows, and well, why make it easy for him?" Gry's slight smile was shared by most, though Albert and Ichigo looked a bit bothered.

"Can't say that's a bad idea." I paused. "Right, I have dinner with him scheduled tomorrow, do we have a uniform yet?" Gry shook his head, and I grinned. "That I can take care of shortly." Gry's eyebrow rose at that statement.

"Professionalism. Not only should we have a uniform, it helps with recruiting and with morale, so our people know we're a unit. Not a cast together bunch headed mostly in one direction. And..." I smiled at Ichigo. "Prince Davion will understand the message of me in a uniform that's registered with the Guild and MRB means."

Uri relaxed slightly at that, and several more nods. I looked around, and noted that no one seemed to want to press the issue, though Jinks and Uri were trading looks. Finally Uri himself spoke. "No insult to the First Prince intended, but you need a security detail. Putting aside the threat that Loki provides, your half brother was very angry, and well… can't argue he's capable of doing some dumb things."

Ichigo interrupted. "Got a call in to a person who owes me a favor, for a good detail, or at least a solid line on one." Uri looked stubborn 'til Jenks herself spoke up.

"I'll detail Armstrong's squad for short term, until your line comes though, though I'd want to verify their skills." She shook her head. "It's not just LOKI, or an idiot…" She mildly glared at Uri, who raised his hand in a manner indicating between the two to drop it. "Or even other national actors I'm concerned about. Let's… say lostech finders have had a bad habit of ending up dead. By 'unknown' actors." Her voice dripped sarcasm.

Ichigo nodded. "Works for me."

I looked around, a bit annoyed. "If you're all finished making decisions for me…"

Gry interrupted. "Ma'am, Meta's in charge of security. Let her do her job… and Uri is the person I had slated to actually act as somewhat of a mentor."

I blushed slightly. "Oh." I paused and nodded once. "Good leaders find people and let them do their jobs." I shook my head.

"Exactly." He looked around and nodded. "I'll go with you to see the uniform idea, and then we can go deal with the Board and Guild." He raised an eyebrow at that, seeing if I'd challenge him. Since I agreed with him, I simply nodded. "REST of you, get to work. Bed down the people in the warehouses, so they can spread out, and start uncrating the equipment." Everyone nodded and with various salutes, departed.

Evie had remained behind for a moment. "Can I have Bun Bun's override? So we can get him into a bay?"

I shook my head. "A friend, who's also a tech has it, Debora Hickey. She's next to him." Evie nodded with this, and moved off to where Bun Bun was waiting.

Gry turned to look at me. "We also have to discuss organization ma'am… and ranks."

I pulled out a chip from my valley and handed it to him. "My thinking on targeting recruiting, Table of Organization, Table of Equipment, and rank structure, Brigadier, if I may be so bold…"

His eyebrows hit his hairline.

"I didn't sleep much last night."

Pulling out a clunky datapad, my mind screamed. Fuck you futurists of the 80's. Unlike the sleekness of a Kindle or Ipad of the other world me would know, this looked like something you'd see in Star Trek, the original series for that. Did explain why his side cargo pocket on his trousers bulgeled, though. Putting the chip in, he used the controls to tab throughout the document I had spent several hours creating. By the time he finished a fast scan though, I'd have sworn his eyebrows hit the back of his neck.

Finally he looked at me. "Remarkably complete and has some things that, unless you leaned on your brother, it shouldn't. Most units don't organise support that deeply." Ichigo raised an eyebrow, and was passed the datapad. "But workable, very workable. I note the uniform design, though I only saw it in monochrome. Will do for a dress or semi formal one."

"We really do need to form the Command unit as fast as we can, I believe." I nodded. "That'll make any other issue moot, with courts or unit, if there's a solid combined arms regiment with support to build around…" I trailed off.

"Agreed. I'd not say that it'd completely constrain anyone, but the Suns, like the Commonwealth, is a nation of laws. That's before the Review Board, and it's master Comstar gets involved." He nodded. "And outside the advanced technology, Davion wouldn't have a leg to stand on, if there is a unit. I have a car arranged, let's pick up Armstrong and his squad, and get to the offices, if you're meeting with Davion tomorrow."

I grinned. "Let's."

Guifier's Clothier, Avalon City, New Avalon, Early Afternoon, Jan 2nd, 3015,

"Kiki, Kiki, Kiki." The man shook his head sorrowfully. "You never write, you never call, unless you need something. A man would think you don't love him anymore…"

I rolled my eyes. "Didn't we talk New Year's eve?" I grinned taking the sting out.

He put his hand to his heart, "But that was business! Not pleasure!"

"Uh-huh, and you staying for most of the party?" I just shook my head.

He grinned. "Well, so many…"

"Right, pretty pretty boys you call men." I singsonged. His laughter rang.

Ichigo and Gry were just looking at each other, sighing. Richard, the proprietor of the shop finally stopped pulling my chain, and turned to look at the two gentlemen. "Does your brother need a new dress uniform, Kikyo? And this gentleman a tuxedo for an event?" He walked around the two men. Ichigo just snickered at Gry's uneasiness.

"No, and stop the ham." I mentally marked my XO's discomfort, and wondered was it the frank appraisal, or Rich's usual routine with customers who didn't know him very well. "How is your wife… and five children."

"Six. And you well know how Lisa is, since she catered your party for New Year's" He answered absently. Gry's head snapped around.

"Yes, Richard's a fan of the classic style, where in New York City in the 80's all the fashion designers were gay." I rolled my eyes. "It's all a clever trick to get young women to strip and let him feel them up, even though he's dedicated to his wife."

"But it works." Richard protested. "And I can't say I don't love my job!"

"Ah… It's not the flamboyant act. It's I thought we were here for uniforms, a tux? Really?" Gry finally spoke, bemused. He shook his head. "I've seen worse. You should see Mira butch it up when she's of the mind."

Richard turned to me. "Uniforms? You?"

I shrugged my shoulders. "Hanse Davion wants to ah… acquire my inheritance from my father." I tapped my lips with a finger and nodded once. "It's mostly equipment, but with a solid core to form a merc unit, right now… combined arms regiment, give or take?"

"With lift, lots of lift, yes, ma'am." Gry nodded.

"But there's enough equipment easily for a division." I nodded. "And some of it… well. I can't blame the Prince for wanting it. But there's implicit.. Duty involved."

"Uh-huh." Richard looked long and hard for a moment. "I'm not quite sure I buy that. You spent too much getting that gift from his parents fitted right." He shrugged a bit though. "However, do you have sketches of the uniform?" He accepted a chip from me, and put it into a reader on his counter.

The holo fuzzed a bit, 'til Richard thumped the display, then it steadied. I grinned. "So?"

"Kikyo, dear…" He shook his head as he pulled up a display and went to work, adjusting, redrawing some lines, checking layers. "Do you have preference for color… ah, I see. Hmm, delineated by branch of service, nice touch…. Oh, Kiki, kiki, kiki. You didn't talk to Ichigo, did you?"

"Oh?" I tilted my head.

"Turtleneck pullover of a soft wool blend for summer? And this fabric choice. Gah! You've driven mechs before, Kikyo, you know how hot they get." Richard looked at me slightly amused. Gry's wince could be heard.

"Oh… I wasn't thinking summer." Richard and Ichigo both shot me a look that said 'Clearly.' Gry snickered a bit.

Richard returned to the display and nodded once. "But workable. Very much so. While I don't get many commissions for merc units, I'm aware the better ones do… the fly by nights or small ones… don't." He paused. "With these modifications, it'll present the image you want, yes. More breathable fabric, and a light pullover with a turtleneck collar for summer will generally do, though you have a notation, this is duty, not combat or work uniform. For a dress variant, may I suggest adding a cape?" He sketched one on, and let it show, with four images in the holo. Two male, two female, one without, one with cape, and the caped ones wearing a slim rapier next to it.

Gry leaned forward, and Richard looked at me. "My XO." Richard leaned back to let Gry study the images. First, starting from the bottom were cavalry, or shin high boots, female version having a two to three inch heel, then for males, baggy black trousers, tucked into the boots, the female uniform with a straight a-line skirt with it's hemline at just below the knee. A single-breasted space jacket with a black stripe along a sealing strip, which attached to a over the right shoulder strap which held the rank of the wearer covered the torso and waist, clinched by a belt with a Houou,my family crest or kamon as I thought of it.

"Silver piping for enlisted along the sealing, rank bars the same for enlisted, gold for officer, their pips in gold as well." Richard commented sotto voice. "Branch color is the turtleneck, strap and name plate, except for mechwarriors, where the name's in white, since their branch color is black. Space personnel use a red color for the jacket, not black. I removed the cuff band, no need for it, not really."

"Cycle the colors, show the work uniform." Gry commanded mildly, and Richard put it into words.

"No taste for the work uniforms, none at all, Kikyo." Richard shook his head sorrowfully. The technician and medical jumpsuits had their shoulders and to their breast line in their branch color, with rank pins at the same place they'd be on the duty uniform, while the rest tended to have fatigues of the late 20th century US Army, also called BDU's, with branch color for their name, and rank in dull white or yellow depending on enlisted or officer at their right collar. To the self from the 20th century, I recognized the Star trek uniform, modified of course. The capes on the 'dress' versions only went to the waist, and were the same color of the jacket. They attached to the uniform at carefully hidden clasps at the collarbone points, and had a braided rope in branch color connecting the two clasps

"I have to admit, I like the touch of the leather jacket, Richard for flight crew" Ichigo spoke up after that image had shown, a soft leather jacket in the style called bomber, with a strap for rank and rank.

"That was Kikyo's idea, I just adjusted it slightly." Richard looked at Ichigo's jacket pointedly. "I wonder where she got the idea."

"Yep." Ichigo's amusement could be heard in his word.

"It'll do. It'll do very well." Gry pronounced. "It's professional, yet conveys a image, and works to unify the unit. And the shoulder patches are a nice touch, left shoulder for the overall flash, right for the regimental flash, if we end up being multi regimental, that is"

"Dear Kikyo forgot one thing." Richard returned to his keyboard, and typed in a few commands. "May I suggest a beret of this style? It's called American, with the regimental flash on it, except for senior officers, who wear the overall crest?"

I paused, grinning. My inner old self demanded this. I really wanted now the Black Beret back. "In branch color?"

Gry tilted his head one way, then the other. "And rank pins on it, as well, over the flash, and we're good. Perfect. At least outside actual field work, then we'd want helmets, but for garrison or day uniforms, much less formals, yes. How long for one for the boss, one for me? Do provide the capes. And I gather providing full pattern for mass production is a non issue?"

"Oh… yes." He grinned. "I don't do mass production, m'boy. But patterns for shops that do? Yes. There's been several times, studios needed uniforms of a 'design', and came to me for the pattern." Gry nodded at Richard. "As for how long… Hmm. I'd have to fit you, that'd take … call it an hour for that. Berets, Trousers, the pullover? Half hour per person, I have those or can quickly put one together, it's a stock pattern. Patches… I can send the design to a shop that'll have them here in 2 hours. Jacket's the pain,and Kikyo's skirt." He pulled the holo up and looked closer. "Bomber Jacket, I'd have to order, at least the dye job on it, that'll take time, I don't do that. Cape's trivial. It's the jacket. Call it… hour at most to sketch it… say two to make it at most." He paused. "A skirt for Kikyo isn't a real problem, it's putting in the mag strip at the stripe so she can move if needs be."

"I see." Gry turned to me and nodded.

"Okay… three hours, then?" I sighed. "Your normal account?"

"Oh, yes, invoice will be delivered, with the pattern." He grinned knowing why I sighed. He was the best on planet, but charged as such. Richard turned to Gry. "And as for you, I'll let Melissa put her hands all over you. Not my thing, you understand." He winked.

Gry dryly replied. "And having a woman run her hands over me, does happen to be a thing of mine, so we're both pleased."

"Excellent!" Richard turned to look at Ichigo who simply shook his head.

"But while we wait, Richard, can I use your phone?" Richard nodded at Ichigo, who walked behind the counter.

I watched as Gry got measured, and slowly drifted over to the counter, listening to Ichigo's second call.

"Hey, Morgan, this is Ichigo." He nodded at the response he got. "Right, right, you said you owed me one. Collecting on it." He grinned at the response. "Well, this is easy. Need at least a good name for a bodyguard, highly professional. Someone who can put in a full detail." He nodded at the response. "Kikyo, you met her once, picked up a merc unit as inheritance." The snicker that escaped him from the response had my eyebrow climbing. After he caught himself. "So, I need a name or some. Got any?"

Ichigo blinked at the response. "Really? Seriously? Who?" His expression went blank on the response. "I got to hear this. When?" He tilted his head. "Well, you know of Guifier's?" He nodded at the response. "So… Cheerful Hopes, half-hour?" He grinned. "Yeah, I'll buy the first, least I can do. I got to hear this, Morgan. See you."

Hanging up the phone, he raised his voice. "We lucked out, it appears the guy I was owed a major favor not only is at loose ends right now, but is willing to personally consider the detail role."

"Who?" Gry's voice raised.

"Major Morgan Blackhand." Ichigo grinned. "Kiki met him… what, five years ago?" I nodded, a cigar smoking stubble faced man appearing in my memories, who had said he owed Ichy big.

"... what does he do?" Gry didn't move an inch, but was curious.

"Can't say, though he wears DMI patches." Ichigo's voice rose in a challenge.

Gry's silence said he understood.

I tilted my head. "Okay, why would he be willing to do it himself?" I tilted my head the other way. "And he's a Rabid Fox, I'd bet." Ichigo's wince confirmed what I said. "Again, why?"

"He'll tell you, when he tells me, but apparently.. Well, black ops stink for a reason."

Gry's voice dryly responded. "You'd be shocked at how many mercs have done them before becoming a merc, and been covered with the aftereffects."

Ichigo and I paused. Finally I sighed. "It's likely less than I expect, Gry. Much less."

Gry paused at that. "That's a story there, Ma'am… that's a story on how you are that cynical."

"And one you might never know." Ichigo responded before I could, only to grimace as my fist impacted his waist.

"Don't answer for me. Even if right." I turned to Gry and raised my voice. "Not today at the very least, Gry, not today."

"Ah." The pause indicated several things. "Everyone has secrets, Ma'am, mercs more than most, and a past. As long as it doesn't come back to bite, in the end… no one cares."

I grinned. "That's the plan. That's the plan. To have the past stay the past."

Cheerful Hopes, Capital City, New Avalon, Mid afternoon.
Stepping through the doors, my eyes casually swept the bar, comparing it to several other times I had been in it. I froze when my mind came up with a mismatch, and said that at least a dozen people were too fit and too observant to be the normal bar crowd. Gry had stopped when I did, only to follow me as I had recognized the man we were to meet, who had a quirked eyebrow as Ichigo hadn't broken stride. Shortly we were at his table.

"Major Blackhand, I presume." I said dryly. "And your friends." He smirked, looking at Ichigo who blinked and scanned the room, with Gry nodding behind me, understanding why I had frozen slightly.

"Good instincts." His gravelly voice was approving. "More than your brother." He waved at a chair, and I dropped my silver ice weasel fur coat in the chair next to him.

"I'm wondering at times how he survived on the Kuritan Front, yes." I dryly commented, shooting him a glare. "Or other times." Ichigo didn't say a word, knowing that he was in trouble for several things though he wasn't sure what. "I'm surprised. When did Cheerful Hopes become… Frothy Fox, I think it is?"

Morgan grinned around his cigar. "You're right there. Got a few drinks on order, hope your XO doesn't mind, but got him a Timbuktu Dark." Gry nodded his thanks.

"So." I looked at Gry who raised an eyebrow, indicating this was my job. Turning back to Morgan, I steepled my fingers together. "Why are you willing to quit MI6?" MI6, or Military Intelligence, Section 6 of the Department of MIlitary Intelligence, was the Davion's version of the SAS or Delta, the best of the best, the most qualified operators for direct action missions, and used in the most critical situations. They had earned the name Rabid Foxes and it wasn't a compliment, not when first used for them.

Morgan snorted at that. "Willing? No. But I'm not accepting a return to leading a troop, instead of my company, or being kicked out of MI6, for some asshole not telling me the details, and expecting me to slaughter an orphanage." My eyebrows rose at that.

"We're the Federated Suns. We're not supposed to do that." I paused, nodding once. "Though I'm realistic enough to know you might have to, but…"

Morgan sipped his beer and before he could speak, the somewhat rattled waitress had arrived. He waited 'til she was again out of earshot, and I had sipped at the Cuba Libre that was placed in front of me.

"Well. Good to see you're not total fluff." He paused, and shrugged. "Let's say this. I wasn't given the information needed to make the on site call I had to, and I made one that was not acceptable to command, however, I made it based on the information I had." He shrugged. "I'll say if I had the information I was supposed to have, or at least more, I'd likely have made a different choice, or at the very least, be more sanguine about the situation, but, in this case, someone's covering their ass and I don't like it. Fuck 'em."

His look at me was challenging.

Ichigo was about to speak only to have my eyes boring into his. "Hush, brother." Turning back to Morgan, I smiled sweetly. "Why didn't you bring your case to Yvonne or the First Prince? Neither would be… unsympathetic to the situation. Nor would they blame you for following policy without reason to override that you knew. I wouldn't."

Morgan blew out a breath. "Because, in a way, it's not worth it." He shook his head. "What, you think all our ops are Real Tales of…" He snorted, mentioning an off and on again holovid supposedly dramazing the Rabid Foxes.

I shook my head in them. "I act, yes, but unlike enough of my well, fellows in that field, I'm quite aware that if any television show including news is even 25% accurate, much less ah, dramatizations, I'd be honestly shocked." I twirled a finger. "Even if I do plan to shoot a reality show using the Heavy Cav, I'm not going to try that hard to make it realistic." Morgan laughed out loud at that.

"I like your sense." He leaned forward. "I don't have a problem with at least a short term gig 'til shit hits the fan again, and I get my company back… Let's talk numbers."

"I don't want you for just a bodyguard." I nodded. Internally squealing, I was gloating. Gloating. An elite operator? Who was an officer and at least ten year veteran of such? Oh, yes.

Morgan took a puff and blew out the smoke. "Oh?"

"Having you, just as a bodyguard, or leader of such, or hell, just leading the recon elements for a multi regimental force, is a waste." I nodded seriously. "So… how'd you feel about putting together and leading a Direct Action unit? At least company, though I'd prefer at least a battalion." I heard Gry's sharp intake of breath. He was right to be shocked. Very few mercenary commands could boast of operators, and maybe only a dozen could boast of a company. Battalion? Maybe three or four at best.

"You think big. Timescale?" Morgan's grin was infectious.

"Depends. I figure at worst you could put together a company ready for operations of a limited nature in six months, no less. Full Battalion, with a bit of luck, and this does require you recruiting only no longer working operators, and those still mostly qualified… I'd expect nothing less than a year. Three if we had to train them." I leaned back at him.

Morgan's eyes narrowed. "Good and mostly accurate thinking there. Costly though."

I smiled innocently. "I asked around and thought about it. If anything, your people have to be, no, are better trained before they step on the field than anyone else. So… first your people have to be proven, then go through training as intense as flight school, SERE, and space operations, then add in more training on top of that. At the least. That takes time." I tilted my head at him. "Am I wrong?"

He blew the cigar smoke and I sniffed appreciatively. "No, you're not, though I think you're underestimating how hard the training is. And the cost."

"If we have to train operators, if one in four make it, and you don't kill or cripple for life one in ten, during the training, I'd be pleasantly surprised." I answered coldly, and hiding the pleasure of the shocked expression crossing Morgan's face. "And it's worth every penny afterwards." I paused, face tight as I bit out the next. "And it'd save countless of not just of your operators, but the line personnel. Worth it in the long run."

"Well.. huh." He took a long drag of his cigar, finally stubbing it out. "You've got a clear idea at least on what it'd take." He looked thoughtful. "Well. I can see some potential here. Still, numbers?"

I slipped a piece of paper out of hiding, and slipped it over to him, after circling the top number. His eyebrows rose slightly. "Pay as an O-5 top flight Mechwarrior with bonuses, I see."

"And the authority to go with it, if we go full bore." I nodded. "I don't stint."

He nodded. "And what does Sved here think of this brainstorm of yours."

Gry looked a bit uncomfortable. "I'm not sure." He turned to look at me, with a sigh. "You realize, if we do this, we're going to be heavily marked, and we'll have to bring Blackhand in on most everything? I'd suggest even more than you're bringing me in."

I nodded. Morgan grinned more. Gry just shook his head. "I'm torn. I like the idea, on one point, it'd allow us to really charge, on the other… well. Dirty business."

Morgan snorted, and I barely held back from joining him. "We're in a dirty business, period. What it takes so we come home and spend our paychecks is good." I paused, turning to look at Morgan. "Not that that means slaughtering orphanages. Ever. Nothing could be worth that. If it is, we'll find a different way."

Gry looked somewhat uncomfortable. "I really think this is a case of where the past may be needed to know, Ma'am, stuff that wasn't…" I held up my hand.

"When I'm sure I can trust you. Or are you willing to undergo babblejuice?" I raised my eyebrow. "I've already made a mistake in trusting one person." I didn't look at the said person.

Gry's eyebrows rose slightly. "I… see." He didn't answer the question, and I left it at that.

"Which raises a question, are you, at least for limited questioning?" Morgan's eyebrow's hit his pompadour.

"Huh." He paused and lit another cigar, drawing it. When it was properly drawing again, he grinned once again. "Limited, and agreed on questions before, with someone who has a clue of what they're doing? Sure. It'll be fun. It's been a while since me and my team have had fun juicing each other."

"I'm afraid I'll not be able to let your boys juice you, but I'm sure we can both come to an agreement on who. At least. Maybe a pair, one each?" Morgan grinned.

"I see we understand each other. Almost tempted to get you to agree to some juicing." I raised my eyebrows.

"It includes memory enhancement, doesn't it?" I tilted my head. He nodded, curious where I was going. "Then I just might have to agree to such. I do hope you can find a qualified interrogator."

"That's not a problem. As for the company you want. Got checks handy?" Morgan stood up, waving at a woman.

I raised my eyes. "On me, no. Gettable in a couple hours, yes." The Why was unsaid.

Morgan smiled. "Eh, paperwork can wait." He turned to the vaguely hispanic woman that had stepped up, observing me. Her shock of white hair over her eye contrasted with the tight black braid quite elegantly. Her trench coat covered a tight fitting pair of trousers and a black blouse, as well as the weapons I knew she had on her. "Ma'am, this is Captain Rios, called Rogue. I'll have her handle your close in with a squad."

"Ma'am." Her eyebrow rose in a question at Blackhand.

"Well, you did say the company would follow me, and I said only if I could make sure you all weren't going to be screwed by it. Meet our new employer who wants a Direct Action company." The woman's eyebrow was joined by another. "For her mercenary command." Captain Rios turned to scan me, and finally in a soft soprano spoke.

"... I… see. Sir, before we depart the Service, may I suggest something?" Her tone was frosty.

"Strangle an MI2 profiler?" His smile already indicated that he had that thought. "Ahead of you, there. I'll go collect the rest to see if they were serious, but for now, I'd want you and your squad on close." Rogue nodded at her superior.

I thought of protesting, but shelved it. Morgan was right, more than he knew, actually, and more importantly, best not piss off the man who'd be responsible for my personal safety and my unit's most critical missions. But… "You know Guifier's, right?" I received a nod. "Well, we'll be there waiting for two uniforms, and fitting the Captain's, though her rank will be higher I think…" I trailed off. "As well as her squad's…"

Rios developed a slight smile. "And dare I hope when Solo finds us, his?"

"Hey!" I returned her smile at Morgan's exclamation.

"I do what to see what's under his trenchcoat and pullover, yes, I do…"

Rios smiled a bit more. "I don't think you'll be disappointed. At least looking."

"... I may need to rethink this." Morgan muttered. "At least putting you two together."

I tilted my head, and smiled innocently, looking at my watch. "Well, we need to go, several meetings to do, dropping you off to have a uniform tailored, along with a few of your people…" I paused as he seemed to wilt a bit, then muttered under my breath. "Seems like old times, like Ranger school to me. Always running." I wasn't sure, but Morgan's eyes seemed to narrow slightly at the last.

Dropship Xanadu, Avalon Spaceport, Avalon City, New Avalon, Late Evening.

I rolled my eyes, as Rios directed her platoon throughout Xanadu. I understood what she was doing, but as it stood, if anyone got in, we were screwed anyways. I quirked an eyebrow at Morgan who just grinned.

"We'll deal with full security once we get a full crew for her, Ma'am." the stubble faced man smiled around his cigar. "For now, let Rios soothe her paranoia. She's good at this."

I snrked. "And she didn't really like the fact she's good looking enough to be a pinup herself, and that I drafted her."

Morgan shrugged. "Her beer money thanks you though."

I rolled my eyes. "Uh-huh." I nodded as Rios waved that it was clear.

Shortly, the senior staff was assembled in a convenient nook of the park deck. Morgan grinned as Rios swept the area for bugs.

"Now that institutional paranoia is satisfied, can we handle business? I hope everyone's read the brief and unit organization." I raised an eyebrow

Gry nodded, but looked around, finally ending up on Morgan, after sorting though Cummin, Evie, Mari, Tim, Micte, Albert and Arwan. "You're first, Blackhand."

He nodded. "My impression? You're going nuts. Merc units do not and I need to repeat this, do not have the need or want for the support elements you want. Unless you're really serious about having a multi regimental combat team size, or at the least an old SLDF division, Boss. Which I'd question how'd you afford the people and hell, just finding the gear. Much less transport."

Several nods. I responded after a moment to see how others reacted, but that was the general view. "For the money, I don't intend to give Hanse Davion, one damned thing. He'll pay." I grinned. "As for acquiring the equipment…" I sighed. "Look again at Deep support. Evie?"

"It's… oh, hell." She nodded. "We can't buy the equipment finished? We buy the frames, the parts, and do it ourselves. Commodore, how many contacts do you know that could source even full ASF frames? Or …"

"That's workable." Cummin nodded at Evie. "Very much so. Time consuming, so unless you get a favorable contract from Davion… we're going to have to scrounge our asses off to make it viable. But it is."

I nodded. "And once up and running, well, I'm sure the Dragoons or Light Horse make money providing that to smaller units."

Gry nodded. "As well as their host nation units. Clever, very clever. That just leaves transport. Assuming we can get money out of Davion."

I nodded. "That… honestly, likely will take a *lot* of time to make work. Unless any of you have a list of sites Father forgot to tell me that had a pile of dropships."

Gry shook his head. "Only thing I knew about was a lead on where the Argo crashed." He raised an eyebrow.

"The Star League concept for a heavy support and forward base with a grav deck?" I quirked an eyebrow.

"That be it." He was mildly impressed. I shrugged.

"One visiting lecturer commented on her drive and reactor from what little Galax has of the plans." I shrugged. "Stuck in the mind."

Evie nodded. "Understandable." She paused. "Now, the big issue. Hiring. You mentioned recruiting posters and like?"

I grinned. "Why do you think the film crew ran around shooting stills? Of just about anything we let them?"

"And that's why Rayanne isn't here." Gry nodded. "She's with the ad exec to put the campaign together. Are you serious about the docu-drama idea?"

"Money, money, money. Every extra shilling counts!" I smiled innocently. I sobered. "If people want out because of it, we can let them go, if they just don't want to be on TV, that's doable."

Evie shook her head. "I don't have a problem, and so far not many of my people even have raised it." She looked around with a slight challenge. "If nothing else, long term, it might pay out, if young kids see how techs are critical, might get more into science and engineering, much less actual techs."

Gry nodded. Blackhand raised a hand. "My only issue is operational security, and keeping our operators, outside… well, maybe your bodyguard platoon, say?" He raised an eyebrow at me. I nodded understanding. "Outside the camera lens, or at the very least we get to edit shit and 'shop it so our people aren't marked."

"Understood, agreed, and I'm mildly surprised to see you letting any on camera." I shot back.

"Rouge abuse." Several snickers were done in response. Evie stopped the laughing for a moment, and nodded once.

"Only other issue I have, honestly, is how and why you want that many medics. 1 medically, at least paramedic level trained per squad?" She shot me a look. "That's beyond excessive. Only Canopus does that. And…" I held up my head, reenforcing the command with a look.

"Our people will have the best treatment and care we can get them. Putting aside having more people in a unit able to do medical duties, basic, at least, is a good thing for morale and internal capabilities, here's a question for you." I looked at Morgan with a smile. "How likely will people be to start shit with us on planet, if we're treating their kid's fevers or broken bones? Fixing their teeth? Helping their parents with heart issues?" I raised a sculpted eyebrow. I turned to look at Mari and Gry. "Same with our engineers. If we build roads, repair buildings, string power lines…" I trailed off.

Gry nodded. "That helps, as I'm sure Blackhand would agree Hearts and minds is an important bit. But it also leads to garrison work of recently conquered worlds, which… well. I didn't do it as a merc, but there's times… and that's Marik space, not Draconic held."

I nodded. "We'll just have to be careful 'til we're sure we can handle it. Though… I'd not be fond of being on recently liberated worlds from the Combine, I'd not trust the ISF not to bury cells to try to kill us."

Morgan snorted. "I'd trust them." He paused and shifted his cigar. "To do exactly that, and try to set it up to blame us for other things."

Various nods at that. I continued and added. "But between those two reasons, that's my thinking."

Evie thought about it. "Canopians have high retention rates in their units, maybe that's a reason. Worth a try at least."

Gry shrugged. "It'll help with infantry and armor recruiting, they're always a pain, since a lot of people consider them unimportant. As for the specialist combat arms… make that part of the deal with Hanse. Getting them otherwise… difficult." Before I could respond, a knock, and hatch opening interrupted us.

Keilia stepped in with Rayanne following her. "Hey." Trailing behind her was a man I had met several times before. De'Ath Bredon. Handsome in a sleek way, and with a great sense of humor, he had done a lot of work on various ad campaigns for my movies and other activities. He had an eye to targeting military as well, but had never really gotten noticed by the executives of various firms for bigger and better things. A tad just into middle age, he had taken his 'failure' to go beyond mid level manager with grace.

"Yo, Kikyo." The man smiled. "Got some test pictures and text to try out for the posters you wanted. Wasn't too difficult." He laid out the posters he had in mind, and put pages on the table.

Gry scanned through the papers, and put one aside. "This, this will work for pros." Morgan looked at it, quirked an eyebrow and nodded.

"Should do… now let's see the bait." He grinned.

It was hilarious, I mean come on. I know I look damn good, better than most in fact and I know that my personal presence and ability to command attention was why I was so successful as an actress. But here, my athletic figure hinted at a more obvious hourglass, breasts emphasized to look bigger than they actually were, and airbrushing to make my hair look redder, my eyes more emerald and my skin more porcelain. It was a fantasy, but this fantasy would make money, and send people into the unit.

Gry snorted. "Uniform in front of the troops, cooling suit with Rios next to her holding the rifle up, and the one where she leans forward at the table. Tasteful, but still not unprofessional."

I tilted my head. "Keep some of the others, might run them as limited prints. The shot of Rios and Morgan working out is nice, Scythe boy."

Evie grinned. "I like the one of me and a few of my minions disassembling that tank. Might work for targeted recruiting."

"Yeah, my thought. The more cheesecake ones, like Gry boarding his Highlander, nah, whoever shot those didn't get the message." He paused. "So as I must, I'll snip those for personal or limited sales. Along with several ah… 'action' shots."

I nodded. "I like the one where it's a wide view of the unit in front of my speech. Whoever did the overlay of the uniforms…"

"Can't clip her yet, she's new but she's got talent, Kikyo." He sobered.

I wagged my finger. "No reaping! You're paid to immortalize, not cut people short!" I grinned at him.

He grinned back. "So… that's why I'm not allowed at parties anymore. Tsk."

I shook my head sorrowfully. "No, that's because you make too many bad jokes." I grinned, then turned serious. "That's enough?"

"Those three, and the text, yes." He returned to serious mode. "I can have a set ready to run to the Guild and other places in … call it a half hour for the final three to be proofed then an hour to run off 100 each?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Works!" I grinned. "Gry?"

"When they're ready, I'll send Uri to the Guild to post them and register recruiting, and to the MRB to also include it in our package and register everything. I'll go around a few bars and post as well." Gry nodded, looking at Uri who had trailed behind the ad executive.

"Outstanding, I don't want to be a grim and ruin people's drinking, as people accuse me of…" De'Ath was grinning as he spoke. "Anyways, let me go and handle this." He nodded.

I toyed with the idea of inviting him back after he was done with that for a talk and a possible private recruitment session, but I squashed it, at least in front of my minions.

MageOhki · Feb 19, 2020

I did say Chapter 3 would follow, did I not?
Question: DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW TO #@*$(#@$#@%#@%&#$@(%&*#$@(*$@ Easily convert Word or GDoc (either, GDoc is *easier* but Word's not a big issue) to Xenoforge posts? Mutter...

With a lever big enough I can move the world

A Battletech FanFiction

By

Andrew "MageOhki" Norris.

Chapter 3

See Chapter 1 for disclaimers and other information
I would like to thank Drakensis for kibitzing and Editing, JG/Joe Gunnarson (Of Whateley fame) for the same, Minako/Scratx for kibitizing, and Case/Fosfor for the same as Minako. Y'all made this go a LOT faster than the first two, thank you. Psyckosama deserves a special shoutout for helping reinspire, some basic visualization and idea throwing.

Select your fulcrum

Never forget, people who seem to have the edge on you, have weaknesses of their own, and often are aware of them. This helps to counter your weaknesses. Knowing about them is even better.

Duty, as in what you perceive it to be, is often what others do not think your duty is. Be clear on what you see your duty as. Also, be sure to have them be clear on what their duty is.

Always double check the small details. They might be costly if you don't.

Friends are precious. Friends who know what you're going through are even more precious. Friends suffering along with you, golden. And last but not least, friends who'll tell you to your face you're doing it wrong, and why… Keep them alive.

As noted before, first impressions matter. One problem is, sometimes that first impression has already been done.

From the journals and notes of Kikyo Onishi, New Avalon Press, 3291 AD, as part of the "Century of Chaos: The Movers and Shakers." series.

***

Dropship Xanadu, Avalon Spaceport, Avalon City, New Avalon, early Morning.
1/3/2015

One oddity about spacecraft, is that there are hatches everywhere possible. In retrospect this is obvious why, it's a chance to save some of the crew. However… it does lead to funny situations.

"OW" and a thump was heard as I opened my hatch on my stateroom. Funny, that wasn't supposed to happen. Stepping out I closed the hatch and looked at the man on the floor.

"Hello, Major." I commented as he was pinching his nose shut. My smile was playful. I, thanks to my memories of 20th century Terra, had a good idea what he was up to, but was waiting for confirmation. It was a good thing Aiko was being taken to her tutors by one of my new minions.

"Whud the hell ure you doing ub?" I didn't giggle, though it was a near run thing, as he continued. "You're subbosed to be sleebing!"

He was staring accusingly at me, and I schooled my face and voice before he could see the humor I had at this situation. "Well, Major Ferro, it's like this. I exercise and practice every day. I slacked off the last three days, but that needs to stop."

I could see that statement processing though his head. I'll concede privately, most starlets, including Keira, didn't work out that much as teenagers or like, and that hadn't changed. But, Kikyo did all her own stunts, and was a trained martial artist. As well didn't like to diet or count calories, so she exercised. Between a thousand years of sports medicine improvement, and, to be honest, tailored genetics, remaining fit while being shapely as she was, was only an hour a day's work. Keeping her art at a decent level only added an half hour to that time.

Uri took a deep breath, and shook himself, clearing his nose. I made a slight moue as some blood flicked onto the bulkheads. "Right…" He gathered himself. "Well, let's see what you do, then. I'll see today if it's up to snuff."

His eyes flicked across my frame, noting the leotard, the legwarmers, and the well worn sneakers I was wearing, plus a bag slung over my shoulder. Kikyo, for all her ferret on pixie sticks nature at times, had a well worn routine that I was following.

"Do you like what you see?" I teased. Uri's shrug was a bit odd.

"Nice packaging, but is it serious workout wear?" His eyes were challenging, as he was in a muscle shirt, combat boots, and fatigue trousers. Kikyo's part approved of the display.

I shrugged. "It's what I'm used to." Before I could finish, Rios' voice broke in.

"We'll get her used to regular workout wear later, Ferro." She was in a similar set of clothing as he was, except she was wearing load bearing gear, and had a rifle slung across her back. "We'll be escorting you on your runs from now on, Ma'am. The rest of the squad is waiting."

I nodded and waved at her to lead the way, as I expected she wanted. Uri fell behind me, lost in thought. A quick glance at him indicated he was troubled. "Problems, Major?"

He waited a few moments as we walked through the ship. "... I was going to say no, but yeah. You actually have a mech certification from a reliable testing agency, your shoes say you put in exercise at least running, anyways, and you're more up to speed on military matters than any civilian should be. Even one who paid attention to her family in." His tone was challenging. "Makes no sense for an actress."

Rios's suppressed giggle indicated she was really amused by the statement. I pretended not to notice. "I could say that your views of an actress need adjustment, possibly, though I'm forced to admit that I know many you'd be right about." I shrugged. "I, from a young age studied the martial arts, do my own stunts, a lot of them, and I paid good money to a expert how to keep my shape while keeping good tone and flexibility."

"That doesn't answer the rest." He said a bit challengingly. I noted Rios listening in as well.

I smiled a bit mysteriously. "Some things I'll leave a mystery, Major." I paused. "At least for now."

Uri didn't say anything, as we reached the hatch leading to the outside, but he was dissatisfied. Rios might have been as well, but I couldn't tell.

"Well." She spoke as she turned to face me, her face impassive. "We have a course laid out, and we'll let you set the pace. How long do you want to run for?"

I looked at my watch, and set a timer on it. "Once I push go on the timer, til it beeps. 40 minutes or so. And I tend to keep a steady pace."

Rios nodded. "Right. Let us get used to it for a bit, then we'll put you in the center of us. When you're ready?" She stepped next to me, with Uri and the rest of her squad falling in.

"Go!" I grinned, having already stretched and warmed up, though Rios had one of her minions take my bag.

As we ran, I set a 4 minute a kilometer pace, within minutes, Rios' people had matched it and surrounded us in a casual manner, as if this was a light workout, while Uri gamely kept up for the first while.

By the seventh kilometer, he was gasping, and finally staggered to the side. I and the rest stopped, and I looked at him.

"Problems?" I asked sweetly.

"... how many was that?" He gasped out as I got a bottle of water out of my bag, which I passed to him.

After a quick glance at my watch. "Seven kilometers." I took the chance to have some water myself, while I was able to still go, I *was* thirsty.

"... I do five, and not that hard…" He grumbled.

"Three more to go!" I looked at Rios who nodded, as we left him behind.

"Mean, ma'am." I nodded at Rios' dry comment, not even sounding like she was out of breath. "Now, if I was to be to you… I'd set the pace."

"... No… I don't think so." I said in a slightly out of breath tone. "Consider that an order."

She just laughed.

***

We had slotted neatly into the rest of the unit, who Uri lead though 20 minutes (apparently Rios had raido'ed ahead when I told her the morning plans) of the traditional caltenstics the military used. I felt vaguely unsatisfied by missing a few exercises I did normally, but I figured I'd catch them before a shower, or adjust my routines to the unit's. One thing I noted during the PT, was the wide mix of outfits everyone was wearing, and mentally noting to fix that. Stopping at the Xanadu, I noticed Uri's gasping, as he caught his breath.

"Can't…" Uri took a deep breath of air. "Say you're out of shape at least." Finally he nodded. "Right. What next?"

I nodded. "Well, tonight I have that… dinner." implying many things, not all of them good. "With the First Prince. Have Gry meet me in my quarters in the Xanadu in 45 minutes, and all the other senior officers in an hour?" I quirked an eyebrow.

Uri and Rios nodded, indicating to me my idea was good. I really wanted to know why the unit wasn't set up to have Gry commanding, his record outside one blemish, which was as much a political disaster as a military one, was outstanding. The rest weren't quite as good, but any would be competent to command the multi regimental force I had inherited, while I learned the trade if I was so inclined.

"While you're all doing that, I'll go get cleaned up." I put actions to words, Rios' squad following me, as I heard a snicker and a muttered comment from Uri.

"Won't be able to do that in the field, and battle stinks, might as well get used to it." His comment I well knew, but I didn't want him to know that yet.

Kikyo's cabin, Dropship Xanadu, New Avalon Spaceport, New Avalon, Morning

I noticed Gry helping himself to a cup of admittedly fine coffee from my carafe on my desk, as I stepped out of the bathing area.

"Hope you don't mind if I got started a bit early." His rumbling voice implied a bit of a challenge as he continued. "I have a feeling you want to ask a few very off the record questions."

"First, no, I don't, I invited you, and yes, I wanted you to be at least at ease. Second, only one. Why not a more realistic arrangement. You're very competent, at least the Guild says so, Evie could run the unit, Micte easily, even Albert. Meta could, if infantry ran commands anyways, still would be less of a problem than me. I'm a starlet, ran for a long time by the Maus, a true Mausketter, and once free, started the usual path, though I got a few good movies in."

"The Price of Glory was very good, I'll agree. Very realistic. What did you do, get mercs and ex Davion boys to write the script as you directed it?" Gry was referring to the only movie I directed, one that was while not the smash everyone hoped for, oddly popular with mercs and AFFS personnel.

"I had some help in writing the script, yes." I shrugged. "Now… the question?" I poured myself a cup of coffee, sipping, then adding a bit of creamer and sugar. "I better get used to black coffee."

"Eh, some do, some don't. Meta can't, as you pointed out, Infantry. Evie's a tech, at heart, doesn't want the paperwork and the number of times I had to stop her from personally picking up a wrench… Well. Not viable. Albert… agreed, except the man has no head for finance beyond his paycheck. Micte?" He smiled a bit twisted. "She'd be taken for a ride by any sob story, without someone checking her." Gry shrugged. "As for me… well, I suspect you read about Midale." I nodded.

"And? That was nearly thirty-five years ago. And all things being equal… the Guild had nice comments." I quirked my eyebrow. A raid on a Davion world hired by a Lord Warden of the Taurian Concordat, Gry's combined arms battalion, had gotten off the planet with four working mechs and a platoon of various personnel, and their Fortress. It was exceptionally bad intelligence, and a setup by the local Warden, to raise more paranoia about the Davions, who were actually rotating a unit for rest and refit.

"I could say several things." He shrugged, and looked me in the eye. "I know I'm good. I'll even admit, I'm not that young headstrong man anymore, but… I thought I knew the score, even suspected we were being used as a political chip. But looking a man in the eye, and trusting him? And then losing my family because of his backstabbing ways?" He shook his head. "I can't do that again. You're a bit more apt with people, I believe. And I can warn you. I did for your father for many years, I even warned him about the trap we were walking into. He didn't believe it, and the Blackheart's last deal caught him."

I furrowed my eyebrows. The Blackhearts were the nickname of the Star League Defense Force Special Operations units. "Um… explain?"

He rolled his eyes. "Your father confirmed as we left the base we had found, there was a message from an SLDF officer." He shrugged. "Gloating how we took the bait and how those who would steal the League's secrets got what they deserved. Or so your father said."

"Ah." I understood and knew it was quite likely true, all things equal. "... Okay. I can't realistically command this unit, not at this size. I can be the face, I can learn the trade under you, but I need an actual field commander, who knows his way. You do."

Gry nodded. "I did it for your father, it's not a problem to do it for you, though I won't last forever, and would like to retire sooner or later." He smiled a bit crookedly, the salt and pepper in his beard seeming more salt than pepper.

"So, what you're saying is learn fast?" I smiled crookedly myself. "I do."

"Good." With that he stood. "I'll just excuse myself for a few minutes."

I prepared to get ready for the meeting, by pulling out the new uniform I had gotten, while gathering up copies of a proposed reorganization for the unit's personnel and what I thought we could reasonably shoot for from Hanse Davion. As well as informing them that until Gry thought I was ready, the same situation as under my father would continue.

Outside Dropship Xanadu, Early Evening.

I walked up as Gry looked at the recovery vehicle carrying a mech and another couple of trucks arrived. "Gry?"

"Morgan said a friend called, asking if he knew of a merc unit they could drop a teenager with his own mech off at, that would be good for the kid. Grew up in one, the unit got wiped on Mallory's World. Kid's a bit shell shocked, but made it off, and well, eventually got here on the AFFS's dime, and with spare parts and his mech. Morgan…" He watched as the skeleton of a mech was unloaded, with missing armor plates, weapons and some missing myomer bundles. That would explain the massive crates being unloaded next to the putative mech. "Looks like a Hunchback. We can use him."

I nodded. "It's some added weight to us being a going concern I suppose, should we go meet him?" I received a nod, and shortly we were in front of a gawking teenager who finally noticed us.

"Zak White, where's the boss?" The kid looked around the dropships... "Niccceee... are we going to keep it?"

"I am the boss." I paused. "Zac... as in Zackary?" I asked a bit bemused. The universe couldn't be that evil, right?

"Damn, eye candy to work for. Shame. And yeah. Can we get this hire on done?" The thin scruffy looking teenager raked his eyes over my body. I didn't preen, because… if I was right…

"Are you ever going to write more Yume? I mean Neji has to have blue balls now." I smirk. Gry twiched in confusion at that statement.

"Of course you're the prettiest goddamn tart around. How is that I build my mech with hard work, sweat and tears and you just get a mercenary company again? 1 out of 10, would not peruse this Isekai again." Zac facepalmed.

I grinned. "You're hired, Case. We'll get your mech repaired." I pause and sober. "By any chance, did you run across a grumpy Texan?"

Zac's stormy grey eyes went cold as he responded. "And since when is universe this kind to me? No, I didn't. I'm also not doing your fucking paperwork."

I nodded sadly at him. "On the first, no universe is that kind to either of us. And uh… um, you know the laws here pretty well, right?" I sighed, hoping since he was here, another friend was, but that was foolish. Count myself lucky.

"I could recite laws as dealing with mercenary activity in my sleep. Neural plasticity of a child is a wonderful thing when you have overbearingly pacifistic parents and a lot of time to read." Zac rolled his eyes. "Why?"

"I have dinner with the First Prince tonight, he wants everything here." I smile. "Perhaps that's why I'm the rich tart?"

Zac just sighed. "He wants your stuff, doesn't he?"

"Yes…" I tilt my head.

"You are registered, right?" Zac looked around. "Otherwise… you have a huge problem."

I turn to Gry, who's smiling. "What does he mean by Registered, Gry?"

Gry nodded. "Registered with the MRB." The MRB, or Mercenary Review board was in a lot of way the Merc companies trade union against the Great Houses. Comstar ran it, and therefore it shouldn't be trusted fully, but it usually worked to protect the merc commands from Great House greed and stupidity. If you were fee paying, of course.

Zac looked at the Viking next to me with an intent look. "How long, any contracts?" he inquired.

"Have paid the fees for a year. No contracts. Kikyo took over effective yesterday." Gry apparently knew what Zac was after, while I didn't, not really. I didn't know everything about the universe, and the mercs weren't an interest of mine on the nuts and bolts.

"Hmm." Zac's eyes narrowed, some of the manic energy he seemed to be vibrating with dissipating as he thought. "Seeing your dues paid, is easy. The question is, were you in abeyance, as in not actively recruiting when possible, unless at full strength?"

"Was at full strength for six months, then had a major incident killing a fair bit of us, and the previous owner. Less than a month after that, in transit to new owner, for nearly four months. Did a bit of recruiting after the incident, but didn't have time to get enough mostly trustworthy bodies." Gry graveled out, understanding Zac's question.

Zac looked heavenward. "Well… shit. Four months?" He shook his head. "Better get me registered and hired.. Now, I'd say. Would depend on how asshole the toasterboys want to be. Then you got ninety days to prove the unit, tart." He looked at me. "And I don't know about you, furball, but I want to get rich." Pause. "And kill Kuritans, by stomping on them in Redline. Oh, and fuck FanPro and CATLabs. Can't forget that." He paused. "And get hot clanner bondswomen. Oh, yeah. Really want that."

Gry froze at the last line, and I just facepalmed. "Goddammit, Case. Just… Goddammit. I hadn't told them yet." I felt Gry's and Morgan's look as he walked up.

"Told us what?" Morgan grinned around his cigar.

Zac blinked. "Oh. Ooops?"

I just sighed between my hands. "Shut up, sign the nice paperwork, and don't leave the cantonment, you… you… POLE."

"Well… I was asked to destress his ass. I can see he really needs it. Suggestions on how to do that inside the catantoment, boss?" Morgan was still grinning.

I looked heavenward finally. "Stuff him in Xanadu, get someone to inventory his stuff, and start working on Redline, raid the bar in the room next to mine, and… I'll make some calls to see if a few starlets want to thank a Kuritan killer." I shot Morgan an icy look. "No debriefing til I explain. I had good reasons not to without proof."

The named Pole just grinned. "Dammit, I really should make mistakes like that more often. Booze and women? Shit yeah!"

"Ah… I'll get right on that." Morgan grinned. He turned to grab the teenager. "You'll fit in just fine. Johnny told me a few things about you, Kid." Case instantly freezes as the grizzled veteran steered him away.

"I assume I will learn some of these things, Ma'am?" Gry's voice is formal.

I nod. "Just… when I have a moment."

"That I can understand. But make one soon." His tone doesn't brook disrespect.

"I…" I pause, part of me wanted to simply dump all this on Hanse Davion, and enjoy the wealth. The other part of me… knew I had a lever. And wanted to use it. "I will. We can do a lot of good."

Gry didn't answer that, but his eyebrow rose at the conviction in my voice.

I paused. "Come with me. I not only need to get started on getting the Starlets, but need to pick his brain as he pickles it." With that, my heels began to click on the cermacrete.

"Oh?" He asked.

"To see exactly what to extort out of Hanse Davion." I didn't resist the impish thought. "Besides him and a bed, of course."

A mildly reproving tone entered my XO's voice. "Besides that, yes."

***

About thirty minutes later, I walked into the lounge aboard Xanadu where Morgan had stashed Zackery. "So, here's the story. You're going to say you were at Mara, killing snakes galore, and the starlets I called will eat it up. This is New Avalon, saying you are fresh off Mara, fighting the Snakes, is always a good way to start successful pickup attempts. The three will eat it up. Who knows, there is a cabin for you here."

The scruffy teenager looked at me puzzled. "Uh, Cabbit? I was there, Mara that is. Fucking snakes have been raiding hard for the last fuck… year?" He shakes his head. "Johnny's Samurai got wiped intentionally by a Dieron regular unit, in a raid, then they pushed it though. I fought there… what, nine months, before that asshole Ziber said the contract was completed, even though it wasn't, and MRB backed him up, since the AFFS was paying in full, with bonus…" He shrugs, exhausted. "At least they gave me a ride here."

I stared. Mara had been intense raiding for a good eleven months, now, and now I knew why. Of course the DCMS would take insult to a new merc unit not of the Combine calling itself Samurai.

"Right. Well. That'll help. Wow the girls with your tales." I nod. "They'll be here in about a half hour."

"Hopefully I won't be too drunk… hey, they are over eighteen, right?" Case asked.

"Yes." I answered distractedly, as I was pulling out papers from a briefcase.

Case shivered as he made warding signs against the papers. "I signed, I signed, Gry has them!" He paused, eyes quirking. "Okay, what are those?"

"Our inventory." I finish unloading it. "I wanted to take a glance at it before I go to Hanse. Apparently my father was a pack rat to make Army supply officers look well… uncaring of what they have."

"US Army?" Case blinked. "Your stories…"

"Yep." I smile, noting Morgan's slight twitch.

"Huh. Well. Not my problem!" Case put words to action by a long pull on a Timbuktu dark he had been nursing. "So, you get all gussied up, knowing Hanse won't let your cleavage influence his bargaining, and be a pretty little starlet, and don't sell us out for too much."

I roll my eyes. "Gry, Evie, Cummin, and a few others are coming to at least hammer out what we should accept, but start to offer. You got a brain, you can say."

Case snorted but before he could finish, Morgan broke in. "We really need to have that talk. There is no way an Outworders mechajock should hear stories about the United States Army supply officers from a New Avalon Maus product. Period. Not when Zackary White has never been on New Avalon."

Case giggled at my sigh. "Oh, sure. Doesn't mean we haven't met, at least virtually before." He grins. "You explain why I'm a teenager again, and you're a sexpot as usual!" He caroled, slamming the rest of the beer back, while opening another one.

"Wait for the others, Brigadier." I ordered, a crisp tone in my voice. "We'll only do this lonce." Morgan raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything. "You did sweep this room, correct?"

Morgan's eyebrow raised even higher, but he nodded. "Short of literally tearing it apart, yes. And honestly, the bugs that'd need that aren't the most reliable anyways." He shrugs. "We're as secure as we can be, outside maybe the Den."

"Good" I pulled my own Timbuktu Dark and popped the top off with a bottle opener. "This will not be fun."

"Ha! For me, it will be!" Case cackled as Morgan and I waited for the rest.

We didn't have to wait that long but Case had proven his liver was still as tough as it was as a Pole, as he was on his second six pack. The others filed in, and took seats, as well as beers themselves.

Case looked around, grinning. "Your Show~~~~" Apparently Case could sing very well, as he caroled that line, and I sighed.

"Thank you." I didn't manage to keep the venom out of my voice, but sighed again, and continued on. "This is going to sound crazy. But, I'll concede that I didn't intend to tell you at all, at least for a bit, until I could get proof. Asshole there…" Case grinned wider as he toasted me, on the other hand… "Well, is proof."

"Damned fine Snake killing, future Clan killing, and general badass intending to get rich and have my own Canopus Pleasure caravan! Proof. Get it right, carrot eater." He opened his ninth bottle, only to have Morgan shove a pita in his mouth.

"Eat, kid. You can't chug like that without food, and not get wrecked." He tsked, then turned to me as Case grumbled but ate.

I took a deep breath, noting Uri's and Albert's reactions to such, and Morgan's grin, and Case's disinterest, and started. "You see… it's like this…" I gave an explanation, similar to the one I gave Ichigo and Aiko, leaving out certain things, such as Melange. "... I know it's a lot to believe… but…"

Case shrugged. "It's all true. Hell, fifteen years ago, I woke up a squalling brat, after being hit by a truck. By the time I was able to figure out where the hell I was, I was three, and cursing at the top of my lungs. Why not Solaris, dammit!"

I stared. "Seriously. Isekai'ed, for real?" I couldn't keep the giggles out of my voice.

"Ha. Ha." Case responded deadpan.

The rest, including Rogue, aka Rios, my newest shadow, were quiet for a long moment. Finally Morgan looked at her and nodded.

"Welp." He lit a cigar. "That actually, mind you, explains some things. Not saying you're right, but… hey, what's his name Cameron, John, Jonthan?" He gets a nod at the last from a rolling eye Rios, and continues on. "Thanks, Rogue for confirming his name, anyways, the guy did have visions of what happened. Might not be what you say… but.." He holds out his hands widely. "I've seen enough strange shit not to discount it, anyways."

"And the fact I know similar stuff, remember being a Pole who did customer support?" Case sniffs, on his third pita. "That doesn't change things?"

Rios snorted slightly. "Case, I think that'll stick, short for Head Case… we already knew something was very weird about you, your brain is weird, or so AFFS docs sent us. As for Ferret?" She snorted again. "It actually explains some things. Am I saying she's right? No. But it might be how her brain handed a reincarnation event… Though I have a bet on what triggered the revelations of memory."

I stare at the female operator. "Uh…"

"I'm a buddist, I can believe it." She shrugged. "Expected to see proof? Now… different story, but it's as good of an explanation as any. And she was smart enough to wait to tell us 'til she had proof we couldn't just wave away. Case's good for that."

Gry was silent, the others in the room looking at him. Finally he nodded once. "You said you knew of the Argo from a game there, one you didn't play, but you read up on it."

"Yes?" I was curious to where this was going, as well as Case, who leaned forward.

"Where is it?" Gry's challenge was clear.

"Aylus, Alyis… No, Axylus, that's it!" I snap my fingers. Case groans.

"Some things never change, you managed to screw it up in speech. Not your spellchecker!" He leans back. "Yeah, crashed there during the Uprising. Has a SLDF Black site map. Gotta avoid uploading anything from Artu we don't double check with elite programmers, 'hough." He takes yet another pull of his beer.

Gry turns to me, his eyebrow still raised in silent question.

"Not sure, but Artu is a Castle Brian location, and has a virus called Lourca, I think in it. Fucks the shit out of computers, and bluntly? My bet is that's where they started counter SDS research." I shrug, as Case reacts

"Locura, dammit, carrot eater." The teen grumbles, but is ignored by everyone.

Gry thinks for a long moment. "There is no way you could know that. Only the Aranos and your father did. He told me to use it as a test… to see if you had the same lust for change he did."

I raise an eyebrow. "The Argo itself is nice, it's the SLDF Black Map, I want. And we're gonna get it. That will change things, if we're good about it. Shame Hanse got told about it, thanks to my brother." I sigh. "But as House Lords go, he's the best around in this period."

Albert shrugged. "If Gry's willing to accept this, I'm game still. And I happen to think the Archon isn't that bad…"

I shake my head. "Let's say this, she is fit for her office, both good and bad. But being willing to sell your daughter for Davion troops…"

Case laughed evilly. "Germans, what can you do?" He shrugged and looked at Gry. "Good enough?"

"Good enough to go with." He turns to Morgan. "Babble juice?"

Morgan sighs. "I got a source on some, yes, but what we need is a solid team of debriefers and interrogators to plumb their memory. Which means DMI."

Case groans, and I wince. "I rather not give Hanse Davion everything, Morgan, I'd like something to use with him."

Morgan raises an eyebrow. "You implied the universe would get better, then go to shit as bad or worse and stay that way. And you implied it'd hit the FS hard. I might be out, but I'm still a Rabid Fox. Not going to let my future brothers get fucked."

I nodded at that. "I'll.. think about it. We might be able to work around it. But… I have to ask. Anyone not in, or at least willing to consider this?"

While Evie's face was a study, the rest all pointed to Gry, who simply nodded. "Ma'am, how it happened… I don't know, don't want to know, maybe it was what Rogue said. Maybe it's what you saw. Souls are the same, though, and you're clearly out to move the worlds. Let's see what the levers are." While this didn't completely set Evie at ease, the rest shrugged and made it clear they were going along with Gry, for now.

Evie just looked around, finally resting her eyes on Gry. ".... This isn't science. No one's proven shit. Johnthan could have just been a good analysis of trends, and no one knows what the hell happened on Mallory's world. No one who is talking, at least. You can't all be going along with this!"

Micte shrugged, her new leather bomber jacket creaking. "It's more we're going along with Gry, Evie. And the Count wasn't all tightly wrapped either as you well know."

"But…" Evie tried again to be cut off by Albert.

"Gry supports her. Gry always had the right clue. Far as I'm concerned, unless she proves unfit, she can be as crazy as she wants." The Tanker shrugged. "Bouncing around in cans tends to make you focus on immediate things, y'know."

Rouge breaks in before Evie can try to rally more support. "Two, no three things. Gry basically confirmed he had a test for Ferret, and she passed when she should not have been able to. Second, I had a little talk with Deborah, the tech who reactivated Bun Bun. Kikyo's presets and what Bun Bun read were way off. You're a mech tech. You tell me. Third? I have a feeling the fact Zack Winter was deadheaded here under a different name was to protect him from the AFFS medical."

Case raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Why would they want me? Hot Nurses…"

"Your brain is, and I quote, weird. As in none of the neurologists have seen anything quite like it." Rogue shrugged. "I think they wanted you as a lab rat."

"... no thank you, I'll take the Trifecta, please." Case grins.

Rogue doesn't roll her eyes at Morgan's snicker, but finishes speaking to Evie. "One? Agreed. I'd support you. Two, with other information? I've gone up against DEST, Morgan has. I'm still trying to figure out how a platoon of Rabids missed seeing a DEST commando walk past them. When it was on film."

Evie turned to look at me. She ran her right hand through her hair, and finally asked. "Right. Before I even consider it, I did see in Bun Bun's logs the mismatch. But, I want some more proof. Gry gets that much at least, me waiting for the proof. Most competent techs keep a copy of initial scans. Who did yours?"

Case snickers. I shrug. "Katherine Steiner of the Dragoons." I pause, turn to look at Case. "Wait a…"

"MOTHERFUCKER." Case leaps up. "MOTHERFUCKING TRASHBORN SCUMSUCKING…"

"Case!" I shot. He turns and looks at me. "She isn't canon."

Case blinks. "... I remember that name from somewhere, though…"

"... not sure, I think I do.. Besides the fact she and 'Tasha were the consultants on a movie I did where I first learned how to pilot." I shrug. "Can't recall where."

Case grumbles, then has an idea. "Why don't you send her a letter, inviting her to join us?"

I tilt my head, vaguely recalling a blonde woman's joking comment. I smile. "You know… that might work. That just might." Turning to Evie. "Would that help?"

"It would." Evie sighed. "Dammit. The Count was crazy, but he never claimed to be reborn, just had a knack of knowing where to go." She shakes her head. "I'll give you some time. Or another way to prove it."

Case stands up, scruffiness on display as his battered leather jacket creaks, and I idly note the word Samurai on the back. "How about this. We get the Argo. We get the map. We get Artu, you see the crazy killer program, and know for a fact there's no way we could have known about both? That good enough?" His face was in Evie's, cold grey eyes boring into hers.

"Ah…" She was a bit flustered as she stepped back.

"Aye, it would more than be enough, I'd say." Gry rumbles, looking at Evie. "Wouldn't you?"

She looks at everyone else, and drops her head. "... the one sane woman again, you guys?"

Meta snerks at her. "Someone's got to do it. None of us qualify." She pauses, nods once. "Canon?"

"Err, you did hear me say that.." I started.

Meta rolled her eyes. "That this is a fictional universe, yes, yes. I'm more curious about the 'isn't canon'."

Case broke in, after sitting back down. "Canon means 'from official published materials' or similar." He shrugs. "Miss Steiner isn't."

Uri shoots back: "Then wouldn't that mean some of the knowledge you claim to have is wrong?"

"Could be, could be. The big stuff? No. I doubt it, most of the fan made stuff generally followed the canon for background, at least until the change of the non canon character." Case started on his eleventh beer, and another plate of nachos. "Some? Sure. Depends what is what. From our memories, of 'here', it doesn't seem that there's much change, though." Meta nodded at that and waved the rest of us on, silencing the others.

I sigh. Standing up, I turn to Gry, nodding at him. "Right, time to set up the fulcrum for the first lever we need to grab. To see what additional levers we have."

Gry blinks, then starts to slowly smile. "Hanse Davion."

"Hanse Davion." I smile back. "WIth a bit of luck, we can even get him to pay us for this."

Case snickers, as he grabs a plate of Nachos out of the dumbwaiter. "The best way to do things! I knew you had it in you! Make sure you take him for every penny."

"Are we going to tell him?" Morgan waved his hand, indicating about what.

I pause for a moment, part of me giggling, and saying yes, the other part… "I… don't know for sure. Not yet. Not without a solid bona fide." I shake my head. "Otherwise…"

Morgan's jaw is set, and for a long moment I wonder what's though his head. "But… once we get those bona fides?"

"Yes." With that, Morgan nods, and turns to the others.

"Let's get this on the road, then. Put our heads together and see what we can take the Prince for." His smile around his cigar was a bit vicious.

Evie groused. "Aren't you loyal to the Suns?"

"Eh, I'd like to see a Fox get outfoxed once or twice. And this is a safe way, though my money is on the Fox." He grins back. "But we don't have to make it easy for him, he'd be insulted."

I facepalm slightly, but join in the discussion, and eventually, just before Case's soon to be new starlet friends arrive, we have a basic offer to give to the Prince. With that, I stretch. "Okay, I better go get ready." I turn to look at Case. "Behave, these aren't bad people."

"You know me." Case waves another nacho at me.

Morgan rolls his eyes, and steals a beer. "I'll make sure of that. Rest of us got things to do, no?" His eyes sweep around, backed up by Gry's looking at everyone, implying that no one was to talk, and it was time for business for everyone. Nods answered back, and Gry saluted me.

"With your permission?"

"Dismissed." I responded crisply.

En route to Palace Davion, New Avalon, Evening.

We had been sent a limo and two cars from Palace Davion to take my party to the Palace for the dinner Hanse Davion had requested. My eyes raked over Morgan Blackhand and Sofia Rios, both in their dress uniform variants. Both wore the single breasted wrap around jacket tunic, black, piped in gold, with their names on their left breast, their belts buckled by a Hou-ou in a circle. Their rank tabs showed Brigadier and Major respectively, while the patch at the top of the upper right arm had the unit's symbol, name and motto on it. Left arm was currently bare, but a flash was planned for that side as well. I was pleased with how the "Lead the Way" looked under the Hou-ou. Richard had charged well for it. That was where the similarities ended.

Rios had the mid-shin high cavalry boots with three-inch heels, while Morgan had flat heeled male versions of those, and Rios was wearing an A-line, just above the knee, skirt, while Morgan's baggy trousers hid his legs. The other major difference was the color of their pullover under the Jacket matching the rank stripe color. Morgan's was in white, while Rios' was in dark green, symbolizing Command and Special Operations respectively.

Both of them had their black berets tucked into their belt. Finally finishing this off was a half cape to the waist, with a rapier at their hips. I was wearing the same as Rios, just with Command white instead, and I winced at the money it had cost to get all this ready on time.

I looked over Rayanne in her professional suit skirt outfit, as well as Mari in the Midnight blue variant meant for the naval personnel which included the ASF pilots, but with Command white accents. In the second vehicle, was Uri, in Mechwarrior gold, and Cummin, making up the last of my party, besides the half platoon strong security detail, which was why Morgan was here, he'd get them through, or so he had claimed.

Rayanne looked at me. "Remember, don't give up the store. Hanse's reputed to be charming and able to use the same tricks you do to twist a young noble around." I rolled my eyes. "I still think you should sell out, but in the end… I'm your lawyer, not your conservator. Baroness Shieldmaiden…" Rios winced at that name… "Oh, you know of her?"

"I do. I had the joy of being a Sergeant under her, while she was a regimental commander. My sympathies, Ma'am." Rios' tone implied a lot.

"... Same to you." I responded after a moment. Turning back to Rayanne. "I'm not of the mood to screw those my birth father left behind, nor am I of a mood just to give him everything and sit back like a good little girl." Pausing once more, I nodded sharply. "I can, and I will make a difference. I've been to worlds where they're recovering from the battles, and Kentares, and even a system where the Liaos killed the planet. I rather not see more of those that I can prevent, neh?"

The Blonde lawyer sighed, and leaned forward. "Kikyo. This is a bad idea." She shook her head. "It's just asking to die young, not doing anything. You have a career and enough young nobles on a string to live a life of luxury where you want. You don't have to do this to prove you're more than fluff. A fusion engineering degree is enough proof you do have a brain, and if you feel guilty about that, do a four year tour in the AFFS, they'd love to have you as PIO." Morgan and Rios snickered at the last, implying that love might be too mild of a term.

"I know. I have reasons." I rolled my eyes. "Unless you signed up, didn't you say you flew Boomerangs for a while?" I asked idly. "You won't get to know why til it's done."

Rayanne's eyes narrowed. "Really."

"Really." Before the lawyer could reply, we had pulled up to the gates of Palace Davion. Morgan handled the basic pass though, and shortly we were on our way. After a while, Rayanne looked up from her reviewing of the papers we had brought with us.

"I think you're going too high to start…" Rayanne muttered, looking back down at the two page printout of what was on offer, and what we expected. "This is going to get him tempted to just seize."

I shook my head. "It's a first offer, not quite insulting, but clearly not meant to be taken seriously." I grinned. "The inclusion of an option to shift the tonnage to drop or jumpships makes that clear, after all." I shrug again. "With you helping Evie to sell the stuff that we both agreed that Hanse wouldn't want to dicker over, and that we had absolutely no good use for? Money isn't an issue I'm worried about. My late father was a packrat to end packrats. What the hell he was thinking I'd not know."

"... Let's hope he sees it the same." Rayanne would have said more, but we were at the gates to the fairyland palace countless generations of Davions had called home.

Rios held us all back, 'til one squad had squared off against their 1st Davion counterparts, who were clearly unsettled. "Oh, good, they did get the message." the redheaded woman mentioned. "Okay, let's go, Ferret last."

I stepped out last, as Rios had instructed only to see Morgan and a Lt. Colonel of Infantry argue.

"Look, I'm still on the books as safe, so is the rest of the detail. The paperwork hasn't fully gone through, but it's all ricky tick." Morgan sighed. "If you think I'm letting my principal go around unarmed and uncovered, you don't remember me."

"Oh, I do Solo." The officer looked back. "And while technically, you're right. This is the Palace. The Prince is in residence. You no longer work for him. Try that again."

I put my hand on Morgan's arm. "Let me try." I looked the Colonel up and down. "Colonel… Fenton?" He nodded. "Why don't you split the knot? I'm sure it's regulations and rules you are following, that you can't just discard." He nodded a slight smile at my reasonableness. "But there should be someone who could, no? I am invited, and I can assure you the First Prince would be most dismayed if I chose to leave because reasonable security concerns couldn't be managed for both sides."

Morgan twitched slightly, but stayed silent. Fenton nodded reluctantly. He stepped back, and used his radio to contact someone, but I couldn't hear who, or what he got in response. After a minute, almost to the second, he blinked, and nodded once, sharply and then stepped forward.

"It has been authorized." Morgan shot the Colonel a look. "Against several people's better judgement, but it has been. However… no armed guards or weapons inside the dining room." He paused. "Well, your rapiers aren't considered weapons, for this purpose, at least."

"That's just gauche. And it ruins the taste of food." I nod seriously. "How do you deal with the taste of gunpowder in the caviar after all?" The Colonel and Morgan both choked off laughs at my whimsical tone. "But in more seriousness, thank you Colonel."

"You are welcome." He stepped aside and the two guards at the large doors opened them for us to troop though.

A majordomo in Davion colors awaited us. "This way, General, guests. The First Prince and his companions are expecting you." I didn't rubberneck as we walked through the Palace, I had been there once or twice before, once recently, for a pre Christmas party, nor did Morgan or Rios, or even Rayanne. Gry did flick his eyes a bit, but was clearly not unused to seeing this level of display. The others kept admirable composure, but clearly wanted to do a bit of rubbernecking. The Davions had spared no effort in making the Palace both a display of tasteful wealth and class, as well as a centerpiece for the Suns' artistic expression.

I watched, slightly amused by the reluctance of the two Rabid Foxes that were going in with me, to unclip their pistols, but they did, and handed them to various members of the squad we brought with us, who peeled off to join their equals from the 1st Davion providing guards for the First Prince. When done, the Major Domo opened the door, and began to announce us, in order of rank.

"General Onishi of the Onishi Heavy Cavalry." I walked in with that, and the rest followed as their names and ranks were called out, though I barely managed to keep moving without interruption when Rios of all people was called Honorable, meaning from a noble family. I'd have to get that from her.

Hanse stood up, also in AFFS dress uniform, his eyes raking my uniform, with a slight quirk to his lips. He got the message.

"Well, just in time, to make introductions." Of course Hanse would not be so gauche as to imply we were late. "I've heard your people's names, though two are familiar to me from elsewhere… I'd congratulate you on your poaching, but that'd imply I approve." His tone turned a bit serious at the last, but a slight smile countered it.

He went around the table, introducing people, starting with a grandmotherly lady, his Champion, Yvonne Davion; then moving onto a cousin of his, and his minster for the Crucis March, Melinda Davion; the minster for Ways and Means, Joan Davion; his Field Marshal for Logistics, Nelitha Green-Davion; Marshal Ran Felsner, commander of the Heavy Guards; and finally a Dr. Colonel B. Banzai. I, somehow kept from staring as a clone of Peter Weller bowed his head in greetings. The sheer amount of Davion Red hair on display, on the other hand didn't phase me.

I stomped on a very bad thought. Asking Dr. Banzai to wear powered armor would be very inappropriate at this dinner, but I couldn't and didn't try to resist a play on an old joke. "My, the number of redheads at this table now must make people wondering if a soul stealer convention is happening." Blank faces crossed most except Nelitha, who snickered drawing all the other redheads attention.

"Oh, an old prespace Joke. British, actually, I believe, about the Irish who supposedly had no soul, and each freckle represented a soul they had stolen. Something about them being Catholic, or so I believe." She waved her hand amused.

"Pretty much what I learned, yes." I took the seat the staff held out for me. "And well, I suppose according to Liao or Kuritan propaganda…"

Hanse grins. "Oh, yes." He shakes his head as the rest are settled. "While I'm sure that the Kuritans at least don't know the root of the joke, the Liaos might actually." He shrugs, as the first course is brought out. "I'd like to just have a free flowing discussion of various things, then after dinner is finished, we can truly discuss what we're here for. I hope no one minds?"

To no one's surprise, I do believe, no one had any disagreements, or at least didn't voice any. After all it's rude to go against your host's wishes for a pleasant meal, and that goes double when he is a Prince.

"I do have one question I'd like answered first, Hanse." Yvonne's tone was slightly repoving. "Brigadier, I believe, Blackhand? Why have you put in your papers and accepted a position with the young lady? I'm most curious to know, as you took your entire company with you."

Morgan waved his hand. "Your Grace…" He was cut off by Hanse.

"Regimental Mess rules, I'm afraid, or we'd be here all night calling each other by long winded titles or ranks." He shook his head. "Doesn't aid in the digestion, I've found."

"As you say." Morgan inclined his head. Turning back to Yvonne he grinned roughsily. "As with Hanse's clear desire, I'll tell you later, Yvonne. It isn't quite pleasant dinner conversation."

Yvonne's eyes narrowed, then she nodded sharply once. "I will hold you to that, Morgan."

With that, conversation flowed. Hanse was interested on how long Gry and the others had been with my father, and some details that they were willing to share of his more fun treasure hunts, while Yvonne and Joan picked everyone's mind, including mine, of worlds we had seen. They were very interested in the off planet shoots I had done. Others had a free flowing discussion as well. It was amazingly pleasant, and showed Hanse at his most disarming. I was quite aware of what he was up to, but knew the original Kikyo wouldn't be.

As coffee and wine was served after a dessert that both sets of memories agreed was as sinful and decadent as any ever tasted, Hanse grinned a bit. "As we all know, you've done what's commonly called Mechploitation movies." He snickered. "I'm sure that it wouldn't surprise any of us here that the genre is a guilty pleasure of many a mechwarrior, and I'd dare say most of the males."

Yvonne broke in, slightly reproving. "Especially when they are the ones that feature young female mechwarriors, no?"

I shrugged modestly. "It pays the bills, yes. And far be it from me to deny that at least one set of posters makes the rounds of barracks."

Hanse and Ran laughed, admitting the truth. Young men hadn't changed in eons, after all, and a symbol of what they were fighting for, would always be in the barracks. Well, most of them, at least.

"True, true. I'm sure if I did a snap inspection of the 1st Guards, I'd find one at least." Hanse tilted his coffee cup at me, while I returned the gesture with my wine glass. I smiled inwardly. I had taken wine, mostly to keep Hanse off balance. Kikyo's tolerance was high, and so was mine, but it might play into what Hanse expected, so… worth the effort.

Ran had leaned forward, his eyes intense. "What impressed me about your latest one, The Price of Glory? Wasn't how typical of the genre it is. I'll admit, as a young and not so young mechwarrior, one of the reasons for the pleasure is poking fun at the mistakes in the movies." He smiles, at my smile to that. "I'm sure you're quite aware of how accurate the vast majority are."

"As in not?" I grinned. "What I think you're asking, is why are the reviews and what I suspect you noticed, The Price of Glory? different from the typical one?" He nodded with a slight smile, as well as Hanse's smile, who had asked that same question at the last party I had attended here, to my sudden recollection. Oh… my. I managed to keep that thought out of my head, but paused for a second, setting myself to answer without indicating I've done this before to at least one person here.

Ran's eyes locked onto my face, as I spoke, with a slight smile. "Roger Coleman, Baron of New Vancouver on Macintosh, agreed with my ranting about yet another badly directed one. He challenged me to personally direct it, and I called in a few favors with a few small merc commands…" I spread my hands. "This doesn't count the fact that the first time I did a mechwarrior movie, I had instruction from Natasha Kerensky and Katherine Steiner of the Dragoons, after all."

"And as of course, while it didn't get much critical acclaim, it's done very well financially, to no one's surprise. The baron has a knack for never losing money, after all." Joan snorted slightly. "But it does explain that, doesn't it, Ran?" The Marshall nodded. Before we could pick up other topics Hanse tapped his water glass, a clear chime.

"I'm afraid as pleasant as the discussions have been, it's time for the distasteful parts of this evening. Where I try to loot as much as I can, while I suspect Rayanne and Kikyo attempt to do the same to me." He grinned, taking the sting out. "I don't suppose you have a list of what you're willing to sell outright, with your initial offer handy, do you?"

"By chance, I do, actually." I smiled, and pulled out a set of folded papers from my jacket's flap and passed it to him. He opened it and read both pages carefully, his eyebrows raising higher than they did at the list on the first page, at the 2nd page, where the actual initial bid was. He passed it to Yvonne, who snorted after reading it, then it went to Joan who didn't even twitch.

"I.. see." Hanse leaned forward slightly, smiling with a hint of mischief. "I do hope that's an opening offer, not a hard and fast line. I'd be disappointed, since it'd lack the opening for vigorous negotiations "

I smiled back. "Nothing is absolute, at this point, of course." I spread my hands. "I'd be curious to see what you intend."

"Well then. Shall we get to it?" With his question, I and Rayanne prepared and opened battle figuratively speaking. He wasn't joking about vigorous, with all but Ran of his guests piping in to adjust the terms, while I and Rayanne carried most of the work on our side, Gry and even Uri made pointed comments about already privately owned equipment, and several other points. We even covered some details about the hunt for the Argo and other possible Lostech sites, except for the explicit one that my father had left, but in several hours we came to a at least acceptable agreement in principle.

"I'd want to verify this list, and several other things, but I do believe we have an initial agreement, at least." Hanse leaned back, sipping a glass of wine. "A bit pricey, but not quite extreme. Stocks, Cash, replacement tonnage or like for what we acquire now, and a split in principal for the rest, to be finalized when the mission for the Argo goes." He looks around, and notes the disappointed look on Joan's face. "Now, now, the tax free bit, to the second order disturbment, is fair." He grinned. "At least I talked her out of jumpships, now."

"That wasn't a serious bid, Hanse." Joan groused. "She knows as well as we do how short the AFFS is. She used that as leverage." She was busy neatly writing a finalized agreement, as she spoke.

Out of my people, only Gry seemed anything but a bit stunned. They knew what we had, and the Davion side didn't fully, so they knew the amount of money, stocks, and equipment that'd be changing hands shortly. So did I, and I somehow managed to keep my glee out of my expression, tripling my value in one day? Yes, please. Though I'd lose a fair chunk as my people would get paid.

As Joan finished the agreement, and passed it to Hanse and me, for initial signing, and notarization, Hanse was quiet. As Rayanne verified it was what we agreed on, I initialed, and signed, with Gry wintessing. Hanse signed, Ran witnessing, and Joan notarizing. Hanse nodded once, and tilted his now full wine glass at me.

"This was actually harder than I thought, and I didn't get everything I wanted." He grins. "I'm not too disappointed, mind you, and I thought the offer of marriage was a nice touch, too."

"You weren't serious." I crinkled my nose. "Plus, Davions tend to marry for love, I'd not want you to break that streak."

"I see, I see." He sipped his wine. "I will say this, I came out far better than my worst case, and to be even more honest, better than my middle case. I do want the jumpers, but I can accept just hiring the unit, to get use of them. The AFFS has done similar before." He smiled. "And you?"

"I didn't get my ultimate goals, admittedly." I shrug. Having been told that Hanse thought he got away cheaply, even though he didn't have to find a planet for me, or heavy equipment, stung. I thought asking for major stocks in the companies he'd be fixing up was a good thing. Then again… I don't think he really realized how much he would be looking over. "Though I got more than I thought I would."

"Then, honestly? I think we have a good deal. If both sides think they came off well.." he spread his hand. "I know you weren't raised Lyran, but Uri, isn't that the definition of a good deal?"

The Major, who had been quiet, nodded once. "Yes, sir."

"Excellent!" He grinned. "I think we should all take our retirement for the night and meet bright and early at Xanadu, to begin this process, don't you?" He received several nods. "Normally, I'd not attend, but the sheer range? Certainly. At least internally." He smiled. "I think… Nathlia, Yvonne and myself, initially." He looked at the two who nodded. "Joan, I assume you can send an accountant who's Sword One?" He received a nod. "Now, Mendlina, you have research to do. So." He clapped his hands. "I bid you all a good night, and a pleasant morning tomorrow." He grinned. "I still haven't decided if I am going to ennoble you, yet, Kikyo, I'll sleep on it." I almost protested, but his smile stopped me. Before I could voice any thought at that statement, Joan broke in dryly.

"As for the privately owned mechs, that are lostech, do try to keep it fairly low numbers, and the ink at least dry before we get there, please?"

Snickers broke out at that as we all took our leave with that statement.

Dropship Xanadu primary boarding Ramp, New Avalon Dropship Port, Early Morning, 1/4/3015

One thing Kikyo, the original Kikyo learned well from her mother was the fact that she, Aiko, and Ichigo were genies. Like her mother, the genepack bred 100% true in females, males not so much. Putting aside why the Kuritans developed it, the pack had some fun edges, such as no hangovers, high tolerance and resistance to drugs and diseases, and most importantly, the ability to easily function on only four hours of sleep a night indefinitely. The Kuritans paid good money to a Canopian renegade, I figured.

Unlike Evie or Gry, the former much more content with me when the final deal was laid out, including the fact Hanse would pay us top rate to go treasure hunting, not to mention the loot we got out of him. But both named people were the first of the senior staff who had joined me in a massive party. Outside Case, who was snickering at them, everyone else except Rios, who hadn't indulged at all, or me, with my gene pack, they were suffering. I had mastered my immense annoyance at waking up alone, and while the rest dealt with the morning, I had taken care of one of the gene pack's designed 'flaws', at least in my eyes. Toys were useful, since everyone at the party was my employee or bodyguard, after all. Not to mention I was more choosy and less likely to indulge than the original Kikyo was, after all.

"You know, I did try to tell you to go to bed, Evie." I commented cheerfully. "Not to mention to drink plenty of water."

Evie's sharp retort of a raised finger as she winced at my voice and the dawn, told me all I needed to know.

A soft, slightly pained rumbled responded for both of them. "Aye, you did but go easy on her. We haven't had much to celebrate after all, and you announcing that a fair amount would be split among us, helped. I don't recommend too much, mind you, we need the funds, as reserve if nothing else." Gry's rumble trailed off, as the 1st Davion Guards and their Prince arrived.

"I wasn't planning on too much, first let's see if he recovers from the shock. We didn't show him amounts." I smiled. It's always fun springing an ambush on someone. While Hanse believed, and with Case's bitching, during the party, that he had scored a great deal, I had mentioned I tripled our net worth without giving up a single jumpship. There was a reason for that. As I noted earlier, my father was a pack rat to end pack rats. If it was working, and technological? He picked it up. Even items no one sane could use or even parts no one, period could use.

"That's a good point." Case smiles. "Ever see a First Prince choke on his coffee? We're going to, I think." He started cackling as two Davion guardsmen walked up, looking at him.

"He's just imagining the fun to be had this morning. Has the First Prince had breakfast yet?" I inquired. "We haven't." I noticed Gry turning slightly green and Evie grey at the thought of breakfast, and so did Hanse Davion, walking up.

"... did they celebrate?" He tilted his head. "I know the deal was decent, but I didn't think that they would consider it that good…"

I grinned. "May I offer you breakfast? And a complete inventory?"

The redheaded prince paused. His tilted head froze for a second, then he facepalmed. "I didn't ask how many items, did I?"

"Nooooooope." I popped the p, as Rios showed the guards. "Come, look at the complete inventory over a meal."

Hanse watched as the cackling teenager was led off by a hungover Morgan, while his people nodded that Xanadu was secure enough for them. "I'm not sure I should, but what's the harm."

Gry was very careful to cover his rumble as Nathlia and Yvonne Davion walked up accompanied by Ran Feltser and Ardan Sortek. "Famous last words, your highness, famous last words."

Hanse spoke once a passing dropship was by. "I decided to get a start on the Argo mission by inviting Ran and Ardan Sortek, a friend…"

I paused. Out of all the men in the Federated Suns, Ardan Sortek was that rare person. Loyal, moral, ethical, honest, and unafraid. It's hard to say if any one man could be the moral conscience of an entire interstellar realm, but he acted as such later on for Hanse. Before, thankfully, I could gush at him, I saw someone. "It is a high pleasure to meet you Colonel, but I need to talk to my brother. Please excuse me." I bowed slightly, as Hanse just nodded.

"We'll just take advantage of your cooks, then, shall we?" The last was directed at the four with him. "And I suppose that my guards are included, are they not?"

"Of course!" I responded as I hurried off.

"Kikyo." Ichigo stopped as I hurried up to him. "... not too bad in the uniform, but it's the wrong one…" I held up my hand.

"You will do three things today, some of which will continue until I release it. Period." My jade green eyes bored into his. "You will not give Hanse Davion or any other any information I gave you. You will not discuss what we discussed earlier about the memories. Last but not least, you will not undercut me. Do you understand?" My tone brooked no disobedience. I didn't lay out what I'd do, because I wanted him to think about it. Having a regiment of trained killers at your back did give one options, though killing my brother in blood, this universe was never on the table.

Ichigo's jaw clenched, but his tone was moderate. "I do hope you intend to not make me a traitor to my oaths, and that you will give them to the Suns."

"That was always the plan, it's how to use it for humanity's benefit, that I want to control. I have no doubt that Hanse is the best of the House lords currently, but even he is still a House Lord, and still prone to vendetta and missing the tree for the forest." I paused. "And to a Davion, often everything looks like it needs a dose of autocannon fire."

"He's not that…" Ichigo paused. "Okay, he has a temper, but he controls it." I shook my head.

"We discussed Operation Rat, and I pointed out the failings. You agreed to them." Ichigo winced at my elegantly upraised eyebrow.

"... We'll talk about it later." He finally said. "But, as long as I have your assurances you will come clean… I'll hold my tongue easily for today, and if you show me a decent plan, until you want." He ran his hand through his hair. "I don't like it, and I don't think it's a good idea considering my oaths… but you're not asking me to break them, precisely. Just… let you handle the information, correct?"

I nodded. "That's the plan." His eyebrow rose, then lowered.

"Right. I'll go keep Aiko company. Maybe see what her tutors are up to." Ichigo strode off, stiff from our conversation.

I looked at his back, and sighed. I didn't like that conversation, but it had to be had. Ichigo had proven that, like me, he took his oaths seriously, and might put them over his family. I couldn't argue he would be wrong, in this case, to do so… But the good that could be done? The levers I could pull? I smiled. Operation Rat, the 3028 invasion of the Capellan Confederation, was the most successful operation in four Succession wars, but even putting aside Sun-Tzu being a designer's favorite, or the desire to balance factions, was a strategic mistake, on a lot of levels. A rarity for Hanse, but it ended up costing the Suns dearly.

This time? Oh, no. The Suns would not be taken to the cleaners by the unholy abortion of North Korea and Imperial China, at the same time the Imperal Weeaboos gutted them. New Avalon wouldn't fall. And I wasn't sure which part of me was most insistent.

Meal Lounge, Dropship Xanadu, Morning.

I walked in as Hanse was chatting with Rios, while the others were having an Irish breakfast. I could indulge in a proper breakfast, and did from the buffet laid out.

"So… ready to see?" I smiled innocently, as Case perked up.

Hanse looked down at his half eaten plate, then at the folders I was holding. Three of them, copies, one each for the three major decision makers here. "Why not." Hanse finally decided. "I can read and eat, too. Very nice for a serving line, good cooks. And your ship is lovely. Overdone, but… It's a Princess."

"Xanadu was a gift, and came as is." I shrugged. "At least it didn't come with a Numenor Dire Wolf puppy." I shivered. Only one of the massive wolves of Numenor had ever been tamed enough not to eat or try to a human. Contrary to what Ichigo and some of my personnel might thing, I wasn't that crazy to think I could get the second one.

"... Duchess Numenor was an interesting person." Hanse smiled. He held his hand out. "Let's see how badly you tricked me." He took the sting out of the words with a roguish grin. Two other folders went to the head of AFFS Logistics, and of course, the Prince's Champion.

Hanse flipped though, stopping at one page as he took a sip of coffee, only to be still drinking as he hit the bottom line. The spray of coffee onto my face, caused Case to cackle madly, while I couldn't help but snicker. "Was that page three, or page seven?"

Yvonne and Nathlia had done the smart thing apparently, and let Hanse read and eat. They managed to master their curiosity long enough for Hanse to recover his breath, and just shake his head. "Page three." he finally responded, taking a sip of water to finish clearing his throat.

Gry rumbled amused. "Ahh, the XLFE engines."

"Yes. Well into enough to reverse engineer them, maybe even figure out how to make them." He smiles cooly. "Well worth it."

I and Case shared a look, and the teenager of us looked at it. "Oh, just wait. Kikyo! Twenty pounds on him having a heart attack."

"... I won't take that bet. Not this year." I pause, at Hanse's raised eyebrow, and smile. "Cackle like a loon, putting you to shame, 100."

"Done!" Case turns to Hanse. "Get to reading, Prince! I got pounds to win!"

Yvonne stirred about to lay into Case, but a raised hand stopped her. "Let him have his fun. I would too in his shoes, I do believe."

Everyone waited, as Hanse carefully worked his way through his meal and second cup of coffee, slowly going though, stopping before he hit page seven. Putting aside his clean plate, and now empty coffee cup, with a grin, as to indicate he had learned, he flipped to page seven. Reading it, his eyebrows rose. Rose higher. Rose to where I would have sworn they had gone past his hairline, but that was impossible.

"Bwahahahahahahahahahahahaha." Hanse's cackling was awesome.

"Told you." I walked over to Case. "My pounds, please?" Hanse's eyes indicated to at least me and Yvonne he was partly playing this up, as well as using it to cover his shock.

Yvonne stared, flipping to the page in question and reading it in question. She simply stared at it, trying to comprehend what it was saying. Finally, she spoke loud enough to be heard over Hanse's maniacal laughter. "If you hadn't already come to terms, the terms now would be: Hanse with my Atlas at his back, and a laser pointed at it, you in a white dress. Tomorrow." She paused and suddenly in a sharp tone spoke. "Everyone who isn't cleared by me, personally, or didn't personally verify this…" She looked at Gry who pointed at everyone but Case of the unit, and she nodded in response. "Out. Now. This means everyone. Including you, Major Rios, and all guards."

I turn after waving Case's slightly annoyed expression at having no cash, muttering to him. "De nada." I quirk an eyebrow. "And how would you get me down that aisle, Champion?"

"I'm sure Ardan could be counted on for a bit of work in that case." She paused, looking at Case. "And why aren't you leaving, son?"

Case's expression grew cold as he shot back. "I'm cleared by the carrot eater." His thumb jerked at me, and I nodded.

"I trust no one in the unit more, to be honest." I shrugged, but Ardan spoke before Yvonne could speak. She shot a glare at the scruffy mechwarrior that promised he'd not die if this leaked. Case just mimed zipped lips with a grin.

"... I would be?" Ardan's expression was completely confused.

Yvonne waited 'til the door was closed, and Morgan personally sealed it, after double-checking for bugs. She finally spoke. "Yes. Let's just say, just this page alone, is the answer to at least a dozen corporations' most heartfelt prayers, and the CEO's would literally sell their souls. As would Nelitha." She looked. "Or how would you and your people like at least 300 battlemchs and ASF a month, as a rough guess, Nathlia… to distribute?" She shook her head. "Melinda would know more for sure, but even what I know, makes this page alone worth twice, at the very least the deal."

Ardan huhed. "I… don't know Hanse, Miss Onishi, I'd have to say that's mighty tempting. I wouldn't, of course, but… I can see why it'd be considered."

I blew out a breath. I really didn't want to get married yet, and Hanse had a bride waiting for him. Now… just to make sure his children weren't total screw ups. "So can I, to be honest." I shrugged.

"... But that does raise a point." Hanse leaned back. "I know we both agreed to the deal, and your people thought it was good… but honestly… this is changing everything. I thought it was maybe a few bays, at most to fix one of Wangker's lines for their Corsairs, still priceless, I admit, but …"

Hanse's eyes grew distant. "This changes everything if we can get it in place. We will finally have the ability to build new units and sustain them through heavy combat. Win the Succession Wars?" He shook his head. "Unlikely." But he smiled. "Make sure that the Federated Suns are the strongest ever, and finally push the Kuritans back beyond the old Star League borders for good?" His smile grew cold. "Oh… yes, that we will do."

Yvonne's and everyone else's smiles, including mine, I must admit, were just as cold. Hanse shook himself. "Are you sure that you don't want a ring? That was on the table, and I am thinking it's not a bad thing."

I paused, part of me, the original Kikyo, leaping up and down going 'yes yes yes'. The other part of me, and the merged shook her head. "I don't think it's a big enough dowry, to be honest. Some would, but… not me."

Hanse leaned back. "I'm tempted to ask what you would consider big enough. Part of me worries you can find it. The other part wants to be surprised." He grins. Standing up, he nods once. "First, we're going to need to verify it, and I want to look at some of the mechs and armored fighting vehicles that I might be getting. Second, you are not going to talk me out of an idea I had while getting ready for bed last night. I insist."

I nod. "Sire." I speak seriously, looking at Morgan. "I cannot stress enough, that whoever you have do the verification undergoes interrogation to prove their loyalty." Hanse's eyebrow rose, but he didn't interrupt. "Make sure, besides the usual actors, they check for loyalty and willingness to talk to Comstar. Or ROM." Hanse and Yvonne go still at the last.

"I would ask how you learned about something we only suspect, but I believe the answer would be your father." Yvonne sighed. "You suspect them of being willing to destroy this material?"

My eyes became harder than the stone they so resembled. "Suspect? No. Know? Yes." I paused. "Please don't ask how. But I'll say the Adept who came to inquire about me selling to them was a tip off, and not only that, insulting to boot."

Hanse's eyebrow clearly wanted to ask 'How insulting'?

"Two billion for everything, except the jumpships and two billion for those. And of course the knowledge I had done Blake's will in preserving lost treasures of the Star League." I explained dryly. "At least the Lyran Ambassador was more polite about it, and offered to beat any deal you made, plus a duchy."

"They would, wouldn't they?" Hanse clearly referred to the Lyrans, but sobered up. "I see your point about Comstar. Yvonne?"

"It will be done, but I want the idea you told me on the way here done now." She nodded sharply. "It will be much easier to secure them there, plus an odd orbit for her Vengeances and Behemoths."

"Agreed." Hanse takes a breath and nods once. "I seem to recall one of your Maus Corporation movies, being at Winterfell." My eyebrows knitted as I went through my memories.

"Yess…" I finally said. The movie was a tween summer camp movie, formula, and all that. Didn't do badly, though, but I continued on. "Bit run down, seemed like a dying resort area in the winter, though there is some possibility for cool summer activities, if I recall the area right, somewhat similar to the Tahoe area of California, on Terra…"

His eyebrow rose at the latter, but he continued on. "The last baron died two years ago, leaving the barony to House Davion. I can just make you the baroness. There's the bonus of it also not being heavily populated, with if not standoffish people, those who don't easily care for interlopers nor those who threaten the Suns." Yvonne nodded at that. "We were evaluating it for testing areas for research and development, that's why we know the latter. Putting you as Baroness, and your unit there?" He grins. "Solves a lot of problems. It does have a dropport big enough for your unit…" He pauses. "Barely."

Gry thought. "We can move in three hours, if our dropships are topped off. I've already assigned crew to Xanadu, via Admiral Ahmad, so we're good to go there. All our equipment except Bun Bun and a few vehicles are on the dropships, so no loading there." He looks up. "We're just waiting on some food, and we're good to go."

I shrugged. "All my belongings are on Xanadu except Summer Breeze, and I suppose that can be shipped to me."

Hanse's eyebrow quirked. "Summer Breeze?"

"My boat."

Hanse grins. "Aaah. I see. Yes." He shakes his head, and nods at Yvonne. "I presume you're ready to contact Aerospace control?"

"Now. We'll provide food, and have it delivered in an hour after you land. Load the ships, I want this done. All your people here?"

Gry's eyebrow rose, but he nodded. Standing he nodded at me. "With your permission, I'll see to it. Forty-five minutes, and I presume the port has fuel there?"

"It does. Or I'll have it brought in." Hanse nods. He too stands. "Let's go. Yvonne?"

I felt blown away by the speed. Battletech was supposed to be sloth speed. Not this hurricane, but I too stood, and spoke to Gry. "You have it, General."

"Thank you, General, I'll get going. See you at Winterfell."

"You too."

Dropship Xanadu, Bridge, Winterfell Dropship Port, Barony of Winterfell, New Avalon, Evening.

Hanse winced as we walked though what was the Baronial estate. "I don't recall it being this bad."

"According to the records you gave me, it's been ten years. At least the tram from Lake Fell is still in great shape as well as the docks. It looks like Summer Breeze has a nice home." I smiled. Kikyo-original adored that ship. Not only was it a fun way to entertain those who wanted a bit more discreet location, it was a way to get away and not be bothered. Also useful for some filming, but not often. Xanadu was actually rigged to lift a yacht slightly bigger and store it, and then return it to water, but Hanse and Yvonne were having MIIO tear the ship apart making sure it was clean of anything, and in good working order.

"Don't worry, it'll only be a week." He grins. "And it's not boating weather here." I nod, shivering slightly in my fur coat. I was a city girl, and while New Avalon, the city, wasn't located on the equator, it was fairly temperate, even in Winter. New Scotland, even on the south-east shore of Loch Arthur, wasn't. This was when the locals made the majority of their money, bringing in the silver ice weasel fur that adorned noble women's bodies during winter. Like my coat. Which was helping, but the manor had clearly not been maintained at all, and while built well, a few bad blizzards had damaged areas while trees and branches had done in many windows, allowing snow here and there. Most of the manor had been stripped of belongings, though some furnishings still remained here and there.

Finally we came across a room with a fireplace, and drop covered couches. Even better, Hanse's eyes alight on a stack of firewood. My eye could tell it was likely there from before the manor was shut down, but it was still good. I watched amused as he tried to build a fire, finally commenting.

"You might want to check the flue before you light it, otherwise…" I couldn't help but grin.

Hanse blinked, and facepalmed, but one of his guardsmen snickered, and moved to actually both clear the flue, and build a good fire. Hanse looked a bit bemused at it, but let the guard do so.

"Thank you, Sergeant. I am at no risk, but the rest of the manor should be checked out."

"Sire." The sergeant saluted, and closed the doors behind him and his squad, though I was certain that at least a pair stayed to guard the door.

He clapped his hands, and moved to pull off several covers, and sat down in a lounge. "Sinfully comfortable. You should try one."

I paused, and shook my head. "Anyone tell you you are a tease?"

"That and a troll, yes." He grinned. "I'm not oblivious, I recognize the natural setup, a script writer couldn't write it better." He dropped into what was an expression of exaggerated lust, and said in a cheesy tone. "You're shivering, why don't you sit with me and we'll find a way to warm up." He held the expression for a second, and burst out laughing at my bemused expression. "I did say not until the third date, and I'd daresay we haven't had three of those."

I thought about arguing, but he was the Prince, and in fiction he won more far more than he lost, though when he lost, he lost hard. "As you say." I sat in the chair across from him. "I suppose you have something you want to discuss?"

"I do. First, how long do you think you could have an all up combined arms regiment ready to go? As well as at least a company of Marines, and one of Morgan's platoons?" Hanse quirked an eyebrow.

"To my satisfaction?" I thought. "Three to six months. Major holes were blown in my father's people. Even at six months I'd be leery of taking them into pitched sustained battle." I shrugged. "That's of course if I left a serious cadre behind to keep expanding. "

"Interesting. From what my people say, you have enough to put together the size I asked now. You deny this?" His eyebrows rose in channel.

"The people? Yes. And a bit more, though I did point out leaving behind a cadre, did I not?" He nodded. "It's not the numbers, it's the time to shake a unit down. You know this."

"And you shouldn't." His eyes bored into me. "I asked Ichigo, and he stated you showed little interest in military matters to him."

I didn't wince at a slip up I had just made, but I had a cover. "At the time Lt. Steiner was more than just an instructor on how to pilot a mech, she gave bits and pieces on other things… and I'm sure you can ask Marie, your sister how much she wanted to learn from her brothers."

He paused and nodded at the last. "Or us from her, I suppose. Fair enough. But." He leaned back, the fires casting shadows on his face, and making his eyes entrancingly alight. "You have secrets and aren't as you should be. This intrigues me."

"All women have secrets, Your highness." I couldn't bring myself to call him Sire. That was nobility and royalty, and I still was part American. "Sometimes we share them… sometimes we don't. Only time will tell if I will, with you. Or what price you'll need to pay."

"I… see." He paused. "Do they threaten the Suns?"

"In the wrong hands… they could, admittedly." I shrugged. Being honest was something that was worth its weight in gold, and in this case, the only way to go. Hanse wasn't the Fox for nothing, after all, and I couldn't put past lie detection as one of his many talents. "But I assure you that my hands aren't the wrong ones, for I want to use them to the Sun's benefits. You are, without a doubt, if not the best current living House lord, tied with Katrina and Avellar, and maybe the current Calderon. I'd put you ahead of the Archon, and the Calderon, but it's hard generally to beat the Avellars, in a lot of ways, it's a shame they have so little to work with."

"High praise, I suspect." He leaned forward. "I'd contest it, but I'm flattered, though considering my competition…"

"Damned by faint praise comes to mind, agreed." I shook my head. "Didn't you found the NAIS for medical purposes first and foremost?"

"Yes."

"Outside the Avallars, who'd do that? Discount the Canopians, as that's their big claim to fame outside their honey pots. Which really, from what I know, they sell to the highest bidder, too." I raised an eyebrow.

"... I would say anyone would, but we both know that's a lie, since my intent is to make it's gains known to all the Suns, and even others." He shook his head. "Thank you."

I wagged a finger. "It doesn't mean you don't have some vices, and some of your virtues are vices in themselves, Prince. But it does mean you are at least trying to be worthy of being a good steward to your people. That's rare enough."

"... I would argue, but history would prove you right." Hanse smiled grimly. "Answer me truly. Will you ever tell me them?"

"... I cannot say yes for sure. But I can say I would want to, at least some of them. All?" I shrug. "Some are not mine to share. Some are ones that are best left where they came from. Some are immaterial, in fact. But those that are useful? I want to."

Hanse studied me for a long moment. It grew warm enough, for me to remove my coat, and I did. Finally he broke the silence. "I'll hold you to that. And I hope you find the proof I suspect you want before you tell me some."

I nod. "So do I." I didn't try to deny it. He was right. Without proof, more than just Case, more than just maybe Lt. Steiner of the Dragoons, and that was a guess, I couldn't. Too much required me to be footloose and fancy free, or at least not in a straightjacket.

"Well. I will help you staff your unit, but I want you moving by February 1st. My current plan is to have your combined arms regiment, a training battalion formed of Albion graduates, and one task force of the Guards, under Ran Felster's command go pirate hunting, and 'disappear'. In reality…"

"Go get the Argo." He nodded at my response. "... Doable, barely. May I suggest an addition?"

His eyebrow rose. "Oh?"

"Team Banzai. They're supposedly good, and have high technical ability. May be useful, no?" I raised my eye in challenge.

"Concede." He thought about it for a moment, then nodded. "Doable. If they agree."

"I'd like to also take an aerospace regiment along, out of my people." I raised an eyebrow in challenge.

"Easily done."

"Last but not least, I have a few leads and if they pan out, I'd like your help to get them here. Some from the Outwordlers."

"Trying to poach one or two of their Flying Nightmares? If it's practical…" He agreed.

"And…" I trailed off.

His eyes narrowed. "And?"

"Well, Katherine did joke that she'd offer me a place in the Dragoons if I got tired of acting. Given the odds of Anton not trying something as stupid as that governor did on the Light Horse, I'd like to give her a heads up and possible home if it all…" I spread my hands apart.

"I… see. You think Anton would be that … insane?" Hanse shook his head. "I find that hard to credit."

I thought on how to put that I didn't think, I knew. Vesar was a viper. As well as ROM. And wanted the Dragoons broken. But… Ah. "Would you trust a man who turned his hand against his brother, his nephew against the nephew's father? And one who is losing?"

"... I wouldn't, no, your point is taken. Samuel Johnson had a quote I believe," he replied finally.

"Trust me, Sir, when a man knows he'll be hanged in a fortnight, it concentrates his mind wonderfully." I responded.

"Exactly. Write your letter to her, and I'll see it gets to her as soon as possible." He nodded finally.

"Thank you." I smiled. I looked around and sighed. "Anything else?"

"Not at this moment, but I would suggest you think about agreeing to exchange some of that tonnage and cash for dropships and maybe even jumpships from me." Hanse shrugged. "I've reconsidered, and that might be the most effective way to handle it." He looked upwards, studying teh flickers on the ceiling. "The tonnage will be far more than I'd like to give up, at least in 'Mechs and vehicles for a while, unless you want to spread it out over a near decade. Even with the likely improvements to industry." He shook his head. "I am pondering a deal, that would lessen the sting of this arrangement, so don't trouble yourself on that."

I nodded. "Still.."

He waved his hand. "It is only a thought, at this point. A lot will depend on actual situations."

I didn't pout, I was more than willing to make that deal, depending on the tonnage required. But again. Patience, Kikyo, Patience. "Of course."

"Excellent." He stood, putting his greatcoat back on. I stood as well, as he strode over, picking up and holding out my coat to slip into. "I do believe we should return to the dropport."

I nodded, smiling ruefully. "I think it'll be a bit before this place is livable, yes."

Winterfell Dropship Port, Barony of Winterfell, Late Evening.

As Hanse departed towards his waiting transportation, I turned to the annoyed Infantry Brigadier, and the amused Operator next to her.

"Oookay… what's the problem." I tilted my head.

"We have an unauthorized person going over our vehicles, and Morgan and Evie don't care." Meta sounded irritated. "And they won't tell me why."

I turn to Morgan, raising an eyebrow. "And you will tell me, no?"

"Dr. Banzai." Morgan grinned, to a slight confusion on Jinks' face.

I sigh. "He's authorized, or if he's not, that's more the paperwork hasn't caught up to us yet." I pause. "Or been done, to be fair. But it will be. He's arguably the best man to look at the medical gear, mind you, outside of Terra and the Belt."

Morgan nodded. "That's a fact. I might have been called the best Rabid Fox, able to solo companies, but he's on another level when it comes to tech, and isn't far behind when you talk about neuroscience."

Meta sighed. "Okay, can you talk to him, and remind that man it's impolite to go onto another's cantonment without being invited? Not done."

I nod, and look at Morgan, who pulls a radio. "This is Solo. Where is Banzai."

"Colossus 3, sir, at Bun Bun's bay." the reply was immediate. "He'd also like to see Winter."

Morgan tilts his head at me, and I nod at the question. "Boss says get him. Make it happen." With that, he waves me on to a waiting car.

One thing to understand about Dropship ports. They're big. Winterfell's was always a small one, and more auxiliary for the other ports on New Avalon and given the current traffic, only saw one or two dropships a day normally, at best. Still, it could park all my landable dropships, with a bit of juggling, and still have room for a few more. That made the port huge by any 21st century person's view.

To someone like Morgan, who was used to New Avalon's main port or other major worlds, Winterfell's port was easily the clone of Missoula's international airport, compared to New Avalon's JFK. Which neatly explained his next comment as the sedan we were in parked next to a Colossus class Dropship.

"That was faster than I thought." Morgan got out, sweeping the area, and waving me out.

"Small port." I agreed, though thinking that it seemed long to the merged me.

"Ah.. and there's Zack." Morgan grinned as the teenager walked up, and shivered.

"It's cold!" He was grinning. "I love it!"

"You're shivering." Morgan's deadpan was evident.

Case tilted his head. "I fought mostly in the tropics for a year, then spent time on a dropship on top of that. And where I grew up wasn't that cold either. I'll get used to it." He grinned. "And… Banzai wants to meet me?" He punched the air. "YES!"

I rolled my eyes. "Let's not keep the good doctor waiting." We were led up by a spacer named Neda, who was quiet, and studying us three as if we were chicks about to starve or freeze. As she finished leading us, and pointed at Bun Bun, where I saw someone looking into his cockpit, she commented softly. "Young people should dress for the weather, and you, boy, need to eat more." Before either of us could comment, she had disappeared

I strode over to the lift next to Bun Bun, and Redline, Case's half disassembled Hunchback was in the bay next to him. Before Morgan or Case could get in, I punched it up, and if this wasn't Evie or Deb, or a tech they personally authorized from my unit, I was going to kill a bitch.

As I reached the platform to get to Bun Bun's cockpit, I pulled out a pistol I had kept, and cocked it. Stepping out, the pistol was in a two handed grip and pointed down, but ready to bring into battery. "You have three seconds to explain who you are and why you are in my mech's cockpit. One…"

The head snapped up and Peter Weller's clone looked at me. "I was just seeing if there was anything unexpected about Bun Bun's neurological interface." That didn't get the pistol taken away from him, and he raised an eyebrow as he continued. "Cook asked me to. My reputation, you see…"

"And why did she?" I safed the pistol, and put it back in it's hostler. "And going around poking in my battlemech, without being authorized by me, Colonel Banzai, makes me a bit paranoid. While I concede you're unlikely to do harm to Bun Bun, not all I can say the same about."

He paused for a second and then nodded. "I'd say properly cautious, and I apologize." His relaxed expression hadn't changed at all, and he leaned back against the railing of the platform. "She told me about your original baseline being different radically according to Bun Bun, and she wanted to see if Bun Bun's SLDF electronics could explain it. Or your neurohelmet. While I haven't seen either in such excellent condition before, I have seen and examined similar before, and I can say that they're not at fault."

I raised an eyebrow, since I got the sense he was curious.

"And as well, her comment about Mr. Winter's unusual neurology, or so she'd was told." His eyebrow went up. "You do know neurological damage can cause change in brain patterns."

I rolled my eyes. "I do, yes." I paused. "I take it you'd like to examine me and Case, then, using one of the MASHes we have?"

"You are correct, and since a quick look shows it's a full up Royal setup, I'll be able to do a lot. We are setting up one at NAIS, but it's half broken, and barely able to do about half what that one can do." His eagerness to see what the setup could do, was obvious in a restrained and relaxed way.

"And…" I tilted my head.

"I don't know why Miss Cook wants to see, but if you're having issues, and Case is as well, it's better to know now, so treatment if needed can be arranged." He spreads his hands. "It's something to get ahead of."

"And if there's no treatment?" My eyes narrowed.

He paused, his face still neutral. He looked up, and nodded once. "Then you'll know, and can make decisions. I would, and we both have major responsibilities don't we?"

I paused. While I was sure I was fine, he didn't know that, and who knew what Case's brain was like. "Okay."

"Excellent." He strode over to the lift, expecting me to follow, and I did. Shortly we were at the ground, and Case was clearly annoyed with Evie, who was glaring back at him.

"Cabbit! She wants me to get a brain scan!" His rant was building and I could guess how it could go, so I cut it off.

"It's done by Dr. Banzai." I was amused on how fast Case's head snapped to the doctor, and a manic light entered his head.

"Oh. FOR SCIENCE! then." I, Morgan and Evie stared at him. How did he manage to make his statement sound like that?

"Proper attitude, young man, let's be about this." Dr. Banzai had a faint smile, as he ushered us along. "I believe Miss. Cook has prepared one of your MASH units for this. Evie nodded.

"She's ready, yes. Bet you've never had a full medical workup done with the best Hardware the Terries ever built." She grinned. "Might as well get that out of the way, too, no?"

Case started to protest, only to be cut off by Evie. "It's in your contract, and the General's getting it too."

Case's head tilted for a moment. "Hot nurses?"

Evie's facepalm was joined by my and Morgan's snickers and Banzai's amused curling of his lips.

"Sorry, no, just me and Dr. Kirkup." Case's head turned to me and I nodded. That was the redheaded doctor who treated Uri after I put him on the ground.

"CMO of the outfit, Case. She's at least a redhead."

"With NEEDLES." Case shivered. "I better get candy."

Evie snorted and responded to that, as we stepped outside the dropship. "Are you sure you're a decorated and honored Marksman of Marksman?" Evie was referring to the Mechwarrior term for Ace, Marksman. Just like Ace of Aces, Marksman of Marksmen meant Case had attained 25 kills or more in battle. I reconsidered the scruffy mechwarrior in front of me.

"Twenty five? In less than a year?" I said quietly. There were mechwarriors who could go their entire lives without that many. In fact, out of my unit, only Uri and Gry could claim more than ten kills, and only Gry could claim the twenty-five, while only two of my pilots had hit Ace of Aces.

"Twenty-nine, and would have been thirty, if that last snake didn't trip his mech." Case shrugged.

"Impressive, though…" Dr. Banzai frowned. "Have you talked to a psychiatrist? You may be suffering from battle stress, you realize."

"Duh." Case snorted. "I'm not stupid, and I'm pretty sure I need some serious downtime. You don't go through what I went through without having the shakes."

Evie and Dr. Banzai's eyes narrowed jointly, while Morgan nodded as we arrived at the MASH.

For those of you expecting a tent, or a prefab building, the Star League had that beat. They had a tractor trailer type arrangement that collapsed into a convenient driving unit, and could expand into a full function, small, mind you, but still full function trauma center able to handle nearly a dozen patients in surgery at a time. It also only took a few hours to set up, or break down for transport. And the SLDF didn't stint. It was accurate to say that this was the best trauma center at least equipment wise, off Terra. Even New Avalon's new one at the new university that Hanse was founding, wasn't as good, simply because some of the electronics just didn't exist anymore. At least outside the Sol System.

Dr. Banzai finally responded as we reached the door of the expanded MASH. "That's a remarkably mature attitude to have, Mr. Winter. I honestly didn't expect it."

Case just grinned. "I'm full of surprises." Dr. Banzai nodded at that, and shortly we were undressing in the heated MASH, to be fully examined.

Case went first, while I waited in a gown. It took longer than I reasonably expected to get though each step, and my memories of even New Avalon treatment indicated it was. Partly because of the sheer amount of tests that were being run, some of which I had never heard of, partly becasue of…

"Hey! This is awesome." a voice shot out. "I get to see my brain in 3-D. Awesome! How in hell does this work, I can see DNA in the cells..." Case. He had pestered Banzai with hordes of questions, since Banzai chose to run him through the routine tests first, while patiently answering his questions with me and Dr. Kirkup following, then handing the nervous system on me himself.

Finally it was my turn in the tube that in a lot of ways reminded me of a Star Trek medical bed. Dr. Banzai hadn't even twitched at my nude body, after he stated it was required for the tube. I made a mental note to ask Dr. Kirkup if it really was.

The medical scanner literally could examine a patient at levels I knew 21st century doctors, or even doctors in New Avalon would simply kill for. Finally, a near clone of my neuro helmet was placed on my head, and a series of questions were asked. I answered as best as I could, and a basic neuro helm test was run finally, with me moving a little toy robot around with my mind. I didn't keep the glee fully off my face, but Dr. Banzai and Dr. Kirkup didn't say a word.

Finally, a good hour past midnight, that was two hours of waiting, and Case semi-nodding off, but snapping awake, Dr. Banzai hummed, walking into the waiting room, as he had two sheafs of paper with him. I and Case shook our heads about being told separately. Case was half dead on his feet, as I found out he hadn't slept yet.

"First. Basic medical status, Patient Zackary Winter. Slightly malnourished, otherwise outside the brain, in remarkably good health outside that. All indicators of physical capability high, reflexes, flexibility, hand eye coordination, responsiveness, all well into the ninety nine percentile range. Neurological activity consistent with similar level of ability in intelligence and other areas which the brain has dominance over. Above human normals in all but vision, which is near to human ideal. High likelihood of genetic alterations done in biological ansector's past." He paused and nodded

"Patient Kikyo Onishi. Good health consistent with decent diet and exercise. Physical ability outside pure lifting capability also in the ninety nine percentile range, lifting capability above average but within general human maximums. As with Patient Winters, high mental capability, also within the ninety nine percentile. Sensory response on hearing, taste and smell also within that percentile." He paused. "Unusual flexibility in all joints, and tongue, unusual shape and function of certain sweat organs, unusual chemical makeup of bodily fluids testable. Unusual shape of exocrine glands in general. Abnormal hormonal levels, though they appear to be normal for Patient Onishi. Finally, clear signs of genetic modification, in biological past on biological ancestors. Believed associated with several of the above conditions."

Case's tired laughter answered that line. "Of course. Not like most people back in the Star League didn't play that way." Dr. Banzai nodded. "And of course, the cabbit is a genie meant to be a sexpot, I bet. Kuritans!"

I shrugged. I knew I was a genie, but the precise specifics of what I was supposed to be was not told to me. I now had some guesses, though, and I'd put money on Case's snark being right.
"Possibly." Dr. Banzai's neutral and deadpan tone squished the tired scruffy teenager's words, as he continued.

"Finally, neurological." He paused for a moment and clearly thought on how to say what he wanted. Finally, he just did.

"Patient Winters shows very abnormal neurological development, one that would be expected in a person three times his age. Further, his brain retains a beyond human maximum plasticity for his age, as well as several abnormal structures, which at this time, the function of which are unknown. Last but not least, he shows abnormalities consistent with post traumatic stress as well as extreme feedback from neurohelm use in combat when his mech was damaged. However both conditions are well below what would be expected with his reported history of combat, and there are indications that they are recovering. His neural connectivity is above recorded records, his ability to pass the neuro helm capability test is also beyond reasonable expectations. However the patient is showing clear signs of sleep deprivation."

Case snickered. "I'm still alive, I'll get better. I got a mech to fix, and no time to do it, while I deal with the Cabbit's insanity. And you'll see for SCIENCE!" a nod at Dr. Kirkup had an injector at Case's neck before he could react, and an indignant "Hey!" was the last thing Case said as he passed out.

"Now, Patient Onishi shows similar abnormal neurological development, with signs that the majority of the development was very recent. She shows abnormal development in areas unusual to humans previously examined, but not similar to Patient Winters. Indications of short term neurological trauma associated with psychoactive use present, though fading. Neural plasticity extremely high, but not above recorded human capability at patient's biological age, but close. As with Patient Winters, neural connectivity is high, though not quite beyond known human maximum capability. Neuro helm capability is similar. Indications both conditions are a recent affect."

My eyebrows had risen and risen during this. Finally, I asked. "Summarize."

"Patient Winter is an exceptional mechwarrior or pilot. Quite possibly the best ever, with some oddities to his brain to possibly explain it. He'll learn excessively fast, has the knowledge and personality of someone three times his biological age, and while has growths that are abnormal, are not a health risk nor seem to be doing him any harm. I've seen hints of similar in another patient." Dr. Banzai nodded.

He looked at me. "As for you, you learn exceptionally fast as well, have the ability to easily function on half the normal sleep requirements, are also an exceptional mechwarrior or pilot, though you won't be the most extreme example, unlike Patient Winter, but well into the top 1% when fully trained. I have seen your abnormal structures and development before in captured and dead DEST commandos, which leads me to consider I might discuss with you some more supposedly mystical rumors about DEST." His eyes bore into mine.

"You're biologically prone to having mental issues relating to socialibty, impulse and inhibition control. and all your bodily excretions seem to have a psychoactive effect, that you aren't immune to, but mild. I would have to do more study to see if it's addictive." He flipped through the printouts, and nodded once. "While I would write Patient Winters development off as a unusuality, yours confirms his, and again, shows biological and mental age differences of an extreme nature. I am very curious to ask why." As he put down the paperwork, he looked at Dr. Kirkup. "This is of course, medically privileged, and will be treated as such. I do not see any long term mental issues, outside the ones discussed above for either patient, and in a physical sense, they at this time are healthy, though follow up is recommended."

I couldn't help but ask. "Dr. Banzai, Dr. Kirkup, do you have explanations for the mental and physical age difference?"

Dr, Kirkup snorted. "The few I could come up with, the other markers aren't there. Moving your brain into a new body? Yeah, no. Both of you have records long enough with proof of birth to deny extreme longevity with associated slow aging. Rejuvenation? Possible, but I'd have no idea, and Dr. Banzai is pretty sure that too would leave markers we'd see."

Dr. Banzai's bland tone confirmed that. "As I said, I'm very curious to see if you have a reason we haven't considered. While there may be ones we haven't, I'm honestly puzzled by this. Everything else, I have some idea, well, with the exception of Case's unusual structures, though I suspect they're related to his ability to be a Mechwarrior. The extreme plasticity of Patient Winters, and the severe mismatch of both your mental ages and biological ages, however, I have no explanation, and genetic editing wouldn't explain this. Other signs would be present and they are not, and your records I have been assured are valid, which excludes the possibility I had considered. The other possibility I have, is more religious than scientific, so, I won't consider it at this time."

"I do, but I don't know you well enough, and you take Prince Davion's pound, sir. As well as discussing the religious aspects… until you are willing, there is no point in talking, I suppose. " I paused. "However, I do authorize you to tell the mental age aspects to Evie." I shrug. "I might tell you later, though."

He simply looks at me as Dr. Kirkup nods and departs to talk to Evie. "I will hold you to that." He puts the papers back into a pair of folders, and places them in a briefcase. "This is for Dr. Kirkup to file where she wants. I'd like to study your equipment some more, as well as discuss the potential for the rumored abilities of the DEST commandos I have encountered, and I expect Prince Davion to return in a few days, at worst, so I'll do so, if I have your permission?"

"You do, Doctor." He nodded his thanks, and departed the waiting room himself. Turning to look at the sleeping body next to me, I sighed. "Okay, Pole, time to dump ass in bed."

Kikyo's Cabin, Dropship Xanadu, Winterfell Dropship Port, Very Early Morning

I played the message from Ichigo, after Aiko's, again. Ichigo's voice sounded clear and unpressured, but what it said severely irritated me.

"Achy? I'm going to be on space watch for the next two weeks, with the Heavy Guard Aero wing, so it's constant alert for me. I'll be at the ready barracks, or in vacuum." He paused, and continued on after a moment. "Marshal Felsner was kind enough to inform me, to inform you that the Prince's Champion had made arrangements for Aiko, while we were occupied by our duties." I seethed as Ichigo's voice continued. "I was surprised that they moved her into the Palace. Then I realized…"

He had trailed off, his tone still bland, but I could imagine the frustration in his expression. "Well. The Davions do look after their people, and those who give them prizes. And, well, with them ennobling both of us… we more than qualify to get some special attention, I suppose. I got to go, but I wanted you to know Aiko's fine. And yes, I signed off on it, in your stead." I seethed at the latter. Ichigo technically could do that, but… I took a deep breath, and stopped and deleted the recording.

I picked up a brush, and began angrily brushing my unbound hair, using this to think this though. Would Hanse do this? Part of me wanted to say no. He had other options to compel loyalty, and he knew it. It wouldn't be his first choice. I hoped. Otherwise I misread him both in fiction and in reality badly, and that spoke volumes of the hell I could consign the universe to.

Yvonne Davion, on the other hand? Perhaps. In fact, she was DMI for a long time, and despised the Haseks, to the point of screwing with their supplies, which put the Fusiliers at risk of increased deaths. She was quite able to be ruthless, and sell Hanse on the need for it. And as she knew the Prince all his life, she could push buttons, and make it seem to Hanse, that he was doing me a favor, and voila.

My question was how did she sell it to the Prince, to be fair, if she did, or did she do it and present it as a fait accompli and stated it was for 'security'. I stopped brushing for a second, hoping that the grandmotherly woman honestly did have security as part of her reason, not just what did I tell my sister and her lever against me. But I couldn't be sure.

"I give you my word, whoever ordered this, you owe me a debt. And I will collect." I drew blood with my fingernails as I hissed the oath. Someone would rue the day they chose to try to use my sister as hostage. With that, I took a deep breath, and started dictating a letter for a certain Clanner. It needed to get to New Delos fast.

MageOhki · Feb 19, 2020

And think! I still have at least 50+K sitting waiting!

With a lever big enough I can move the world

A Battletech FanFiction

By

Andrew "MageOhki" Norris.

Interlude 1

Butterflies flap.

One thing you do need to remember, things don't happen in a vacuum. Even if you don't intend other effects, what you do affects others. What others do affects you. Always something to remember. The trick is to remember it, and plan the affects. Not easy.

From the journals and notes of Kikyo Onishi, New Avalon Press, 3291 AD, as part of the "Century of Chaos: The Movers and Shakers." series.

Hanse's Private Office, New Avalon, Morning, Jan 5th, 3015

Hanse's eyes were cold, yet he was smiling as he studied the list that he had. Joan, his chief bean counter as he joked, to her dismay, she preferred tax collector, had stared over the list.

"We can't afford all of this, Hanse, not at the deal you made. It's not the money." She shook her head, her graying red hair shifting. "Seventy or more Royal or last generation Royal mechs, thirty or so ASF, 200 plus combat vehicles, nearly 500 support vehicles, just the tonnage off the dropships and the nearly 100 kilotons of spare parts?"

"Over 2700 last-generation Royal Command mech bays or their equivalents." Hanse breathed. "We'll have to replace them, but those computers and robotics. Worth every pound."

Joan nodded. One of Ways and Means' unofficial tasks was keeping an eye on how much the companies who still had semi working or not working automated factory lines would pay for even one of those bays. The computers alone could be used by just about every industrialist in the Suns, outside Challenger, perhaps. The other bits? Corean and Wangker's CEO would sell their souls for a dozen.

"I checked with Melinda last night, but my off the cuff guess of at least an additional 300 mechs a month, or ASF, or armored vehicles, is the floor we can expect. Adding in Gainax?" She paused. "The problem is, really, we can't afford the tonnage, if we cut the number of spare parts we're willing to take, even if she's reasonable about the delivery schedule. Not and pay her, not and buy the majority of that production, even at discounted rates, over our normal ones." She paused. "Are you sure you don't want a shotgun marriage?"

"An unwilling wife is worse than no wife." Hanse dismissed. "It'd not be a shotgun on my part, I assure you."

Joan sighed. "We can't do it. Not with a preliminary request."

"I know." Hanse drummed his fingers. "But… We could cut the High Council's booze budget?"

Joan snorted. "Do you want to lose your head? And it'd not make enough of a difference. The issue is the sheer amount of projects we have. Delay NAIS?"

Hanse shook his head. "Not acceptable, not with those MASH units, those are last-generation SLDF Royal MASHes, with basically a complete Terran trauma ward and small hospital in each one, fit to treat the First Lord. With the books from Halstead station, Dana's legacy is secure. We need more money, is what you're saying. Can we raise bonds?"

"I really rather not. It'd leak why." She shook her head. "Not until we're ready."

Hanse paused. "She did say she's willing to take jumpships, right?"

Joan winced. "Robbing Peter to pay Paul? The FSN will whine at losing their budget to her."

He waved his hand. "Not only will they get over it, I think when Galax starts producing more dropships, they'll be happy. And run this through your head. I offer Janos a bite at our production, at FS prices, he offers us a bite at his jumpship production, he's bleeding mechs and men like nothing else, but not jumpships."

Joan's eyes narrowed as she ran through the numbers. She suddenly smiled. "It'll work, if he bites, and we let the LC as well buy at slightly higher rates…" She trailed off. "And we charge the companies who get the bay parts, the difference? I'll have to run the numbers, and it'd help if you can get some of the tonnage back, as well as some of the cash. But it's workable." She still winced. "See if you can delay the delivery of the rest of the hardware, too, Nal will be happier, and you'll only have one part of the AFFS muttering dark things, Hanse."

Hanse nodded agreeing. "I could run the offer of marriage again, it might work this time…" Joan just shook her head.

"None of us meant it seriously, though it'd solve a few problems. Oh, well, I'll just make the shillings cry."

Hanse's tone became cold and focused. "And what those tears will buy is the vengeance long delayed on Luthien. Joan, make no mistake. We now can win, given time."

"Yes. But will we have it?"

Colonel Wolf's office, New Delos, Mid afternoon, Jan 7th, 3015

Jamie Wolf, Colonel of the Wolf's Dragoons, arguably the best and largest of the mercenary commands of the Inner sphere looked up at the knock at his door. "Come in Captain Steiner."

The door opened and a woman in Dragoon uniform whom could be best described as the Archon's twin entered, closing the door behind her and stood to attention. "Colonel, came in as soon as I heard."

"Please, have a seat, Captain… we have much to talk about," he said.

"Yes, sir," the statuesque blonde replied to mister Connery, as she liked to refer to him in jest and sat before him.

Jamie steepled his hands together and looked at his most promising officer. "You do remember that starlet you mentored back in… '09, I believe? A Kikyo Onishi?"

Katherine pondered for a moment before nodding. "A talented would-be mechwarrior if she devoted her time and attention to learning the trade. Yes, I recall, me and 'Tasha had a lot of fun consulting for her movie. Did she take my offer and apply for a position in the Dragoons?"

Jamie smiled a bit crookedly. "Yes, I remember 'Tasha's comments about her." His smile dimmed a bit, but was still present. "Alas, no, and if yours and 'Tasha's praise was even half accurate, and not saying it wasn't accurate, Captain." He grinned at that last. "It is a true shame. We can use talent like that." He shook his head.

Continuing on, he nodded once. "Did you happen to catch yesterday's Around the Sphere? The entertainment section?"

Katherine's mind flashed back to what she'd done the day before - helping cover Natasha's paperwork as the CO of Red Black Battalion so she could go on a date with Joshua without worrying about late work - and she knew she'd completely missed that show. Not that she really cared all that much about it, but sometimes it was nice to decompress by laughing at mindless fun.

"I'm afraid not, sir. I was busy shuffling papers around."

Jamie smiled. "And not your own, or the Dragoon's logistics, or Blackwell's reports and requests, I suspect." He raised a hand and shook his head. "No, don't answer that. I'm quite aware of what Joshua and 'Tasha were up to yesterday." He sobered. "But if you had, you'd have caught a three day old report from New Avalon, which I have more details from Wolfnet on. It seems your potential protege inherited Count New Osaka's people and all the equipment he found." His eyes grew a bit sharp.

"And Wolfnet has some explaining to do on exactly how did they miss the amount of equipment the good Count acquired. While the show didn't go into details, it seems Miss Onishi is the proud owner of a mercenary command with over seventy dropships, nine jumpships, and at least two full brigades of equipment. Some of it confirmed LosTech." He shook his head. "Everyone knew the man was a treasure hunter, and his 'mercenary' command was just his guards and fellow Lostech hunters, but he managed to blindside everyone with what he had squirreled away."

Tossing an envelope on the desk to slide near Katherine, Jamie finished. "And she reached out to you, with this letter. Via Hanse Davion, delivered by MIIO. The agent states that he decoded it correctly, but…"

Katherine stared at Connery for a moment, processing what he'd just said. That level of firepower was unheard of in the Inner Sphere for a mere treasure hunter, alright. Hell, even Snord hadn't found a tenth of that haul and he'd been given several coordinates to check out based on what data they had in the Wolf Core. She took the letter and read it, wondering just what else was going to drop on her lap now.

She could already imagine the headaches coming her way.

To Captain Steiner of the Wolf Dragoons.

I hope this letter finds you in good health in your dangerous profession, and with your even for your profession, risky contract. I was amiss in not sending you congratulations on your promotion, and I apologize, and congratulate you on your abilities being recognized by the foremost commander of mercenaries in the Inner Sphere.

However, as you may have learned in this time, I have come into a not so small inheritance from my biological father, and while his parents, my grandparent's sixteenth birthday gift would be quite appros to taking you up on your offer, I think you'd like Bun Bun, he loves carrots, though I've gained an appreciation for them recently, myself… Ahem, I digress. My father's last gift to me is very unsuited for taking you up on your offer you made at the end of the filming of 'Saving Sherwood.', but I find myself in need of a trusted elder voice in yours, now our profession.

I cannot imagine that you are at all content in your service with the Dragoons, considering all things. Then again, perhaps you are. Mayhap you could explain how, to me, since it is unlikely I will be able to avoid similar situations, but how can you trust a man who betrayed Kin, who caused a son to betray his father, who betrayed his oaths to his liege and nation, and who is losing, and must be growing desperate? How can you trust your dependents unguarded by your own pack, to such a man?

I would not, for I would easily foresee him taking my dependents hostage, and given what you told me about Colonel Wolf? I do not see them surviving such an outcome. If I am wrong, and you do worry about this, perhaps you would feel happier in a unit that would listen to such worries, and that the commander in name, at least, for now, will listen and learn, and has many questions to ask of an elder.

However, time grows short if I wish this to get to you in a timely manner. I'd ask 'Tasha, since we all know scarlets have to stick together, but I've always felt your blonde hair was hiding something, and that must be the real red roots you have.

With fond memories,

Kikyo.

"I've read it myself. Someone else fully agrees with you about Anton." Jamie's voice rumbled. "Are you discontent?"

She had no idea what to think of the letter as she read it. Some pieces of it tickled in the back of her head, some long ago memories that she should never have had but for the grace of God, but the whole letter? What in the hell was she looking at?

"Sir… Jaime, I'm trying to figure out what this is. I… look, I made no secret I think Anton's the wrong horse and he doesn't feel all that stable in the head… and you know the story I got from the Eridani Light Horse and why they have a unit twenty-four-seven dedicated towards protecting their dependents and why it is considered their highest honor to doing so. My best guess here? MIIO's picked up on something and they're using Onishi as the vehicle to bring it to us. Why Onishi in particular?... I don't know."

Why did she feel like the carrots and the color references were important? Wait a moment, she thought...

"Jaime, when did she inherit the whole thing? And how fast do you think this letter could've arrived?"

"The paperwork naming her sole owner took effect with the MRB on January 1st, this year, her twentieth birthday. The equipment arrived the next day, and the transfer was formalized at the start of business, on New Avalon, on the 3rd. Given Wolfnet believes that Hanse was there to see the ships land.." He shrugged. "Considering he used a MIIO agent as courier, and it would not surprise me if the message went out that night, or at worst, the night of the 4th." He paused. "You did remark on her intelligence, if I recall. As well as she picking your brain on investment advice."

Her brain spun at a thousand miles an hour. Things weren't adding up and the itch in the back of her head was if anything growing. How could inheriting the whole pile be somehow tied to sending out the warning? Was it a coincidence? God worked in mysterious ways, she knew, but this was… odd.

"Yeah… Frankly? I think I need to have a chat with Miss Onishi. I'm not discontent with the Dragoons, just our current contract… particularly our employer. But you know this, Jaime. We do have friends in the AFFS from our time back in their employ so I can see them warning us, it's just… Miss Onishi and her inheritance at the same time seem to be an incredible coincidence."

Not to mention Hanse Davion possibly being involved. She pondered for a second before speaking up again, "Are we going to act on her warning?"

Jamie looked at Katherine. "I knew you weren't discontent with the Dragoons. I will be honest, I am surprised you haven't called me into a Trial of Grievance, given your opinion of the situation." He paused, leaning back. "Let me say this. I'm going to do several things at once, that solves several problems, as well as take into consideration this and your warnings about the… Captain General." Jamie's voice grew dry on the last two words.

Shaking his head, he soldiered on. "I set a message to Kerlin by the previous chain we had set up a while ago, again, at your suggestion, and I got a reply two days ago. While your efforts to convince him to effectively set up Blackwell as our providers and suppliers has borne fruit, to the point that we had to keep them from producing as many mechs as they are capable of, Kerlin has stated he is sending more tooling to expand our efforts, as well as additional mechs, people and equipment."

"That's good… I assume they'll be headed towards New Valencia?"

"That's what the plan is, I'm not quite sure when the new personnel and equipment will arrive, but yes. So." He leans back. "We're going to solve three problems at once if you're agreeable."

"Go ahead, Jaime. I'm listening."

"First, the dependents will be leaving within twenty-four hours, I've arranged, and am just waiting on confirmation of an express route to New Valencia." He smiled. "If it works out as planned, they'll arrive on the 30th." He leaned back. "Second, to guard them, as well as cut our footprint in this, I'm sending all excess personnel, Hephaestus, which is already disassembled, and Red Black. Plus, hired the Black Aces to guard it and make sure it arrives in the Federated Suns. This will include Joshua, who'll be taking some of your assistants that you've trained up, to help with our logistics, as well as other aspects of Blackwell." He paused, seemingly waiting on the statuesque blonde in front of him.

That sounded like a solid plan, she thought. Get the dependents out of the way, have Red Black provide security… oh, he said three things, didn't he?

"Not wasting any time whatsoever, Jaime, I see. Our employer might wonder if we're going to bail on him, though. We best not give him any more excuses… and if he gives us reason to bail, we should. But if I'm not wrong that will be more your problem than mine? If I go with Red Black I'll probably be at New Valencia by the time Anton reacts. But you said three things and named only two… is this going to be about Miss Onishi? We do owe her for the warning, I believe."

And, Katherine realised, there were also the questions of where the damn hardware came from. She'd had a lot of time to look at the locations marked on Clan Wolf's maps and there were quite a few locations that had been marked as secret from their host nations - like the depot on Galtor III - which was likely the reason why so long from the fall of the Star League the business of LosTech prospecting still paid.

"Not to mention," she added, "that so much hardware must've come from somewhere."

She looked at Connery, waiting for him to drop the likely bombshell she was already expecting - why else would he have made a dramatic pause ?

His slight smile indicated he caught onto her catching onto his game. "Pity. I was hoping you would ask what's the third thing." He leaned forward. "Officially. And I do mean Officially, your complaints about this contract have been noted by more than just the senior staff and are causing dissension. This will not go on your record with the Guild, and it pains me to lose one of my most critical officers, and the Dragoons will always have a place for you. Isn't it fortunate that a prospective slot for an officer of your talents opened up in a new and upcoming unit of a large size." He paused, quirking an eyebrow.

"I see," Katherine noted as her mind looked over what Connery was saying. "Officially, an honorable discharge from the Dragoons due to irreconcilable differences in opinion regarding the current contract. Unofficially, I'm being spun out to join Onishi's and find out if there's anything nefarious about her and discharge the debt the Dragoons owe her by handing her one of our best officers? Am I summing it up correctly?"

"There is no debt, at least yet." He shook his head. "While I concede if Anton does do something.. Unwise, shall we say?" He nodded at that, and moved on. "We will be in a position to withstand it, with no risk, and then, I would concede a debt is owed." He leaned back and looked upwards. "I want to know what the hell was found, how much is it going to affect the Inner Sphere, and if the actress' father left any more sites for her. She gets to get trained by honestly, the person I think should be commanding this mission, and this force."

He nods again. "Finally, your mustering out bonus will including a fair bit of Blackwell's stock, as we, as in the Dragoons, officially own it. That will give you a reason to keep in close contact with Blackwell, and though them, us. This also gives you the ability to keep an eye on them that I can't, and as well, if needed, order spare parts for your mech."

"Point, he hasn't stabbed us in the back yet," Katherine conceded. "I understand what you're aiming for and I thank you for your high praise, Jaime. I really do. I see the logic for the Blackwell connection, too… I get to keep the Marauder? It's Red Black's."

Jamie snickered. "Actually, I filed the paperwork years ago for all officers, at the least, to have ownership of their mech of the time, with specific caveats. This is the Inner Sphere, for one, and not unusual. Even the Great Father owned his own mech, after all. I also thought in a worse case situation, the officers could at least find their own way, via their mechs back to Clan space if so inclined." He shook his head. "Otherwise, those who hold technical liens on the Dragoons, such as our contract holders, could seize the mechs."

Katherine facepalmed. "And I missed that, somehow. Help me, I'm buried in paperwork," the blonde said melodramatically before straightening up again. "No downgrading, then? Not like we have the time to do that before shipping out if we're doing it this rushed."

He shook his head. "Two reasons, one: It's an edge that'll keep you alive at least once. Second: It's known we have bits of lostech, and you're one of the senior officers, therefore it'd be odd if yours did not have any." He paused. "Before you go, can you answer a question I've been noodling, since I saw the equipment Kerlin's sending?"

"Always, Jaime," Katherine responded. "What's he sending that you have questions about?"

"Two more stations, one a modified Alliance like ours, but more configured to machine tooling, and second, a Hughes class mobile station. At least a half dozen Behemoths filled with factory tooling. I have a complete list here or there, your replacement in logistics is going to have kittens reading this, if he's half as twitchy about stuff as you are."

The blonde almost choked and took several seconds to compose herself.

"Subtlety is the fist of an Atlas, it seems. I can only guess that Kerlin's decided to go all in on ensuring we can produce anything we might ever need now or in the future, up to and including Clan-grade hardware or Jumpships… although I doubt he intends us to produce anything that the Inner Sphere isn't capable of producing, naturally. There's also the added benefit that… depending on what we're getting we may actually be entirely able to sustain the Dragoons merely from the profits of Blackwell bolstered by what Kerlin's sending. Certainly, if we're getting a station capable of building jumpships, the premium we could get for those alone?... Boy, we might need to keep half the Dragoons at New Valencia just to ensure it's a hard target against anyone aiming to remove that capability from us and, by proxy, House Davion."

The Steiner paused for a moment before adding, "If he's got more in mind than that it belongs to the sphere of speculation and I would have to start guessing at our Khan's motivations at that point, which I am rather loathe to do right now."

"I don't blame you. But in this case, start guessing. I hate surprises, and without at least a thought of what he's thinking from someone else, I have to speculate on my own, and I don't like what I'm thinking."

Katherine pondered for a moment, debating whether she should voice some of her thoughts or not… but it seemed that Jaime was already coming around to the same conclusion she had been getting to.

"The size of the Dragoons by themselves, for a mere recon mission, was already on the… shall we say, large size? Including the stuff we left behind, there was no way it wasn't going to make waves no matter how much or how little damage the Inner Sphere had taken. Given some of the… lack of forethought about what kind of units were actually knowingly available here, it's a good question where some of the mistakes made were actually mistakes. I don't like saying this, but I think we've always been intended to be a backhanded warning. And now Kerlin may be doubling down on it and wants us to prepare. If the Grand Council isn't letting go of the issue of whether to invade the Inner Sphere or not, we may not have the time to spare… the question here is, thus, whether we go along exclusively with the intent of the mission handed to us by the Grand Council or whether we align with what seems to be the implicit intent of our Khan."

She paused for effect for a moment before adding, "It's not like we have to report back to the Grand Council that we've likely got the biggest industrial complex in the Inner Sphere working for us."

"And considering our reports go though Kerlin… I doubt he'd tell them even if we did send the information.." He pondered for a long moment. "Katherine, I want to be clear, you are saying he wants us to counter the invasion of the Crusaders. By not only fighting them, but by building the Inner sphere up?"

"What the Inner Sphere lacks isn't competent soldiers or leadership. We've had fights like New Aragon that proved this. They lack the material to fight with. We produce more Timber Wolves in Strana Mechty than the entire Federated Suns' combined mech output. If we build up their production capacity and close the technological gap to, say, late SLDF Royal technology level? They won't even need us to beat back the Crusaders. Frankly, I find it rather abhorrent that the Crusaders want to come here and attack everyone. Isn't that what the Great Father wanted our ancestors not to do? What was the point of the Exodus if we come back and use the very weapons the Great Father took away to burn everything to the ground?"

Jamie closed his eyes for a long moment. "'Tasha can't know about this, not yet. Joshua suspects the same as I and you, though I was hoping, your … relative newness to our clan would give you a different impression. We are Wardens, and we were weeded very hard to be such. I figured that out myself. What the Great Father feared did happen to a great extent, but the House Lords thankfully stopped themselves. But this? He is asking us to betray the Clans. And for what? I will be honest. I'm fond of Hanse Davion, I know the common people are generally unconcerned with what their leaders are doing, or generally support it, but how many nobles are worth their titles? How many of them have even proven their valor, much less competence to lead? How many of them are held back from the madness of the First and Second Succession wars, by fear that if they don't hold back, there won't be anything to gloat over? And I will be honest, several of the more ardent crusaders would unleash the horrors that the Inner sphere fears, from experience, because they'd say the Inner sphere deserves it for betrayal or simply in truth, pique that they don't fight the same way."

Katherine began speaking shortly after Jaime stopped.

"If we want to look at betrayals, bringing the weapons we've forged in the Homeworlds to bear down on the Inner Sphere is itself a betrayal of all of our ancestors who sacrificed their livelihoods and even their lives to get the SLDF out of the hands of the Great Houses. The Clans have no understanding of what the people of the Inner Sphere are like, nor the Great Houses themselves. They ate the propaganda all of us are given from the Creche onwards, not knowing better… I won't pretend all the Great Houses are nice and good or even most. I won't pretend all the people of the Inner Sphere are saints. But in the end, people are people. I can name half a dozen Khans who aren't worth a damn. And God help me, far too many Warriors, even Bloodnamed, are such utter assholes I wouldn't want to help them up if they slipped on a banana peel short of being ordered to doing so. And I might still call a Trial of Refusal over that in regards to some."

Katherine paused for a moment, breathing in, before resuming. "People are people, but the Clans will destroy the social fabric of the Inner Sphere and then wreck everything far more thoroughly than the Great Father was afraid might happen. Civilians resisting occupation? Burn it all down, kill them all. Jesus Christ, Jaime. It's nightmare fuel. There's stories from the Tanites enough and I know a lot of misinformation around, but there was a resistance movement and some excesses were made. That alone gave Clan Cloud Cobra an inkling of what might be required… or at least I think it did. I recall there were arguments over the significance of the events there vis a vis the Crusader movement and it did chill them somewhat. I'd expect Cloud Cobra to at least not be in any delusions about the bidding towards a potential invasion of the Inner Sphere. Of course, they're just one of seventeen and for good reasons the Khans didn't want to make it all public. Airing dirty laundry and all that and the people involved were duly punished so..."

She sighed. "Frankly, even my best guesses are only guesses. My suggestion would be to build up Blackwell with what our Khan sent us, avoid any obvious LosTech and make a profit while possibly even expanding the Dragoons. Hire out to continue the mission while keeping a beefed up garrison on New Valencia. And if supplying the AFFS breaks the balance of the powers in the Inner Sphere, at whose cost does it come? The Confederation we've seen from the inside and I'm far from impressed. The Combine? They started the Succession Wars, Jaime. They deserve the punishment of losing badly. Give Hanse all his toys and he'll mete out justice that is long overdue."

"In the end, though, whatever we do it is best we do while giving Kerlin as much plausible deniability as possible in order to protect Clan Wolf. Any building up of factories and such we do should be limited to Blackwell for the time being… and if he later on gives us an overt order to prepare the Inner Sphere for an invasion that we all know is only a matter of time at this rate? Well, we'd have the springboard ready for that moment."

The blonde then stopped, waiting to see Jaime's reaction fully knowing that she'd just voiced things that would've gotten her most likely executed in the Homeworlds. But this was the Inner Sphere and they were all Wardens here.

He smiled. "I know Hanse. The Davions have had a track record of if not being the best family, at least the least assholic of them. And they don't take families prisoners." He nodded once. "Star Captain Katherine Steiner. Attend to your Galaxy Commander's Orders and Desires."

Her reaction was near instant and picture perfect as she stood up to attention. "Yes, Galaxy Commander?"

"As the SLDF was the Protectors of the Star League, and of Humanity, so are the Clans. I have found that the Crusaders are the same rot, as the House Lords were, and they too will allow in an Usurper. The SLDF was a brotherhood of warriors and soldiers meant to defend, not destroy. We are their heirs. You will report on what the Grand Council specifically asked for, while embedded in Onishi's unit. If I recall correctly, that is the political state, the military state, and the industrial state as we arrived, and their ability to affect the Clans, or defy the Clans in restoring the Star League. We were given those orders as of 3005. I note a glaring exception. Don't you?"

His tone was grave, but a fire was in his eyes as he thundered on.

"As for what you will do besides that in Onishi's unit. You will shape her to fight the rotten ones. To inspire others to do so. To do what the SLDF has always meant to do. Defend Humanity. From itself, it needs be. As I will shape the Dragoons. And if I fall, you shall bring Onishi to the Dragoons, and take her and her unit under the Dragoon's banner, as it shall be yours. Do you accept this mission?"

She couldn't help but feel her heart fluttering in joy as she understood the order. "Sir, yes Sir!"

She couldn't quite keep the grin off her face, either.

"Dismissed." Jamie stood and saluted with that word.

Saluting back, Katherine soon found herself heading back to her quarters with a skip, happy that things were headed in a much better direction than they'd been going less than twenty-four hours earlier. Despite her annoyance of the predictability of the timeline being thrown out of the airlock the very fact that the Dragoon dependents were being removed from the line of fire, combined with her new assignment, were worth far more than any predictability she could've kept.

Which, truth be told, her very presence and subtle influence in the Dragoons had been eroding in any case.

Her mind couldn't help but come back to that little itch in the back of her head, though. Why did her mind keep going back to the carrots? She'd gotten the impression Onishi was fishing for something if it was not a mere fanciful rambling and damned if she wasn't feeling like she should be picking up on it.

So, what was she missing? Carrots, Bun Bun… no, Bun Bun wasn't it. Carrots. Inheritance. Scarlet… she mentioned the color as well. Carrots are orange, though, why would scarlet be…

The pieces clicked into position and she stopped cold in surprise.

"... Drew?"

Primus's Office, Hilton Head, North America, Terra, Evening, Jan 8th, 3015.

Julian Tiepolo, Primus of ComStar, the most powerful man in the Inner sphere, or so he believed, watched as Tojo Jarlath, his acting head of ROM, the best intelligence service in the Inner Sphere, since they controlled all communications and had lots of people who thought well of them. Tojo was the acting head, as Vesar Kristofur was handling Anton and the Dragoons.

"So, you asked to see me, Precentor Jarlath?" Julian rose and poured both of them a cup of a tea that the Primus preferred, and one he knew Tojo wasn't fond of.

"I did, Primus." Tojo took a sip of the tea, and set it aside, to present an image of someone not wishing to waste his superiors time. "I have new information on a few issues you wished to be kept abreast on."

Julian sat back, and leaned in his chair, crossing his fingers below his chin. "Oh?"

"Yes, sir." Tojo clearly gathered his thoughts, and then dived right into the matters.

"First, the New Osaka situation, has had several updates. As you know, our adept was sent to acquire the material the count sent to his recognized child.. It was believed that Hanse Davion or others could acquire it from her easily, for a ducal title and likely no more than several billion C-bills." Julian nodded at the recap as his acting head of intelligence continued on.

"He was not successful, and I have included a recording of why, as the young actress recorded it, and sent it to Precentor New Avalon. I have to admit, I too would have laughed in the adept's face."

Julian's eyebrows rose. "Summarize, please. I have a feeling this is both amusing and something that an adept will regret."

"In short? Our estimates were the equipment was four to eight billion cbills in value. Since we did not have a clear accounting, our adept offered two billion initially, and of course, the thanks of Comstar and Blake. She laughed in the Adept's face, and in essence, said 'I understand lowballing, please, I have had contract disputes, and negotiations, but insulting? No thank you.'"

"... a third of the value, without other considerations?" Tiepolo blinked. "Did we not authorized at least four billion, plus a scholarship for both of the Onishi daughters to a Terran University, or serious backing and distribution for the elder's films" His tone was bemused.

"We did, with other considerations, as well, of course." He nodded. "Needless to say…"

Julian rubbed his chin. "Indeed. I suppose the adept will justify this as we did instruct him to try to save as much money as possible."

The bland expression on Tojo's face didn't change. "As you say, but that's immaterial now, and we realistically didn't count on getting the majority of the material, after all."

Julian nodded. "True, true. So?"

"The Lyran ambassador made an offer, and it was rejected, but from what we have intercepted, it was a pleasant exchange, and in general, the young lady pointed out she was a Davion subject, therefore…" Jarlath's slight shrug indicated no surprise there. "And Hanse Davion made his move, though we don't know the specifics of the deal made, though it appears two baronies were accepted, and before we could infiltrate people into the cantonment, to see what he had acquired, they were moved, and MIIO and DMI are placing a firm guard around the new Heavy Cavalry."

"... I see. Well, he will either attempt to reverse engineer how it was made, or he'll use it to be thrown at his enemies. If the latter, well. Problem solved soon enough. If the former, well, you are tasked to infiltrate NAIS, are you not? See to it that other projects are also… handled."

"Of course, and Miss Onishi? It is believed that her father passed along other locations."

"Just keep an eye on her. At this time, well. Lostech hunters end up badly, generally, see her father, and well, not very many are successful, so I doubt it'll be a problem."

Tojo nodded. "As you say. The other matter, Vesar's efforts with the Dragoons and Anton."

Julian leaned forward. "Tell me."

"I'm afraid the Dragoons are preparing to at least decamp rapidly when Anton fails. It's only a matter of time before Janos closes his fist on New Delos' neck." Julian nodded in response. "However, it appears to be another year at least, and with a bit of luck, the remains of the Dragoons will be able to escort him to Sian, and well." Julian nodded. He had no faith in the plan to have Anton as the Captain General, but it was a nice try. The backup of forcing the Dragoons to do a supply run and follow them to see where they were from, and if some of the ideas were right, was the goal Julian held out hope for.

"Why do you say this?" Julian sipped his tea, finally.

"As of this morning, our time, Dragoon dependents, the Red Black departed New Delos, on a prearranged express route to New Valencia. He also sent a fair bit of his excess personnel, as well. His statement to Anton, was he wanted to be prepared for any situation, and this would allow him to free up the personnel he had guarding them. Plausible, but given the friction between Colonel Wolf and Marik?" Tojo simply stated, then continued. "While again, plausible on its face, it is known that Captain Steiner has been pointing out the Sendai clause and why it exists."

"Ah, and Wolf chose not to risk it?" Julian smiled. "If I remember right from a previous briefing, he has a combined arms regiment plus at least one addtional infantry regiment, officially Blackwell's security, but considering that he expanded the camp he built to include Blackwell on New Valencia…"

"Exactly."

Julian shrugged philosophically. "It would have been nice to have Wolf's dependents as hostages, but in the end, our object was more to just force him to make a supply run at the least. I see no reason to worry about this."

"You don't wish to have an interception arranged?" Tojo's eyebrow rose slightly. "Even with their guards and the additional ASF forces he hired, it shouldn't.." He was cut off by a raised hand.

"Too much risk of it going wrong, and too much risk of it pointing at us, Tojo, plus, people would question who'd attack dependents like that. Further, as you implied, the chain has been set up, and it would be fast. I suspect an interception would be difficult as it stands, and would too easily point at us." Julian leaned back in his chair. "As well as this might give us a chance to break Blackwell's security."

Tojo nodded at the Primus' thoughts. Blackwell's security since the Dragoons had entered into a partnership, then outright bought it, had been fiendishly difficult to penetrate.
"By your wish, then. Those are the only two matters of immediate importance, that I thought you would want to know right now."

"And I did, yes." Julian stood with a smile, to walk Tojo out. Pausing for a moment, as he saw a news report of a student protest at one of Terra's Universities, he had a sudden thought.

"I might have a solution for Miss Onishi, actually, and one that I think would benefit her and her sister." Julian smiled a bit crookedly.

Tojo's expression became attentive. "Sir?"

"Why, isn't the young Aiko Onishi a rare genius? It would be a shame if she couldn't attend the best universities in the Sphere, and we know the young actress spared no effort or expense to get the best she could for her sister."

Tojo bowed. "While it is policy to recruit the brightest, when possible, and I think we placed an offer in front of the elder, I believe we can do much with this. I will see to it."

"Excellent." Julian smiled. He did so love when he could do several things to solve a problem that would greatly benefit Comstar. Another genius for Comstar, and a lever on the possible LosTech hunter whose father had a clear success? Well done.

Katrina's Office, Triad, Thrakad, Lyran Commonwealth, late local evening, Jan 8th 3015

Katrina Stenier, the ruler of the richest realm, studied her spymaster. "So, not only do we not have a complete idea what Count New Osaka left for his child, she's flat out refused to sell it to us, or even tell us what we missed out on."

"Accurate." Simon sighed.

"This on top of your idea to have the Count trip a trap, on a lostech site I knew about, was in a way more successful than you thought. While it did kill him, and some of his most loyal, it killed nearly two thousand others." Katrina's tone was mild, but a bit disapproving. "Who's only sin was working for a potential traitor."

"I would say a confirmed traitor. Those dropships and mechs alone…" Simon defended himself, only to be cut off by a snort.

"Then would you call my husband one?" Katrina's tone was dry, and indicated a line he was walking very close to, to the experienced spymaster.

"Ah, no. I meant just the lostech, and of course, not letting us examine or buy it first, only. Your husband did none of that." Simon conceded her point.

Katrina sighed. "At least we didn't strain any potential relationship, if the girl does convert the remains of her father's people into a true unit, and we can hire it."

Simon brightened at that. "Well said. Her reason for denying us the chance to make a serious bid, was she was a Davion girl, born and raised, so the First Prince had to have a fair shot."

Katrina snorted. "She'd be right, too, in a way." The graceful shrug indicated no great distress. "A couple of dropships, and maybe a regiment in mechs, is no great benefit to the Federated Suns, but the tech in them is. But, either he'll try to reverse engineer how it was made, or use it against his enemies, including the Dragon. If the first, we buy or steal it from him, if the second? Well, less snakes. Either way."

"I'd say the first is more preferable, and honestly, our read of him, more likely. But, even if he goes for a military victory to secure his rule… well. The Dragon is the biggest threat, though Tikonov has been a major target of the Suns for centuries. If he takes it, he improves his industry, and builds bigger forces. As you say, either way we win."

"Exactly. While not ideal, a token effort and accepting the defeat keeps him from thinking of us badly. I could argue in court that I should have had first refusal, and it's quite likely that ComStar would have backed us up, but I suspect if I had done that, Comstar would have… arranged for issues."

"We still don't know the full extent of their activities, and I disagree there, I think they'd be neutral, and simply shrug. As you say, it's not a great amount of hardware, and even if you think they are playing a game to keep us all at our throats, for their own protection…"

Katrina smiled. "It would neatly explain some of their actions in the past, that we know about, as well as things suspected, but the more paranoid theories? Oh, please. Comstar likes being the masters of Terra, and interstellar communications. Let's admit it, that gives the Primus the equal rank with the rest of us. Now, if one of us won." She snorted at that. "The great game for the empty throne on Terra, he'd no longer have that rank or seat. Easily enough."

"I would argue, but all things being considered, I doubt you're wrong. If they truly wished to rule humanity, they'd have done more actions, and we'd have had proof of it by now."

Katrina nodded. "Well, we can put the Onishi affair to bed, I suppose." She snorted at that line, considering the information she had read about the girl. "I almost wonder if she's keeping the unit to have a harem."

Simon had to smile as well. "We will be attempting to insert agents, of course, as she recruits up to her capabilities, and we have a few potential males who from profile would tickle her fancy."

Katrina had to snicker at that. "Approved. Come to think of it, you don't need my approval for that type of mission, under the strictest reading of the law, but well. Better safe than sorry."

"As she is a noble's daughter, yes." Simon nodded. "Anyways, I doubt she was left any more places to explore, if she was, given profile, the ships would have already been en route, is our view in LIC."

Katrina shrugged. "She's an actress, she knows a bit about waiting around, I suppose, and listens well to directors, so…"

Simon considered that. "Well, either way. It's late, and I think you want to be with Melissa."

"Oh, yes." Katrina smiled. "Have a good night, Simon."

"You as well, Archon."

Hanse's private Office, Fox's Den, New Avalon, Late Night, Jan 9th, 3015

Hanse studied his brandy in the sniffer, as Yvonne and Ardan walked in, Ardan pouring himself and Yvonne a brandy. After they settled, he smiled.

"Well. Tomorrow will be fun, I have to go back and renegotiate a deal." His rueful tone drew a laugh out of Ardan, who was departing for his unit tomorrow, and a snort from Yvonne.

"She'll take what we offer." Her tone sounded sure of that.

Hanse shook his head. "Yvonne, we've talked about that. We're doing her a favor by hosting Aiko. We are not going to use the girl as a lever against her sister." His tone was slightly disapproving.

"Then why host her?" Yvonne shot back.

Ardan turned to Yvonne but before he could say something, Hanse raised his hand.

"Because not all are as moral as Ardan, or even I. I agree that Michael would use the young genius, and he'd be the nicest about it. Others?" He shook his head. "But no, we don't need the lever. And as Ardan would say…" Hanse smiled at his friend. "We are better than that. And we are. Or in this case, at least not as desperate as all that. She has shown a willingness to work and deal with us fairly and has shown no disloyalty."

Ardan still looked a bit angry, until Hanse raised his hand. "I'm sorry Ardan, but I can't tell you why I can't really blame Yvonne for thinking as she is. And in fact…"

"Ah." Ardan looked into his half drunk brandy. "Then I'll just finish this up, and sleep. Ship's leaving early anyways." He put words to action, and stood up.

"I'm sorry, and I'd love nothing better to bring you in on this fully, but." Hanse shrugged helplessly. "There is the old saw about how to keep a secret, no?"

"Just don't let the need to keep that secret keep you from doing the right thing, Hanse. Ian would be so disappointed." Ardan nodded after saying that, and departed the room.

Yvonne snorted. "And what's the right thing? We need what she has. The right thing is getting by any cost. I don't think Ardan understands that."

"Even if he knew the extent…" Hanse reproved. "I have no doubt he'd be of the same mindset. What worth the crown, if you lose your soul?" His eyes stared in the fireplace, and a slight smile crossed his lips.

"Humph." Yvonne crossed her legs, and continued on. "However, I still think we should accept no less than 20% of the ships we're offering her as tonnage swaps. And they should be used."

Hanse shook his head. "As you know, I received a very favorable reply to the suggestion I made Janos. He buys some of our production, at our official rates, he allows us to buy a Monolith and a pair of Merchants at his price. He wants details and how much and how long, but in principal we have a basic agreement."

"As we had with that girl." Yvonne looked at her nephew and Prince. "Now we have to go back, hand on knee, to change it."

"She will." Hanse was assured.

"At what price, she'll sense the desperation and drive harder than you want." Yvonne snorted suddenly. "Joan and Melinda still think the idea of a autocannon wedding was the best."

"She refused." Hanse smiled crookedly. "Outright."

Yvonne glared at the fire. "And how that shocked all the profilers."

Hanse nodded, still amused. "Oh, yes. They keep forgetting she's an actress." He paused, and grew more serious. "Though I agree, the speed and decisiveness, for someone who hit on me in her battlemech's cockpit, was a bit of a surprise." He grinned again. "No counteroffer of a night of wild passion."

Yvonne snorted. "So, if you're interested in that, why didn't you collect her when trying that fireplace stunt?"

Hanse grinned ruefully again. "Partly because I wanted to see what she'd do. A bit of a surprise she didn't make a move, she's very much, or so the profile says, want, take, care about the price later… type of girl." He paused again, nodding once. "The profile was wrong anyways. I know you noticed how she observed and 'was' at the dinner."

"She is a martial artist, Hanse, and trained by her mother." Yvonne mentioned idly. "But, I see your point, there's a difference in training by a parent and only done as such for a possibly useful skill, and what she showed. When you compare her to Rios or Blackhand, it's almost like she was one of them. A Rabid Fox, and elite out of them. Not quite the same, a bit of blowing the rust off that state, or still learning it fully, but not one she should have."

"Yes. And a much more delightful dinner guest than I expected, as well as more educated. And more self assured." Hanse grew thoughtful. "It's almost as if… Ah. An old soul in a young body."

Yvonne's snort caught what he didn't say. "You didn't say what every under-thirty member of the AFFS who isn't outright gay would say. 'A young hot hardbody.'. 'With a Mech.' 'And a bar.'"

Hanse snickered, at Yvonne's implication. "Well, they do say what a mechwarrior wants is a hot nymphomaniac with her daddy owning a bar, or herself, after all."

Yvonne sobered a bit. "You're interested in her."

Hanse's eyebrow raised. "Of course, she's far more of a puzzle than she should be."

Yvonne's eyes looked over her glasses. "Not that way, and you know what I meant."

"Well. Perhaps. But, not now, though I'll be fair, and if she did accept the marriage I'd be unlikely to have to think of Avalon." He crookedly grinned at that, one of Joan's suggestions before the dinner.

Yvonne's snort answered that witticism.

"Still. Her reputation isn't the best, and well… politics." Hanse shook his head. The Davions had generally married for love, by and large, and even when politics was the main factor, they ended up in love, more often than not. It didn't change that Kikyo at best was a wild child, and only a commoner, with no martial glory or riches, well until now, to justify it.

"Of course." Yvonne shrugged. "Well, Hanse, I'm not as young as I used to be, and I need to be up early to set up the processes we need to have done so we can make use of what we're buying as fast as possible."

Hanse stood up, and walked to her. Kissing her cheek, he smiled. "I'll just stay up a few longer, running things through my head, Auntie."

"You see that it stays a few." Yvonne's smile took the sting out of her words, and she turned and walked out the door, as Hanse settled back into his chair.

"I didn't say this, Auntie, but it's an exotic combination, her looks as well as how she is as a person. Perhaps… eh, it'll be just a passing fancy. I've had those before. I can't be lucky twice." His fist closed around the sniffer, causing it to creak, as he remembered his previous luck in love… and how it ended. "But, I should thank her. She's given me… no, she's given the Suns, if we use it right, the ability to avenge all our dead." He stood up putting the cracked sniffer down. "Maybe I will indulge her." He grinned, bad mood banked, as he walked out of the office.

MageOhki · Feb 21, 2020

I have a slight backlog, so you all get it.

With a lever big enough I can move the world

A Battletech FanFiction

By

Andrew "MageOhki" Norris.

Chapter 4

Adjust the Lever.

It is not often said how much work a senior officer has to do. My previous life's experience with military service indicated that the higher in rank you went, the more you did during your working hours, and those hours tended to grow. The more high tempo the unit was or needed to be, the more work and more hours you put in. It was amusing in a way to realize even an eon later, some things never change.

From the journals and notes of Kikyo Onishi, New Avalon Press, 3291 AD, as part of the "Century of Chaos: The Movers and Shakers." series.

See Chapter 1 for disclaimers and other information
I would like to thank Drakensis for kibitzing and Editing, JG/Joe Gunnarson (Of Whateley fame) for the same, Valles, Case/Fosfor, Minako/Scratx for kibitizing. Y'all made this go a LOT faster than the first two, thank you. Psyckosama deserves a special shoutout for helping reinspire, some basic visualization and idea throwing.

Kikyo's Office, Dropship Xanadu, Winterfell Dropship port, New Avalon, Early Morning, Jan 9th, 3015

"Some things never change." I muttered as I flicked through the papers Rayanne had left for me to observe, plus the night duty officer of the unit. Two enlisted arrested for drunk and disorderly, receipt for winter parkas, an request to use one of the Mules as a temporary bar and R/R center. I put a note on that last one, today was the day Hanse and I would finalize what he got and what I kept. If possible, I'd keep a few of the SLDF mobile recreation vehicles that we had.

The Star League had apparently decided in the build up to the coup, that their troops needed secure rest and recreation areas, and having mobile deployable bars, brothels, and entertainment setups for movies, plays, sports, would be a good thing. We had a fair bit of them, and while I knew that Hanse wanted some of them to look at the electronics, at the very least, I wanted to keep a few for their original purposes. I still boggled at a 200 ton land crawler RV meant for a SLDF Major general, but… My original self thought it was a bit plain.

"An hour PT, a pair of hours in martial arts, three hours in mech training, three more hours in field and tabletop exercises, two hours in mingling with the troops, two hours reading and learning all the paperwork needed and laws regarding… for a normal person, that'd leave 3 hours." I snorted.

"But since I'm able to run with only 4 hours of sleep, two more hours of working with our recruiters and an hour of shooting for the 'Real Mercenaries.'" The film crew had stayed, and actually started working on that. It also helped that they got themselves fully vetted by MIIO, and even hired for a record of what we were doing, and the Argo mission. Of course, MIIO and DMI had added a few people, to keep certain things off the film, but that was to be expected.

Kelia walked into the office, while I was still wearing my robe loosely, with a carafe of coffee.

"Bless you." I poured myself one, fixing it to preference. Taking a sip I sighed. "I know I can operate like this forever, if I want, but why do I want to? Coffee... You are my only friend. You are the only one who understands what it is like, you are the only thing worthy of getting up for in the mornings!"

Kelia snorted. "That would be sad, if true, considering what other habits you've had, and are trying to change." I snorted at that. Some weren't easy to change, and some were biological. I had managed to restrain certain aspects, but I could tell it would be a challenge to keep it up, and a trial of self control and willpower that I might lose on occasion.

"Laugh it up. It's not like I haven't had too little to do. Putting aside the fact you don't sign paychecks for your lover, or lovers, you know the amount of work I've been putting in."

Kelia nodded. "And it doesn't help that you push longer and harder than anyone else. We're not on a reshoot you know, nor are we being pushed to shoot scenes faster to save location money, girl. You own the site, you set the schedule. You don't have to work yourself into a grave, or work yourself 'til you explode in a violent string of parties and orgies."

I snorted. "If only. Military operations don't work that way, Kelia. We have to be *ready* to go as of 2/1, I might be able to push it to 2/15, but that'd be the latest." I shook my head. "Prince Davion really is interested in the Argo, and given I know what it is… faster, harder, better."

Kelia snickered. "Isn't that what you tell your lovers?"

I snorted. "As if I'd tell."

"I have listened, Kikyo. Doubt that's changed." I blushed slightly, but shooed her off, as I undid my sash, and looked at my folded workout clothing. "It's time to do morning PT."

"Ugh." Kelia's snort of disgust, was swifty replaced by a giggle and a smirk. "I do love how the majority of these people can't keep up with us. They really don't get how much work we do, to stay in shape, as actresses do they?"

I shook my head, as I got dressed. "Not really. To be fair, we know how little they know about an actor's or actresses' daily life, just like most of our coworkers have little clue about theirs." I shrugged. "And I'll even be more fair and admit, I'm at the extreme end of physical workouts for our profession, and that most military units are harder than this one, but since they spent three months in tin cans… they need to bring their edge back."

"Uh-huh. Excuses." Kelia stole a cup of my coffee in a styrofoam cup, to my glare and reaching for a knife. "Bye bye!"

Before my friend and now acting steward and secretary could get stabbed, she was out the door.

FSS Camelot, Winterfell Dropship Port, New Avalon, Late Morning.

Across the table from me, Hanse thumped the papers I had finished signing, he had finished signing, and two witnesses witnessed. "I'm rather pleased." Hanse finally said, "I thought the final negotiations would be a bit more drawn out. I hope you don't mind but that was the signal for my people to start… well, collecting." He grinned roguishly.

"I don't, I had informed mine that the moment we signed, I expected brown uniformed locusts to descend. And not the Battlemechs." My smile took the implied sting out of the words, and he responded with rich laughter.

Gry nodded. "With your permission?" He looked at both of us, and I nodded a moment after Hanse did, and he turned to Melidna Davion with a raised eyebrow, and she grinned. They departed to complete the sale, and he leaned back.

"I honestly admit, this was far more painless than I thought it'd be." In a more serious tone, he added. "You could have held to the letter of the deal, but were very reasonable on everything I wished to change, though I was hoping…" His smile indicated that it was a vain hope and he knew it. "That you'd settle for twenty-five percent of the jumpship and dropship tonnage, and paying cash, instead of the fifteen percent of tonnage."

I shook my head. "Now, now, there's a fair exchange, and then there's putting me on the table and taking me with great vigor, against my will." I raised an eyebrow. "The twenty-five percent would have been that, and you know it."

"And would it have been against your will?" His eyebrow quirked a bit roughly reminding me of the comment the time we met in Bun Bun's cockpit.

"You said the third date, and I will hold you to that, Sirrah!" I raised my chin and sniffed dismissively. "You haven't even done a first date, and are now discussing wild passion on the table? What type of cad are you?"

Hanse for a long moment, was nonplussed, then his lips started to twitch, finally breaking out in peals of laughter, as he fell off his chair. Finally he got up and settled back down. Shaking his head, he looked at me, a smile on his face. "Well then! A cad I cannot be!"

I blinked. What the hell was he saying?

"A gentleman I am, and as you say, the third date it will be! Therefore, the first date must begin!' His eyebrows rose, though a look in his eyes indicated that he would not accept a decline.

I skidded to a halt mentally, but rebooted. "As you say, Sir, as you say, it must begin."

Hanse smiled again, a genuine one, but sobered quickly. "But, not quite yet. We do need to settle details. Team Banzai has agreed, and Yvonne is putting together a training battalion out of Albion and a few other cadets who are ready to go, while Ran is quietly alerting units, and spreading rumors about why he's going off in durance." He shook his head. "It was his suggestion, to draw less attention to the mission."

I nodded. "I'd rather go on 2/15, for lift, but… should be able with a bit of work to hit the first, but it'll be a fragile-as-spun-glass unit." I shook my head.

"Needs must. At least the aerospace regiment won't be?" His eyebrow raised, and I nodded. That was the only bright spot, the pilots had trained hard on the way to New Avalon, and hadn't let up. While not an organized regiment, yet, they were far closer to that, and unlike ground troops, could train up while in space. They'd be close enough.

I shrugged, and spoke after a moment of thinking. "I'd say at least good enough for them. And you want me to provide transportation, too, I suspect." I drummed my fingers. Nine Fortresses, four Vengeances, two Titans, six Overlords, six Triumphs, and a clutch of other dropships…

"It'd help, yes, though Team Banzai will only need a ring to transport their Excalibur.".

I looked upwards as I thought about the numbers. "Not counting cargo ships, we're talking about 160 mechs, not counting support mechs, call that another 80, right?" Hanse nodded as my eyes met his. "Tanks and similar vees, hmm." I tilted my head for a second. "Call that roughly 140 to 160 heavy vehicle bays, at least for your forces, and 50 or so of mine for combat." I nodded once. "About the same support, mostly trucks and like, so they can go semi packed as cargo, but rather not, and about a dozen or so of the super heavy class bays will be needed so if the Argo takes significant time to lift, if nothing else, the troops have a bit more space to spread out."

Hanse nodded. "Infantry in effect is roughly from my finger calculations about ninety platoons of combat, about forty-five to fifty support, not counting the 700 or so technical support I'm hopefully quietly assembling." I nodded again.

"Call that, if we load my refitted Mammoths correctly, four each of my combined arms dropships, since they'll have arty on them, plus can carry infantry, tanks and mechs at once, with maybe an Overlord or two., though I doubt it, since both Fortresses and the Excalibur carry twelve mechs, while the Colossus will carry forty, so a combined total of 252, if my math is right. Adding in the infantry, all combat troops should easily fit in on those, as well as all combat vehicles, all things equal. With the refitted Mammoths, stuffing in everyone, with two additional Monarchs? Easy."

He thought about it. "That matches my numbers, more or less, yes. In fact, I don't think you even should bring along the Monarchs, what's the need?" I tilted my head, nodding. "That'll mean, counting your assault dropships and one of your carrier groups, the ability to bring along an additional... " He thought for a moment, running the numbers in his head was easy compared to his daily budget concerns. "Call it fifteen dropships, though where I'll find that many cargo lifters is a pain in itself." He shakes his head ruefully.

I shake my head in negation. "Fourteen since Xanadu comes along, to play up the 'non seriousness of the mission." He grins at that. "And I'd like to take along the rest of my carriers."

He tilted his head for a moment. "Why?"

"So we can stuff all the fighter bays full. Figuring on Banzai's twenty, my sixty-six, and your forces integrated forty, that'll leave give or take another 212 bays we can fill with additional ASF. Who'd dare attack that force."

"I'll agree to find 198, and that'll leave a few empty bays for long term repair, or extra storage." He thought, then shrugged. "It is easier to put together an aerospace squadron here, and get them to you en route, than it is to actually find fourteen heavy cargo ships, I'll admit." He grins slightly. "Nine are a bit easier, I'll admit."

I grinned. "Plus, by focusing just on a certain number of ships, refitting enough to go on 2/7 is doable. More?" Hanse grimaced in agreement. He brightened, however at the thought of those refits.

"That should do." He paused. "As talking about refits, can I ask what you are thinking vis a vis Xanadu?" I blinked. I asked for a refit of my personal dropship, that cut the part and pool deck to half their size, and put them together, freeing up tonnage. As well as modifications. Adding a full trauma center, removing half the ultra luxury and luxury cabins, adding four mech bays, and two ASF bays… while removing two small craft, and finally adding a Super … ah.

"You're referring to the cubicle for Summer Breeze?" I played with a bit of hair as he snickered.

"That would be it, yes. I could say you're indulging in your Lyran side, but that doesn't feel right, not with everything else." He shook his head. "I will admit the FSN and AFFS are looking intently at your Mammoths. They like the potential they see there."

"But what if I want people to think that…" I smiled at my thoughts on Xanadu. "As for the Mammoths, agreed. I won't say it'll be a Paul or Peter situation for most people, but…" Hanse's nod indicated he was quite aware of what I was implying. The AFFS was always short of dropships.

Hanse smiled at the reply regarding the Xanadu. "Sneaky, I like that. As you already have your first two year contract nailed, and depending on how things go, may end up with a longer one… Indeed, the FSN would love to just pay you for your dropships." His attempt to acquire them again, bemused me, and I didn't respond to the bait, except with a slight smirk.

"It does help." I shrugged. "It won't last long, but who knows? It might last long enough to win one or two battles."

"Worth it in that case, yes." He nodded. "Oh, while I'm thinking about it, the list of people you were hunting for, MIIO picked up. They're having some success, Miss Braun was of course known, and we have her unit listed, and in fact, they're on Hoff now." I winced, though it wasn't absolute proof. "A Miss Blackwing, I believe? From the Outworlds?" I nodded. "She's with Faceless Soldiers Squadron, LLC, her biological father's unit, a count of the Outworlds. They're actually heading to New Valenca on a high priority high profit contract, for the Dragoons, after getting royally screwed by the Dragon, to the point that bluntly, they're effectively done, without a sweetheart contract bigger than what Wolf gave them. As for other names, no, no real joy on those. Not yet. Why?"

I shrugged. "Wouldn't you recruit a Solaris Champion? And, redhead, might as well go with a theme."

Hanse nods at that. "And Miss Blackwing is similar, too. Well." He nodded once "I have a spare Tramp, I'll contract them out to you as training cadre, and speed them to a meeting point. Though I would be curious exactly how she came to your attention."

I thought about it, and decided not to bring up old wounds. But… "I presume Dr. Banzai gave you an ethically allowed briefing on my and Case's health status."

"To some extent, yes." Hanse was puzzled, where this is going.

"Case has the same neurological structures you do to some extent, no?" I watched as Hanse grew still. "And if I had to bet, Morgan Kell, Patrick Kell, Yorginia Kurita… and Asha Blackwing. I will not tell you how I know this at this time. But I'd bet on it."

"... I am almost tempted to promise you anything to get that information on how you knew. But, you are implying something. Spell it out."

"Phantom Mech. It's rumors, myths, legends based on Morgan's recent duel… but Ian showed it first." I spoke quietly. "It's not rumors. I'm not precisely sure what it is, and I can for a fact say it's not related to the rumors about DEST abilities. But there's scientific proof."

"I… see." Before Hanse could continue, I broke in rapidly.

"Don't. Don't try to activate it. I don't know what happened in your brother's last battle, but what happened to Morgan afterwards, shows it has severe psychological effects, and well, Case isn't too tightly wrapped as we speak." I shook my head, pulling out the pen I used to keep my hair in a bun.

"I… see, again." Hanse drew out a breath. "We will have a discussion on how you knew this, and other things, correct?"

"When I can prove the reason as the most possible, and the only one that explains everything, yes." I nodded. "But…"

Hanse nodded, shaking off the seriousness. "I have a Battlemaster to choose!" He grinned.

"Actually, you have a combat suit to try on and get fitted for. My compliments." I raised my hand. "You cannot refuse a lady's gift, now, can you? Without being a cad?" I grinning.

"Well, in that case…" Hanse smiled and held out his arm. "You will have to tell me where you got such an interest in World War Two history, though American? Really?"

I smiled, as we discussed the naming schemes of my ships.

"Oh, it's an interesting period. And the show the Americans put on?" I raised an eyebrow, and Hanse laughed as we walked towards the hatch to the rest of the dropship port.

Restaurant Brennan's of New Avalon, New Avalon, New Avalon, Evening.

Hanse allowed the maitre d' to take my coat, and admired me in the simple, but deceptive dark green bandage dress. As we were escorted to a table, I noted that to my amused surprise, all the guests should look like they were wearing uniforms, and First Davion ones at that. It wasn't hard, once you spotted one of them, the rest became easier to spot, and while the arrangements looked normal, and would pass most people, anyone who studied the body language, or looked for thin wires, would have caught them. I was drawn out of my musings by Hanse's comment. "Melinda told me about this place, opened by a chief cook from the original one in New Orleans, on Terra of course." I blinked, but he continued. "I'm immensely curious about it. Outside a few worlds near Terra, Cajun cooking is not really known."

I thought about it and smiled slightly. "It should be an experience, then. Though I hope it's authentic, not tourist." His eyebrow rose.

I thought about it for a moment and smiled suddenly. "I've heard from someone born on Fianna, there's two types of Cajun cooking, what they really eat, and what they sucker Tourists to eat." Hanse laughed at that, as we reached our table.

"By any chance, did he tell you the difference?" Hanse pulled out my chair, and allowed me to settle in, as he did the gentlemanly thing, and held it while I sat.

"Apparently, blackened was a thing for tourists, and realistically, while spices were used, the tourists got set on fire, outside crayfish boils." I smiled inwardly. Crawfish etouffee here I come. "He whipped up some jambalaya, and it wasn't spicy at all. Couldn't do Gumbo, not enough time, and etouffee was too difficult, for what we had to cook with, and he didn't trust the shellfish."

Hanse raised an eyebrow. "A shoot?" I nodded. "Well, then." He opened the menu, raising an eyebrow at me, when I didn't open mine.

"Well… I take it you have an idea of what you want to try?" Hanse waited for an answer.

"Crawfish etouffee, if they have it." I nodded. Hanse scanned the menu, and smiled.

"That does make it easy, and well. Bon Chance, non?" Hanse's french came out with a New Avalon accent, while my response in the same, came out with an accent that would be expected of someone from Houma, Louisiana.

"Oui. Tis only right." I grinned. "Fianna apparently had a lot of Cajuns settle, and they kept the accent, as well as the cooking." I responded to his slight smile.

Hanse thought about it for a second. "A talent for mimicry, helps with acting, I would suppose?"

"It doesn't hurt, no." Before I could expand on that thought, the waiter arrived.

"Two crawfish etouffee, please, and the appropriate wine." Hanse stated.

"Very good sir." the Waiter nodded, and departed. I shook my head slightly amused, the two artfully curled loose locks along my cheekbones moving a bit.

"Well, stuffy waiter down, I would say." Hanse's response was a bit bemused.

I couldn't help but snicker a bit at that but sobered. "I've always thought that Cajuns were a bit friendly." I tilted my head. "Maybe he's trying to be what you expect?'

Hanse's lips frowned a bit. "I'd be hoping for the experience, at a restaurant like this, wouldn't you?"

"Oh, of course, but waiters seek to maximize their tips by giving the customers what they think would be good service for the customer." I smiled a bit crookedly. "I'd suspect you'd get more of the real service if the First Guards weren't assuring them of profit."

"... I concede that point. Though I'll have to admit, not many would have caught it, they are good at blending in." Hanse's lips tugged in a rueful smile. I nodded agreeing. "Just their luck at having an observant person aware of what to look for." He clearly shifted the subject, feeling it was a bit too close to 'work'. "Do you get the same type of response from waiters and the like?"

I thought about it, both lives. "Less than you'd think, considering how often I'm in the entertainment sections, but more than I'd prefer, to be honest."

Hanse leaned forward, clasping his hands. "What is it like being an actress? Not the glamour, the actual job?"
I laughed. "It's a job. One of the pitfalls of being an actor or actress, or director or writer, is you make fantasy. You have to keep that in mind. I'd go farther, and say too many of my fellows forget that reality is stranger, and we're portraying images for people to escape into. Not real life." I shook my head, and with his prompting, expanded on what a typical day on a shoot was like. And what I did to keep in shape, and set up. His eyes were amused, and attentive.

Before we could segue on, and I pick his brains about mechwarrior status, the food arrived. While the wine was excellent, the etouffee? Well, they were trying for a blonde roux, then decided red pepper was the way to go. I quickly sipped at my water, to Hanse's gulps.

I looked at the etouffee and at Hanse who was looking at his as if it was a Kuritan he wanted to stab. "I'm afraid this isn't Etouffee."

"... I'm not going to argue, and have a pointed question for Melinda. How about we find real food? Not only is it a bit too spicy for the shellfish or wine, I'll be fair, I expected something different."

"Like?" I didn't mention real food and real sizes was something I'd be down for. As he should know, I could and did eat around 4,000 calories a day, to fuel myself. "And I'll be honest, I think they're trading off the name and Terran link, not their sizes."

"I happen to know a place near the Palace, it's a bit of a hole in the wall, but they don't stint. Shall we?" Hanse grinned. I smiled back.

"That sounds wonderful." I couldn't help but have a real smile at that, as Hanse made our apologies, and the smile turned slightly impish as the guards seemed to freeze in confusion. "If we ever make it to Fianna, we'll have to try real Cajun food and report back."

Hanse's eyes clouded a bit, then smiled. "You're a bit more likely than I, so I'll hold you to that report." He grinned. "I refuse to believe that was the height of cooking for one of the most social towns of the old United States!" My impish grin and nod agreed with him.

The rest of the night went much better. Hamburgers, fries, and talk over technology and battlemechs, with Hanse holding out on some of the more esoteric options, and what he joked about in movies, with me pointing out why we did that, made for a much more pleasant night than a stuffy tourist trap.

Kikyo's cabin, Dropship Xanadu, Winterfell Dropship Port, Late Night.

I was ambushed before I could even finish opening my hatch to my cabin.

"Kiiiki." Kelia drawled as she pounced. Her demand for information was obvious, and I tilted my head.

"Don't I pay your salary?" I undid my hair letting it fall out of the twirl, as I started unzipping the dress, muttering fell things about zippers.

'Yes, but we're friends… sooo…" Her lewd grin answered what she wanted. "How was he?"

"A perfect gentleman, at least for the second half of the night, in a small hole in the wall." I answered. "He seemed interested in how acting really goes for us professionals, listened intently, and when I gave him a chance to talk about what he did before getting chained to the throne, he gave plenty of good advice on the ins and outs of mechwarriorhood. I really enjoyed the night. He said, and I think he meant it, he did too. Some good jokes from both of us."

"... I meant in bed, though you don't look ravished." She frowned slightly, as I finished removing my heels.

"I wasn't. I did say he was a perfect gentleman, did I not."

Kelia's head titled. "Kiki… you didn't bed him? I mean… I know he trips most, if not all your buttons. And you're… well, I don't say easy, but putting aside the subtle transactional relationships you tend to have, you are very much want, take, have. And let's be honest, any man who at least didn't make a serious pass at you after a good dinner, I'd wonder about their sexuality" I blushed at that.

"He's a Prince. He can't just go hopping into beds." I shook my head. "This isn't Canopus, or Solaris, or Herotius."

"Sure, but still." She paused. "Kikyo… are you making a play? I mean, we all joked about bagging his brother, then him, but no one was serious, even you about it."

I blinked in confusion. "Uh… what?" I honestly didn't understand what she was saying.

"I mean, as in, you are trying to be the Princess-Consort." Kelia's look was a teacher explaining something to someone dim.

"I wouldn't want the position." I shook my head. "I'll be fair, his lover?" I finally admitted that much, that the body did control the brain here. "Without question I'd indulge. But to be his other half in all his duties?" Part of me, the original part thought it sounded good. The original part was not amused, and the merged part… knew a simple fact. Can't happen. I was a party girl with the reputation, and now a wanna be merc, not suitable for the First Prince, and it'd block me from doing what I really wanted to do. There were too many worlds to be saved. "I can't."

"I'd say if the night went as you say, and with the way he looked at you, when you weren't looking? You might have to rethink can't." Kelia picked up the dress and stockings. "I'll just put this away, as you think about it. Go take a shower." She suddenly smiled. "I think a cold one is just what you need."

I blushed again, knowing what she was referring to. Hanse had of course, made a polite pass, as expected, I rejected it, in our dance. My body on the other hand… did not approve of the rejection. "Yeah. I better." With that, I put action to words. Though I knew it wouldn't be quite enough to calm the feeling.

Converted Warehouse, Winterfell Dropship Port, Midday, Jan 10th, 3015

Carefully concealing my feelings, I was the last one to enter the room, noting the Prince, and his Champion. I had confirmed with Aiko it was Justin Allard, who picked her up and moved her to the palace, after Ichigo had been put on heel to toe rotation, by orders from above. He had been even apologetic about it to her and Ichigo, but pointed out the risks of Aiko in the small house on the Heavy Guard's base.

I quietly muttered under my breath. "Unsecure my ass." Though to determined operators, likely true. Justin's explanation of the Prince being concerned about her safety and use on me as a lever, was confirmed by him, and his admittance that he wasn't blind it could be used as a lever on me by him, but… his point was very frank. "Why would I? You're doing at least eighty percent of what I'd want you to do without it, why ruin a perfectly good business relationship to get the remaining, when I can either be patient or find your price without breeding discontent."

While Ichigo's own digging had confirmed it had come from the Fox's Den, aka the command post of House Davion, my feeling and Ichigo's as well, given that if it was Hanse, it'd sour loyalty of Ichigo to him, something Hanse wasn't inclined to do, on top of my dislike… So it was Yvonne behind the move. Justin when asked by Ichigo wouldn't confirm it, but would say that Hanse hadn't given any orders about personnel to Ran, at all.

I was pulled out of my fuming about that situation by Hanse's voice, which derailed my thoughts on Aiko's situation, and her complaints she couldn't go anywhere without a dozen guards. His rich tenor however cut though that irritation.

"Welcome, senior officers of Operation MEDEA. The recovery of the Dropship Argo, if it is where intelligence reports it to be, and exploration of immediate locations near it, which the SLS Argo should have." He looked around and nodded once. "Overall authority for the mission is in Marshal Felsner's as overall forces commander, while strategic direction authority as well as go and no go on various aspects of the mission is in a joint group of Felsner, General Onishi and Colonel Dr. Banzai. Units assigned to this are to be as follows." He paused and waited at the attentive faces of my senior officers, and nodded once as we had no questions.

"A combined arms regiment from the Heavy Cavalry along with at least one aerospace regiment as well as the majority of jumpships and dropships, to remind you from the Heavy Cavalry, under General Onishi." He paused to let that sink in, but continued a moment later. "A combat command comprised of one wing, one battalion of mechs, a regiment of armor and another of infantry, plus support from the Heavy Guards, directly under Marshal Felsner, the New Avalon Training battalion, similar formation, under Katheryn Sandoval, and finally Team Banzai, in entire." As I looked around, I noted the senior officers of all the units listed, and smiled a bit bemused, at the thought of an actress being equal to several of these.

"Additional technical help of up to two regiments in personnel will be provided. At this time, we are unsure of additional dropship elements from the AFFS, though two Behemoths and four Mammoths have been assured. The FSN may contribute additional jumpships, but at this time we are also unsure of that. Independent ASF regiments are being quietly assembled for additional support, with the Space assets, meaning jump and dropships, small craft, and all aerospace fighters under Adm. Ahemd of the Heavy Cavalry. The FSN will not be providing additional assault dropship support, nor will there be any combat dropship support from them. In effect, you will have an RCT with massive aerospace support." He paused, and nodded, giving the floor to Yvonne. My anger spiked again, but I stomped on it, and paid attention behind an impassive facade.

"First, departure date from New Avalon will be 2/7/3015, for hopeful departure from the system no later than 2/15. Second, the official cover is an anti pirate mission, with hopes of ah, ending the threat of the Domains once and for all, explaining why an additional battalion of FSN marines are onboard the various ships. After a certain point, best determined by the commanders on mission, the task force will jump to dead systems and in between systems, to disappear from tracking." She nodded once. "As we have the location of the system where the Argo is supposedly lost at, after that disappearance, the Task Force should not be seen again in any habitable system, which General Onishi's Danais' will be useful for, along with an Aqueduct tanker we are trying to arrange. If the mission has to be aborted, that restriction is over."

Katheryn Sandoval, a willowy black haired and black eyed tanned lean woman with the rank tabs of a Colonel, raised her hand, as Yvonne scanned the room. "Ma'am? None of these units will have much ability to shake down… are you not expecting contact?"

Yvonne smiled slightly. "Outside the Heavy Guards, you are correct, Colonel. While we all expect the Aerospace elements to be well prepared, the ground fighting will have to be mostly born by the Heavy Guards, though what little hard intelligence we have indicates that the Heavy Guards will be able to punch through with little risk. Think of your extra units and equipment as a little bit of insurance. Now if there are no additional questions, we will break up into smaller groups." Her tone at the last indicated there better not be more.

We quickly broke up into our smaller groups, with Felsner, Sandoval and Banzai joining me, in approaching the Prince and his Champion. Banzai's eyebrows narrowed slightly at the slight twitch in my eye when I came close to Yvonne Davion, but he said nothing.

"I note you have a question, Colonel." Hanse raised an eyebrow and looked at Sandoval.

"Sire, yes. I understand why I was promoted and given the new unit, even as a temporary measure, politics overall, and I've been a bit of a ah… well." She waved her hand. "You can be seen giving my father a hand by trying to settle me down." Hanse smiled. "My question is this. If we're to go as fast as we can, why don't we go now?"

Hanse turned his head to me, quirking his lips, and I took the hint. "Because I don't have the people yet, nor even basic organization down. The dropships are being refitted as we speak, and won't be finished and tested before the fifth, if we're lucky. It's quite possible the testing will be their liftoff for the mission." Katheryn winced in sympathy at my harsh tone at the last. "I'm sure the AFFS's in a similar boat." Hanse grinned as I punted the problem back to him.

"Acquiring all your command's personnel is a bit of a challenge. Don't be surprised if some are transferred via small craft on the 15th, Katheryn. Same with our part of the fighters and dropships." He nodded. "In fact, the sheer speed of this, is being put down as rumors, as Felsner drew royal disapproval." Katheryn's head snapped to the urban and civilized marshal, who simply nodded.

"It was my idea, yes. I'm not quite sure exactly what will be spread, but, needs must and all that." HIs urbane tone indicated this was just another duty for him, and not one that troubled him. "Worse comes to worse, I can always log some more wood." His ending line, drew a giggle from Katheryn who was aware of the Felsner's association with logging.

"Excellent." He looked around and nodded once. "Well, I and Yvonne have to return, so… unless you all have any other questions for me, I'll depart now. Katheryn, your unit too will assemble here. Felsner's troops will move to here by the third for some basic wargames, then you all go. So?" He swept us and got nods of acceptance.

I watched as he strode out, with a nod at us, Yvonne talking to him quietly as soon as she thought she was out of earshot, though while I could hear her talking, she was a bit too far to make out the words. Shrugging slightly, I turned to the other two. "Questions of me?"

Katheryn looked me up and down, noting the legs. "I was going to have some pointed questions on how you even think you can fight, then I did the research. Your own stunts, your own martial arts, and you own your own battlemech, an Archer, and at least have the basics on how to use it. Do you think you can run a regiment?"

I looked upwards for a second. "I have good people to listen to, as well as a good second who'll act as ground tactical, Ferro, Major Ferro." I smiled slightly. "I also know the best secret of good leadership."

"Which is?" Kathryen asked, a bit challenging.

"Pick the right people, listen to them, and get out of their way." I grinned. Her sharp laughter indicated her agreement. Then she leaned forward slightly, and commented. "So… wanna see how you stack up against me, in partying and fighting?"

Ran broke in, amused. "There will be time for both, before we go, today is laying the groundwork, ladies, Shall we?" He gestured at the other groups. One of which was how my recruits were being vetted and collected. I winced. If Hanse didn't have plans to convert my brigades as I planned into AFFS units, he was staffing them as if he did. I wasn't as naive to believe he didn't, though as above, he'd pay for them, likely with a nice planet or two. Aiko needed her own title, didn't she, he joked during the date. Well, it was time to get to the nuts and bolts.

Converted Warehouse, HQ of Taskforce Medea, WinterFell Dropship Port, Winterfell, Evening, New Avalon, Jan 15th, 3015

"Well." Case snarked. "That could have gone better." I thumped my head on the table.

Katheryn joined in the snark. "Not so movie like, is it?"

"Ha, ha." I sighed. I had managed to put together a unit of mechs, mind you, and Ran offered a company of his Heavy Guards to play opforce for the unit on the first field exercise we did. As an added bonus, Uri decided he wouldn't help one bit, and both Ran and Katheryn had agreed.

Uri shrugged. "We were going to get schooled no matter what. That was the point. The Marshal picked his best for that purpose. Actually, the fact that his heavy company was down to a half wrecked lance, as we retreated, is better than I thought we'd do."

Katheryn stared. "You had the weight, and the numbers, you should have overrun him."

Ran hummed. "Actually, I tend to agree with Major Ferro. I also had a company of tanks, and a company of dug in infantry. The fact is, I had maybe two lances of force totally left, and General Onishi managed to extract half her command from it, admittedly, most in desperate need of repair…" He shrugged. "In the end, while I agree that she did not take her objective, and in fact, failed in the secondary objective, she was going up against me and the Heavy Guards. I was mildly impressed."

"Thank you ever so much." I drawled from the desk. "I dislike losing. I dislike failing even more. I got both."

"I believe you said it, Ferret." Uri snarked. "Bloodless battles, bloody drills." He shrugged. "As I said, we did better for the first attempt than anyone could reasonably expect. Could we have done better? Sure. Could Kikyo have used her mechs better? Oh, yeah. But was it bad? Eh. I've seen worse."

Katheryn shrugged. "Her biggest mistake, was she got too aggressive. She tried too hard to punch in, instead of sparring and using the longer ranged capabilities she had at her disposal. Not quite a beginner's mistake, but an aggressive commander's mistake." She looked at the frozen reply. "Not to mention, while the basic idea was sound, she didn't keep her recon elements tighter." She paused. "To be fair, they were fairly hefty, and once they engaged, the Marshal's hovertanks meant they couldn't break out, and instead of concentrating on them, Onishi chose to focus on the 'Mechs. Toss up, but once she realized what the Guards had, she quickly shifted to breaking contact, instead of following up and slamming it home. That's what I'd have done, but…"

"The reserve I had wasn't optimized for close in, a pair of Archers, a 2R Marauder, and a Battlemaster wasn't ideal for close in combat." I sighed. "Of course, I could have gotten closer with the command lance, and used it to take pressure off, but by being a good klick behind the main body, I cut my effectiveness for the two Archers by at least half, I'd say."

Ran smiled. "It wasn't you lacked the right instincts, I'd say, I suspect your issue, is the opposite of one I've seen too often in young bloods, agree Uri?"

"Yeah, she was trying too hard to keep tactical control and oversight. Plus, she was trying to fight at longer ranges than really suited for the situation. Not too surprising, but still. A lot of tyros make that mistake. Effective range isn't maximum range, and well…"

I nodded. "I confused the two. Sure, a PPC can do damage out to an easy two or 3 clicks, but our computers even in Bun Bun or your 2R, Uri, can't even hope to get lock at that range. Bun Bun was a bit better off, but…" Uri nodded, satisfied at my response.

Ran sighed, looking at Case, still wearing his scruffy leather jacket, and leaning back, smirking. "It doesn't help that Lt. Winter managed to not get hit,and once you put him into play, was responsible for the de facto destruction of my armor company, by himself. You held him too tightly. Wise, as a bodyguard, in a sense, but in reality, he should have been given free rein earlier. I have not seen a mechwarrior better than him."

Case grinned. "And this was me not taking it seriously. You ain't seen anything yet, darlings. I'll kick ass and take names on anyone you can think of, y'hear? Oh, and thanks to your sister, cabbit for the fix on Redline. Annoying to have the Gauss Rifle knock me on my ass when firing."

"... Case. Go find a beer." I didn't want his attitude rubbing the AFFS officers the wrong way. Much less Marshal Felsner who he headshotted from the extreme edge of the effective Gauss range thanks to Redline sporting one now. That was all that allowed us to break contract and lick our wounds. I also didn't want to know that Aiko had a taste for the scruffy. I really didn't.

Case saluted lazely as he pushed off the wall. "No hard feelings, Marshal? You were a big target, so… yeah, get rid of the Assault first."

"Not unwise, though I would be bedeviled in how you managed that shot, young man." Felnser nodded.

"Talent and practice. Too many snakes found that out." Case's savage smile smoothed out as he nodded at the General, and then walked out.

"Bit too cocky and gloating after he took me out, I'd say… but can't say he didn't deserve some kudos." Ran rubbed his chin. "That ability of his… I'll say this. I have some ideas on how to deal with it. I'll set it up. You'll enjoy it, I promise."

I looked at Katheryn and asked quietly. "Is this where I go ahead and cry?"

"... It'd not help." The Sandoval patted me on the back. "Really, it wouldn't." She paused. "Cheer up, tomorrow it's my turn to get shredded."

"... I'll buy the drinks afterwards." I nodded. "If nothing else…"

"We can bond over sadistic Marshals. Good thinking!" With that, we switched to discussing more precise details on how I screwed up, and what I could have done better, but what I did right. This would take most of the rest of the afternoon.

Acting HQ, OHC, Winterfell Dropship Port, Winterfell, New Avalon, Morning, Jan 26th, 3015

Kelia stuck her head into the office I was using. "A… Captain Steiner is here to see you?" I paused on that.

"Before you let her in, get Case here now." I paused. "And toss me that pistol."

Kelia tossed me the pistol, a Serak 7875D, more or less the Federated Suns's version of the legendary Colt M1911, and one I was actually fond of. I checked it over, charged it, and clipped it to my uniform's belt, while l left the flap unbuttoned.

Case sauntered in, a beer in hand, knocking on the door even as he entered. "Soooo... did you eat him alive yet, or did you just nibble?" he waggled his eyebrows.

I rolled my eyes. "I behaved. He's a Prince. And one worthy of respect, you Pole." I shook my head. "A Captain Steiner, you know the one I'm referring to, the Ex-Dragoon, supposedly." I pause and share a long look with Case about how likely that was. "Is here."

"Oh," for once an almost alien look of calm was on the mech jock's face as he pondered for a moment, setting the beer aside after a moment "I wondered why you looked ready for the shootout in the OK Corral," he said finally, before pulling out his gun from the shoulder holster, humming under his breath something that sounded suspiciously like 'hi ho, hi ho, a clanner killing we shall go' as he checked the mag, before sliding it back in and reholstering the weapon.

I nod, my entire mode shifting to something no one would recognize, but a stillness that only a pit viper could equal. "Kelia, please send her in, now."

We waited quietly, and then a stunning blonde Steiner walked in.

The statuesque blonde walks in, a practical clone of the Archon by the looks of it aside from her clothing. Wearing pants, blouse and a jacket, her stride is confident but her eyes betray her alertness as she reflexively scans the room before she focuses on Kikyo, noting Case as a curiosity or, perhaps, a bodyguard. If an odd one at that, she noted, wondering if he was even an adult yet.

With a smile, she asks. "General Onishi. I received your letter, and the offer. Since I've had a bit of a falling out with the Colonel, I'm wondering if the offer is still on the table."

I smile back, it not reaching my eyes. "It'll depend on the answer to this question, Captain." I pause for a second. "How's the weather on Strana Mechty?"

Case looked at Kikyo incredulously "...seriously? THAT's your opener you fucking
Plagiarist?"

I don't look away, as I respond. "Hey, Ed would demand it!"

Katherine stares for a moment, her mind running through that exchange, tid-bits of old bringing back to mind where the reference really came from. With a shake of her head, she simply says, "The weather is Fragmented enough... 'fraid I don't have a gold coin for you. And I was right, when I read the letter I knew you were going to give me headaches."

I relax, but before I could speak, Case interrupted.

"I'm deeply confused now," the teen scratched his head "On one hand, you're a
Clanner and as everybody knows - the universe smiles on you when you kill a Clanner. On the other hand..." he trailed off "...what a strange feeling."

"Don't feel too bad, think of her as a deep cover agent in the cold, Pole. Yeah, long time for you, I suppose, and yes, Scarlet forever! The Pole's there, and you?" I quirk an eyebrow at the not so Clanner person. "And what the hell have you been doing to prepare the Inner sphere for those inbred fucks?"

"Pole? ... Does that mean... Case? Wolf in Sheep's Clothing? Reload?... Yeah, I remember now. And the raging hatred boner for Clanners. Can't blame him for that one," she noted drily. "As for what I've been doing? Deadman watch with everything I know, biding my time for Kerlin to cut us loose and trying to nudge events just enough that my friends don't bite it or lose anyone they deeply care about. And trying to stay alive."

There was no bitterness whatsoever on that last bit. Nope, no siree, or so Kikyo thought amused.

"Wow. Restraint. I'd have probably started killing those brain-dead fuckers the moment I got my hands on a mech in the Trial of Position," Case shuddered "Until my teens with Clanners... eugh... I feel sick just thinking about it."

"... Restraint, isn't that a sexual position?" I snarked. "More seriously. Minako? Really?"

"I'm sure you'd know all about that particular use of restraint, given some of what I heard. But leaving that aside, and lucky you, Case. Do you know how valuable predictability is? Doesn't matter now, your letter was the tipping point, that and my own work behind the scenes finally culminating in something I hadn't predicted." Kath's voice was a bit bemused.

I snicker, but quirk an eyebrow in question.

Kath sighs. In a slightly annoyed tone, she responded. "Kerlin's doubling and tripling down on my suggestions to make Blackwell the logistical support to the Dragoons in the Inner Sphere. He's shipping in a supply run for Blackwell and that, in turn, finally clued Jaime in that we never were intended to be a reconnaissance force. Not by our own Khan. No, we've always been the canary."

"I was always wondering, is Jaime that attached to Clanner culture after all he had seen or is he simply that stupid," Case pondered "Both qualify for dismissal since that idiot is clearly not fit to lead the Dragoons."

I shrugged in response, and responded. "I think he didn't know what to do, plus, let's be honest, the Clans don't do long term thinking as a rule, and in a lot of ways, their solution to problems generally is 'I got the gun…', and the Inner sphere didn't treat Jamie much better than the Clans did."

Katherine sighed. "I don't know what Jaime was thinking in Oh Tee Elle after Kerlin's orders. I know what he's thinking now and, beyond being convinced that I should be the one leading the Dragoons... Yes, shocker, beyond that... He's convinced the Crusaders are the same rot that allowed Amaris to gain his perch and keep it until the Great Father kicked his ass."

"That is why," she continued, "he wants me to turn you and your unit into a Clan-killer. The Crusaders will keep pushing until they get what they want, so..." She smiled. "Let's give them what they want and let them choke on it if they dare."

"So... let me see if I understand this correctly," the teen said slowly, an odd expression on his face "His idea of stopping the Clans is to train a limited number of people in how the Clans fight. Maybe to graciously disseminate some technology, no matter how stupendously limited, and to meet the Clans in a 'fair fight'?" the quotation marks were almost visible "Yeah. That's it. I'm taking whatever vacation time I have, my mech and I'm going to go kill that stupid asshole and anyone he considers an advisor. He's clearly too stupid to live."

Katherine shook her head. "No, that isn't the entirety of his plan. Did you miss the Blackwell supply run I mentioned?"

I shake in suppressed laughter, and finally break loose. After a long moment. "While… yes, I can fully agree with that, he does realize our solution to the clans is grid square removal the Russian way?" I smile broadly.

"Artillery, air strikes, guerilla warfare, tanks..." Case eyes almost mist over "A lot of tanks."

"I believe he's finally understanding, as I told him more than once, that the Inner Sphere's problem isn't the manpower. Blackwell's production caps are being removed as we speak and any production beyond what the Dragoons need will be made available for sale," she said before smirking, "I think Hanse will want to take a bite out of pretty much all of it but as a stockholder of Blackwell myself I can make sure this unit has priority after the Dragoons."

I nod. "Good. Though Hanse owes us big. And is stripping my dropships of their last generation Royal bays for mechs and like." I smile.

"Halleluyah," Case muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose "Fucking clanners... 'Oh, fight us fairly, you dishonorable surats, fight us one-on-one, it isn't like we have far superior technology that gives us every possible advantage or anything!'"

"Not in the Homeworlds we don't," she replied. "Think about it, even the Blood Spirits have access to the same technology as everyone else, just in lesser amounts. I don't think anyone other than us really groks just how much of a difference it makes. And that's what Blackwell will begin to fix. Supply run will, if nobody interferes with it, let us open multiple new production lines of just about everything. Battlemechs, aerospace fighters, combat vehicles. Christ, Kerlin's sending a mobile shipyard. If anything, we might have to keep the Dragoons pinned to New Valencia just to keep everyone from attacking it."

I shake my head. "And we're going after the Argo and the Artu cores, then Helm, which Hanse knows about, we talked about it last night over dinner." I smile crookedly. "I should watch my virtue around him, shouldn't I?"

"Move into Federated Suns," Case shrugged. "Problem solved. I mean, I'm not the Davion fanboy that the furball is but this thing is already wide open. At this point Hanse is going to kick assess left and right if he's half as competent as the novels make him out to be. The patented idiot here already blabbed about the Argo and the Helm core," he nodded at Kikyo "We might as well add insult to injury."

Case paused, looking at her "By the way, Hanse better fucking help the Aranos, or I'm holding you responsible."

I roll my eyes in annoyance. "Actually, I didn't blab exactly to him. My brother here and now did. Silly me, previous memories of here, said Ichigo, said brother was trustworthy. Should have thought about his being loyal enough to be an officer of the Heavy Guards!" I snap. "And as for the Aranos… they blew up a Castle Brian with a memory core! But, I'll see to it."

The Archon-clone looked at the two in turn before focusing on Kikyo once again. "Why am I not surprised," she drily stated. "I pussy-foot for over a decade trying not to make waves before I'm ready to make a move and you nuke everything within... Wait a minute. I bloody worked with you during the movie shoot. You didn't recognize me back then?"

"Oh please," Case rolled his eyes "I spent sixteen years keeping my mouth shut and literally putting away pennies to eventually play the stock market and get enough capital and manpower to go after stuff quietly. She blabbed it all out in, what, five days?" he paused for a moment, before shaking his head "No, wait, it probably wasn't even that long, Christ... put that tart anywhere near FedSuns, watch her blab everything to the fucking stupendously awesome totally needs to be the absolute ruler of all known space Hanse-goddamn-he's-so-cool-Davion. UGH."

Katherine laughed at that.

I shook my head. "I've only been here since the first. I woke up then, I guess. Blame transition shock, I guess. Or the amount of drugs the original Kikyo did."

"...aaaaand now I'm even more worried," the mechjock deadpanned.

Katherine's laughter cut off as Kikyo's words sank in, then she stared at the former actress. "Kiki... I'm thirty six, closing in on thirty seven. Each and every one of those moments I can remember I've had my extra memories in the back of my head... and you're telling me you only woke those up this January?... I don't know what to say or think."

I blink, and turn to look at Case. "Uh... you?"

"I was... three, I think?" Case frowned, eyes unfocused "I might have been younger but that's where my memory really started to fire off. I think I scared the ever-loving shit out of my parents. The old man swore that my first words were 'what is this bullshit?' at the top of my lungs... or so I was told."

I blink, and summarize what I was told before I woke up in Kikyo. "So, you see… this is… odd, I'd say."

"I'm not sure, to be honest. I have... fragments, bits and pieces." he hesitated "They involve my farm and agro-mechs. No way they are mine so... birth trauma? Insufficient brain development? My birth was... complicated on my birth mother and there was a risk I'd be brain dead," he shrugged "We'll never know, I guess."

"Huh... That could be a problem for the Cabbit. I mean," she started elaborating on her thoughts, "I've had decades to basically become me. I know myself, there's not going to be any surprises there. You, Case? Same deal, except you're younger. But since you've grown up, well... Miss Onishi, on the other hand?" Her eyes bore into the general. "She might have issues."

"Subscriptions, probably," Case waved his hand dismissively "But what can you do? Honestly, I had a smooth ride. I just had to get used to this mug and I was fine. Well, that and living on a farm among pacifists." he winced "Not too bad until you tell your parents that farming or engineering are totally passe and mercenary work pays better."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm not addicted to any drugs, though thanks to apparently Mom being an Kurtian genie, and well, an Order of Five Pillars… yeah, I don't go to bed without private exercise. To say the least. Plus others."

"I couldn't tell you what my genes have without asking geneticists to map the whole thing and tell me what they think of it. I'm actually a freeborn, though it doesn't matter," she admitted, "But here I am," she said grinning and then posing with her right arm extended and her fingers in a V, "ready to kick ass for the Inner Sphere. I'd rather avoid the color orange this time around, though I'm definitely a hot blonde."

"I'd love to see your genetic map, honestly," Case perked up "Katherine Steiner? Are you actually related to the MILF-Archon or is it just Clanners being Clanners?"

"Biologically I'm descended from Kailen Steiner," she pointed out, returning to a relaxed pose, "so I am related to her in a sense. There is no lineage, though, not in the legal sense. My mother was a Trueborn, with all that it implies."

I shudder in response. "Fun, fun. Okay. I have a meeting with an Outworlders ASF merc owner, and his daughter, one Asha Blackwing. Like Minako's story... hey, yeah, you wrote the first of us in Battletech... this is all your fault!" I point at Kath. "Want to bet that Asha is actually Valles?"

Katherine blinked. "Wait, Asha Blackwing is around? She could be Valles, alright. What do you mean, my story?"

"You wrote a story, pretty much… well, you as Katherine Steiner, and as soon as you and the Dragoons got here, basically, LOKI nabbed you, thinking you were the MILF of Archonhood, Lisa Steiner figured it out, broke you in tears, adopted you… you ended up saving Ian Davion and marrying him." I nod. Pausing for a second. "Hey, you are owned by a cat, aren't you?"

Katherine stared at Kikyo, automatically responding to her even as her brain blue-screened briefly. "Tika, yes. 'Tasha's owned by her brother, Pooka. They're all here on-planet". Moments later, her brain caught up and incredulously said, "Wait, what the hell are you saying, LOKI nabbed me, Lisa Steiner broke me into tears and adopted me? I saved Ian and married him?"

"...am I the only person in this room who isn't related or entangled with some main character?" Case just stared at them both "Holy shit, that's disgusting how Mary Sue you two are."

"Yep." I popped the P. I phhbted at Case. "Better than being a dirt farmer, y'know? And well, we're going up against the Clans and the Wobbies."

The blonde simply stared in incomprehension for a few more moments as she processed the scenario, trying to figure out how in the blazes it could possibly have happened. Sure, she looked just like the Archon... she could buy LOKI kidnapping her thinking she was Katrina. But why would they do that? It's not like they didn't know where Katrina was, right?... Wait a moment, she thought. "How early was this kidnapping?"

I thought, while picking up a paper from Rayanne. "About a month after you all arrived on New Valencia? What I remember anyways." I read the paper, my eyes widening.

"... Katrina was playing Red Corsair at the time, wasn't she?" she considered as she thought about timings, "That... I'm not sure when exactly she disappeared but... that does leave enough time for her to... alright, that's plausible, Kiki. But the rest... Christ. Why would I marry Ian?"

"You fell in love?" I shrug, scanning the document again, grinning.

"With Ian," she flatly stated. "That... I have no idea what to think of it. And if Hanse ever finds out I have no idea what he will think."

"...don't tell him?" Case spread his hands "I mean, come on people!"

"It's the Cabbit," she said as flatly as she could manage.

"We get her a very pretty, permanent gag?" Case rolled his eyes.

"It'd look kinky. Which might fit the expectations around her, actually." Katherine then gave Kiki a studying look as if she was actually considering it.

I answer distracted by what I was reading for the third time. "I wouldn't. He hates the Snakes enough. To find out that there is a universe where he isn't stuck with a job he doesn't want, would make him try to take Luthien by coup de main." I pause, and do a fist pump.

"...and now you know how I feel," Case shrugged helplessly at Kikyo's words ""You know how I got my mech? I scoured junkyards and got parts off of battlefields even the most frugal mercs would consider 'unsalvageable' and then begged, borrowed or stolen tools to fix all that up. I was lucky as I hell that the 4G is such a long-lived design, and so simple I could actually hammer that into a real mech. I get here and find that this tart, prettiest thing in four planet range of course, just inherited a mercenary company full of Lostech. And Jumpships. Of course." He sighed "I have a headache just thinking about it."

"Then go visit the Doctor. Or the bar." I rolled my eyes, as Case suddenly tensed. I flipped my esoteric senses, but outside two people, one very healthy, blazing with ki, the other crippled, walking towards us, I didn't sense anything. "Case?"

"Huh. Off feeling, maybe I will do as you say." Case pushed off the wall, and waved at Kath. "See yah, fake clanner. We'll see who's better later." He was out the back door before I or Kath could say a word.

"That was… odd." I tilted my head.

"If he wants to have a drink I'm fine with that. I'll see what he's worth in the field later," the blonde said.

Kelia poked her head in. "Colonel Rostig and his daughter, do you want… ?" She trailed off looking at Kath. I simply nodded. "I can trust Captain Steiner, even without her scribbling her name on paper."

"I guess I'll take Case's seat and thank him later for warming it for me?" And with that she took the recently vacated seat.

I rolled my eyes as the older man and younger woman walked in. My eyes flicked over both, noting the missing legs on the man, and the taut fitness and grace of the young lady.

Colonel Sieg Rostig had never been a big man, despite what had obviously been an extensive physical training regimen; he maneuvered his own wheelchair with an ease that belied how relatively recent his injuries were, and despite both size and injuries he managed to project more than enough command presence to go with his rank. "General Onishi," he said, rolling up to the desk and extending a hand across it to shake. "A pleasure to meet you in person."

His daughter shared his slight build and black hair, and stopped a couple of steps behind where her father had, grey eyes matching Kiki's evaluation - and lingering for a few moments more than that over both of the women already present before snapping away.

I walked around my temporary desk made of two planks of wood on stacks of boxes. I took the Colonel's hand, and shook it firmly, with no attempt at dominance, though I had to suppress the preening that the younger woman's evaluation had made me want to do. Out of amusement, I flashed my ki slightly, while I spoke.

Asha tensed slightly, but didn't say anything, just seemed to fade a little more deliberately into the background.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Colonel. While you took gruesome losses against the Kurtians, what you inflicted has a chance to change the balance of power on that front for months. Ten to one losses, is not a winning move." I pause. "As for their MRB stunts… well, I can assure you…" I quickly looked at Kath, to back me up here. "No one who isn't a weeaboo would take that more than the snakes being snakes."

"I haven't interacted a lot with snakes but I've heard enough, Colonel. You have little to worry about from our end," the blonde Archon-clone said before standing up and saluting, "Captain Katherine Steiner, formerly of the Wolf Dragoons. I still need to discuss exact terms, but I'm joining the General's unit."

"Pardon, a what?" the Colonel asked, looking puzzled.

"An unfortunate individual who apes an obsession with traditional Japanese culture and trappings without any actual understanding," his daughter summarized after a moment, then grimaced. "And despite their delusions of Magic Bushido Hands, the only winning move for any of us there would have been not to play."

Katherine grinned. "One of us~"

Kikyou snickered, but brought her giggles under control. "Your daughter, sir, is in primus, correct." I shrugged. "And we all know Shiro Kurita, and several who followed him knew as much of Traditional Japan, as I do of the Free Worlds Politics currently. They chose to focus their worship on Imperial Era Japan." I shrugged. "However, I asked you to attend for a simple reason. I need good fighter pilots and commanders of such. I have a line on one, a Io Sawagawa, a former Nightmare Wing Commander… but I would be amiss in not collecting as many as I can."

Walking back to my chair, I leaned back slightly. "Let's be honest, Comstar screwed you. Even without House Davion or House Steiner paying one shilling towards what the weeaboos claimed, the MRB won't insure your contracts, and you'll have to work at lower rates. Further, you won't get the good contracts you deserve. Added in the lien on your equipment, and the terms of the fine…" I spread my hands.

Rostig leaned back in his own wheelchair. "And so, you have an offer for us," he said.

I nodded. "Not a great one, nor one you *truly deserve, but a fair one offered with some compassion." I spread my hands again, after clasping them. "I have duties to my own, and myself, after all."

Rostig nodded. "I wouldn't expect otherwise," he said. "And I'm certainly happy to hear a fair offer, even if I'm not desperate enough to throw in the towel and dissolve the unit yet."

I nodded. "Nor would you have to, a ballpark estimate, backed by MRB's last rating of your unit, subtracting your losses, and your recent additions, verified by DMI, puts your net worth at about one point two to one point five billion Cbills. This of course, is not counting personnel." I shrugged. "You wouldn't have to dissolve, if Comstar executed the lien. It'd just make life a lot more difficult."

Rostig nodded again. "I'm glad we understand each other, then. What did you have in mind?" A scrap of humor crossed his face. "I, of course, couldn't begin to speculate."

"I can easily afford to pay your fine. I can in fact easily afford all your equipment." I smiled. "What I cannot easily afford is your talents, and your pilots talents. Until the… recent event, if there was a better group of aerospace pilots not in the OWA, I don't think anyone knew of them." I tilted my head. "Given the twin hits of your losses in personnel, and to be frank, reputation, I don't doubt that Comstar will execute the lien, the moment you miss one interest payment, and that will be sooner than later, given everything. Even if you can crew your new equipment with as good of quality of pilots..."

Rostig's expression flickered through a moment of 'Get on with it, kid' before smoothing out again, and he hummed thoughtfully. "If you just wanted to buy the lien, you could go through Comstar," he said. "But if you're emphasizing my pilots like that… You want a training school. Cadre work."

I waved my hand slightly. "At first, for my second and following aerospace regiments, yes. Hanse Davion owes me a fair fortune which we are collecting in equipment, to some extent." I smiled toothly. "Second, try cadre for the said regiments." I looked him in the eye. "It will be years, maybe decades, before you can clear your reputation, enough to be a viable concern. Not without high risk and low payout situations. As you well know."

I nodded once. "It's very simple. You buy into the Heavy Cavalry. I've been informed you had met my father a few times, and I'll say he's left a few places he couldn't get to. This gives you time to reset opinions of your people and situations, and once you accumulate, and I'll be honest, there's a fair chance that you and your people might do so faster than you believe possible, a fairly agreed upon price to buy your equipment or equal in value back. Or you can take the cash and buy all new equipment. I have a feeling that equipment will not be as tight as before, at least for the Federated Suns."

I tilted my head. "And if the First Prince's message and payment for this meeting didn't indicate it, you likely will have his thanks and consideration." I smiled. "No small thing, I'd say."

"Davion is good about debts, but not always good," Rostig said dryly. "And I've built this unit once, I can do it again… So I think it all comes down to the details."

Asha stepped forward and whispered something in her father's ear, then stepped back again. Rostig turned whatever she'd said - it had been too quiet for even genie ears - over in his mind, then repeated, "All in the details," and pulled a datapad out of one of his wheelchair's storage pockets, then flipped through the files on it and settled on one to bring up and offer to Kiki.

I raise my eyebrow and read it. I smiled. "Nice try Colonel. But you did note the Hou-ou on over one hundred of those birds on the field, did you not? As well as the converted Triumphs? Rest assured, they have the room on our carriers to fit, with room to spare. My counter offer."

I presented a piece of paper. On it, in primus, the Soldiers would retain their own identity formed into a regiment, and several companies of the Home Defense command, as well as buying a share of the Heavy Cavalry with the Colonel being part of the board of directors. WIth the option, as noted, to buy their equipment out at will, at buy in price, or if the Heavy Cavalry folded, the ability to walk away, free and clear with their equipment, or replacements of equal value. Until such time as they chose to exercise that option, the unit's actual owner or heirs would receive 2% of the Heavy Cavarly's net profit per annum.

Below the basic deal, was a variable buyout price, based on time of service, finally ending at 800 million after 10 years, starting at 2.2 billion within the first year.

"For your information, Gry Syed, Cummin Ahmed, Katherine Steiner if she agrees, Morgan Blackhand, and Evie Cook, besides myself, of course, represent the board. The board's authority is to decide on long term plans, and of course contracts we accept." I steepled my hands, waiting for his response. I paused for a second, nodding once.

"You noted the lack of Dropships, I suppose." I smiled. "That's because Hanse Davion is refitting them, to take out the last generation Royal Star League Cubicles in them, since as your daughter should be aware, they also drive a lot of the remaining factories we do have. That should make your decisions easier, no?"

A digression. The Star League heavily automated factories to the point the blue collar workers on them were quality control and observers to make sure the system ran smoothly. Efficient, constant and never labour striking, and able to deliver incredible precision repeatedly, they took over almost all factories and shipyards. Only problem is, Terra and a few worlds around it, the most heavily destroyed during the Civil War, were the only place the computers were made. So, as they warped and died… no replacements.

Until now. Kerensky wasn't an idiot, nor was the Star League Navy, their automated systems and even non-automated cubicles, aka repair bays on dropships and jumpships for various mechs, aerospace fighters and vehicles, used the same computers, because it was cheaper. And they did the job quite well, repurposed from driving automated factory lines.

"Your show, General, I'm not in the Board yet and I didn't talk with you beforehand about hiring the Colonel so I don't want to back-seat this. All I'll add is that as a Blackwell Industries' stockholder I can ensure the Heavy Cavalry gets priority shipments from it and our plans are to expand production further," Katherine said.

I nodded. "And I can sweeten the deal a bit more. We managed to keep from Hanse Davion, somehow… don't ask questions." I grin saucily, while continuing. "Last Generation SLDF Medical command MASH units and equipment. I have another possibility, but I can get you legs at the least good enough to get back in the cockpit." I paused. "That must have been the final blow on top of already painful losses."

Rostig… Laughed. "I won't hesitate to take advantage of that," he said, "but letting me work myself up expecting the worst ahead of time already did what you needed." He tucked the draft contract away in one of his pockets. "I'll have my legal look it over," he added, and extended his hand again. "But unless you've hidden something very nasty in there, I think you can count the hook as set. You've got yourself a junior partner, young lady."

I grinned, walking over taking his hand. "If Rayanne did, I'll take her into the Dojo and show her that her AFFS Close quarter Combat isn't a match for a family art. As I can trust Asha, and you now have the right to know, we depart for recovery of the Argo no later than the seventh of next month. Not a lot of time, mind you, but given my information and Gry's indicated that it wasn't just swanning around, but seconded to Blackwatch Blackhearts… Want to bet what's in the computers?"

Rostig finished the handshake and turned his chair to look at his daughter. She looked embarrassed. "I couldn't find any confirmation that the Argo even existed," she said. "But maps of Helm were easier. She was an experimental dropship, same size as a Behemoth, designed to serve as a mobile base station for planetary system surveys."

He shook his head, but he was smiling. "I understand," he said, and turned to Kiki to confide, "Least confident ace I ever met. And if this Argo of yours is a Blackheart project, she's worth going for first. I've been running a training camp on my candidates all through Captain Steiner's contract, so we'll be able to give you a strike wing by your deadline."

Katherine nodded, she'd noticed the drilling.

I shook my head. "I have a full up regiment of ASF, needing polish and working up, plus more crewed. Only thing first regiment, the command regiment is missing, is a clutch of Lightings for attack mission." I pulled out a tablet. "On this is our basic plans. Three full up brigades, at the least, in Alliance pattern, with integrated anti air, arty, and other support, designed so they function alone, one command combined arms regiment with support, and a full ASF regiment as a swing force, though I may include an equivalent to Zeta of the Dragoons, and a Home Defense Regiment, I foresee your ground force commander getting that slot, with the same support as the command." I smiled.

"The only real issue is putting it all together. We even have four Colossus, six Excaliburs, nine Fortresses, plus additional dropships, along with a Monolith and four squadrons of jumpships, each a Star Lord, an Invader and finally a Merchant. I foresee your role working with Gry, Mari, defacto fighter boss, though if you want that role, it's yours," I nodded, and then continued.

"Even though she can't fly an aerospace fighter yet, Jinks, our infantry CO and Shedon, senior surviving tanker, to put it all together. Outside Gry, none of them, has had anything more than a single regiment of experience in command, and generally focused on tactical, not operational aspects of running a large unit. I won't say you've done what I plan, but you're one of three I know of I can pick brains for multi regimental forces, combined with heavy air cover. For example: What do you think of Gunboats like the TiG 15?"

"If all you want is a long range scout or something to bully civilian droppers with, it's the best thing out there," Rostig said. "If either your budget or your mission are too small for a dropship, it'll carry cargo and you can do boarding with it. If you're only clearing out air-breathers, it'll even do aerospace cover. But if you can get real fighters instead, do. The things it's good at rather than make-do at are too rare and too specialized for mercenary work."

He cracked a grin. "Of course, if you've already got them, I can find some uses for them."

"Search and rescue?" his daughter suggested, hopefully.

"That's one of 'em," he agreed. "If we're prospecting they'll be right in their comfort zone scouting sites, and while they're overkill for medevac, they can do it as well as any chopper."

I smiled. "I got a pile with my father's bequest, and was able to pick up a pile more cheaply. I tend to view them as hard boarding, hostile space SAR, and long range or endurance patrol/CAP. Outside the Titans and Assault dropships we have, see page three, they can keep up easily with any other dropship. The Taurians use them very effectively, even though I concede, ton for ton, a proper ASF will eat them alive. They're niche, but if you recognize that niche… and use it?" I grinned back. "I'll admit I didn't think of the scouting role for them as we kept a few Hellcat II's, specifically the 213 Bravos. Fully intact."

Rostig went still for a moment, then hummed thoughtfully. "Different shells," he mumbled, but despite the words he nodded. "The Hellcats'll do that scouting role a treat, though they'll need fuel pods for it. Standing cover on the Tigresses… Maybe. Maybe. I haven't seen it done and I can see some problems, but we'll have time to try a drill or three."

"While I'm only a dilettante about aerospace work, though I have logged a few hours." I grinned. "As well as did time in basic for the Militia…" I shrugged. "I'm a Davion girl, even though your daughter's wondering where my family art came from. Freebie. Order of Five Pillars. Ex, thankfully." I shrugged. "I primarily drive an Archer, a modified 2Rb."

Katherine mentally suppressed the facepalm. Ex-O5P. She was going to get the story behind that sooner or later, she decided.

"Back to my thoughts on the role of CAP. I propose a variant of the old American CBG, with the Tigresses standing in for the American Greyhound. With fast dogfighters and interceptors on ready five." I raise an eyebrow. "Considering right now we're operating two carrier groups off a Titan, a pair of Vengeances, and a pair of converted Triumphs." I pause sadly. "I know the risks of that arrangement… and as cold as it is… losing a Tigress, or even three, beats losing a Triumph, much less a Vengeance."

"Not familiar with the reference," Rostig said, "but by the sound of it you'll be asking them to do early warning tripwire and a bit of delaying action? That, they can manage. I've never run on a Titan, but if you set things up right a Vengeance can get her first flight into the black as fast as you can get the pilots to 'em. Triumphs'll take a little longer, but not that long. Hard on the Tigress riders, but…" he trailed off and shrugged. "If we can find the collars, escort droppers wouldn't hurt."

"The Titans can take care of themselves," Asha said. "But even they'll have a hard time launching and fighting at the same time."

"And while we have the collars for combat lift, and to be fair a fair number of escort dropships, or dropships that fit the role, even if they can be tasked to guard the carriers, extra warning from a heavy strike is not amiss. Greyhounds were the American Carrier's Airborne Early Warning, by the by." I shrugged.

Picking up my thread, "Not to mention, what makes our assault dropships, outside the Titans… good at escort, also makes them good on point and hard assault, or heavy ground attack. Or escorting the transport dropships, or the cargo dropships. We only have a pair of Achilles, and a quartet of Avengers. And Achilles aren't easy to get, and I'm already pushing viable combat jumping with what we have. See page five of the list of dropships, and links to combat details and carrying details of each one. I still need to name the Jumpships, dangit..." I sulk slightly. "Page twenty is what we're getting from Hanse, and the period of arrival." I shrug.

Rostig grinned slightly. "Well, if I'm signing on, the list of jumpships just got three longer, didn't it? I have a pair of Avengers still." He paused, then nodded sharply. "All right, I can make it work. Anything else before we start?"

I nodded. "Two short things. Tonight's a welcome mixer, and I'd like to do a private spar with your daughter before hand, and second, tell Cummin or Nicholas, our dropship Commander, what you have specifically, and so we can get it here. I don't foresee your dropship or jumpship assets going on the Argo mission, but I can be mistaken. We're taking the command unit I've cobbled together, a combat command of the Heavy Guards, one 'New Avalon' Training Battalion of the Davions, more or less another of their combat commands of a standard RCT, Team Banzai, and an additional three regiments of aerospace fighters. Which tells you how much Hanse thinks this is really worth." I smile.

"And last but not least, this is personal. Do not be surprised if you, sir, are waylaid by Doctor Colonel Kirkup. She very much wants to use what she has to heal people. This assumes that the other line I have falls though. I don't want to get your hopes up, you understand, but I can assure you you will fly again." I pause, and nod. "As it stands, I'm assigning you a rank of Commodore, since all fixed wing assets or space assets belong to the naval service…" I grin amused at my conceit. Fuck you Air Force! Navy wins. "But don't be surprised if a pair of Admiral's stars and your own brigade happens."

Rostig shook his head and smiled. "Well, we'll see," he said.

Asha, though, laughed. "The Taurians are going to shit themselves," she predicted. "But Hanse is taking good advice, if he needed it."

Rostig nodded to Kiki. "With your permission, then, Ma'am," he said.

"Granted, Commodore." I nod, returning his outworlder salute with an American.

He gave his daughter a squeeze of the hand - since, seated, he couldn't reach her shoulder - and wheeled himself out. Asha turned to face Kiki directly, and visibly braced herself. "So, I take it we're all a long way from home," she said.

"Very. Out of curiosity, how long?" Katherine asked. I was curious myself, so I kept quiet.

"About six years, now," she said, and scrubbed one hand up her face and into her hair. "It's been… rough," she admitted, and dropped into one of the available chairs.

"You were lucky," said the Steiner, "I've been awake pretty much from being a baby, or at least that's what I recall. In Clan-space. Yeah, to say I had it rough… Sorry, I'm not fishing for sympathy here, but the Cabbit here apparently woke up this January."

"...Cabbit," Asha said, and then laughed. "Yeah, the complete lack of restraint fits." She pulled herself together and looked at Katherine. "Yeah, I'm sorry to hear that. What I remember of the books sounds like a fucking nightmare."

"I admit I don't know what was worse. What they were doing to me… or knowing exactly what they were doing to me," she admitted in turn. "Cloud Cobra isn't the worst by far and I was lucky for a Freeborn, but still… I have stories and not of the fun kind. I can share some of those later… I think the Cabbit needs to have a word herself now."

And, with that, she looked at me.

I nod. I summarize what I experienced. "Not sure if it was Melange, or real." I finally summarize. "Or something else. Hanse knows about Epsilon Eridani, Helm, Artu, the Argo and Illyria, plus a few hints about others. Putting aside your written love for the MILF Archon, Valles, right?" I look at her, then continue. "I'd point out she sold Melissa into a marriage, to buy the Davion Guards." I pause and shake my head. "I agree it was the right thing to do, but to Hanse? Who only did it because at the time, he couldn't, and Katrina agreed, trust Morgan. As in Hasek-Davion, I should say, geeze…" I count on my fingers then snicker.

"I think I know of three Morgans right the hell now. Wow." I shake my head from the aside. "And, let's also be honest. NAIS, was founded to take advantage of Halstead Station, no question. But, Hanse's public, and I'd say private reason, his overriding reason, was medical care. He's not a Warlord." I shrug. "Plus… snakes. Clanners…" I look at Kath. "No offense. And last but not least, Sunny-Sue and of course the Word of Blake. Fuck the Dark Ages, and let's do it now."

I look at them. "Case, yes, another lost soul, Asha… same as Kath, too come to think of it… is down for most of it, though he just wants money, battlemech, sex and fun." I pause… "And killing Clanners." I shake my head. "While admittedly not my initial plan, that got shafted by Kikyo's here and now memories, and trusts, we can tell the world we tried to use the levers we had for the good of humanity here. I'm all for that." I look again at them, eyes blazing. "And I've been given a chance to make a difference."

Asha… nodded. "If you've told him basically everything, I don't think he'll need our help," she said, "but yes, I'm in. Five point nine of one, six point one of the other." A shadow crossed her expression at the mention of 'killing Clanners', but she didn't object.

"No offense taken," Katherine admitted, "I don't want the Clans here either. I'm in."

I hold out my hand, palm up, a clear gesture for the pact. "And Asha? I didn't. Not everything, in fact not very much of it. I needed and wanted proof he couldn't deny. Argo would be that, with it's databanks, no?"

Asha nodded. "It will that," she agreed, then cracked a grin and took the hand to shake. "I guess that means that the Standard Battletech Insert plan has changed. You don't go to Helm first."

I turn to Katherine. "She's right, oddly enough…"

"Helm is overrated, anyways," she replied with a crooked smile. "Argo first. Then we have the proof and the locations… I still remember from examining the Wolf Core's cartography a lot of points of interest I may be able to cross with the Argo, too. Should be interesting. And there's always Columbus, New Dallas and so forth as well."

"I'd argue about getting greedy, but this is Battletech. Let's be about it, and move worlds with the levers we know."

"Indeed," the blonde said, joining her hand with theirs.

MageOhki · Feb 25, 2020

With a lever big enough I can move the world

A Battletech FanFiction

By

Andrew "MageOhki" Norris.

Chapter 5

Space is vast. Travel in it is long. You can only admire astronomy for so long if you're not an astronomer. And generally, being cramped up in the tin cans we call dropships, outside maybe the Princess, Monarch or largest cargo ships, means little privacy. My advice? Bring a lot of reading material.

Hurry up and wait never changes. The rush to put together a combat unit was about as intense as anyone can say. Once we left New Avalon's surface, on the other hand, well. 20th and 21st century troops, hell, even late 19th century troops were spoiled compared to us. There's only so much training in sims and other types you can do, before you get frustrated. Part of a skilled commander's job in the 31st century is managing space madness among his troops, which is more accurately defined as stir crazy. Princesses help.

From the journals and notes of Kikyo Onishi, New Avalon Press, 3291 AD, as part of the "Century of Chaos: The Movers and Shakers." series.

See Chapter 1 for disclaimers and other information
I would like to thank Drakensis for kibitzing and Editing, JG/Joe Gunnarson (Of Whateley fame) for the same, Valles, Case/Fosfor, Minako/Scratx for kibitizing. Y'all made this go a LOT faster than the first two, thank you. Psyckosama deserves a special shoutout for helping reinspire, some basic visualization and idea throwing.

Deep Space, En Route to Axylus, Late Evening (New Avalon Time), May 5th, 3015

"Yep." Kath shook her head. "People are already feeling the void." I rolled my eyes. I had closed my window's shutters in my cabin, but I knew what she was referring to. The plan had us making ten jumps to star systems, where there was a bright star to tell us we weren't alone. After that, nine jumps to Axylus, all in the black, out of contact, and all alone in the deep night with nothing to say that there was other life. Feeling the Void was the term early spacers had come up with, to describe that feeling. Add that to all the saws about bored troops, marines, squaddies, that are still true here and now… Well.

"And so, the plans you suggested and the others agreed to?" I quirked an eyebrow. Part of Kath's experiences in the universe here and now, was a year long journey from the Clan homeworlds. You got bored really easily, and to top it off, Clans weren't big believers in comfort for anyone, and their entertainment… well. Kath said it this way. "If someone had brought a new detective novel, or a New Kyoto or Ozawa shonen manga to the Clans… I'd have trialed every mutherfucker standing in my way." And that was before a year long travel in a tin can fondly called an Overlord.

"It's going." She shook her blond hair. "We had to shift from the more space and exterior to the ships training, but we can do a lot still. I suspect by the time we get back to New Avalon, we'll have the largest clutch of trained techs, engineers and scientists."

I nodded. One problem that realists had with the Battletech universe was the lack of troop numbers, vs claimed populations. While populations weren't as high as Cat labs claimed, since they stated the Federated Suns in 3135 had nearly one point four trillion, they still were large. The 3010 survey of the Federated Suns was 300 billion people, spread out over nearly 350 systems. The rate of population growth was in line to a First World nation of late 20th century, so, by and large, it was possible, barely.

But, you only saw the Suns at this point having roughly 100 division equivalent of federal forces listed, more or less 10,000 people, even counting non seen personnel or talked about support, you were still talking 20,000 give or take in each unit.

That would give a really tiny number of personnel, roughly only two million soldiers, not even a rounding error in terms of population. What the writers didn't show you were units without mechs, units set for occupation duty, units that were not meant to travel, the full up supporting structures a military tasked with defending a realm with 350 systems and a constant war going on, or the planetary militia forces. Much less the part time military, aka active and inactive reserves. However, what wasn't stated, that all those named units listed in the various sourcebooks, were part of a winnowing process. You had to make the cut to get into them. Which meant you were generally on the top quarter of human ability in mental capabilities just to attempt to train for them.

Considering the training was two years long just for normal infantry, much less a spacer or mechwarrior for example, and required training in how to survive being in a dropship, what to do if a vacuum leak happened, adapting to various planetary environments, and countless other little tasks that made up the frontline military duties not just in combat, but generally, there were two more winnowing processes, just surviving the training, which routinely killed people every cycle, and passing it. It wasn't hard to say that any frontline force member, including an private of the infantry, was exceptional. Merc units tended the same way, entertainment notwithstanding. Recruits were either good, or dead, generally.

Our plans took advantage of that. Everyone. Everyone including the marines, the space marines, which we had a regiment of, the small craft pilots, the aerospace fighter pilots, everyone who had any free time trained in something else. We had a lot of experts with us that Hanse had collected, so an intensive training course was set. We figured correctly that there was only so much bitching and card playing the troops would want, so an intense course of technical, scientific and other training was implemented. It'd only pick up as we approached Axylus, to keep people from thinking on the void outside our hulls.

Asha shook her head, still mostly quiet, but opening up to the rest of us inserted as we joked about ourselves. "Even us spacers aren't that thrilled with the black, and given that at least three of the experts are certified to teach the rest of my degree, I've been taking advantage of that, myself. Rest are learning how to maintain their birds, cross work other skills, and other things. It's going to keep us all busy."

I nodded. While I was busy with Ran and Kathryn doing tabletop exercises, or when we could arrange it, multi-unit sims with our battlemechs linked up via computer, sim exercises, it didn't mean I wasn't taking the chance to learn more. I had thought Case would take the chance to pick the greatest computer brain, but he had avoided Alt Cunningham with a passion that made me wonder. I thought he'd try to hit on her, then settle down to learn all the stuff about Star League era computers.

"The amount of bed hopping being done is fairly impressive." I finally stated. "I checked, we are going through contraceptives at a slightly higher than expected rate, but we'll be fine, so far."

"And you are not getting any." Kath teased. Growing up in Clan society gave her very warped morals regarding sex, at least as the Inner sphere would see it, as they had effectively delinked sex from procreation. My own urges leaned that way, but I was holding it in check, since everyone aboard Xanadu was my subordinate, and when I was on other ships, I had work to do.

"Laugh it up." I shot back, annoyed. I blew out a breath. "So. Asha." The fellow asian woman looked at me, her eyebrow rising. "How are the fighters doing?"

"Good. Very good. I know you were annoyed at losing the Second Carrier squadron and the Second Escort squadron, but we still managed to fit in three full regiments of ASF, between everyone. That's as many fighters as the New Syrtises carried." I nodded. When warships were still possible, the New Syrtis class was the largest carrier ever used. Carrying three full regiments, it was able to blanket a system in fighters. In this degraded time, three regiments of fighters was more than any one system could boast of hosting, outside the most critical worlds, and few of those, in fact.

I made a face, though on thinking on how we arranged everything. "I still don't like giving up six of each Behemoth's small craft to fit in fighters." I finally shrugged. "But needs must."

"We are seriously overprovisioned in small craft, Kikyo." Kath shook her head. "We still are." She tilted her head. "But, I understand, you wanted it all!" She caroled the last, a grim, with Asha hiding her laughter, her face alighting in mischief.

"Laugh it up." I paused, then shook my head at the repeat. "Hasek-Davion…" The other two faces went still, knowing I referred to the recently elevated March Lord, second to only Hanse in the Federated Suns, at least in his own domains, and his attempt to hijack our forces, using the laws and traditions of the Suns against us. It backfired as Hanse had given written orders that none can supersede his orders, no matter what. But his attempt to hijack us, from the putative anti pirate mission, to attack the Taurians, didn't sit well with any of us, and then his attempt to find out if we had any other orders he wasn't privy to, had Ran Felster escorting him off the Xanadu in an arm lock. Personally.

"Yeah, that's not going to come back to bite us, not at all." Kath shook her head. "He fucked over the Dragoons, now he's fucking over us." She raised her eyes towards the ceiling of my cabin. "Can't he just be a good little weasel and leave people alone?"

I shrugged. "A cocksucker gotta suck, I guess." Asha snickered, Kath laughed. I had explained what I meant, and both agreed it was amusing. A traitor has to betray, after all.

Kath looked at the display on my wall, and nodded. A screen showed the name, status and current information of all the task forces' gathered ships. It also showed the basic status of each battalion of forces, or the equivalent we had as well. Hanse's hopes to attach another jumpship to the thirteen I had brought to this mission had failed, but we still had the ability to carry fifty-six dropships, and considering the combat ones we had accessible, the effective equivalent of two of the Federated Suns famed RCT's.

"A regiment of marines," Asha was speaking of space marines, trained to board and fight on spaceships, or fight in vacuum, "Five battalions of jump infantry, " Those who used jet packs to hop around a battlefield for tactical mobility, she was referring to. "a regiment of regular infantry, all but the Marines, mechanized." She shook her head. "That's a lot of ground pounders."

I agreed. "But they're useful, even if we don't see combat." Both women nodded. If nothing else, they could help load and unload, and given all the training they were getting… well. Extra hands to do stuff won't go amiss.

"Eight battalions of armor, a battalion of mechanized artillery, two batteries of towed.." Kath listed, picking up from Asha, "three battalions of recon, call it another regiment of vehicles and two regiments of people for support and transport, ten battalions of combat 'Mechs, two of industrial on top of that." She blew out a whistle.

Asha picked up from that. "Let's not forget effectively a wing of gunboats, 3 full regiments of aerospace fighters, plus all the rest of the Small craft."

"All fitting on four Colossi, five Excaliburs, six Overlords and six Fortresses. Effectively two Davion Regimental combat teams in power, not adding in the five carrier dropships or the five assault dropships." I spoke amused.

Kath snorted. "The infantry and support people didn't, Ferret." To my dismay, Ferret was my official call sign, though Kath got to keep Black from her Dragoon days. Asha's Dutchman wasn't talked about by her, though I understood it meant lost in space.

"Isn't that why we have four of the Comfort modified Monarchs?" Asha asked, a bit amused. I had modified the passenger liner dropship to carry about a regiment and change of people, call it 900, in less comfort than the original Monarchs could boast, but in exchange, they had a full up trauma center and a few other amenities to make trips a bit more pleasant.

"It is. And to round this madness off, we have three Aqueduct tankers, full of hydrogen to hot charge while we're in the black, and twenty…" I shook my head, amused. Twenty cargo dropships in one place was unheard of in this day and age. Even if they were small ones. But four Behemoths, nine Mammoths, even if six were my modified version for support units, and eleven Mules, plus my Princess? No one would believe it. While nearly eighteen months of food and other consumables was spread out across my Mammoths, the remaining cargo ships were empty. Hanse was hoping. And so was I. Still, I didn't think we'd need six hundred kilotons of cargo space, and that was actually a fair bit less than we had open.

We had one open dropship slots, meant for the Argo herself, given her size, she needed either a Scout class jumpship to herself, or two rings on a bigger ship, with the exception of the Merchant. Technically the Behemoths did too, but they fit quite nicely on a pair of Merchants, who's pair of dropship docking ports didn't block each other by being 180 degrees separated. All other jumpships would have one port blocked by the massive ships.

Kath stood up, her magbooks clicking. Even though Xanadu was docked to Indiana, our Monolith jumpship, and could be spun on a tether for gravity, we hadn't been extended on it, to allow easy transfer to and from one of the three command dropships. Ancon and Achamer, two of my Colossus class, and the command ships for the Davion Guard unit and Sandoval's Training battalion were on the same carousel arrangement as Xanadu, and so, movement between all three ships was easy, but moving around them was a bit of a challenge. This is why magnetic shoes existed. All ships were metal, and therefore, you could magnetically lock yourself to a deck.

"Six days to charge?" Asha asked, a bit dubiously. "That's a bit fast, isn't it?" She also stood.

Kath answered as she started heading out. "We're in great shape, and have all the ships with late Star League era equipment, Asha. We're good. We can charge faster, in fact, but the boss doesn't like the wear and tear."

"More like the components needed for rapid charging aren't being made anymore." Since the dawn of the thirty light year jumpship, and currently, an average of seven days, depending on the star, or hot charging, meaning you charged from your jumpship's reactor, which of course drank fuel, was the standard for how long between jumps. The idea a jumpcore needed that long to cool down was false, a day generally would put it to safe temperatures. It was actually the charging of the massive capacitors that fired the core to jump the ship, that took that long. Or so everyone knew.

The Star League Navy however had managed to get hot charging down to 120 hours, or five days, but those required more advanced components, and while they lasted longer than what was made before and now made today, trying to charge faster than seven days added wear to them. The Star League could afford it, we couldn't. But cutting one day off the charging time, would speed up the travel by a normal jump's wait, so worth it. The Star League and Clans didn't use this feature much, waste is waste, and repairing those parts was a pain in the ass, even for them. Us? They weren't being made.

"If you want to spend another nine days in the black, we can arrange it…" I trailed off, as Asha blanched, and fled out the cabin, the clicking sounds fading.

"That was mean, Ferret." Kath grinned as she shot the comment over her shoulder. She sashayed out, as I looked.

I looked, thinking about it. Asha hadn't told us how she activated the Phantom mech ability, but she was clearly traumatized by it. And I would have sped up to five days per jump, if Kath hadn't protested, pointing out each five day charge cycle cut component lifespan by five years, while a six day cycle by only a year. A half century off the component lifespan of two centuries… I understood. It also raised the risks of mischarging and misjumping sharply. None of our ships had a full SLDF inspection to cerity that'd be safe, after all. We didn't know when a component would fail, and increased work would raise that faster. And we didn't have spares.

Dropship Xanadu, Unnamed System, Early afternoon (New Avalon Time), July 13th, 3015.

"Finally!" Case exclaimed from the rumble chair he was in, on the bridge of Xanadu.

I nodded. The large gas giant about a half AU away filled our screens, and we had jumped perfectly into the large pirate point that it generated, putting us only a day away from the target, the moon Axylus, which was already highlighted in our holotank. "A couple hours to assemble the task force we're taking, then twenty or so hours to travel, before we find out who's there, if anyone."

Marshal Felsner nodded from his screen. "Your Navigators performed beyond anyone's expectations, General. I will personally thank them, and I am sure the Prince will as well." I nodded. I had already sent out my thanks, and a bonus to the thirteen who performed a task that the best that the battle hardened and experienced SLN at Terra for the final assault would find difficult.

"Extra praise doesn't hurt, no." I responded. "Shall we see to our commands?"

"CONTACT…. MULTIPLE CONTACTS!" rang out before the Marshall could respond. "Tentative ID… Merchant, Invader, Scion." The last was said with a bit of shock. Scions hadn't been seen in centuries. The tech shook it off and continued. "Not appearing to be carrying any dropships, roughly one k-klick outside point. Powering up."

I snapped over the general frequency. "Launch Assault Squadron and Carrier Squadron, flush all gunboats and fighters immediately! Alert Armstrong's Animals to prepare to board!" I paused, realizing I had just overridden my superior. I turned to the screen he was on, and before I could speak, he grinned and spoke loudly. "DO it! Also Alert Avalon's Blacks and the Black Balls." He was referring to the Marines assigned to the New Avalon Training battalion and his own marines. "Also, alert Brigadier Blackhand he has work to do." I winced, knowing I forgot that.

"Incoming comms." Indiana's communications rating spoke. "From the Invader."

"Patch it to me, with feeds to General Onishi and Colonel Sandoval, please." Felsner spoke mildly, as our fighters and assault dropships were spreading out. Quick math showed that at a meter per second, those jumpships wouldn't make it back to the pirate point in time to jump before our fighters were all over them. And that they didn't want to take the chance of the Suns not honoring the neutrality of any jumpship in this age.

It was done, and a bearded man appeared on the screen. "I'm Commodore Black. I'd like to talk a deal. I leave, with my jumpships, and my fellows on the moon, you get the location of over two dozen jumpships, about thirty or so dropships, and the Argo, since that's what I figure you're here for."

I blinked. Kathryn's face in a window on my screen blinked. Ran just leaned back. "I'm afraid just the location isn't enough. Exactly what do you have besides your jumpships on the moon?"

"A full regiment of mechs, a half dozen dropships and a regiment of infantry!" The Commodore boasted. "We'll also be taking our plunder and slaves, y'hear?"

"One moment." Ran held up his hand, and the tech obeyed. "Get Blackhand on the line." Morgan was half suited up when put on. Ran quickly outlined the situation.

"Marshal? What do you want done." For once, the cigar ever present was missing in the operator's mouth.

"Can you plant bombs on their helium tanks that would be undetectable from anything but a full up dockyard search, to go off on a week or ten day timer?"

"Can do, plus vent their cabins and bridge if you so desire." Morgan's grin was savage.

"Prepare to make it happen. You'll know when." Ran muted Morgan's screen and nodded at the tech. The line reopened.

"Sooo…?" The pirate was grinning.

"I think not." The Marshal's voice was cold. "Allow my counter offer, instead of my fighters blowing your jumpships to vapor. You may take your jumpships, three dropships, with any equipment we don't deem part of our mission here, and those who wish to go with you. Further, you have my word as a Federated Suns officer, and a loyal servant of my Prince, and unto God himself, that I will not interfere with your leaving this system. " He paused, and nodded once.

"However, the price is, you will evacuate your jumpships, we will examine their logs, and your electronic signatures, for records, you understand, and until I verify your information, and have the situation on the ground handled, you will be under guard. Any resistance, and we kill you all, by the easiest means possible to us, and trust that God knows his own." Katherine Steiner who had just stepped in, nodded at that. Last but not least, if your ships and personnel are ever found by an Federated Suns officer, you shall have no mercy, and no quarter. You have thirty seconds to accept my offer, or we kill you all."

For a long moment, part of me hoped that he refused. What Ran was going to do was cruel, mean, and even assuming the charges on the cabins and bridges didn't go off, a long cold way to die. Then I realized. Pirates. This would save on the rope.

"Well, huh. Guess you boys aren't dumb after all." The pirate stroked his beard as our fighters streaked closer. I knew our pilots knew where to punch the ships for the helium tanks, but the hesitation of shooting dropships would possibly be a problem. Before I could deal with it, the drives slllooowly accelerating the jumpships cut out. "We accept, Marshal. Mind if I offer you a drink of fine Canopian Brandy I had looted?"

"I… rather not, you understand." Ran's voice was urbane. "My marines will see to your ships and your people. Please do see to your people moonside. I don't want to waste the power packs."

"Don't you worry, those boys know who's boss." With that Ran cut the screen.

Morgan's voice came in. "Don't you worry, General, Marshal. They'll have time to realize that we don't let pirates live." He grinned. "And that's a guarantee." He turned off his screen, as we passed orders to our marines.

Shortly, while all but one of the pirates were being held by our Marines on the various assault ships, under guard, the so called Commodore Black walked into a lounge, with Armstrong and a fellow beefy Marine guarding him with needlers ready to fire. Ran had explained how odd the band of pirates known as Blacks' Bearded Butchers were. Contrary to almost every other pirate group, they were run by Commodore Black, off a jumpship. I snorted. Finally a jumpship captain realized the pirates danced to his tune, or he could leave them.

By and large, most jumpship skippers who weren't military tended to not care what dropships or to where they went, though the majority would balk at outright pirates, leaving three groups of jumpship crews who transported the pirates. Those under duress, as the pirates had their families, those who were amoral as hell, and didn't care, and those who grew up in the lifestyle, because their daddies and granddaddies moved pirates along. Sadly for the Suns, the majority of pirate jumpships were Tortuga Domain ships, and they had been a thorn in the Suns and Taruians side since the end of the Reunification war.

It was just our luck not only to have found one of that ilk, but one smarter than most, who realized, if the Pirates didn't dance to his tune, he could leave them to the locals. And used it. I kept a still face, with Ran next to me, and Kathryn on the other side. Case and Kath were behind us, pistols unsecured and ready to draw. Rios and her squad were also in the room.

"Fancy. A Princess, still in original condition." The Pirate lord shook his head. "My, you nobles travel well. Welp. Here I am. My boys on Axylus are waiting for us. Let's get this done, and me on my way so I can go see what plunder I can take from the Mariks." He grinned. "Crappie shit isn't worth the time, Taruians are too stubborn, and Canopians… some days you get lucky, some days you get shit, and the girls either are great at sucking, or great at biting it off. Bit tiring guessing which one."

I didn't say a word, but noted that Morgan should disable the charges, but set it up so their radios wouldn't work either. Nor should their reactors. I had a good idea on how that'd go.

"Yes. Quite. About that force you talked about." Ran's tone was still urbane, though a hint of frost was in it.

"Oh, it's real, Marshal. But I'll be fair, half are franken mechs and bug frankens at that." He shrugged. "What can you do?"

"I see. Which three dropships do you want?" I felt Xanadu start to accelerate towards Axylus.

"Oh, I'll take the Overlord we had, that Dictator, and the Mule. We'll get by with those."
His stained teeth didn't impress anyone as he grinned. "I'll even be nice and only take seventy-two 'Mechs."

"The best, I presume." Kathryn's voice was dry. The Pirate's shrug, and attempt to spread his hands, which were chained, answered her.

Ran nodded at Armstrong, who poked the pirate in the back.

"Okay, okay, bet the brig is fancy here…" The pirate stated as he started to shuffle out.

A long minute passed, and once everyone was sure the pirate was long gone. "Well." Kath Steiner spoke. "If I had any questions about letting them die a lingering death, Marshal…"

The other Kath, her black curls shaking as she repressed laughter at that, gasped out. "He believed you!"

"Oh, I didn't lie, ladies." Ran smiled coldly. "I said this system, nothing about another, did I not?"

Case laughed. "I like."

"Well, I believe we have planning to do, and preparations, do we not?" I responded finally. The original part of me was trying to digest what was happening, while the part from the twentieth century was coldly calculating… and wondering if leaving a gloating video to play after the bombs went off would be too much.

Outside SLN Argo, Early morning(New Avalon Time), July 16th, 3015

"Well." Ran's voice came though Bun Bun's speakers as I waited for the final verdict. He was speaking from his Altas which he had used as his command post for all parts of this. "Eighty-three of their slaves, wished to go with them. Out of 900." He shook his head. "They were half mining metals, germanium, if you'd believe it, and half farming in aquaculture greenhouses set up. This pirate was a bit odd."

I nodded, forgetting again that Bun Bun would try to do it… and that looked hilarious on an Archer. The snickers from the Marshal's mech indicated as such. I stopped, and spoke. "Yes, Marshal. Word on the Survey?" I was referring to the Argo.

The tone indicated a bit of annoyance. "First, the ship's hull is in fairly good shape, all told, though frame members are a bit trickier. The drive…" He sighed. "She can't lift. Not on her side, though from what we can tell, her last captain put her down aft first, but that bent the main drive nozzles."

"I… see." I thought a second. "We're going to have to tow her off then?"

"Looks like. Our engineers and shipwrights are estimating exactly where to put tow cables on, and we'll use all the eggs to lift her slowly. Once we fully copy the data, of course. Captain Cunningham says it's no problem, and with your lovely Colonel's codes, the computers purred for her."

Kath had given up a general code set, she said that should open up any SLDF computer. She was right. General Kerensky's own codes, which were master codes as far as she, or any other Clanner knew. I wasn't so sanguine. Yes, Alexander Kerenksy was the last commanding General of the SLDF, trusted enough to be regent and guardian for the last Cameron, but… institutional paranoia ran deep. I had a bet with Kath that we'd find computers it'd not crack.

"How long?" I rubbed my forehead, in irritation, not liking being her, and wondering when the other shoe would drop. Having acquired a Union, a Leopard, and a Leopard CV was just added annoyance. I had already agreed that they could be split between the Davions, and Team Banzai. Ran had given Team Banzai the first pick, and was out one Leopard carrier. Upside for me, was I was already promised the Argo, with everything in it, except, and this was key, Hanse got the data, complete, unaltered, and as organized as we could arrange it, plus Fed Boeing's Shipwrights to look over and study the Argo.

Looking at the ship, I figured out why it took the Canopians several years to fix her in the Battletech computer game. Not only were the main drive nozzles huge, they were half wrecked, likely requiring all new ones, there was holes, dents, and other problems with the ship. Not to mention Canopus likely had taken it completely apart to create detailed blueprints.

"I'd say at least two days after our confirmation gets back, then two days to get her to our ships." He shrugged. Ironically, the Leopards with dismounted wings, could be carried in the Behemoths, and the Argo herself, and one reason Hanse was so eager to have Fed Boeing, her original builders examine her, was to see if they could refigure out how the KF extender worked inside her. That'd allow the Union to be docked to the Argo.

I sighed. "I know it's mean, and so unlikely to be true, but is it so wrong to hope that Black's information is bogus?"

I felt the Marshal shake his head. "Not at all my dear. But like you, I am confident enough to bet on it, that it's accurate enough for us. He was too confident otherwise… and would you place yourself in our hands, if it wasn't?"

I laughed. Kath's Marauder was also in the circuit, as she responded for me. "Or an idiot… which he isn't… though believing you…"

"Aw, Black, that's easy to understand. Jumpships are sacred. If we were gonna damage them, we'd damage them here so we can keep 'em, not let him escape with them!" Case's shrug was heard though the net. "So, from that view… not completley stupid."

"Quite so, Leftenant." Ran grinned coldy. "Shame for him, that since he's giving us a fair passel of ships, his three aren't that. Needed, and in the end, someone will find them again, with a buried log from the lovely Cunningham."

"Well, I'm going back to the Xanadu." I grumbled. The shipwrights and other trained spacers had kept us from gawking in the inside, and wouldn't even give us a tour, dammit.

"I don't blame you, we still have to finish processing the freed ex-slaves." Ran's voice indicated that'd be my job, I was a more pleasant face to look at, more reassuring. With 854 people, that'd take a bit. At least only thirty-five were under fifteen. Small mercies.

"Understood, Marshal."

Dropship Xanadu, docked to Indiana, right outside Axylus Pirate Point. Midday (New Avalon Local time), July 29th, 3015.

Commodore Black's stained teeth disgraced my screen, as he grinned at us on his Invader. "Well, a deal's a deal." His ships were already halfway though the jump cycle, and the first flickering of a jump were happening. "Now, y'all get those ships fast, since once I hit Herotitus, I'm gonna sell the info, y'hear? Consider this a friendly warning."

"Rest assured, four weeks is more than enough. Even if we're still present, I doubt very few will wish to tangle with my command, Black." Felsner's urbane tone carried a cold tone of warning. "I'm sure you noted we brought along enough shipwrights."

"About the only way you'd be able to get poor Argo off the planet, even with those eggs y'all have, yep." He tipped his cowboy hat at us. "Hope y'all fix her up right and proper… so I can find her and take her, later on." His laughter was not returned.

"We shall see." I responded for the Marshal. The Jump was beyond stopping, now, as I had learned over the journey how jumps worked, but before Black could respond, the views of the ships on another monitor showed something odd, and in the Holotank on Xanadu's bridge, they all suddenly glowed pink, as a sharp but yet quiet boom was heard on the channel.

"What the he.." All three ships warped, space curling around and through them, in ways that never should happen, and the signal from the ship cut off. I snapped my head to Morgan's only to notice his sharp grin.

"Bridager, what did you do?" Ran's voice cut though my shock. The last ship had dissolved finally, and all of us were blinking at the aftereffects.

"You, Marshal, promised you wouldn't hinder them. You never made that promise for me." Morgan's cigar shifted, with his sharp grin. "Talked to Jonna, the head of the shipwrights? She told me exactly when during a jump a component had to fail to catastrophically misjump. So, sent the signal the moment I was sure they were gonna jump."

"My… god." Kathryn's voice sounded sick. I was too. Event Horizon, the twentieth century horror movie about jumping, was the least of the horror tales of misjumps.

Ran's eyes closed. "May God have mercy." He slowly opened his eyes, and looked at Morgan. "... It is a good thing you are no longer a member of the Armed Forces of the Federated Suns, Bridager. Rest assured, I will report this, and it'll be in your file, for future consideration of your status, if you choose to return to the Prince's service. You broke my implicit statement. Your unit, and your commander was under my command, and I had meant myself and those under my command."

Morgan shrugged. "Pirates. And I'm a Rabid Fox. You didn't ask for them not to suffer, I just wanted to see it." His grin returned. "Shame I didn't see his face when he realized what happened." He lit his cigar again, and when it was drawing properly. "Pirates and Slavers. A good day."

I stared at him. Operators were operators, and I had known a few.but one this vicious? Rare. And one who took that much pleasure, even on admitted pirates and slavers, on their lingering and horrified deaths? There was a dark side to the man, that he kept leashed. But when it could slip free… it did. Something to keep in mind.

"Morgan." I finally responded. "I'll remember this."

His smile was cutting. "Good. You need to." With that, he unclicked his boots, and shot off the bridge.

Ran's expression was sad. "He wasn't just busted for the blown operation he told you about, you now realize." I nodded, as Felsner continued. "Not only has he done stunts like this before… there are markers in his makeup, that are…" He thought of a way to put it.

Sofia Rios, Rogue, Morgan's second spoke softly. "The word you're looking for is troublesome. He's about as close to a functioning psychopath and sociopath as you'll ever meet. Loyal? Yes. Loving? He can be. But to those who are enemy? And those who don't merit the value codes he's told to obey? He doesn't care. Not one bit. And in some cases? Enjoys their suffering."

Kathryn Sandoval, an AFFS officer stared at the woman though the screen. "And he was allowed to be a Rabid Fox, command them?"

Sofia's smile was twisted. "You note that he does obey a moral and ethical code, when told to and what it is. You'd also note he doesn't go after allies or non combatants unless it's the mission. But… Rabid Foxes need the best possible, even if it's wrapped up in a monster. He is. ANd he's the best at training future Rabid Foxes. His trainees have the highest success and survival rates."

Kath Steiner's voice was quiet, as she whispered in my ear. "And he'd fit right in with the Clans, wouldn't he, too well, far too well."

I nodded sadly. We'd need him. But… looking into my soul, keeping that man alive, knowing what I knew, and what I could suspect, I realized I was walking a path of darkness again. I'd need levers on him. Fast.

Dropship Xanadu, Axylus System, Late Evening (New Avalon Local time), July 29th, 3015.
We had moved the task force to where the mangled Pirate Commodore told us the other jumpships had been mothballed. It was a location outside the system's jump interdiction zone, but still close enough to see the star. A brief digression I suppose. Jumpships could only jump to zones of certain gravity or less, which means points in a system corresponding to the Lagrange points, specifically the L1 point, to a planet and the star, or a planet and a large enough moon, or outside a certain boundary, dependent on the star's size. For a star like Sol, that was roughly 11.2 AU out. Most jumpships either jumped to a pirate point, also known as those Lagrange points above, or to the zenith or nadir of a star system. We hadn't this time, because where the mothballed ships were, wasn't there.

The Star League had a problem during the Reunification war. They had captured enemy ships, drop, jump and even warships. The problem was simple. What to do with them? For the warships, most had ended up being scrapped, as they had no practical resale value, and Ian Cameron's idea was to end wars, meaning why keep around half wrecked ships? The other ships weren't so easily dealt with. From the logs of the Invader we had scanned, then destroyed, the two Corps involved in the Canopian and Taruian campaigns, had basically stashed the ship away for later use. Then, from what we could guess, forgot about them.

Tsk. All old Jumpships, and examples of the original mass produced classes, both with and without rings, but even back then, they built to last, and one Leviathan, a predecessor to the Monolith class, discontinued due to how easy it was to hijack, three Scions, six Liberties, five Pioneers and six Merchants rested, sails banked to receive no charge. What amused me was the three Aquilas as well. Old, short ranged compared to modern jumpships, lacking even solar sails, they could move at more than a measly one meter per second squared of acceleration. But given their limits, I suspected we'd be leaving them behind.

With them were a clutch of dropships, all of the older models too. Three Lions, the predecessor to the Fortress, seven Jumbos, a cargo carrier like the Mule, and finally a dozen Leopards.

"Well." Kathryn Sandoval looked pleased, floating next to me. "This trip has paid for itself, just about." I nodded, these jumpships would be taken into service for the Federated Suns, well, their share. "Though I'm not sure the older ships are worth the effort. The Merchants, on the other hand?"

"Actually, none of them are." We all turned to look at Cummin, who had walked in. "Even the dropships."

Ran tilted his head. "Explain." He sounded annoyed, but was willing to listen.

"The Aqulias, we all know about, and a ship survey which is underway has already shown a significant amount of micrometeorite damage to them, as well as part stripping, and a detailed look at least at the sails of the rest, show they're also punched though by the same. My suspicion is when they were left, no care was taken about the orbit they're in, outside it was on the elliptic."

I was annoyed. "Meaning?"

"They've been hit repeatedly by radiation, micro and not so micro meteorites, and it'd surprise me if any care was taken to safe their tanks before being deactivated. They're dead, and as for the dropships, just a few pictures show they've been stripped for parts. My bet is, it took parts from all these ships to get that Merchant and Scion up and running. What are you going to do to Morgan?" Cummin's tone was hard. "He destroyed three jumpships." What Admiral Ahmad was referring to, was the almost universally observed rule that Jumpships were not to be targeted, sabotaged or otherwise destroyed by any combat forces. Pirates bent the line by boarding actions, but the Great houses didn't, except to target to disable occasionally a pirate jumpship.

I rubbed my head. "I'm not sure. I'm honestly not sure at all. I know, I know, he broke the rules, and those ships should have been only disabled. I'll look for suggestions once we verify your estimate that the ships are dead."

He shrugged. "Just keep that sociopath off my ship, Ma'am. Or any other jumpship, until time passes. We can't, we as in humanity, cannot have jumpships being lost. We're barely replacing failure losses as it stands." And that was the reason why jumpships had nearly universal ironclad neutrality. You needed them for interstellar war, interstellar commerce, and all the basic underpinnings of interstellar civilization. Therefore, they were a finite resource, and any combat loss hurt everyone. I would need to punish Morgan, somehow, and make it visible. But, I knew with that action, unless he did something awesome, Morgan could never return to the AFFS.

I turned around, and walked out of the observation deck, the Admiral and Kathyrn following. We shortly arrived in a briefing room, with a holotank, that Kath was playing with.

"Hey." The blonde waved at us, clearly distracted. "What's the story on those ships?"

"Wrecks." Kathryns' voice was disgusted. "Which means Blackhand is in even more trouble." I rubbed my forehead.

"Actually, Admiral? We need him. He's a monster, but… Only Xanadu's bridge crew, and the four of us on the communication link heard. And I know you told Xanadu's crew not to talk about it." Ahmed's head tilted in response.

"Spread rumors it was the stripping of these ships that lead to it, instead of Morgan's action, my lady?" Cummin sounded resigned. "He is ours, yes… but is he a monster we want?"

I shook my head. "I will have a long talk with him, but we've previously discussed situations… and honestly, I can't see better to put onto pirates or the DCMS, or even senior leadership of the Liaos."

Kathryn's sigh indicated her displeasure at the idea. "I don't like it. I don't think he should skate on this. But… part of me is wanting to unleash him against the snakes, apologies, Ahmed."

Cummin snorted amused. "You'd note I left the Combine. I agree. As long as we realize which of the Combine citizens are snakes. Most …"

Kath broke in. "I agree, there Admiral. And bluntly, he's an asset. We need him, in my eyes, but… Kikyo. Deal. Your position."

I sighed. "I will." I paused, situations running through my head. Would it work… maybe. Rios might not agree, or she might have a suggestion herself. "I have an idea, at least for short-term. Maybe." Kath's golden eyebrow rose. I shook my head and pointed at the star map in the holo tank. "What are you looking at, Black?"

"Oh. This is the complete map file the Blackwatch had." She nodded. "It actually took several extra codes to get it all out, but it's going to take a while to sort through all of it." I nodded, waving at her to continue. "What's interesting is there's four locations on this map, that I'm not sure about." My dark red eyebrow rose in question. "Artu." She tapped a command and a star system glowed. "Our original target." She grinned. "Now easy to get." She tapped another system. "THis one, we all know about it, and Hanse waved us off.". She tapped yet another button, and the system we were in lit up. "Apparently the SLDF forgot, Blackwatch didn't, and they and the Blackhearts were occasionally raiding this system to keep parts going for some of their ships off the books, is my guess." She shrugged. "That was the first system that caught my eye on the map. Then we have these three." Three other systems lit up.

Kathryn's black eyebrows rose slightly. "And?"

"A CIA site, an SLN site, under high secrecy, and a Blackhearts site." She pointed at each in order. "One's a jump away, the other is another jump away from the CIA site, and the Blackheart site is on Spencer."

Admiral Ahmed's brow was furrowed. "Okay. Pretend I'm missing something. What's so important?"

Kath thought about it for a moment. "I'll say this. Wolfnet has none of these sites, except the first two. And I'd point out we didn't know about them before getting the map."

Kathryn did a low whistle. "Wolfnet knew about Artu? How?"

"Because we paid attention to rumors, stories, and old old local history books and like. Artu has stories of SLDF personnel on it, being nice and good, before the Uprising, but it's not on any of the publically open pre Application locations for the SLDF." Kath smiled. "Where specifically? Nope, we didn't know, but I at least thought about following up."

Cummin grinned. "Your father did the same exact thing. It usually paid off, not a lot, mind you, but it paid off."

Kathryn's expression became a frown. "Why does it sound like lostech hunting is archaeology and mythology research?"

I couldn't help but snicker. "Because it is. Just a profitable one." I smoothed my expression and turned to Kath. "CIA? I thought the TH disbanded it's intelligence service."

"Officially, yes, just like they disbanded the THAF." Kath rolled her eyes. "Royal Command, anyone?" Various ahhs answered her. "I'm not sure, but I think they kept the CIA moniker as a recognition code for Blackheart support intelligence or even Blackwatch only."

Ran spoke up surprising everyone. "Logical. So. Send a team to Spencer for the Blackwatch, a team to the outer reaches of this Independence system?" He drummed his fingers. "And a team to this unnamed and from the way I'm reading your notations, Colonel, unrecorded by any but this map, system?"

Kath grinned. "That'd be my thoughts." She sobered. "I'm not sure what would be the best option, remaining concentrated is a good thing, but, as I understand it, we have a bit of a time crunch?"

The Marshal hmmed. "We do, but there's some slippage." He tilted his head slightly. "However, Spencer is habited. Admiral. How long would it take to unmark one of the Fortresses?"

"About a day or two, if we just wanted to cover up unit symbols, I presume." The admiral's tone was questioning.

"I recall, in the briefings, the Blackhearts killed your father, basically, Baroness." I blinked at the Marshal's tone.

"Uh… yes." I paused. "Oh… but what about the rest of his command?"

Ran's smile was wintery. "Isn't his call sign Solo?"

Kath winced. "That's … evil."

"He survives, this blackballing I want to do goes away, and the plan you put out, goes out, with some modification, to make it as him taking the hit for me, since I could have been blamed…" Ran nodded, then added. "He doesn't, he's repented."

"... And you're suspecting the codes in here aren't going to help enough." Kath's tone was quiet.

Ran nodded. "It's a reasonable thought, yes. He succeeds, he's a hero, live or die. He fails, he's dead, and his name is cleared. We win either way." Kath and Kathryn nodded in agreement. I started to open my mouth to protest, then realized, it was true. It would neatly solve many problems. No matter the outcome.

I realized at that moment, that Morgan wasn't the only monster. Just more obvious about it. And that Kikyo's original self wasn't equipped to deal with this. Even my 20th century self had put those shadows to bed, but they were waking up again.

Kikyo's Office, Dropship Xanadu, Late Evening (New Avalon time)

I watched, stone faced, as Morgan walked in. He was perfectly attired, and ramrod straight, though a hint of confusion was in his expression.

"Explain to me, why I don't have you arrested for a war crime, Brigadier?" I finally responded.

"Marshal Felsner gave the orders to sabotage the jumpships and make the personnel onboard suffer, and he's the command authority for this mission, was I mistaken?" Blackhand's response was crisp, honest and clear.

"... on the method, and the destruction of the jumpships was not intended, considering the explicit method he listed to be used." I responded, a bit sharp. "That's a war crime, that'd get all of us blacklisted, Bridager. Even if I cashiered you now, and turned you over to New Avalon, or C*'s courts…" I had it explained to me by Cummin and Uri exactly how much hot water Morgan was in, and even with the rumors that Xandau's crew was spreading, and that Ran had confirmed offhandedly…

"Ah. I was under the impression no crime could be done to pirates." Blackhand was still ramrod straight.

"... you know, you're correct there." I put my face in my hands, realizing the problem. "The crime was against civilization by destroying those jumpships. Any losses bring interstellar civilization closer to collapse, that's why we don't destroy them."

"Oh." Morgan blinked. "Ah. I had wondered why people seemed so leery of destroying them. You hadn't given orders not to, it was the most effective way to confirm the orders regarding Black and his pirates, and my suggestion that we poison Black and his actual combatant people was rejected."

I hadn't known that. "I see. Why did you want to be clear that his orders were obeyed?" I waved at the chair, realizing he was a psychopath, not a sociopath. The big difference between the two in this case, was psychopaths didn't understand morality and ethics as others did. Sociopaths merely believed morality, ethics and often laws, simply do not apply to them.

He sat, and slouched. "Right. Look. I took your coin, and your leash." He smiled a bit twistedly. "I know what I am, and I know that I really don't understand how other people see things, not at a level that makes me a member of society." He paused. "Well, a safe member of society, anyways. I mean, yeah, I'll keep my word. I'll keep my allies safe. I have friends, and I'd go to the wall from them. You say we don't kill children? We don't. You say we do? We do. You say we use nerve gas on nuns? I'd protest, mostly because it'd be a waste of expensive nerve gas. And what did they do to deserve it. Nerve gas the Sword of Light? I'd do that with a song in my heart." He shrugged. "Now you know. Give me a job, and I'll do it, in the way I think best suited to the targets. Civilized rules? I don't care, they don't apply. Your rules do, as long as I have your coin." He shrugged. "Will be interesting if I'm not under anyone's rules."

I kept the shudder from showing, but nodded. "Understood. To ah… "

A grin spread across his face as I searched for a word. "Repent?"

"Yes, that'll do, for that action, we have a location for you to scout and disarm." I finished. I passed over the folder with papers.

He opened, and started to read. He did a slow whistle, on completion. "I see. And the odds of the codes given working fully aren't great, and Blackhearts may have trapped the base on recall anyways." He grinned. "Excellent. I'd have volunteered for this anyways."

I blinked. "You do realize this is how my father died, along with…" His nod cut me off.

"My lady? I am the best at what I do. Personally, the only reason why I am in command of the Black Phoenixes, is you didn't realize. I honestly expected to be released given how everyone's reacting, and Rios put in my place." His casual tone sounded as if this was routine for him. "Hell, I'd recommend that anyways. She's good, ethical and thinks a bit more politically, than I do. Leave me in charge of field ops, and training, put her in overall command of special warfare. Once we grow enough, that is."

I blinked. "I will take that under consideration. You informed me that you'd not take a bust down to troop leader, when we first met."

Blackhand shook his head, relaxed. "I'm not. I'd still command a company, in my suggestion, and still train. Plus, the prick was using it to get to me, and didn't give me all the data. Can't blame you for doing the same when you didn't, and Felsner, now that I think about it, was rather clear on what he wanted done. I'm supposed to be a Genie and deliver his wish, in this case. Ooops." His casual shrug indicated it wasn't something that'd overly trouble him anymore.

Oh. I nodded after a moment. "Any other questions?"

"Nah, wait, no, one. Can I take people with me?" His grin was wide. "Strictly volunteer, of course, since I can guess you'd not like ordering men to do this. Nor would you if there's another choice, I suspect."

I thought about it. "If it's clear and in writing that they understand the risks and still agree to go, yes, you may take up to five more people with you."

He stood up, and saluted. "Outstanding. With your permission, I'd like to get started."

"Granted." I had stood, and now returned his salute. "Dismissed."

Spencer Dropship Port, Immgration Terminal, Early Afternoon Local time (Late Night, New Avalon time), August 5th, 3015.

Operation Judas, as I privately labeled the mission had gone off the moment it could. While it'd be at least another week before the rest of the Task force had confirmed the ships were dead, and salvaged any viable parts, plus gone over all the dropships, closer to two, or so I was told, it was decided to undertake the Spencer mission. Xanadu and one of the Fortresses with a combined arms battalion were detailed for this mission, along with the Triumph carrier St. Lo and it's wing of aerospace fighters would provide cover.

I had to inwardly smile as I played the rich Lyran bitch, using German. The suggestion was from Morgan, actually. I play up being a rich, spoilt noble daughter, who's Daddy had more money than sense, but at least enough to provide his princess with an proper escort, while she 'investigated' rumors of lostech, with a 'noted' professor being her 'guide.' The idea was that people would take it as the professor was taking the young impressionable Noble for a ride. In more than one way.. The Xanadu, and my acting skills would so sell it. It also helped that we had managed to piece together what good Lyran noble girls would consider ah, inappropriate, but wear anyways, to shock their fathers.

"Yes, yes, I know my papers for archaeological research didn't reach you, but why should I be delayed? Dr. Hand is insistent we start digging." I pouted. "He'll be sooo disappointed!" My tone and body language was a girl besotted and willing to do anything for the one she loved, and I looked into the older man's eyes, who was acting as immgration officer, and pleaded. "Isn't there something you can do?"

Morgan strolled up, looking all Lyran professor, on an expedition. "My sweet, he is just doing his job, I'm sure he's thinking of regulations and loopholes that we don't know about, aren't you, sir?" His body language came off as condescending and superior as well as as amoral.

The man blinked, and sighed. "Of course." He paused, and thought about it. "Part of the reason we want this type of paperwork sent ahead, is so we know how much to charge you. A rush like this?" He shook his head. "I have no idea how much."

I bounced slightly. "Well, what's the worst it can be? One hundred thousand?" I pause. "500,000? Why don't I just write you a cheque you can cash at the Comstar compound?"

"Ah, Comstar only cashes checks for account holders on Spencer now, due to a slight… rash of bad behavior of some of our less upstanding citizens." The slight sheen of sweat crossed his brow, indicated he was lying, and I knew, though Ditzy McLyran as I named the character I was playing wouldn't of course. "But I can take you there… and I'd say the fee at most would be only a quarter of a million C-bills."

I grinned at him. "Daddy will be so happy to hear that, he was so grumbling how much this cost before. I'll tell him it's cheaper than I thought." I leaned forward. "Thank you so much."

"My dear, let us be on our way so this man will help us get to the dig." His patronizing smile was perfect, as was my response, and I saw the hidden amusement of the official as he took us to the C* compound, and listened to Morgan bolivate on archeological research, how he was tracking the links of the Cameron's pet thugs to atrocities and incitements, and how they were to blame for the people of the Periphery acting up, as all knew the Periphery just wanted to be left alone.

After drawing the money and 'a bit extra for your assistance, if that's allowed' on Morgan's 'insistence', we were back at Xanadu. Morgan snickered. "That was fun." Case looked at him flatly, pulling out the earpiece he had linked to the bugs in our clothing.

"You two idiots realize they're going to have that hotel bugged, so if there's any lostech they get it?" His grumble answered. "You're playing the ditz too well."

Morgan rolled his eyes. "Of course, Case. I know Johnny told you a bit of our past, so while I'll play up the older 'gentleman'..." You could hear the quote marks around the last and next words, or so I'd have testified… "'Educating the 'young impressionable' noble lady about the past and the wonders… as well as other things…" His smirk indicated many things. "They won't get a clue. And let's be honest. We have sixteen mechs, and a wing of aerospace fighters. Spencer isn't going to tangle with that, kiddo. Not over a wild goose, and by the time they realize what's what, half those mechs are gonna have the loot in."

Case looked at me, snorting. "He's gonna get us killed, you realize. I'm too young to die, and too poor, dammit!"

"And haven't killed enough snakes?" I inquired acidly.

"That too." Case smiled contentedly. "Just so you all know, this is a bad idea, you're an idiot taking it, Solo, and you're an idiot going along with it, Ferret. Why didn't we go with Kath's suggestion?"

"Did someone take me in vain again?" Kath's tone was amused as she strolled up. "I thought us doing a full fighter sweep as Morgan's squad dropped was inspired, and us landing and daring to take us as a viable plan, yes. Spencer might only have a company or so of mechs at best, and a wing of fighters."

Morgan shook his head. "The idea, Black, is to do this clean, covert and without muss. We'd like to link it to the Lyrans. If not, at least not to the Cav, or the Federated Suns as a whole."

"Foo." Kath's grin was amused. "I thought I suggested pirates."

Case's tone was dry. "On this, clanner, I got to agree with Solo. Pirates who knew exactly who and what to hit? I'll even concede we might get away clean, with the prizes. Who knows." He sighed. "So, you two going to keep playing to entertain the rubes?"

I blinked. "Aren't you from the Outworlds here and now?" I blinked, to Asha's glare at Case.

"Yeah, I am. And I'd tell you the OAI or even an basic Outworlds government official wouldn't have brought your act. Nor would they have been that easy to deal with. You know he took us for an easy 250, right?" Case's glare was overblown.

Morgan's grin but no response left me to defend it. "Which is part of the act." I rolled my eyes. "Ditzy McLyran has no clue, is so besotted with a man who's taking her for a ride, and is the stereotypical movie Lyran girl bankrupting her father. That's the idea."

"And that's why I say rube." Case's point made to his sasification he stomped off.

Kath and Asha shared a glance. "You realize what Case was trying to imply…"

I nodded. It was needed for the mission. The fact that it'd scratch my itches, was bonus, I figured.

"I do, and it's not a problem. I'm in no relationship, nor am I committed to anyone, or any oaths. While… the fact it's with a subordinate is a bit distasteful, in ethical considerations."

"Mission, girl, mission. Ain't a big thing. I'd expect to get my leash yanked on when I step out of line again, anyways." Morgan's shrug indicated as Kath once said, he'd have done well in the clans. Too well.

Dropship Xanadu, Spencer, Late Afternoon Local Time, August 9th, 3015.

Case slouched against the wall as Kath tsked. We were reviewing the video of Morgan's penetration of the Blackheart base. Alt Cunningham and a few other techs had gone in recently, along with the lone loader and lone salvage exoskeleton platoon we had brought along, as only one trap remained, and that was what Morgan believed to be the high security storage and armory.

"So far, big waste, Ferret." Case grumbled. "Well, okay, a dozen advanced mech cubicles, one dropship cublice, and a dozen aerospace and small craft ones, plus the same in light vees, not a total waste, but they're empty, and the armory only had what? A company's worth of light infantry gear? Good stuff, and packed up and in here, sure, but really not much worth it." His tone wasn't amused.

I shrugged. "You know why we were looking here, Case." Kath nodded.

"Chance of a K-Fax, or Black Box was worth it, yes." Her tone was distracted, but she was talking about the first method of interstellar communication, one the Star League had kept secret and supposedly abandoned as too risky for hyperspace travel. In the original timeline, and likely in this one, Katrina Steiner, Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth had found one about a decade ago, but she wasn't able to fully reverse engineer it, until the alliance with the Federated Suns. Which was at least six years away, hopefully. If I hadn't sent it spinning away into the void like other situations with my attempts at leveraging a better future.

The hardwire communications that we had trailed in buzzed. "My lady? This is Cunningham. I've told Major Blackhand this, but we really want that security vault opened."

Kath grinned. I rolled my eyes and asked. "Why, Dr. Cunningham?"

"There's something called secure long ranged quantum tangle communications, inside of it, and well… As I finished downloading the data and service files Colonel Steiner's codes got us, I took a quick peek at logs regarding it. Messages from CIA Station 19, dated sent about two days before receiving… and it's not HPG."

I looked at Case who snarked. "Thanks, Alt. Johnny would hit me for ever doubting you being on a waste of time."

"And you know it." Case and Alt had resolved their problems, with Alt basically hitting him for being an idiot and avoiding her, because he had survived, when his previous commander, her fiancee, didn't.

"Bri.." I started, only to be cut off.

"Forty-five to fifty minutes, then figure at most an half hour to get it out, Ma'am." Morgan's tone was calm and cool, as if this was a walk in the park. "Bit tricky this, and I bet you it's how your father got bit. I'd recommend pulling the others out, since if I read this right, it's linked to other caches of polonium. But I wouldn't bother, they already told me no, and they're stating the disassembly of the Dropship cubicle."

I paled. "Understood."

Kath tsked. "I understand why they don't want to pull out, that bay alone will take an easy hour to disassemble, rest? Eee. We're pushing how long before Spencer's militia will come a …" What she was about to say was cut off by the communications watch calling.

"Ma'am? Communication from Archer, Commander Blackwing." She patched it though.

"Hey, Ferret? You did bribe the locals, didn't you?" Asha's tone was a bit confused.

"Yes… I did, overbribed, too." I paused. "Let me guess, they didn't stay bought?" I sighed, as Kath was glared at by Case.

"You had to say something. Damned clanner!" Case's snarl was only accompanied by his pushing off the bulkhead as he started heading for where our lance was stored. Kath rolled her eyes and followed him.

"Yes. One Leopard, twelve Planetlifters, if I had to bet, carrying mechs, from what we see up here, and about the same carrying light tanks. Oh, and call it a battalion of infantry, in helicopters keeping pace. Two Lightnings and four Sabres for aerospace cover, and a wing of conair for ground attack."

"... Lovely." I hit general alert. I nodded once. "Asha, scramble your wing, if I don't call you off, I want you to own the Sky, then kill the Planet Lifters." I paused, part of me wondering where this assertiveness was coming from, the other part considering it Tuesday. "Leave the Leopard and helicopters for later. Time to arrival?"

"Say forty to fifty minutes before they land, depending where, and anywhere from a half hour to ten minutes before contact, based on that. I'd suppose they'd pick the farther away LZ, since your Long Tom on your Fortress can range on the other good one, or they might try an avalanche drop on your head. Fifty-five minutes if that's their plan. I'll be on frequency choice 4, and it'll take me thirty-five minutes to be able to start hammering them." She sounded slightly off.

"Upside a squadron of Vulcans, Lance of Stuka, squadron of Lightings and another of Sparrowhawks should make short work. I'll task the Stukas to punch out the Lightnings, and the Sparrowhawks to flush the Sabres for the Vulcans, then we feast on the Planetlifters." Her tone had lightened slightly. "Are you sure you don't want me to punch out the Leopard first?"

"You'll take too many casualties to make it worthwhile, I'd say. Do try to stay out of it's range. But if you think you can, after you flushed the Planetlifters… go for it." I paused. "Have Archer relay for Xanadu, please."

"You think they're going to actually listen?" Her tone was dry. "Done."

A short conversation from Asha had the same immigration official we had bribed on arrival, and that Morgan had some drinks with that night, on the line. Morgan had patched in.

"Ah, Mr. Morseau. How pleasant to hear your voice again. Can this wait? This last bit is a bit tricky, you understand." Morgan's affected Lyran accent and calmness under it amused me. Until the end, huh?

"As I have informed your security detail, I'm afraid my government demands a complete inspection of your dropships, as well as a complete tour of the disarmed and undisturbed Star League site, buried on our world. You understand. They even assigned a fair bit of our military to insist. How distrustful, I did try to assure them you were just after data, but … " You could hear the shrug.

"I suppose you didn't try very hard at all." Morgan's voice was amused. "Alas."

"Oh, yes." the man's tone was bemused. "Morgan, if that is your real name, I'm sure you think we're all backwards and barbaric, but really, LIC needs better covers. I do admit the arm candy you brought along was almost convincing, but we do have Burke's Peerage, and she's not in it." I winced. Dammit!

"I hate when people don't stay brought. So annoying." Morgan's voice was still amused. "Ferret, can you deal?"

I kept in my German accent, and responded. "Ja. Estimate is four assault or heavy, twelve to sixteen light 'Mechs, twelve to sixteen Scorpions, plus upwards of a battalion at most infantry. Blackwing Private Solutions is on intercept. Go or no go."

"Go. You know how long." I turned back to the conversation, as Morgan cut his line.

"Agent Morseau, I can assure you if you don't trouble us, the Archon will be most grateful."

His tone was amused. "Ah, but my government thinks she'd be even more grateful if she had to negotiate with us, instead of giving us the scraps. You know how it is, so untrusting." I didn't ground my teeth, but it was hard at the next line. "I have informed Blackwing Private Solutions that we've informed Comstar that they're a pirate band, and if they broke off, well, we would say we were mistaken. Accidents happen. I'm sure they will understand, and it'd be a shame for you to suffer one, in your pretty little dropship."

I thought about it. Shrugged. "We shall see, Herr Morseau. But as for what we came for. Molon Labe, good Herr." I clicked it off. "Tell Armstrong to run out it's Long tom,and prepare it, and pass to Asha, blow them out of the air. If they try for an avalanche drop, keep our weapons hidden til large laser range, then open up."

Melissa bin Salah al Din, the Captain of Xanadu simply nodded and turned to her crew as I departed to where the Mechs waited. "You heard the General. To it!"

Shortly I was in Bun Bun, and flipping switches, as Deb fitted cables into my neurohelmet. She patted my head, and spoke. "Good to go, Ferret. Fire the Rabbit!" as she popped out of the cockpit.

"What is the duty of all good men?" Bun Bun's voice spoke

"Destroy evil instantly." My response was cold and sad.

Lights flickered from amber and red to green except 3 lights which remained red.

"And to remember, beware, lest you become what you fight."

The last three lights switched to green.

Bitching Betty's voice came on now. "Reactor nominal, gyro nominal, master arm off, all systems ready." Even her voice, the standard for all Battlemechs sounded eager for combat in so long.

Striding out, I switched to the relay for the people in the Blackheart installation. "Outside Morgan and his people get to the dropships. Only mechs and Morgan's team will remain." I looked around and saw Kath's Marauder wiggle slightly as she tested the recent refits we had done to her electronics and Case's Redline punch upwards. Last but not least was Kalish Winter, who was as quiet as her last name, who was driving a near clone to Bun Bun.

"Ma'am? If we have an hour, we can get the dropship cubicle out. No question. I have the trucks, the loader mechs, and am already disassembling. It'd take a thousand tons, but we can fit it." The officer in charge of the salvage team stated. "And doesn't Brigadier Blackhand need about another forty minutes?" I nodded, forgetting he couldn't see it.

"Understood." I nibbled my glove's tip as I thought. "Do it. JUST that one and make it as fast as you can." I switched to Morgan. "If you could…"

"As I said, a bit tricky, but routine. Thirty-five to forty minutes, fifteen or so to empty the secure vault, unless it's a motherlode." His tone was relaxed and confident.

"Understood." My eyes glanced to the readouts as Uri arranged the other mechs, around us. 16 to 12 in mechs, all things considered, given that we'd have the weight and fighting from our armed dropships, as well as Xanadu not being standard was well within our capability. It was the air and the extra tanks and infantry that'd make this interesting.

"Ferro has taccom." I radio'ed to everyone.

"Understood." His voice came back, calm and Collected, with waypoints and markers on where to be hitting every mech. "Dutchman, we want their air gone, y'hear?"

Asha's tone was sad. "They didn't listen, did they, Ferret?" She then responded to Ferro. "Tiger, understood. Ware, the Sabres have punched ahead, call it fifteen, the conair is about five behind, the others are still on profile for an avalanche drop, our intercept time seems to about the moment they get to you. Sorry."

"Understood. Anti-air capable, kill those Sabres." His voice rang. "Then the Conair. They're giving us a chance to let Dutchman's people own them."

I twitched as Bun Bun's right MFD light up with the sabers, and tracking information. I suddenly grinned. "Hey, Black?"

"Yesss?" Kath's voice drawled.

"Deb loaded heatseekers in mine and Elsa's Archers." My voice grinned.

Uri cut in. "Ferret, Elsa, Dropships, and any other, hold fire on the Sabres until they're in large laser range, then kill them. One salvo each for the Archers."

We all replied in affirmative.

I thought for a second, and a private channel opened to Ferro. "Major. Is it me, or are they coming in dumb?"

I heard the snicker on the reply. "Yes and no, Ma'am. It's dumb from our point of view, Xanadu alone could ruin those Sabres day, much less the Conair, and Asha's wing will tear them a new one as they're trying the drop."

I thought. "But they don't know our refits or Xanadu's capability."

"Even if they did, I suspect their plan." Ferro's tone was amused. "Which is why the Sabres only get wrecked at midrange, the Conair we kill the moment we can, copy?"

"... They want to ground the dropships."

Ferro's tone was satisfied. "That's my bet."

"And we're going to chop them up." I sighed, and switched frequencies. "Solo, do not set the base to be destroyed, what. So. ever."

"Ma'am?" Blackhand's tone was bemused. "I'd have thought…."

"Tempting, yes, but they're going to need to sell this stuff to replace what we're about to destroy, or the pirates have lunch." My voice was sad. While part of me, and I wasn't sure where this came from exulted in the chance to show what I could do, an older part disliked killing the militia, and not just from the thought of leaving Spencer weaker against Pirates.

"Understood. Will disarm what I had my squad setting up." Morgan's voice was professional about it. "Shame."

"They're having a bad enough day." I responded.

A dark chuckle was my only response.

"Black, Case, Elsa. Ready?" I had switched to my lance's channel as I saw the Sabres streak closer and closer, while waiting.

"Sucks to be them." Case's response was satisfied and dark.

"Ready. Shame they didn't listen." Kath's tones matched Asha's I thought, and summed up my feelings well.

"Tracking." Winter's voice was calm.

I felt myself settle into a zen like state, as I waited. Shortly Bitching Betty spoke. "Targets in range." I felt Bun Bun's eagerness to unleash, but I held back until the moment was right.

Forty missiles unleashed themselves from my Archer's exposed tubes, joining the dropships and the other 'Mech's fire. In less than two seconds, there were no more Sabres, as they simply disappeared under the weight of fire.

Asha's sensor relay kept going, showing the conventionally powered aircraft boring in, either not afraid of what had destroyed their space cousins, or braver than most militia would be.

"Damn." My voice was sad as they sped closer to our range. "They're not breaking off."

Uri's voice cut off my lance's responses. "This is likely the best they have, and they know the score. They're hoping numbers count, and that they can do their mission before we kill them. Dropships, expect heavy rocket fire if there are any leakers." I blinked.

"Rocket?" I responded, only to have Case answer.

"Yeah, after Kath's little band dropped by to say hi to the Domains, they cobbled it together, Cabbit." Case's tone was amused. "And then decided to sell it to every podunk band and single world. Surprised the majors haven't picked it up yet." His tone was disappointed. "Idiots."

I thought, in the minute or so I had left as the supersonic fighters streaked towards range… "Not invented here, communication sloth, and a lack of perceived need, maybe?"

Kath shot back. "Think militias wouldn't need it, or imagine a Scorpion replacing it's autocannon with them?"

I was silent for a moment, and then sighed. "... Point. Make a note."

"Done." Case's voice responded. "Easy money."

Fire rang out again, as the small and light craft streaked across our range. They simply seemed to melt under our fire, but three made it into firing range of the rockets Uri had warned about. Xanadu took a staggering sixty of them scattered across her hull, while Armstrong County, our Fortress had taken nearly double that.

While neither dropship suffered any hull breeches, Gumarich Lama, Armstrong's capitan broke into the channel. "Can y'all make sure that they don't hit my nose? One or two good salvos of that weight will make sure we aren't going anywhere. We aren't Xanadu, after all, after the refits."

He was referring to the fact Xanadu had a hull and frame refit, as well as other items. She was far tougher and stronger than a standard Princess, which explained why the strike fighters hadn't focused their fire.

"Armstrong, Tiger. Will do." Uri's voice cut across. "All Harem elements. Expect Avalanche drop outside our range in… eight. Dropships, expect the Leopard to try to play ground support and of course… in… call it five. It's possible Blackwings will murder them first, but don't count on it. Armstrong, deploy your response." His voice was calm, cool, and collected.

Even though Bun Bun was one of the coolest running mechs, he still built up some heat, and the situation and my own jitters about the situation had caused a sheen of sweat to be trapped between my skin and the cooling suit I wore, I had to grin. Armstrong County, a Fortress class dropship, had a Long Tom artillery cannon in her nose, like all other Fortresses. But, unlike most, she could fire it without having to 'deploy' it in a manner that rendered her unable to move. It retracted and extended from a turret, which took a bit of tricky refit to arrange, and was a bit cranky, and not recommended to leave extended for space ops. But worth it here.

Bun Bun's left MFD beeped for attention, and I watched as the first tracked cargo vehicle popped out of the base, carrying half the loader exoskeletons. It was also dragging an improvised trailer, and was overloaded to boot, and clearly straining to get the cargo to Xanadu, where I suspected the majority would be loaded up the ramp waiting. It actually only took a minute, and shortly the loader suits were unloading the excess, and the "Regular Auxiliary Support Vehicle, Cargo", a fifty ton tracked vehicle was speeding off to the waiting Fortress, and a second one was parking to be unloaded, while a third and a fourth came out. Before I could sigh in relief, Uri spoke.

"They're dropping, it looks like… Call it a company of infantry, a Merlin, huh, bit unusual, a Rifleman, Asha…"

A sharp "Spotted." answered that call, since the Rifleman was one of the three mechs most noted for anti air capability, and Ferro continued on.

"A Griffin, and a Hunchback from the Leopard." Before he could continue, Asha's fighters were tearing into the unarmed and lightly armored Planetlifters, a cargo aircraft, like the old C-130.

In thirty seconds, I had lost a pilot, and her Sparrowhawk, while the other five of her squadron fled back to the carrier in orbit, but not a single cargo aircraft was in the sky, and the Hellcats went streaking for the helicopters, which had turned and tried to flee.

The Vulcans and Stukas, chased after the Leopard, which was now shooting at them and us, while taking fire from rear and front, and the Eagles and Lightnings dueled. Shortly, neither Lightning was in the sky, but both Eagles had joined the Sparrowhawks in heading for orbit, having their armor stripped to near nothing.

The Leopard's pass, had rained fire on the two dropships, hitting Xanadu harder this time, as well as hitting two of our mechs, and one of the already unloaded RASVs as it tried to scurry up the the waiting ramp into Armstrong County. While it wasn't destroyed, it had a clear set of blackened streak marks, where it's armor had been nearly penetrated.

Before I could turn and fire on the returning Leopard, it had tried to climb for orbit to get away from Asha.

"Oh… my god." I didn't realize I had spoke, as the Leopard suddenly caught on fire, and rolled over. Within thirty seconds, the explosion several miles away told me nearly 2,000 tons of combat ship had died.

"Eyes front!" Ferro's voice snapped. "Enemy contacts. Two heavy, two medium, seven light, plus a half dozen Scorpions and Pegasus hovercraft! Engage at will. Armstrong, pull your cannon back! Keep only two ramps down, Xanadu, just two as well."

The two dropships obeyed, and hadn't been penetrated in the short exchange of fire, but it was clear both would need repairs soon, and I wasn't sure how Armstrong's nose was still intact.

"Sorry, Harem elements, can't provide air cover. Except for the Hellcats, all of us are DLC, and while we didn't lose anyone else…"

"Break and see in you a bit, Dutchman, you did yours." Ferro's tone was crisp. "We got this, Forward, Harem!" All of us started moving at that.

Somehow, the company I was in, more or less the command company of mechs for the Heavy Cav, had been nicknamed, 'Kikyo's Harem.' As if.

We rushed forward, seeking to meet them outside their range of the dropships, as they rushed to get there, so the ships couldn't leave. I really wished I could wipe the sweat from my brow, as it stung my eyes. I couldn't quite parse how I was feeling as the first LRMs streaked across the battlefield, most seeing me, and my lance mate. Case's Gauss rifle had also spoken, sadly after the long ranged missile fire, but the Locust had simply plowed into the dirt a second later.

"Goddammit!" I snapped, as Bun Bun rocked to the fire landing on him. I wasn't good enough as Winters was to simply dance though the long ranged missile fire and only take a missile or two, I had eaten an easy dozen, and Bun Bun's rocking was him adjusting to the loss of nearly a ton of armor. I paled, noting a crater on my exterior window, made of armored plexiglass, with spiderwebs from it.

Kath's shout of "Keep your head in, Ferret!" brought my attention back to the display showing my fire's landing. Unlike Winter's, my missiles by and large had gone wild, though a Commando had taken a few hits. Winters had concentrated on a Scorpion, which was now burning, and Kath had put down one of the Stingers. Other long range fire had managed to destroy one Valkyrie, as well as a second Scorpion, but the majority of forces were still intact.

More fire criss crossed, the LRM's now all focusing on Case's Hunchback. I obeyed the order with Winters to fall to the back of the group, but half watched amazed as he simply grooved though nearly eighty missiles at medium range for them. It wasn't that they couldn't hit him, it was he wasn't there for them to hit.

Our answering fire had erased one of the Wasps, as well as the remaining Scorpion light tanks, who had no place here, but a general communication responded.

"Why are you doing this? This is our world, and you're acting like pirates." I blinked, as Bun Bun helpfully illuminated the mech making the transmission. It was the Merlin, and her pilot was the same agent who had been our major point of contact.

As autocannon fire joined the missiles, lasers and particle cannon fire streaking across the battlefield, I felt I owed him a reason. I was still back peddling carefully, as my missiles were being added to the fire, but a display showed one of Uri's Hunchbacks stagger, and retreat towards the Fortress. Solo broke in, and stated, calmly. "We're in, five to ten minutes to get what's here and out. Not a lot, but worthwhile."

I sighed, and Bun Bun helpfully opened the channel. "Needs must, Mr. Morseau. Needs must."

"Pirates!" I felt a stitch of autocannon fire and a pair of lasers streak across Bun Bun's torso, and I barely kept my balance, as the remaining light mechs used this time to try to break past our line, to get at the Archers and the dropships. I was drawing all the long ranged fire thanks to that.

"Idiot!" Kath snapped, shoulder checking me into a fire, which kept a PPC bolt from hitting my already weakened cockpit.. "Tiger, Black, Dutchman reports a Union en route. 10 minutes." Her PPCs fired, and the Rifleman's left side exploded, joining me on the ground.

"Understood. Solo, Wrecker. Time?" Uri snapped as he fed orders, and watched as his lancemate nailed the last bugmech trying to break though. I pushed myself back up, as the Merlin fired a PPC bolt at Kath, only for it to slightly miss, and score Bun Bun's back. I hit the restraints keeping myself in the chair, as Bun Buns' left ammo supply exploded out of his back, due to the PPC penetrating the ammo bins.

"To Xanadu, Ferret. Now." Uri snapped. His PPCs nailed the Merlin, blowing off one of it's legs.

I pushed myself up, tasting blood where I had bitten my tongue, and fire raced across my back, as the downside to Bun Bun's advanced electronics made themselves known. I knew how Bun Bun felt. And he was very angry, I thought while I believed I had heard Wrecker say that he and the last were finishing unloading and would be done and in the dropships in less than five minutes.

As Winters came by to help lift me up, the last Valkyrie stopped and kicked her, causing her to stagger, as it's medium laser tracked to where my cockpit was. "Forgive me, dear, but you should have obeyed…" Whatever else he was about to do was cut short by Case's fist slamming into his cockpit, crumpling it, and dropping the mech.

"That's one you owe me, and one you owe Kath. Get to the ship, idiot." With his and Winter's help, I obeyed, noting the surviving Spencer Lance retreated.

I shook a bit at realizing how close I had come again to dying here. "Actually, two that I owe you. That was the so called immgration official." I responded after getting my voice under control.

"Everyone who's at state five or worse, board." Ferro's tone was relaxed, and calm, as the last RASV boarded Armstrong, and Solo's voice. "Headed to the ships. 2 minutes."

Shortly, less than a minute, really, Deb's people were clamping Bun Bun in place. "Kikyo, Kikyo, Kikyo. Not your place." She shook her head, as she helped pull my shaking body out of of my chair.

"It was. It is." I responded, as she had pulled off the helm while we were on the gantry, and she offered a bottle of water, which I gulped eagerly as I felt the vibrations of the ramps closing, and Xanadu lifting.

Dropship Xanadu, docked to Jumpship Norfolk, unnamed system, Morning, New Avalon Time, August 13th

Case popped a beer, as we spun along Norfolk's axis while she recharged to rejoin the fleet. If schedules were met, we'll meet up entering the system on the same day, the 18th. "Still smarting at the strips bitten off?"

His smirk annoyed me. "No, I deserved it." I looked at the cased boxes against the wall.

"Still trying to think if Rohne's death was worth it, I bet." Case took a long pull from his beer. "Blackwing's already written that letter, but nooo…" I too had written the letter to her next of kin, knowing I had gotten an eighteen year old girl killed while she was dreaming of the stars.

"...I know it was. No, is. But…" I looked out the cracked window, it too had taken a hit in the battle, but was patched already, and I was assured that it'd be good until we could get full repairs.

"But nothing." He pushed a beer across my desk, and I opened it. "She died, so sad, so tragic, so young. So did the bastards that killed her. So does countless others. This ain't twentieth century Earth, cabbit. Get hard."

I bit my tongue at his cold words. He was right. But I shot back. "It will be."

Case just looked at me, his eyes saying what he'd not. "Uh-huh…" as Uri and Kath walked in to 'discuss' my performance. Again.

I knew that the discussion would hold around the fact that I didn't do what the smart play was, and that was stay as far back as possible. I drove an Archer, therefore I should be at least a kilometer away from the enemy at all times. With Bun Buns' sensors, that was the smart play, the sane play, and kept me all but out of enemy fire. Only matching LRMs or PPCs could reach out, and Uri was talking about adding an ECM mech to the company to make sure those wouldn't have a good time at that range.
But, Kath and Uri seemed bound and determined to impress on me, long range was my friend, close combat which my martial arts, and admittedly my past life in the 20th and 21st century had made me prefer, was not the answer and was why Bun Bun was still being repaired. Let's not mention my tendency to pause when flushing my LRMs at the enemy, either. Shoot and scoot was as old as mechanized warfare for a reason, and I damned well would learn it.

Airless room, unnamed system, location of a CIA installation, Midday, New Avalon time, August 19th

"Well, Kikyo." Alt's voice sounded though my suit's speakers. "There's nothing here but service files. Not a complete waste of time, since this is a really weird array I'm looking at, but realistically?" We had found a roughly kilometer in radius rock, with a docking port for small craft. The initial investigations showed a mesh of wires and boxes at various joins of the web, but it's purpose was't clear until Alt called us in. Ran and Kathryn waved off, so I and Case went, since the station was clear, and it was just that, a station for living, nothing major.

Case snarked for her. "Snark hunting. Always fun."

I shook my head. "Okay, so it's a giant radio antenna. What else?"

Alt's head nodded. "Good question that. I'm not quite sure, myself." She pulled up a display, looking crisp and clear. "Every about oh, 500 meters, are these things on the array." She flicked a finger on a pad, blowing it up, and showing the innards.

Case's head tilted. "Hey. Aren't those in our fusion reactors? Smaller, mind you, but looks exactly like them."

Alt's visored glass turned to me and Case. "Uh…"

"... Case, those are exactly that, and they're KF Detectors." I paused, then facepalmed.

"Okay, so?" Case clearly didn't get it. Odd, for such a brain.

I turned to Alt. "How big are these arrays?"

She turned, and looked at a few screens. "Call it several thousand kilometers, at best, in a web around this rock."

"I… wonder." I tilted my head, referring to my classes, well, Kikyo-orginal's classes on the KF detectors reactors needed.

Case was annoyed at my tone. "Wonder what, Ferret, giant boxes to detect reactors? What's the point?"

"They detect KF fluctuations, the same you see inside reactors, and a jump or a HPG transmission is just a KF fluctuation, after all."

Alt's head flipped to the display with the KF Detector on it. "How sensitive would one of those be?"

I shook my head. "Not sure, would depend on a lot."

"So… this could be a jump detector array for light years, when fully up?" Case got it.

Alt sharply nodded. "That'd do it, yep, and with the computer power here…"

"Can we disassemble it?" I paused. "Rephrase, is it worth it, or is just the idea enough."

"I'll pull all technical data, but really? Besides the small HPG here, and the next black box, nope, nothing's really worth it, since getting to the computers would require us to spend a month and a half. My advice would be to let Hanse send a team back to salvage what he wants from here, but take the HPG and the other K-fax."

I sighed. "Okay. Let's do that." I flipped to the general frequency, and relayed Alt's advice to the Marshal, who agreed.

"Still, this has been quite satisfying, I'd say, General." His tone was happy. "A working intact Mobile HPGs, these… K-faxes, service files, and the idea here. The Prince will be very happy. Plus, we can salvage these computers, too, I suppose. It'll be up to the First Prince."

I knew he was right, and all things equal, the Argo's machine shops and small auto factories in their faraday cages for shielding from Jumps, and why did they need those, holographic computers didn't need EMP proof shielding, after all, that's the reason they supplanted chip based binary computers, and the only reason. Well, that and they were as reliable as all hell, and didn't die at the temperatures combat vehicles could get to. Well, the Argo and it's datacore, it's repair and replacement capabilities, the K-faxes, and now the fifty-ton HPG, would make Hanse a very happy man, and he'd consider this a smashing success. So why did I feel so disappointed?

"Onward, to the last unknown system?" Kath's tone was teasing. "Don't worry, Artu will be what we expect it to be." Case's grin equaled hers.

"Remember, ferret girl, you promised." His tone was dark, but I nodded.

"I have a plan, actually, Case, one you'd like." I grinned. "But, as Kath says. Onwards to this Castle Watchtower. I'll put a hundred on it's another one of these."

"I'll take that bet." Kath sighed. "I bet it's a Reunification war era depot."

Alt snickered at our byplay. "Cut me in, I'll take it as an astronomy watch point."

Case looked at all of us. "Nah, I'll put double or nothing, it was an SLDF fallback point, for what did happen. That's my bet." His amusement was clear.

"Easy money, Case. We can't be that lucky." Kath shot back. "But, yeah, let's go."

I nodded, and turned. "It could be worse, I guess, at least we're finding some things, and as the Marshall said, Hanse's going to be very happy."

Kath's grin was heard from behind me as I bounced though the station. "Happy enough to give you a third date?"

Hanse's office, Castle Davion, New Avalon, midafternoon, August 20th.

"Ah, Yvonne. It is so good to see you." Hanse stood up and walked around the desk to kiss her on the cheek as she dropped a stack of files on it.

"If I believed that, I'd be the sucker some claim you are." She shook her head. "Report via the cut outs from Task Force Medea." She sat down across from Hanse's desk.

"Summarize please, I'm curious now." Hanse's eyes alight. "I thought they'd be out of contact for at least another week, if they made their most optimistic schedule, at Artu."

"Apparently, when they recovered the Argo, Colonel Steiner's codes, and I'd love to know where and how she got them, popped the databanks wide open, and they found a couple of places to check out. One on Spencer. They're going in as Lyrans to cover who they really work for."

"Nice, very nice." He shook his head. "Anything else?"

"Argo's recovered, intact but damaged, they had hopes of recovering about two dozen jumpships…." Hanse's eyes narrowed

"Two dozen… but you said had, so?" His tone sounded cautious.

"They're write-offs, on initial survey. The majority of the people will stay behind to verify it, but they aren't holding out much hope." She shook her head. "Shame, but with three other locations, and Artu, plus of course, the plan for Kikyo to head towards Illyria…" She smiled. "It's not like we're missing out on anything, and if Artu's core pans out?"

"Worth it, just the data alone." He nodded sharply. "Did they send a summary of what locations are on the map, and what else was in it?"

Yvonne's head shook. "No. They wanted to keep their largest one time encoding for after the Artu find. Unless something else comes up, of course."

"Well, part of me hopes not, since the mission's priority is Artu, after all, after the Argo, but … wouldn't it be nice." His tone went wistful.

"Don't be too greedy, the Argo alone might be worth it, and Artu's databanks, even if it's just a standard SLDF Field Library for people in the Castle, is still going to be damned useful."

"Oh… I know, but…" His roguish grin spoke. "Dream big. I'd like to be able to award them massively, and I'd need a good reason for that. I want it too."

Yvonne's eyebrows narrowed. She had been carefully tracking his movements, and a few times he had stopped at a very discreet brothel specializing in certain things.

"Again, Hanse, Artu if even just the data core… is a prize. A prize worthy of a prince." She childed, bringing Hanse to earth.

"I know, I know." He looked at the other files. "Well. No rest for the wicked. What fresh disasters do I have to deal with now?"

Yvonne Davion, Prince's Champion smiled. She started walking him though the issues with the AFFS and several other projects she was keeping a tight lid on as they put the Argo and Artu mission aside for now.

Katrina's lounge, The Triad, Thrakad, Lyran Commonwealth, Late evening, August 23rd.

"So!" The Archon, a stunning blonde woman, waited til Simon had settled. "Exactly what were you up to on Spencer, that had the Canopian Ambassador so annoyed."

Simon Jonston, a somewhat forgettable man, blinked. "Spencer?" He paused, racking his brain. "Spencer… near Canopus?" He paused for a moment, then shook his head.

"Yes, between them and the Coalition, that Spencer." She smiled back. "Something about a lost Star League site? Have you been holding out on me, Simon?"

"Ah… no, I haven't, Katrina. Not at all. If it was a Lyran who disturbed them, it wasn't my people. I'll find out fast, for you." His tone hardened on the last.

"Oh, I doubt it was them. Several possibilities sprung to my mind, but it'd not surprise me if it was a SAFE operation, meant to discredit us and remind those in the area who the 'good' guys are." She paused, though her tone grew slightly sad. "If it was yours, only one person was lost, and they gathered some things, including the data core from the site." She tilted her head. "After destroying about twenty five percent of Spencers' modern battlemech forces, as well as it's aerospace fighters."

Simon blinked. "Impressive. As you say, tomorrow morning I'll look into it." He shrugged. "I can agree with your basic view, it does seem to fit how heavy handed SAFE can be, the Cappelians would have used the Davions, the Davions would have used the Cappelians, and we would have used the Mariks, of course." He smiled. "It could always be a Lyran who got too greedy, I suppose."

"Could be. Why not the Combine, Simon?"

"Because they'd have either owned up to it, or honestly, blamed the Davions too. And you implied that they didn't blow the site under pressure." He grinned.

Katrina laughed. "True, true. Well, as amusing as it is, I'll be sure to inform the Ambassador that my government had no part in it, but if citizens of the Commonwealth did, I would so take them to task."

"Depending on what they brought home, I suppose." Simon's tone was dry.

"Of course. I said task. Not punishment."

MageOhki · Feb 29, 2020

Can someone explain to me why there's different formatting glitches between SB and QQ? Or is this life's great mystery...

With a lever big enough I can move the world

A Battletech FanFiction

By

Andrew "MageOhki" Norris.

Readers: Those of you more familiar with the HBS game setting (Battletech), or have acquired the House Aranao Sourcebook for Battletech, realize I will be taking severe liberties with the source material. You have two choices: 1. Accept that House Aranao and other material that contradict what I have written wasn't in my hands at the time, and pre-readers and kibitzers did not note the mistake til it was too late and accept this is a slightly altered universe. (Writer's note: I find the information of the Coalition's status in 3026 laughable. Are you trying to tell me they're weaker than the frigging MARIANS?) Or 2: Be a purist and stop reading. I honestly doubt if you've made it this far, if you're a purist, so my apologies in advance.

Chapter 6

Life is full of ups and downs. Operation Medea, after the easy recovery of the Argo,
was three disappointments after another. No jumpships, a battle that had reminded me of the cost of war, for the first time in this universe, and then a station that we couldn't really salvage except for an item we already had, and a long term project to destroy Comstar. When we had bet on what Castle Watchtower would be, Case was the optimist.

The Lesson I learned at Castle Watchtower. Yes, being a cynic or a pessimist means all your surprises are pleasant. And that I owed Case 200 c-bills. Which I was very happy to pay.

As I've said before, this is a not so nice universe. I got reminded of that, at Artu. The saddest bit, wasn't so much the destruction, which even the locals admitted was well above historical norms, but outside the scope of the raid, how routine it was for both sides, in a lot of ways. Piracy is a heinous crime. Yet… these people in primus had grown so used to it, it was like the weather to them. Remember, I did say this wasn't a nice universe. Artu truly made that point. And … made me question truly what I did on Spencer. Was it any different, admittedly in at least wanton violence, than what the pirates did to Artu, just because it was state sanctioned? I still don't have a good answer.

From the journals and notes of Kikyo Onishi, New Avalon Press, 3291 AD, as part of the "Century of Chaos: The Movers and Shakers." series.

See Chapter 1 for disclaimers and other information
I would like to thank Drakensis for kibitzing and Editing, JG/Joe Gunnarson (Of Whateley fame) for the same, Valles, Case/Fosfor, Minako/Scratx for kibitizing. Y'all made this go a LOT faster than the first two, thank you. Psyckosama deserves a special shoutout for helping reinspire, some basic visualization and idea throwing.

Bridge of Xanadu, unnamed system, early afternoon, New Avalon Time, August 27th.

"Transmission of Codes, complete." A pause from Helldog 1, the lead Hellcat 213, with Beagle active probe, an ideal recon bird for the mission we had, was broken by his next response. "Wow. A big cavern just lit up and it seems to lead deep into this rock, Dancer."

Dancer, or Commodore Micte Messana, my senior fighter pilot, responded. "Permission to proceed, one lance, then another when you're breaking up on the relay, granted, Helldog."

"Copy that, Dancer. One meter per second." His reporting in, updating us on the status and the look of the cavern inside the asteroid quickly became background.

I leaned over to Mitcte, looking at her salt and pepper curly hair. "Dancer? Never asked."

She answered distractedly. "Took ballet as a girl. It stuck." I nodded, and looked around the bridge of my home. Kikyo-original had planned it to be her home, and a home for Aiko, as the rent on a dropship pad was cheaper, even with the flagging taxes needed for Xanadu, than buying a big house.

Kath leaned over. "Read the script you're writing. I severely doubt Hanse's censors are ever going to release it."

"Eventually, and Rohan will get the fame she deserves, she helped loosen a religious cult's grip on the universe." I responded quietly.

"Oh, no question. Just saying." Her response was in my ear as she leaned back. It really did help knowing the young pilot hadn't died in vain.

Ran floated over, quirking an eyebrow. "Discussing call signs? Mine's Beaver as you know. Got it because I do lumbering as an off time activity."

I stared at the monocled man. "I'm having problems seeing you in flannel." I finally responded.

"Oh, it's quite pleasant, on a cold winter's day," he responded, a grin gracing his lips, as we bantered, being joined by others about call signs we had and the worst we knew. As this went on, Asha remained quiet, looking at the feed from the Hellcats, looking over her superior's shoulder.

Before we could get too ribad, a shout broke through on the HellDog's channel. "CONTACT, MANY CONTACTS." A pause, as the feed updated. "Oh… my… god."

As we all looked Micte with a shaking hand, tossed the Hellcat's data feed to the Holotank.

After a long long long moment which no one even breathed… Katheryn finally spoke.
"Oi… vey."

"Bloody hell." Ran's voice was awed.

Micte summed up what we were seeing. "So, Boss Ferret. Which planet are you going to ask for?"

I weakly responded. "New Avalon?" It was meant as a joke, but Uri commented.

"He does need a duchess, and it'd save him paying for all this, yes." The tone was a bit shellshocked.

Kath read off the list in the Holotank as the fighters finally made it to the back of the cavern. "Nine warships, a Newgrange, a Belknap, " her tone had risen on the last in disbelief. So had mine. None of the Star League's mobile factory ships, designed to set up industrial bases of any nature had made it through the Amaris Civil war, much less left the Inner sphere with Kerensky, but some Newgranges had, and even though they were aimed at ship repair and building, they could do the same job, just slower. Before anyone would interrupt, she continued on.

"Six Monoliths, ten Star Lords, fourteen Invaders, fifteen Merchants, and last but not least four Scouts. While the data's saying there's dropships and other things, what has my eye is the damage to the warships, but the jumpships look solid."

"As long as their cores and those two…" Ran's voice was hushed. "Fabrication ships factories are intact, we will stay til we can get them out. My god."

Everyone nodded. Micte wasn't kidding, when she said Hanse just might marry me the moment I got back to New Avalon, the Belknap was beyond priceless if she had her fabrication capabilities online. Not only could she build anything the Star League could, she could easily build the factories to do so. A Newgrange as noted, was a giant yard ship, able to do what the Belknaps could, but was much better at shipbuilding, and often used to set up shipyards as well.

Case coasted over, a cigar stolen from somewhere, though if I had to bet, it was one of Morgans. "Soo… about that bet?"

"... okay." I had to admit. Case won. Again.

Castle Watchtower Control Room, midmorning, New Avalon tome, August 29th.

We had run ourselves to dropping and then picked ourselves up to do it again, seeing everything and verifying everything inside the asteroid, and had managed to tug *very* carefully our jumpships into it. It also helped that when the station had been mothballed, it was done so very carefully and only needed food and Oxygen to be brought back online. The senior command staff was gathered for a preliminary briefing from Ahmad, who had taken over the shipwright's part of the operation, and was de facto head.

"Thanks to Miss Cunningham, we have a summary of the events here." Cummin ran his hand though his thinning hair. "First, this is basically a pair of Hughes class stations, the Star League's assemble-on-the-spot space stations?" He looked at us, seeing us all nod. Those were the Star Leauge's semi-portable space stations to do shipyard and repair work on their vast fleets, and were developed before the Newgrange class was designed and built.

"Kerensky took most of the surviving ones with him, if I remember right." Kath's tone was idle, but I could tell the strain of her not saying 'Great Father' instead of Kerensky. Case simply grinned at her.

Cummin's nod answered her. "There's indications a few more of these are around, though, so…" He shrugged. "Anyways, they put these in place about the same time they finished Quatre Belle, as a reserve backup, call it 2725, if well…" He shrugged, as Asha picked up.

"The exploited nations of the Periphery rose up to cast off the Star League's benevolent rule?" Her tone was acidic.

Ran turned at looked at both of the spacers. "We can discuss politics later, gentlemen and ladies. I understand and can empathize with both sides of that debate, but this is not the time, nor the place." He looked around, and received nods. "Continue, Admiral."

Cummin nodded and did so. "Well, there was a full crew here all along, the SLDF never really hurted for manpower in those years, and well, a lot of CIA, SLDF Intelligence and Navy ships who didn't want to be seen came through here for refit and repair. However… These ships came from the fleets involved in the Uprising, all ate at least a nuke close enough to be annoying, or so their logs say."

Ran's face shut down at that, that could mean the ships were going to be a lot more hassle than he had hoped. Cummin however smiled.

"While Kerenksy was ripping the Rim Worlds apart, and then bulldozing his way to Terra, the roughly three people were left here to keep an eye on them, decided to fix them and decomm them. These Jumpships didn't take a nuke close enough to kill them, but just close enough to pick up enough nasty radiation in the hulls and crew areas. Must have been just far enough away from the warships as the Perp navies fought the SLN." He shrugged. "None of the ships now have any radiation, mind you, and all the Jumpships should be in working order. Warships are in varying states of repair, though core surveys were done, and that's why they weren't scrapped at all. It appears that some of the jumpships and better off Warships were repaired and sent off with parts they picked off these warships, but there was no need for the jumpships."

Cummin noted the disbeliving looks at his last statement, and expanded on it. "After the uprising, and during the Civil War, Kernseky's issue wasn't jumpships, hell, not even warships, in fact, However, there's some notes that several were sold outright by him, and the station had delivered them to the buyers. He was short on money and people. Trained combat spacers don't grow on trees, and while the SLN's jumpship crews weren't of the quality of the warship crews, they still were trained to the same standard."

"I see. He took these ship's crews, and used them elsewhere, and what ships the caretakers could fix, were sold off?" Ran's eyes brightened however at what truly interested him.. "So the cores themselves are intact? And all the ships aren't radioactive?"

Cummin nodded. "And at least according to logs, they finally finished testing and fixing all the fabrication and factory parts on the Newgrange and the Belknap. But given their damage, they were loath to take them out. The Jumpships themselves were repaired fully, then mothballed completely. "

Katheryn broke in. "So, why were they left here?" Kath was interested too, clearly as she leaned forward.

Cummin shrugged. "Based on the last log entry, before the station itself was shut down, Kerensky sent his recall and assembly order for the Exodus. By this point, all the remaining shipyard crew were fully qualified to crew the Jumpships, and a few warships, which they took with them." He turned and looked around. "This is what they didn't have crew for when they left. As for why Kerensky didn't send crews for the rest?" He shrugged. "No idea."

Ran smiled. "And you say this is a pair of Hughes, did you not?"

"Attached and semi buried inside the Asteroid, yes." Cummin's tone was wary. "You do realize we're going to have to investigate every ship, and at the least, refill their tanks? The Helium to keep the ship's cores cold, is never stored while not active, because it'd have boiled off by now? And any hydrogen left, which you don't do during mothballing, or major repairs, is also pretty much gone from them, same reason."

Ran sighed. "And how much fuel is left on the station, Admiral?"

Cummin winced.

"That bad?" I finally broke in.

"Helium is all but gone, 200 years and it'd boil off and leak, of course." He shrugged. "There's enough maybe to keep one core cool. Of a Scout." He noted the winces at that. "It is what it is. As for Hydrogen, even with us putting half of the Aqueducts remaining in, it's needed for the station, and if we run more than we are, might last six months of half operation."

"Still." Ran smiled. "Hydrogen isn't a problem, annoying, yes, but not a problem. Helium, bit trickier, but I'm sure the Prince will make it happen."

I couldn't resist. "Even if he has to squeaky voice all the way here for us?"

Katheryn, Case and even Ran laughed. "Indeed." The Marshal removed his glass as he wiped his eye. "I could see him doing exactly that, for these prizes."

Cummin shook his head. "Ain't that easy, Marshal. Assuming everyone of our task force is a fully trained shipyard worker, which we aren't, and trained in this hardware, which we sure as hell aren't, you're still looking at just to reactivate the jumpships, call it…" He thought for a moment. "Based on how we got the Cav's… forty-one days with triple shifts, and trained crews. Per jumpship. Warship, damned if I know. You'd be able to make a good of a guess as I, since we're going to need to fix hulls, drives and other components. As for getting the station out of the rock?" His shrug said it all. "Personally, if we get it all done in five years, with what we have here, I'd say we were dammed lucky. Even with extra personnel, it'd be a question if we can do it in two. My bet, some of us will still be here when the next decade starts, in 3021. If not the decade after that."

Katheryn Sandoval tilted her head. "Surely, for this, The Prince would send a lot of people. You're being a pessimist."

I, and surprisingly Ahmad shook our heads. I gave the floor to the most experienced spacer I knew. "Ma'am. There aren't enough people. To use this stuff, you're looking at the few from Kathil, Delavan and Galax. And they're needed there."

I picked up. "Not to mention how much you want to bet that ISF, Maskirovka, LIC, SAFE, hell, Comstar itself watches them like hawks?'

Katheryn blinked. "Well, outside Comstar, I don't want your money. But why would they?"

I shook my head. Ran cleared his throat. "Comstar is interested in the flow of economies, and if we suddenly took a fair bit of shipyard crew, they'd wonder what and where are we placing those highly trained, and high paid professionals. That's one reason, the others we suspect, you aren't cleared for, Colonel." His tone is reproving.

I nodded. "I wonder how Hanse managed to hide the 100 or so we have." I looked at Ran, who shrugged.

"Not our problem. MIIO and DMI are very good at what they do, so…" He shrugged. "They likely played a shell game to do it." He turned to Cummin. "So, to get any ships up and running, you say, we need hydrogen and helium." Cummin nodded. "Yeah, and call it 100 days per ship, with the crew we have that can mothballed ships. We might get it down to 50, but…" He shrugged. "That's the jumpships. Dropships here, will be easier, warships?" He sighed. "Figure we'll have to fix them on site. I have no idea, except as noted, I don't think we will be leaving this rock anytime soon."

Ran shook his head. "Katheryn, I'll take the Admiral's word for it. And… honestly, this changes everything." He looked around. "I wonder how I'll look with a Duke's title as my new name." He shook himself. "That was a joke."

Sandoval snorted, her curls bouncing. "It might be your idea of a Joke, Sir. But ten gets you my entire pension, at least one of us, it won't be a joke."

Ahmed snorted. "I'll not take your pension, Colonel. I'd put hard odds on you, me, pretty much any flag being offered exactly that."

Felsner paused for a moment, then nodded. "I don't believe I'll give you money, Admiral, you are well paid as it is. And likely to be even more so. I have seen the contract for this mission."

Ahmed's teeth glittered in response, harkening back to his ancestor's desert warrior days, and looking at a fat caravan. "I know. I'd pity the boss's bank balance. But considering what it'll look like…"

I deadpanned. "Har. Har. Har." Pausing, I nodded. "I take it, outside a wing of fighters, and well, the shipwrights, plus a few support personnel, we're departing to Artu?"

Ran *smiled*. "I do think the Prince would want this news as soon as possible, I do. So, yes. We go." He looked around. "Let's be about this, people."

Dropship Xanadu, Artu System, Nadir jump point. Sept 14th, 3015.

I blinked away the jump nausea and after effects that almost everyone gets, but in my case weren't very severe, while I saw Case snoring away, and Asha simply shrugging as she released the handhold she grabbed for the jump.

"Ma'am." Xanadu's captain turned to me. Melissa nodded once. "All ships accounted for, and all have reported in. However… the Admiral reports fading jump signatures, at least two, from here, about an hour old, he thinks.

I turned to look at Asha, who's eyes closed. "Pirates." she answered softly.

"And now us. Oh, blessed spirits…" I sighed. I felt Xanadu detach from Indiana, and slowly maneuver into place with the rest of the dropships. The workup took about an hour, but shortly we were in formation and thrusting in system.

Ran's voice came over all bridges. "We are sending a communique, going with the ruse that Brigadier Blackhand and General Onishi started on Spencer. We'll see if it works, which I have no great hope for, but if it doesn't, really, no harm done." He smiled over the video. "If it does, well. A slight dig at the Taurian and Lyran friendship isn't a bad thing."

He sobered up at the laughter. "Assuming they wish to offer us resistance, and given the reports of the jumpship signatures, and the sparse news broadcasts, I severely doubt they wish that, we shall take the steps needed only, and only to secure our objective, protect our forces, and most importantly, keep as many of these people alive. They've been through enough, and we're not here to hurt them at all. In fact, if we can, I'd prefer arranging assistance, instead of battle. We'll play that angle. General Onishi's ships are well equipped to do such."

I nodded, and Asha's eyes closed in relief. "Marshal. Make sure they understand that we have the capability to treat wounded and help other ways. If we need to, staying a month or more would be fine, and it'd leave a good impression at least, when they see through our ruse."

Ran's smile was a bit winterly. "I agree. A month won't do much, but if nothing else…"

He sighed. Every Davion officer, well most Albion and NAMA graduates, at the least, spent some time in the Outback. Worn down by neglect, the pressures of the main fronts, and pirates, calling them Skid Row worlds, in reference to old Earth's bad areas in First world cities was apt. Ran, Katheryn, every Davion officer in the task force knew as well as we would shortly, how this would go and what condition we'd find. We could only hope the pirates didn't take a lot of slaves… or, as cold as it was, that they targeted the young nubile and studly looking teeangers, instead of the educated population. Too many pirates wanted those who knew how to fix things, teach, treat injuries, over sex slaves. And not many worlds out in the edges of settled space had them to spare. Which explained why the pirates wanted them, they didn't have enough either.

We waited, as Ran had me record a message and send it. Basically, playing Ditzy McLyran again, and saying how her guards told her there had been a pirate raid, and how we could help. None of us really thought it'd be taken seriously. We were too big, too massive to be anything short of a major invasion, and realistically? Here? It was the Taurians, who'd be hard pressed to mount this force, all the pirates of the area, or all the Domain's fleet, or well… what we were. Davions. And Artu was an ex-Taurian world, even with its alignment into the new, by galactic standards, Aurigan Coalition.

Finally, a day after the message was sent, we got a reply. Cautious, but it opened the lines of communication, and as playing the ditz, I was able to let Ran play off the "Lyran Mercenary" officer in charge of my safety, as I was funding a historical investigation.

The reply we got back about three hours, made it clear they didn't really believe the Ditzy McLyran bit, but in their current situation there wasn't fuckall they could do to us, and if we really meant to help out, could we check out this area? We didn't even have to ask for where we really wanted to go, as the Castle was close to the center of it. Also, would we be willing to put up some replacement com sats that they had managed to not get stolen this time?

Marshal Felsner quickly agreed, pointing out that we did have medical ships, and well, if they knew some areas that could use them… By the time we after six days of hard acceleration and deceleration, we had arrived in orbit. We arranged the personnel transfers, so two of our Comfort subclass Monarchs could go do their medical duties, with some engineers on the other side of the planet, plus an empty Mule to lift the sats for them, as well as both of our Aqueducts, as the planet was rich in water, and we needed the hydrogen.

We actually followed their guidance and control, which made the locals tell us that the Coalition would be sending troops and aid and they should arrive well, within the next couple of weeks. Ran thanked them, and said that our basic exploration would be more than done by then. With that… soon air began to whistle across our hulls as we approached the end point of the joint force's mission.

Command Center, Dropship Xanadu, Artu, midday local time, Sept 22nd, 3015.

After we had found the hidden entrance and gained entry via Kath and Morgan, and a quick survey had been done to find the main command post, we had assembled the computer teams. Looking around, I settled on the leader of them, a stunning brunette with tossed hair.

I looked Alt Cunningham and the other computer techs dead in the eye. "I repeat, again. If you find an air gapped computer or databank, use a computer that isn't linked, transmitting or networked to any other, and won't be until a complete and total scrub at NAIS is done on it. I'm not kidding, I will shoot you myself, if you break these orders."

Alt rolled her eyes for the other techs. "You've said that three times, now. Why?"

I blinked. I didn't tell them? Well… oops. They must be thinking my death threats were drama. Time to correct that.

"Dr. Cunningham? It's simple, Intelligence," such a useful word, that. "States that
this is one of the locations where Kerensky began research on anti CASPER software. A highly adaptive and lethal virus." Kath nodded behind me to back my point up.

One of the techs gulped. A virus meant to take out the Star League's ultimate expression of computer capability? Sentient warships, fighters, stations? Yeah, the computers of today would die screaming horribly to it. They got the point, as their nods indicated.

Alt had looked upwards in thought. "Would explain why they didn't use it, I suppose. They couldn't control it, given what we know about the CASPER network. Right, I thought you were just being… well, dramatic. If there's even a chance…" She shuddered, with Case patting her on the shoulder.

"As much as I'd like to say the sexpot's overreacting, this time? Nope." He nodded. "We'll get it done, and the rest of the people will begin the hardcore survey. We know we're on a clock, and gutting the Aurigans like we gutted Spencer ain't on the plans, y'hear?" His tone was cold at that.

"Agreed. Be about it." I grinned at the last statement, then turned to the on duty techs who were supervising aerial operations.

I scanned the main displays, which showed the areas, and were filling out with data. Artu's surviving leadership had been helpful after the first Comfort had gotten to work, and had given us their last accurate survey map of the planet, and we were keeping them filled with updated information. Depressing information, as this area had been very lightly settled, mostly ranchers, some farmers, some miners, and a dropship port for cargo transfers to the larger continent.

Given the pirate's behavior, even towards the end of their raiding, we hadn't found anything living within fifty kilometers of the main LZ, just burnt out farms, slaughtered herds, and a razed town or two. My eyes narrowed as one of our Cynaros flashed the color of an incoming message.

"This is Smoky Eyes Two, to Harem Control. Got a town that isn't a burnt out wreck, guys… besides what looks like a Union's landing spot, I see a few … whoof. Confirmed kill on an assault type Frankenmech, how, I'd like to know, given intel said there were no friendly combat mechs on this side… oh, pit trap, nice…" He paused. "And… it looks like two militarized industrial mechs, call them old Jabbers, joined the abomination in death. Nice, nice. Oh, and yeah, looks like some pirate infantry didn't leave either. Good."

I leaned forward, at Uri's bemused look. "Eyes Two, this is Ferret, guess on how?"

"Eh… wait a second. Hey, Sultry Angels, go see over there, I think I see a 'Mech. Bug, for sure, maybe a Locust. Looks to be about twenty klicks out." My recon elements all got names somewhat associated with the harem theme that my command unit seemed to be going with for the jokes. Smokey Eyes was the name that the Cyrano helicopters had adopted, while Sultry Angels were the recon hovercrafts. Rolling Brothels was the handle of the reconnaissance Packrats, while the Prowlers we had, were called Kirk Beds. I watched as icons indicated the eight hovercrafts, four of the very small Gabriels went darting towards the unknown contact at speeds hitting nearly 150 kilometers per hour, while their larger cousins trailed behind at a more sedate speed.

I watched the screens to see what the now confirmed Locust would do, as my people were hailing it, trying to tell the pilot who they were.

It was a few minutes before any reaction was gotten, but the sudden, startled "What the SHIT!" over the comms lines got everyone's attention. "Heads up, this Locust isn't standard, she just moves and she's fast, clocking over 150 KPH, circling around the combat area!"

Morgan leaned forward, raising his voice. "You're faster, Sultries, Smokies. Get it." He left to board one of our Cobra helicopters, taking a squad with him.

"She's not firing, looks like we startled the bug. She's up to 165, and holding, she's got some battle damage. Four MGs. Laser on the front like normal. Roll cage over the cockpit when she rotates to look at us. I think we found the source of some of the carnage here." The commander of the recon element was calm, and collected reporting, despite the odd nature of the mech. "The bug has SLDF Marker tags and IFF just like the gear we picked up. Someone found our cache."

I looked at the tech. "Negative, Smokey 2. The place was sealed." I paused for a moment. "Doesn't mean the League didn't put smaller castles or installations on the planet, though, they tended to build outrider ones, after all."

"Huh, didn't know that, damm, this bug is moving erratically." The pilot responded.

"Smoky two watch out!" The lead hovercraft called. "You're too low and this bug is moving like a greenie with the throttle wide open, do not encroach or she will fire, Command this bug's guns are converging, they are not doing the normal move to lock thing and I am getting no lock warning."

I quirked my eyebrow, then narrowed. Battletech weapons, those on mounts like Kath's Marauder's autocannon, those on arms like my medium lasers on Bun Bun, or others of a similar location tended to use computer assisted movements based on the pilot getting a lock with his eyes and computer sensors on the enemy. Note I said and. The mech needed both to get that lock on, and without the sensors, it'd not work. This was how I, Case and Kath theorized Phantom mech worked, by breaking the computer lock somehow, some form of cyberpathy, was our bullshit best guess.

You could override the computer, Kath had actually praised what Uri and Gry had thought of as a bad idea, and manually move it with your joysticks, but it wasn't really recommended, nor was it really easy to do. Iron sight shooting was not approved of, and for all the holovideos and dramas that used it, every actual teacher of Mech Combat would hit you, and I do mean that literally if you tried it in real life. Except Kath. Case was neutral on it, Uri bemoaned bad habits, but couldn't argue with a Dragoon doing and approving of it.

"Sultry 3, pilot may be trying manual targeting, stay out of range, per doctrine." I spoke into the mic. "Keep pursuit, try to keep the bug corralled until Solo and company arrive."

"Break, Sultry this is Caveman, She's on comms but she's on the civilian bands. I don't think she knows what she's doing. Patching the audio." Caveman was the Sigint Commander responsible for monitoring traffic near operations and breaking enemy comms encryption.

"... Last warning, assholes, ID up, back off or get stomped on!" the voice tried to sound ferocious and failing, with the lilting local drawl of a teenage girl, but with an actual undercurrent of intent. Crazily enough, none of the combat veterans could say the warning was anything but genuine intent.

I cut my mic into the same circuit, and responded for my recon elements, my voice slightly amused. "I'd prefer it if you don't try, and note that word, try to stomp my fancy League hovercrafts and their highly paid drivers." I made a snap decision, abandoning the Ditzy McLyran routine, I decided in this case, this girl gets the truth. "I am General Kikyo Onishi, and if you have any clue about the movies, yes, that Onishi from the Federated Suns. I inherited a merc unit, and we're here, following up some rumors of Lostech, for the Federated Suns, while providing some relief for your world. Now, if you don't mind, who are you? And where did you get the Locust?" My other comm techs had told the recon boys the score, and they had slightly backed off, more circling her, and staying well out of her weapons or sprint range. They too didn't want to get stepped on.

"Fun, have your boys back off a bit, they're making me nervous. I thought your dropship was the fucktards coming back. Ain't anyone else here alive but me, Onishi. Just burned farms and me." The voice was bitter, and controlled, angry. Any normal woman or teenager should be just this side of hysterics. Most men for that matter.

"We noticed." I paused, and signaled for my recon boys to back off a bit more. While she wasn't in the grips of hysterics, she wasn't that far away from it. "And no, I doubt any pirate has Colossus class dropships. Nor the mechs to fill them. Much less all up heavy and assault battalions. Why don't you come on in, and see for yourself. If I wanted you dead, you would be. It'd take me less than a half dozen minutes to have my BARCAP drop by and say hi. With cluster bombs."

"Where the fuck did you get an SLDF Brigade transpo…" She stopped and took a breath. "BARCAP? What, did you raid a history book for terminology? And where you at?"

I looked at the map, and made a snap decision. "Vector 227, about 60 kilometers, from where you're at roughly. The drop-port you all used, was actually the SLDF's for the Castle Brian, Nautilus they called it, on Artu." I shrugged. "And no, while I do use USN terms for naval operations, it's only fitting, I'm pretty sure some relatives of mine would rise from the grave if I didn't. I might be willing to tell you where I learned it from, if you come in. Do lead the way for my boys, they haven't learned the creed of proper recon experts." I grinned at the last.

The Comms were silent for a long moment, and only a grumble that sounded suspiciously like "Semper Gumby" was barely audible. The Recon elements acknowledged the abrupt turn, and reported the Locust was maintaining a steady max speed of 165.9 KPH, a good thirty-three over a normal locust. "If you meet me with a company of mechs and missiles I'm going to be horrifically disappointed in you."

I grinned. "The missiles I can assure you, Faithful, aren't happening. Company of mechs? Ehh…" I looked at the monitor looking outside. "Sorry, can't say there isn't a few more than just a company on the tarmac."

"Peachy," came the dry reply as two Aerospace fighters reported on station. "Is this a merc unit or an invasion force?"

"Eh… I did say we're on Suns business, didn't I?" I shrugged. "The Prince insisted his troops hitch a ride with mine to do a bit of touring on lostech. He doesn't get that I lead the way of my own accord. He didn't need keepers." I snort, giggling at the message, that I had patched to Kath and Case. "But, no, we're not an invasion force. I'll admit we have the weight to roll over half the Coalition, no question, but not the First Prince's style. At least to this area or the Taurians." I shrugged, uncaring it couldn't be seen. "I told you the truth the first time, Lostech."

The bugs were fast, but it was hard to appreciate speed until you saw it. Bucking the normal trend of Locusts to be skittish, the Red-on-White bugmech rather brazenly rolled past the outer sentries, the upper torso locking and tracking each mech like a laser until it was clear they weren't aiming down at her, then continuing on. The Locust slowed down when it saw non-mech vehicles, and began picking it's way through the area, torso angled down, with greater care than one might expect. It was a thing rookies tended to do when they were unsure of the flow of a work area.

The Locust finally came to a halt below Bun-Bun, barely coming up past the waist of the bigger mech. I was able to clearly see the sign emblazoned on the top and back of the Locust: "If you can read this… DON'T STEP ON ME!"

I waved down at the roll barred cockpit, my barely contained breasts jiggling a bit. It *was* warm here, and a pleasant day. Too pleasant for what lay outside the drop port, really. "Hello there, I'm Onishi. This is my Archer, Bun Bun. Don't annoy him, he won't step on you, he'll stab you." I shouted through a megaphone. "Why don't you come out?" I hooked one hand's thumb though my short short's belt loop.

The cockpit of the Locust was small, and had a roll cage. The figure inside could be seen flipping switches, pausing, reaching for one, then going for a different one. It became painfully obvious that she was not the most experienced when she pulled out a clipboard, looked at it, flipped five control switches and the angry, red, wounded little bug powered down, finally. I could see quad machineguns where normally there would only be two. This was an intriguing, little upgunned monstrosity. It also didn't bear the telltales of a mech that had been modified by amateurs, or half-competent techs. She looked like she had been built this way.

The pilot finally popped the hatch and climbed out, sans neural helmet. Far from the sane and sensible minimalist clothing, what came out was a girl who couldn't be more than sixteen or seventeen tops, long, unkempt, dark red hair with a body that looked like it was built to be dragged into a hayloft at the earliest opportunity. Her Daddy probably owned many shotguns, and she wasn't much bigger than I was, if at all. She was dressed in a purple and red flannel, with a white tank top, tight blue jeans and boots.

I cringed. If I didn't have a combat suit from the SLDF, I'd be wearing less than I was now, and that was very little as is. I'd have ditched the shorts at the very least. And purple? Goddess bless, I felt my inner fashionista cry. "Well." I spoke after a moment, putting on my helm, and guiding Bun Bun's arm to act as a ramp for me. After I took off my neurohelmet, I walked over to the shoulder, slid down the arm in my white shorts and green bikini, though I was wearing sensible combat boots with a dagger stuck into one, and had my dark wine red hair in a braid. Hopping over to the Locust, I looked up at the Farmer's daughter. "Purple. Really. If I didn't know you were a Marine, crayon eater, I'd know it just from the lack of color taste. At least my favorite color goes with my hair."

She looked me over critically. "Guessin' that favorite color would be 'nothing' from the looks of you." the girl smirked. "And this is the Outback, We don't have such fancy snacks 'round here."

"Eh, nah, I adore Green. Union Blue isn't bad either, though. As for the fancy snacks… Yeah, jarhead. Did you punch out those three pirate 'mechs my boys spotted, in your Trollcust?

"Frankenfatty downtown, Two loaders with lasers, there's something resembling a wasp and an urbanmech somewhere around here face-down and the lake about ten clicks east had a Rifleman mostly intact just standing there. I caught the pilot out taking a piss. You may need a couple good sponges."

I quirked my eyebrows, noting that for later recovery. "So, you said you'd like to know how I knew old American Naval terminology. I'd like to know the same about you. As you say, this is the Periphery…" I spread my hands. "No offense, it's not like this world was Canopus or Samantha, or even Alphertaz, before … well." I alluded to recent events.

"Auriga's Auriga. Aurigans are gonna Auriga. King's not long for the world, and the Princess is about due for coronation. I happen to enjoy history, my specialty is Circa 1980 through 2020."

"Mostly by having the memories of someone who lived through it, I'd not suppose?" My tone, as I hooked my thumbs through belt loops, was dry. "I'd say the same on my end, though I do recall getting too many sheepskins for that subject, though mostly the Second World war."

"Memories from there? You'd have to be dumber than a Ranger to believe that."

I smiled. "So, Marine, then? Let's cut the play out. We don't have the time, nor the reason. You know why I'm here, and I made sure my geeks aren't going to unleash the Locura." I sighed. "Also, It's a Scarlet gathering, girl."

"If you know about the Locura you also know what's gonna happen here in about a year, three tops. Gonna bork that timeline."

"Case has already made that point. And more importantly, I didn't play the game, nor did I think what the Princess did was in any shape, way or form, acceptable. The loss of the Data core was a goddamned bonehead move on her part, helping the toaster worshippers." I shrugged. "But, Case wants them helped out, and we'll make it happen, somehow. If nothing else, I'll drop my divison on their fucking heads." I smiled. "So, who were you? Some call me Cabbit."

"Of course, the magpie gets every fucking shiny piece in sight." the girl rolled her eyes. "You're still not allowed to touch my fucking guns without adult supervision."

I smile. "Not so long of a time, here, but good to see you, Marine. We have a Lunar, and oddly enough a Pole. Haven't seen the insanity maker, or the Brit, though." My hand is out, with a relieved smile.

"Yeah nice to finally meet you in person." She looked over. "Last memory was a firefight on a cold day. Just out of nowhere. Woke up to a sweet sixteen birthday, found a diary in an inheritance I was supposed to get then, and found my Great grandpa, many times removed's, cache. Spent a few months on and off teaching myself to drive the Bridge-stalker here while everyone was asleep. The other mech wasn't sealed correctly, so she's a bit fucked up, otherwise I'd have rolled HER out to mash faces."

"Pirates roasted everyone. Just burned the fucking town because an old, retired soldier shot one of their looters."

I winced, even in the best storage, an unsealed Battlemech would require some serious love before it could see the battlefield again. As for the pirate's actions... "I doubt it was because they got shot at, they've done it too many other times, and on the other side of this world, too. Artu got hammered. But… C'mon, I'll get Kath, aka Lunar, and Case, our Pole. We even have a Siddie. The Pole and the Siddie can empathize, they grew up around the Space Amish. Kath? Shee. She'll not be too thrilled to hear this, but she has her own nightmare fuel." I tilted my head, sadly. "Imagine growing up and remembering the 20th century in a Cloud Cobra sibko."

"Hey I always wanted to have a suicide ideation fantasy, thanks for that." the snarky redhead replied. Her ice-blue eyes rolled. "You're a fucking convergence of unlikely events."

"I Blame ROB." I shrug. "Unlike Case, or Kath, I woke up on the first of the year, Kikyo, now my birthday. Twentieth. My biological father had kicked the bucket and sent an inheritance. Long story short, Hanse wanted it, I didn't want to give it to him. And lo, here we are. Part of me thinks it was one of Kikyo's parties out of control… but a dream with said asshole Omnipotent.. Well." I shrug again. "Who knows, what I do know, is I'm here. If the bastard was right, a pretty girl with the full knowledge of a fusion degree of this time, is in my old body."

"So what's the play? You do realize that the odds your techs will be able to isolate psychotic sentient computer virus is minimal." She looked about. "And that core? I'm not sure we want to give that thing to anyone. Because inevitably that one's going to have some potentially dangerous tech."

I shook my head. "The easiest way to not release Skynet, the Star League variant, is to, well, honor air gapping." I roll my eyes. "They kept it air gapped here, after all." I look upwards. "The play is very simple. NAIS gets the core. We take the loot from here, and leave. Couple years, we make Arano very happy, by deposing the coupers, and Case can shut up. Helm's on our list, but not sure when."

"No, they were developing a virus to kill CASPERS. That means that the Core has specifications and likely fully realized CASPER AI in it for them to turn the virus loose on." She gave a long look.

I shot the girl a look. "And I told them not to connect any computer to the cores, and treat this as exactly that." I shrugged. "They're not idiots, they're the best Hanse Davion can find."

I sighed. "And as for what the core has…" I shrugged. "It's not like there's not things coming, and being able to crush Comstar has its appeal, doesn't it?" I paused for a moment. "Okay, what is your name here. I'm Kikyo Onishi."

"Evangeline Kessler. Call me Evie." She sighed. "I need to pull my shit. You got a spot open? This place is fucking dead to me."

"For a friend? And a sister, now, not brother? Did you think the answer was no?" I smile sadly. "There's always room for my friends. No matter why."

"Tell you what, I keep my Grandpa's gear, all of it, and I'll bring it aboard. I've got a machine shop and setup for maintaining the trollcust and my other mech. I'll see if I can coax her to the dropship."

I shrug. "I can see what we can do, it'll depend on what we have here, really, and what we'll leave for the Aranos." I shrug. "It really depends on who they send. Part of me is tempted to leave a warkit behind, and some factory bits, but another part…" I pause and nod once. "Also, we might have more dropships than we need, depending on the other hidden location we found. Let's go find Kath and Case, and I'll tell you en route." I slip under the taller girl's arm. "Let's go down the rabbit hole, shall we?"

"Sure, why the hell not?" Evangeline grinned. "Besides, you're gonna want me to rebuild the other mech and get her running."

As I guided Evie, a Marine from my other self's time, now a farmer's daughter, as hot as I was, into the Castle Brian, I went… "Oh… tell me more…"

Little did I realize, she would not disappoint.

Command Center, Castle Nautilus, Artu, Late Afternoon

I looked at the Main screen and blinked. It was a complete map, and on one side, various information about what was where. Evie, Case and Kath were with Asha, discussing the situation, but I had been called into the main command node of the Castle.

"My Lady." Ran Felsner, ever the gentleman, bent and kissed my hand. "Our prize is beyond belief, and we have established the command chain, to Castle Watchtower as planned." He smiled. "I won't steal Dr. Cunningham's thunder, but intelligence was slightly wrong, I'm afraid" His smile was broad and pleased.

Alt rolled her eyes, pulling a stylus out from her hair. Extending it, she tapped a screen in front of her, which lit up one spot, and lit the same spot up on the main display.

"Okay, your intel wasn't wrong." She shrugged. "It was incomplete." She shook her hair, and smiled. "While within a week of figuring out what happened on Terra, they shifted to an anti-CASPER virus, that's not what they were on. This is the place that NCC and SLDF Royal command was working on CASPER III. At least the software end, anyways."

I blinked in confusion but before I could ask, Ran smiled and asked. "Why don't you explain, Doctor?"

"Sure. Next generation software and hardware for the space defenses of the Terran Hegemony, and well, if I read the logs right, ground combat drones."

"... What." I paused. Images of Skynet and well, Cylons flashed though my head, in horror. "What the hell, Camerons?"

"Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeep." the genius computer scientist popped her P, as Dr. Banzai broke in.

"Which means…" He studied the Computer scientist slightly, then shrugged. "The virus is actually what they called an corrupted and insane AI. While there are complete notes and copies of the CASPER software, and some hardware, the fighter drones, and the M-3's computer systems, for example, they're all stored in a separate datacore, and there's an advanced computer, where the third generation AI is stored." He shrugged. "And there's separate datastores of course for the other programs that were being designed for the third generation."

"I am thinking…" I paused. "I am thinking the Camerons were completely insane, and some of the people working for them were beyond crazy. While under orders, we have to copy that datastores, my thoughts are copy it once, wipe it here, and tell the Prince what they are, but make sure he gets rid of them." I shook my head. "I'm not against automated drones, but there's a point, gentlemen and ladies. And I think that the Terrans were going well past it."

"I tend to agree, m'lady." Ran's tone was mild. "I suppose your suggestion is the best, though. Make it happen, Doctors." His tone brooked no disobedience.

"Yes, sir." "Yes, sir." responded from the two doctors.

Ran nodded, turning to his second, who I had for some reason never remembered her name. "Lizelle. As you're in charge of the evaluation, and loading. The plan is simple. The moment we have a Mule loaded, spare parts first, mobile equipment second, the bays third, the Mule goes to one of the waiting Behemoths. It loads, comes back. Moment the Behemoth's full, it goes to the waiting Merchant, and when there's both of them, it goes. Then we do the Mules, and hopefully by that time, there will be some luck on their end."

"Sir, yes, sir." The forgettable woman saluted, and departed.

Ran nodded at a smaller screen next to the main one. "As you see, General, there are outlying forts, which Katherine's codes should open. I'll be sending people to each one, but preliminary information shows that a small amount of equipment was left in each one."

I thought for a moment and nodded. "Sir, may I have a moment of your time, privately?" Ran blinked, then nodded. Gesturing, we went into a slightly dusty office.

"Say what you want." Ran's eyebrow was raised.

"My advice, after I get lesser but still valid codes from Katherine, is we give those to the Aranos personally, as payment for this."

Ran's eyebrows narrowed. "You think the High Lord would personally lead a mission?"

"Or send his daughter, perchance." I shrugged. "And perhaps leave some other things behind."

Ran leaned back, thinking. "...I am unsure of this, Baroness, explain your logic, please."

I nodded once. "Having a friendly Aurigan power next to the Taurians, for one, as well as a possible base to launch strikes against the Confederation, as well."

"...A long term ploy, but from what we have already recovered and what the manifests say…" He thought about it. "As you say, they do deserve payment. I like the idea of the outrider castles being left for them. Capital idea, now that I think about it. Even if they don't become friends, we can honestly say to the First Prince, we tried. And if nothing else… who knows, it just might work."

"Yes, sir, that was my thought." I smiled. I was going to help a bit, now, though the the future Arano lady wasn't' my favorite person, safe to say as she blew up the Castle Brian and it's precious, precious, precious datastores. "I would however say that the Star League purged all data, before departing to take the Rim."

"... I see your point, and I can play it up. Your intelligence has been remarkably good, I may say. I'd hope you will tell the First Prince and MIIO where you got it from." Felsner leaned back. "More victories like these.. .and well, I can see a Davion taking Terra's throne." His grin was savage.

"Perhaps, sir, or he already has all that I know. But I agree with you." I didn't say I knew of another way for him to make that play for Terra. And one that he was already primed to accept.

Upper Gate, Castle Nautilus, Late Evening

I shivered as we reviewed the message that I was taking to Comstar's outpost in Artu's Capital city of First Landing, reviewing the subtle coding of my hands and head position, so my sister could read the message, and confirm it. Clapping my hands together. "That's it."

Case yawned. "Yeah, it'll work. We'll add the static, you drop it off at Comstar's fort, give it... three to five days, and Hanse will have one hell of a spit take. You did make sure to ask Aiko to get a photo, right?" I grinned at his comment.

"Of course, it's the little things that make this worthwhile." I paused. "Are we sure Comstar won't catch us pulling a Clancy?" I was referring to embedding the actual message to the First Prince inside a set of random seeming static on the recording medium, and playing the Ditz to get it though. We had done this before with a different type of noise in the background for the first message, but this was a bit more obvious than I liked. Even with that, we had encoded the static in a cypher, and used a substitution code before that.

"When we asked MIIO about it, they blinked. I think it never occurred to them, or if it did, they didn't bother. It does take some hefty processing at both ends. You rigged Xanadu for all up top end editing and video, plus the computers that can do serious CGI, so… they can also encode quite well." He shrugged. "Comstar won't see it coming, those toaster humpers."

"Good. Very very good." I smiled. Hopefully they wouldn't see it coming, not for a good while.

Hanse's Office, Castle Avalon, Midday, October 3rd, 3015

Hanse snickered, as the video ended. Kikyo was a wonderfully good actress, though he suspected she was laughing at this whole masquerade. Turning to his two guests. "Well, Major, Aiko?"

Ichigo sighed. "Sire? Can't tell. I think she's actually excited, but… Joining the AFFS put a bit of a crimp on seeing her personality develop." Aiko snorted and rolled her eyes.

"She really is, and using family body speak to say "Jaaackpot."" Aiko snickered. "Whatever it is, it's bigger than she thought."

Hanse nodded, noting Yvonne and Justin, acting as her junior aide this month, walking in, both faces stunned. "Sword rules, Major, Lady Aiko. And don't you have a hideously expensive physics tutor to pester, m'lady?" His smile took any sting out of the words, as Aiko eepd, and quickly walked out. Ichigo saluted, and followed, clearly planning to return to his barracks.

"Hanse?" Yvonne's voice was hushed and still. "This is the only copy of the information she transmitted to us, and we have over 95% confidence it's as accurate as she transmitted. My… god, if true…" Hanse's eyebrows went up as he took the file.

Hanse read through the message once. Twice. A third time. He looked up, and a fire was in his eyes, as his smile showed teeth and a savage satisfaction. "Right."

"Sire?" Justin had to ask.

"We need to get as many people as we can, without disrupting anything else, without them being security risks, and we need to start building a command chain to meet hers. You know what we'll need, correct Yvonne?" Hanse had immediately moved to "solve this awesome crisis" mode.

"I do, but we won't have many people we can spare. I assume the priority is the Belknap and the Newgrange?" Yvonne's eyebrow rose.

"After the datacores, yes." Hanse sighed. "I know, but it's still more than possible. Her idea of running out a command chain from this… Castle Watchtower is a smart one." He thought for a moment, then nodded. "It's… what? Eighteen total links?"

Justin responded for his superior. "Actually, nineteen total, counting both ends. I am amused by her plans to stay on Artu for relief efforts, until she speaks to the senior officer of the relief force, at least. Are you … irritated at her idea of .." Hanse held up his hand.

"We're at the point of an embarrassment of riches, Justin. Leaving behind one hundred mechs and another one hundred combat vehicles as payment, is not a problem." He paused. "Who knows, maybe it will work out as she has planned." He nodded. "As I understand it, the Heavy Cav has some jumpships still here, they can help expand the chain on our end." He rubbed his forehead. "Assuming Ran makes the schedule, hmm…" Hanse thought for a moment.

"And if we fill out the chain from our end, call it eight to ten weeks before we're back in contact. I'd expect eleven." Yvonne stated reprovingling.

"So… December." Hanse looked at the calendar, and a smile entered his eyes. "Let's plan on me being at Castle Watchtower for the 15th… and back to New Avalon by the 24th.. Doable?" Yvonne's wince indicated her dislike of hte idea.

Justin looked at a Calendar. "It'd be tight, but we could likely have you out a bit earlier, and back earlier. Perhaps bringing home the New Avalon Training Battalion and the Heavy Guards?"

"Capital." He grinned, then turned serious. "Regarding that other project, Aphrodite, Justin?"

"It is going quite well, Sire." Justin's smile reassured Hanse.

"It might be the only thing keeping me from begging on the streets to pay the debt we owe now." Hanse's grin was wry.

Yvonne huffed. "I do have that suggestion about Challenger, Hanse, if we got a ah, competent CEO, plus well.. Certain assurances?"

Hanse nodded. "That's more than on the table, we can start planning that." He looked, and nodded once. "So, the deal with Janos?"

"Going well. The Monolith has arrived in our space, he's buying fifty mechs a month at our official price, plus another twenty at what the market would bear. The Invader is finishing up, and a few of our people are there, we expect no problems. The Lyrans are slightly ahead of him on purchasing, but not by too much, and Katrina's offer of a Star Lord, to help defray her greed… useful, and she's arrived in our space as well." Yvonne smiled slightly amused.

"Of course now we don't need them as badly. Amazing how that works." Hanse snorted. "But we'd have excess production, and better in their hands, than say, Takashi's?"

"Oh, yes, Hanse. That I agree with." Yvonne smiled. "And the fact it allowed us to add another eighty mechs a month to our own forces… well, it's looking like by the end of the year, all our regiments, and even our major mercenary commands will be at full strength for once. We can take risks."

"I have some ideas, Tell me… what do you think of…" Hanse pulled out a folder and passed it to her, and they began discussing the merits of the various operations, as Justin fetched coffee and paperwork. The candles burned long in Castle Davion that night.

Dropport Artu, Artu, Early evening, October 28th, 3015

We had made significant progress on removing Castle Nautilus' items. Oddly enough, Hanse had gotten one message through to us, approving of the attempt and saying 'See if you can make it better'. We had thought, looking at everything the Castle had, and deciding that with a bit of rework, it could make some mechs, aerospace fighters and Dropships. The maintenance bays that were inside could assemble easily enough, and there was some part fabrication ability. Leaving that, and the service files plus 'how to' guides on how to do it, would give the Coalition a heavy industry. It'd be their problem to keep it from the Taurians, however.

Ran adjusted his half-breastplate of his uniform, as he eyed the opening dropship. "Four Dropship bays, twelve mech bays, twelve each vee bays, and twelve aerospace bays. By what Dr. Banzai estimated, that'd be… what? Two to three dropships a year, plus repairs, and twelve combat vehicles, six mechs and six aerospace fighters a month?" He smiled. "With all the instructions on how to do it, just about. Will give the Taurians a bit to worry about, wouldn't it?"

I nodded. Add the fact that we, agents of the Federated Suns (and we had abandoned the Ditzy McLyran, it had ran its course, just about, plus if hostile intelligence agents couldn't count Colossus class dropships, I'd be shocked.), didn't take it, left it virtually turn key for the Aurigans, against my better judgement, plus roughly 100 mechs and same in combat vehicles? Well. Thomas would be having sleepless nights, Ran hoped.

My black uniform, with its actual real gold piping, contrasted against Sandoval's and Felsner's dark blue and massive gold displays. At least I had a cape and black gloves to look formal… as well as a katana at my hip. Yes, I know, it's a Kuritan weapon, but it was the blade Kikyo got from her mother, and that'd be an insult to the woman's memory not to wear it. It didn't hurt I knew how to use it.

"It will be interesting to see how the two react." I finally spoke, as honor guards, though in practical uniforms of the House Arano format, calmly marched down the Overlord's ramp. One of two the Coalition boasted, both modified for combined arms, like the Faceless Soldier single one that had joined my fleet.

Katherine Steiner, in the same uniform as mine, but a saber at her hip, quietly mentioned. "Espinosa is expected to be aggressive and demand we hand it all over." She shrugged. "Between me pulling a full set of information from Wolfnet, and of course the MIIO's…" I paused. She had told me and Case, then Asha what the deal was there, and I was amazed. Jamie got off his ass and did shit. Even before being ordered. But, mentioning she still had access to Wolfnet in front of two Davion Officers?

Ran's eyes narrowed, meaning he caught it. "Quite so, Colonel. The profiles you and the few intelligence analysis that the General has put together…" He shrugged, the light glinting, as we saw the High Lord and Council Lord step out.

I very carefully didn't nod. "Tamati will good cop, Santiago Espinosa will demand it all. Considering what we are planning to leave, and what we have?" I shook my head. "High Lord Arano will be happy with what he has, and terrified at the threat now that the Taurians provide. Santiago won't see that risk."

"Or he might not care." Katheryn said sotto voice. "They did bring along an combined arms brigade, similar to yours or the Outworld's pattern, short on fighters, mind you, but they are unloading conventional air to cover. Plus a second mech regiment."

Kathrine and Felsner snorted in unison. Case's quiet comment behind them. "Be the dumbest thing they can do. We'd tear them apart. They didn't bring along any assault dropships, and if worse comes to worse, we can fall back to the Castle, and wait for the Prince to dump a pair of full up RCT's on their head."

I nodded. "We actually surpass them in mechs, combat vehicles, aerospace fighters, infantry, and our quality is equal or better. They didn't bring along artillery, orbital support or even heavy command and control capabilities. I don't think it'd be easy…" Dr. Banzai snorted at that. "But it'd be the ruin of their nation if they tried."

"Let's make sure they understand that." Felsner said. "As agreed, you are the face, so be about it, General."

I walked forward, as Tamati Arano, and Santiago Espinosa reached the bottom of the ramp. Shortly the party I was leading was at the two Aurigan nobles, and I saluted. "Welcome to Artu, I wish we could be meeting for better reasons, High Lord, Lord Espinosa."

Tamati Arano, with his greying hair nodded, and clasped my hand as I brought down my salute. "Baroness Winterfell, while I will admit it is a pleasure to see you, your pictures don't do you justice, I will agree that the reason is not the best. Though, I must thank you and your people, as well as the Marshal's and Colonel's for the assistance they have provided Artu in relief from such an atrocity." The High lord was referring to roughly ten percent of the planet's population taken as slaves or otherwise killed, and literally a quarter to a third of the world's easily uprooted infrastructure taken, and about half of the more fixed infrastructure such as roads, dams, communication networks, destroyed.

The task force's infantry, engineers and a fair bit of the techs we had, had done yeomans' work trying to put it all back together. The only saving grace to this disaster, was that a fair bit of the food from harvest had already been brought in, and the pirates didn't get to the main storage, and the areas that had the most infrastructure damage, were, sadly the areas that had lost the most people.

"It was the least we could do, High Lord." I shook my head. "I wouldn't be able to look myself in the mirror if I didn't try to help."

Santiago's face which had been tightening during the conversation, finally couldn't contain his words. "When you have come to loot yourself, a legacy that is ours, not yours…" He was cut off by Tamati placing a hand on him.

"Peace, brother. We can discuss that privately. Artu's citizens don't care why she's here, nor what she's taking, if it isn't something they claimed, to begin with." Tamati's smile was a bit strained. "I do understand my brother in law's frustration, Baroness. That castle… and what is in it…"

I smiled slightly. "Better to say what was." I shook my head. "While I will agree that there was a lot of useful war material, and to be fair, items that would help any industrialization, or even more, the prize we had hoped to find, wasn't." I sighed in a bit of disappointment. "Rest assured, the First Prince would have traded everything inside Artu, much less what we have taken out, for what we had believed could be there. An SLDF field library, for their long term personnel." I raised an eyebrow, receiving the nods in response. Most people didn't realize it, but these two did. Militaries, especially those on long duration posts, sat out to improve their people, by self study.

Ran's face had carefully tightened, not in anger, but annoyance. Katheryn's went stone face, and Kath slightly nodded. We had discussed this to hammer home that fact we wanted them to believe and pass along. While it wasn't what Helm had, nor was it complete, a SLDF field library, combined with what Hanse had acquired at Halstead would go a long way to replacing what was lost in the Succession wars, knowledge wise. And we had two. One more suited for the Navy and space operations and shipyard work, one more for the Army and computer aspects.

"... that is a shame." Tamati's face was a bit of a study. While he wanted the same thing we did, at least in regards to the core… he had to admit, that the Cappelians, Taurians, Canopians, the Davions, would move heaven and earth for a copy. By raining battlemechs if need be.

"Perhaps we can discuss Castle Nautilus inside Xanadu? Once your people clear it?" I suggested.

The swarthy man, Espinosa started to speak, only to be once again, cut off. Tamati looked at him. "If they wanted to kill us, or otherwise threaten us, they just have to point at their Battlemechs, their tanks, their Achilles, and the fact that even if by some miracle, we won that battle, we'd lose." He was referring to the fact that by rough calculations, our firepower edge was at least two to one, before you factored in the Castle itself… which we controlled fully.

Any battle would cost them too much to win, much less lose. And given that we likely would destroy the dropships for both sides in the process, the Aurigans would be out nearly three fourths of their strategic lift. I finally responded to that. "I prefer talking. I do not want a repeat of Spencer, nor do I like the thought of leaving your nation vulnerable for … this…" I implied what happened to Artu. "On all your worlds. While I do have my orders and instructions, I prefer to find a way we both can if not be happy, at least realize this was the best we could do without trying to kill each other." I shook my head. "We are all realists. Hanse Davion could have sent and arguably should have, the entire Guards, or at least two commands of it. Instead he chose a somewhat lighter touch." I titled my head. "Don't make the mistake of thinking that means we will simply roll over. As I've said, we control the Castle Fully." Tamati nodded at that.

"As you say, we are all realists. At least from what you imply, the Prince is more than willing to leave some of the prize behind?" Tamati's tone shifted, as we walked towards Xanadu's waiting ramp.

"Quite so." Felsner spoke. "While we had a more… covert method planned, we have generally abandoned it, thanks to the situation here." He shrugged. "The Prince feels, I think, if you can look after yourselves, as well as strengthen yourselves, you will be a thorn in the Cappelian's and Taurian's sides. Nations we have… issues with." Felsner shrugged. "Not to mention his personal dislike of piracy, mind you, and his wish all could live in comfort and safety."

As we walked into my ship and home, I could feel Espinosa's seething anger, even against my own natural ki, trying to boost my charisma and words. Case called it the 'Listen to me! Notice me!' effect, but against someone a bit more than determined, it didn't help.

Tamati's eyes glanced around. "I must admit, while tasteful and well apportioned, Xanadu seems a bit sparse, and not fully a pleasure ship, as she has been listed."

I smiled. "Honesty compels me to admit I like living in comfort when I can arrange it, but the height of excess the Star League allowed, is a bit too much comfort, and wasn't all needed." I pointed out a change in the Princess' normal layout. "As you can see as we walk to the lift, we fitted in space for a lance of Battlemechs. You'll see my Bun Bun, along with my lance mate's Redline, Stormbringer and Kath's poor nameless Marauder." I had pointed each one out.

"I suspect there's other military equipment on board, besides just a token security force, as well as refitted command and control electronics, and better weapons for defense." Tamati's voice was mild.

"That would be an accurate suspicion, m'lord. I don't see the thrill in risks that can be ameliorated, you understand." I smiled, as I gestured into the meeting room where Kelia waited.

The two men settled in the fine seats, as their guards peeled off to join mine, and two inside across from my two guards. Kelia was efficient in making sure both gentleman had coffee or water, as their preference, while Tamati accepted the coffee, with a smile and a slightly wider one after his first sip, Espinosa refused both curtly.

Santiago spoke first. "Don't think your self serving 'good' deeds buy you one iota of anything! Artu is our system, what is in it is ours, and you are no better than a pirate yourself. Spencer has unfond views of you! We know how to treat your kind, and we will regain what is ours." Tamati had looked at the darker man, a bit annoyed, but didn't say anything.

I sipped my own coffee for a moment, and let his glare slide off me, as Felsner and Sandoval didn't look impressed. Nor did Steiner, and Case's low chuckle from near the guards showed his impression. "I could argue, and point out that Lady Death, the ruler of the Domains, is what a pirate is." I sip again. "As she was the one to personally lead the raid." Tamati's eyes closed.

"We did not know this." I slide over a thick folder, gathered from cameras and other sources on planet to him.

"This is all from ELINT on planet, and a few survivors' descriptions of them. One of which, was lucky and found a mech and, to our surprise, was able to at least extract some vengeance." I slightly smiled, though it was very Russian. "She's agreed to join us, and we've more than allowed her to bring her two mechs and other personal belongings with her as hers."

"We would like to speak to her, if possible." Tamati's expression was neutral.

"Of course." I returned to staring at Espinosa. "I could argue we took nothing that was in the possession of the government of this planet, or the people living on it. I could argue we did not harm a single person, and in fact, our doctors and other personnel have been working themselves into exhaustion to try to fix some of the damage, both to the bodies and to the souls of Artu's people." I tilted my head, and smiled.

"But we are all realists, I believe I said before. The Coalition only survives because it's not rich enough to be targeted by the Capellans, in their risk and reward calculation, same with the Taurians. The Canopians likewise feel the amount of effort needed, to bring you to them, verus the risk is too high. Generally the Davions wouldn't even see a point." I tilted my head.

Santiago's face darkened, but before he could argue, Tamati's hand once again rested on his arm. "Peace, again, brother, she is answering your point."

"We could even argue who legally owns Castle Natitus and the material associated with it." I shrug. "But let us be cold. You cannot withstand a great house, you cannot withstand an assault by the Taurians. Fighting us, even as noted, if successful, would make the Cappleian assault, or a Taurian assault all but assured. For when nation-states send objective raids to attack or acquire material, none dare call it piracy. And the Heavy Cavalry is under bonded contract. Any battle would gain you very little, as allow me to explain the status of the Castle."

Espinosa's face was fit to explode, but he managed to master himself, as Tamati nodded.

"First and foremost, the spaceport aspects of the Castle, both internal, and external have been surveyed, and basic maintenance performed on them. The hydrogen cracking systems are fully functional, plus both ports are in fine shape." I smiled. "The Star League even included automated repair bays for dropships up to twenty thousand tons, besides ones for vehicles up to two hundred tons, one hundred tons, fifty tons, mechs, small craft, and even aerospace bays." I waited til the blinks finished.

"As you might be aware, those can also with parts assemble just about anything, if the right programs are loaded." Kath spoke up. She shrugged.

Feslner's wintery smile added to the conversation. "As you can guess, they are quite useful and quite wanted to fix elements of our, " He was referring to the Federated Suns, "industry, all of them." He smiled slightly. "It wasn't a trivial task to start disassembling and packing them for shipping, but it wasn't difficult."

"How dare you take" Santiago leapt up only to have Case's 'tsk tsk' and half pulled gun bring him to his senses.

"We dare because we need it to defend our people, against the Capellans, who our actions benefit yours, as they stay too worried about us, and of course against the Snakes." Katheryn's voice hissed the last.

I picked up from there. "Not to mention, a strong Federated Suns, keeps the Taurians focused on us."

Tamati paused, then nodded once. "And of course, none dare call it piracy, eh?" He shook his head, not expecting a response. "Understandable. But I sense there's still room, and while not difficult, as the Marshal says, I still suspect time consuming."

"Of course." Dr. Banzi responded. "But our task was eased thanks to a stroke of luck."

Santiago was still seething, so Arano picked up that thread. "Oh?"

"Yes, our computer experts were able to find and restore the complete system files for the Castle Brian, including all modes of operation of those bays." Dr. Banzai shrugged. "As well as all systems, which we have checked out."

Espinosa's face curdled. He choked out shocked. "You don't mean…"

Ran's voice was cold. "Yes, we do mean the weapons, Council Lord. So, if you feel inclined, the Baroness is fond of a saying. Molon Labe."

The expression on Santiago's face was a study, while Tamati's bark of laughter broke the spell.

"Come and take them, eh?" He shook his head. "Fond of history, are you, Baroness?"

I smiled. "Just a tad. Just a tad. We are more than willing to leave it behind, with all files, mind you, including all fixed weapons." I look upwards. "It would provide an annoyance I believe to the Taurians, if they became aggressive. And in fact, like many Castle complexes, they built small outrider forts, and according to what we have discovered, left setups for maintenance of military equipment, as well as even some mechs and combat vehicles. Our rough guess is about a hundred mechs and a hundred combat vehicles." I shrugged. "It would be difficult, I suppose to get them while we fight wouldn't it?"

Tamati saw the deal on the table, but as any politician, and one who practiced compromise with his fellows, he reached for more. "All fine and good, and admittedly a fine token, but surely you recognize the problems. Those bays and the fabricators for parts, well, would be needed to sustain those units."

"Of course, but a lot of them have already been packed up, mind you, and are already gone." I smile. "We've had nearly forty days to canvass, after all, even with putting the majority of our people helping yours…"

Espinosa went purple with rage. "You couldn't have! My advisors assured me…"

Dr. Banzai's tone was cold. "Your advisors are wrong. I command Team Banzai, and every one of my mechwarriors, pilots, infantry, even the newest tanker, is at least a certified basic tech, and most are experts in at least one field. We brought along two regiments of personnel experienced in Star Leauge hardware… and the best that House Davion has at that."

"And let's be honest, if you haven't figured out our Behemoths have already made at least one round trip to a hidden location, with a fair bit of load… I wonder how much you talk to the local government."

"Yes, we have. Two trips I understand, with at least one more departing shortly." Tamati's voice indicated the time for soft pressure was over. He turned to look at his brother in law. "Brother, I agree with what you want, at heart for our people. But I don't agree with you on the ways, but I do listen to you. This time, I cannot. Not only will we not gain the prizes you think we can, but as she pointed out… even if we don't, too many would come thinking we did." He paused. "And we would be ill able to defeat them." He shook his head. "But, like your Prince, Marshal, Baroness, Colonels, or at least before the stresses of the Succession Wars, I answer to a Council myself. Lay it out, please. And don't pretend you haven't made off with the Argo, either, it's the only reason I can think of why you were over there."

I winced. Katheryn sighed, while Felsner nodded simply. He spoke for us all. "While the Baroness is of course overall responsible for this, and I won't insult you High lord, by lying to you, we have to ask, what does House Davion get out of this, besides non-wrecked units, and not having to send additional units to relieve us?" He shook his head. "That is only a short term problem, realistically."

Tamati tilted his head. "What is on the table, first?"

"Well, we haven't disassembled at all four of the Dropship bays. Nor twelve each of the superheavy, heavy, and light vehicle bays, nor six small craft and six fighter bays." I look at Dr. Banzai. "As noted, we have the programs needed to run them, as well, fully, and we've only disassembled half the fabricators and ammo plants." I shrugged as though unconcerned with the inevitable outcome. "And of course, the fixed systems and installations, are still fully there, as well as the full control system." I turned to Dr. Banzai.

He adjusted his tie slightly, "As I've stated, we were lucky in finding the deep backups for the site, and it even by some miracle included the installations complete training manuals, as well as the full technical details on the various parts." He smiled. "Quite useful, we have a copy, of course."

Tamati's tone was wry. "Of course." He looked at Espinosa who had seemed to calm down slightly, realizing a deal was about to be made. "And as you noted, recovering the outlying equipment… well, we could make it a tad difficult, one hundred each you said? What about what was stored inside the Castle?"

I sigh. "Alas, as you can guess, Marshal Felsner was most insistent that the ready to use military equipment and the vast majority of spare parts had to be loaded and gone. I estimate there's only about ten thousand tons of spare parts left, really." I shook my head sadly. "A shame."

Tamati looked at me, with a slight grin. "And what would I have to offer for you to stop disassembling? And leave the remaining spare parts?"

I look upwards. "Well, a stronger Aurigan Coalition is a threat to the Taurians, I'll admit, as well as the Capellians, didn't you say so, Marshal?"

"I did." His slight smile. "And the Prince has always thought we should recognize you, of course, as a proper nation, but…"

"He does have an charge d'affaires, he does." Tamati nodded. "But the view of both of us, is why taunt the Taurians?"

"But with…" Felsner teased.

"It is a consideration." Tamati looked at Santiago who was simply sighing, the fight went out of him, and a bit of consideration.

Ran nodded. "One to be expanded on. Now, if we weren't distrubed in finishing, well, there isn't much besides the spare parts, really, and those remaining bays that aren't packed… figure at most, two days to load what we have packed…"

"And what you haven't?" Tamati grinned.

I smiled back. "A bit longer, though at this point, it is a law of diminishing returns, I'll admit."

Espinosa and Tamati looked at each other, then put their heads together for a hushed, but intense short conversation. The darker skinned man stood up, nodded sharply, and spoke.

"My apologies for my temper, m'lady, Marshal, Colonels. I am driven as you are, it sometimes…"

"No apologies needed." Katheryn soothed. "I'm an Sandoval. You can imagine what I'd do to defend my people from the Snakes."

The man's brief smile changed his face, and he nodded. "WIth, again, my apologies, I will go and see to the handover? As well as helping you to depart?" Ran and I both simply nodded.

"There will be a farewell banquet, I do think." Tamati spoke softly. "We'll say many things there."

I nodded. "I do believe we both have things to do, and should be about them, High Lord."

"As you say, M'lady." I really was getting used to being a noble, I mused as I watched him stand, then leave after a nod of his head.

Ran grinned. "Are you sure you don't want diplomatic service, M'lady? That was well played on your end."

I sagged in relief. "Can I strangle you? I was less stressed in Bun Bun on Spencer."

Laughter was my only response

Main Convention Hall, First Landing, Artu, Evening of October 30th, 3015.

"Well, my dear." Espinosa had successfully cornered me for a conversation, "While I'm still not happy with the situation, I must admit, your engineers and techs at least put this world back on recovery, and your First Prince's agreement to when possible." He sighed at the last word. "Explain to the so called Lady Death how much of a mistake she made by her actions, at least soothes some of my ill feeling." He gestured around the ballroom with chatting, happy people, in the formal outfits of the Artuians, the dress uniforms of the AFFS and OHC, and other such accoutrements.

"It does my heart good to see them at least putting aside the pain they feel." I smiled, hiding the slight unease I felt at his oily smile. Any man who'd kill his own niece for power… Well, I did give Case and Morgan explicit orders to kill him, if he even started to pull a weapon, or came within a hundred meters of Evie, who didn't need her memories of here reopened. Case had hit me for spreading the as he so crudely put it. 'Fuck me, please' smell during the negotiations, which I hadn't realized I was doing. I apologized to Ran, Kath, Katheryn and Dr. Banzai, who had laughed, and said he built nose filters and gave them to everyone but Case and the Aurigans. I promptly asked for a set for myself, since by the end of the conversation, I was also aroused as hell.

"Well said, well said, m'dear." He took my arm, and steered our walking towards an area, though I managed to shift him slightly towards the Hors d'oeuvre waiting on a table.

"I must admit, your computer experts are far better than any we have, they were even able to restore some plans." He shook his head in apparent amazement. "The Spad, the Samurai and the Rapier. All basic versions, but still. Seven airframes a month?" He smiled. "And of fine equipment at that. I could complain about the 'Mechs, but?" He shook his head. "Urbanmech, Locust, Hunchback and even the Marauder." He tilted his head. "Doesn't your clone of the Archon -" He smiled at the wittism that I politely laughed at, "- pilot one?"

"She does, as my lancemate and aide, Lt. Winter pilot the Hunchback. Perhaps not the most glamorous machines… but effective. Even the Urbanmech, used properly will make pirates tremble."

His smile indicated he wasn't interested in that detail. "That they would, and the plans for the Danais, Union and Overlord are quite helpful as well."

"You'll still need to provide a fair bit of the parts, you realize." I cautioned. "I would say at best, the setup can only provide for maybe a quarter of the weapons and armor needed."

He smiled. "You would be surprised at what our technicians can do, m'lady." He bowed slightly, his eyes drifting down, as I wore a simple seeming dress calculated to impress, instead of my blacks, which I was preferring, but I was acting per Hanse's orders, as ambassador. "It'd not surprise me if with a bit of work, we can at least replace the weapon factories you claimed. Dare I ask?"

"Oh, I was acting as a mercenary, so that's a fair question, I believe it will either be sold to a corporation, or I may claim it as my share." I smiled winningly. "After of course NAIS tears them apart and reassembles them."

"Of course, of course, even here, we have heard of your prince's great project. Ambitious, is he not afraid that someone will strike at it?" Santiago's eyes were indicating actual interest. "In fact, my brother is sending Kamea with you to attend, I believe."

"The negotiations are well underway, yes." I agreed. That was a surprising deal reached by Hanse. A hundred Aurigan students, including Tamati's heir? At the Prince's cost? Tamati leapt on it, of course. "If I do claim a part of the industrial spoils, I'm thinking of building Vulcans, though since we have the plans as well…"

"If you do, I suspect even if the Davions don't buy them, you would find eager markets in the Periphery. While my and my brother's family was fonder of the Star League than most ouside the Great Houses… even I must admit, seeing them fly again, was a stirring sight." I nodded at his honest praise.

"They are good birds for their role. It's a shame and a crying one they became associated with a butchery greater than anything since the days of Old Terra." I agreed with him.

"Well said. May I ask what you think of your Prince?" He smiled. "Apparently, he's been dating you since February of this year." I blinked. What? His eyebrow rose slightly in response. "The theory I have, is given your known ties to a noted treasure hunter, when he sent your unit off with the others, he wanted to provide cover that it really wasn't a lostech expedition, and well, you have to admit…"

"I do own a mirror." I said dryly. "Reasonable, though I wasn't told about it." I paused, then shrugged. "Hanse does what Hanse does, he is the First Prince."

"One I admire, at least so far. He seems to be decisive and well, at least using the power his family has consolidated, for the best of his people." Santiago's tone was honest admiration. "I have suggested a more centralized rule, in that vein, or Taurus, or Canopus' own, I suppose, to my brother, though he has resisted somewhat." He sighed. "The good a strong hand can do for a nation, well, your nation has beat back and even expanded on those who dared harm her."

I didn't blink, but nodded along apparently in agreement. "It does, however, require nobility and the backbone of the nation, the common man, to buy in… and without that?" I shake my head.

"But we are crying out for such. And with this prize we now have, if my brother listens to me, which he will, I suspect, and of course, his daughter, when she attains the throne, with the fine education and example on New Avalon, we can finally not only just halt or slow down the spiral we are in, but grow out of it, and take our place, wouldn't you say?" His eyes gleam with that future. "Our people are a nation of choice, m'lady, and we are only asking to be recognized as such, but in this fallen universe…"

"One could argue a strong hand is needed to make that happen, yes." I pretended to agree. It wasn't quite that way in the Suns. While I would concede that Hanse Davion, like most First Princes since the middle or late First Succession War, pretty much had a High Council whose task was to get a rubber stamp, stamp it to everything he did the previous year, then drink like maniacs on his tab, it was at the federal level Hanse's power was near absolute, and even then, he could have court decisions overrule him, or modify his decisions, there were traditions on what he could do, and absolute freedoms that the Suns enshrined. Even with those checks, there was the threat of ambitious, or motivated nobles, and just plain people going "What are you doing?", much less something like the Warrior's Cabal.

Santiago noticed my pause. "M'lady?" He stated as he swapped out my glass for another of champagne, as tonight was the night I signed for Hanse the documents ratifying the agreements, until he could.

"I was just thinking that while your statement had some salient points, and yes, Hanse's power is quite immense, it's not quite that simple." He raised an eyebrow. "First, it came out of the crises of the First and Second Succession Wars, and is generally only at the federal level, he can't, nor will he tell a local baroness who's acting within the law, say, that she has to chop down those trees, instead of the ones she wants to." Espinosa laughed at that. "And in the end, he's only one man, like the First Princes before him, if enough people don't want to go along with him…"

Espinosa blinked. "You say they'd depose him?" I laughed.

"I suggest you read up on how his father inherited the throne, for an example of a change that was resisted. While in the end, it all worked out…" I smiled ruefully. "Not that I say Tamati would do such a thing." I looked at his liege who was chatting with Kath, and Case. Both of which had orders to carefully broach certain subjects with certain people.

"Are you saying his method is better? Look at our nation, compare it to yours!" Espinosa was beginning to get angry again.

"I am not saying that, M'lord." He blinked. "I'm just saying that being a dictator only lasts as long as you don't push the people too far. Change is incremental. Your nation is young, and growing, and has a chance to grow stronger than believed." I tilted my head at him. "While I would agree a firm hand is needed, sometimes the hand that guides is better than the hand that pulls. But at times, I have to admit, a hand that pulls, is sometimes more needed." I waved my unoccupied hand. "It's striking the balance that's the key, I believe. As the gift for Lady Kamea indicated, sometimes you do need a fist." I was referring, of course, to the Atlas II we had left for her. Tamati was impressed, and accepted my point he couldn't just give her his 'Mech for schooling on New Avalon.

He laughed at that, and nodded, then thought about the rest for a moment, then shrugged. "As you say, we are young, and I would use old Earth examples, Chile, the Republic of Korea, even Taiwan, perchance, or the city State of Singapore?"

I blinked. "I… see your point, but from what I recall, Picholet and Park were executed. Two of four indicates not a pleasant trend."

"Yet, Jiang died in bed, and many kings also." I conceded the point.

"As you say, and more importantly, that is a debate you should have with your brother and others, not me. I'm a New Avalon girl. We have different views." I smile.

He accepted the attempt to end that thread. "I understand New Avalon itself is a vibrant city, and the world a lovely place, untouched by the horrors of the Succession wars." He smiled.

I thought about it. "Depends what you mean untouched. By direct violence? I would agree… but the loss of so much." My smile was a bit sad. "There are wonders on New Avalon, we cannot duplicate. I am sure you would marvel at them as I have."

"I would enjoy showing you the wonders of my castle, we have a few ourselves, or you showing me New Avalon's wonders." He smiled trying to be charming, and if I didn't know this man was a kinslayer in the future . "Even this capital, perhaps you could delay a bit? I would so insist, and it would strengthen ties between our realms?" He paused… "Or perhaps… I wonder, your unit didn't leave New Avalon officially 'til February, did it not?"

I wondered where he was going, so I played along, trying to think of a way out of this. "Yes, that's right, we lifted late February first." My tone indicated it was a question.

"The news reported your prince had dates with you in January, and he is trusting you with this task… perhaps the dates that have been circulating past then aren't just cover for a lostech mission?" His smile was a bit sharp. I wasn't sure what Espinosa was implying, but I answered.

"Yes, we had a couple of dates, he wanted to ask about acting and some other things, and well, he had a captive to question." I smiled. "Not that I mean it in that way, of course, but he tries to do many things, and operates off if you're not busy living, you're busy dying, and he has no plans for the latter, and part of living, is learning."

Sangatio nodded. "A fine point there, but I wonder if he has more than just interest in what you know and own…" He trailed off suggestively, then added. "Forgive me, but you must admit, you have a slight reputation, though to be honest, no one would accuse you of wantonness, at least publically, but you have to admit, before those dates, you were often seen on many a young noble's arm."

I laughed. "A pretty young actress who can flatter and knows a bit about mechwarrioring, will never lack for an escort to take her to the balls of New Avalon, and since I lacked a title then…" He nodded, smiling at that. "As for what you're implying, I doubt it. He had a fiancee…" I trailed off and shook my head. "Not the first, nor sadly, dare I say, the last time a Davion has suffered or will suffer loss at the snake's hand."

"All things pass, m'lady. Perhaps he's thinking toward the future." I laughed again at that.

"As you say, I have a bit of a reputation, and the age difference… while not insurmountable, well. Davions marry for love, more often than not, and I doubt two dates and meetings would stir such." I shook my head. "Let's be honest, while I'll be honest, and admit, any girl of the Suns would be honored to catch his attention, I doubt I am that one. And it would be a bit of a pickle. I still have things that I wish to do, that being his spouse would make… difficult at the least."

"Perhaps." He thought about it for a moment, but before he could expand, Case broke in.

"Ma'am? I need you for a moment." Mr Scruffy, the Case of Kikyo's strays, had cleaned up and looked every inch a professional and well mannered. Even his youth had somehow added to it, instead of distracting from the image.

"Of course, Lieutenant." I turned away from Case, and turned to the Lord. "If you would excuse me?"

He nodded, and waved me away.

"Okay, besides me thanking you for getting away from a man who gave off subtle clues he wanted to have some ah… fun." I paused. "And I suspect not the fun I'd enjoy the most." Case snorted at that. "What's the problem?"

"Kath kept an eye on the situation, cabbit, and you're too nice to not make an easy getaway. Yeah, maybe not anyone else detected it, but I noted your hand every so often reaching for your blade." Ooops crossed my mind. Case picked up on that. "Nah. No one else did, it looked natural as you resting it. But…"

"Right, you're Outworlder, and they adore the arts, as their national sport." We both shared a grin at that. "And you knew swordsmen before."

"Ayup." He led me near the signing table. "It didn't hurt that Tamati seems to be flagging a bit, and I figured we needed to get this done."

I nodded, as Kath steered the High Lord. "Any luck?"

"We'll see. I'm not sure this is a good or bad thing overall, but we'll see." Case was serious for once. "Still holding you to your word."

"If I can, I will, not a question." I shook my head. We could kill the man now, but I vetoed that. As much as I hated to admit it, a patriot Espinosa was. Just… he hadn't crossed the line yet, to being a demon, and… who knew if he would now. I couldn't kill a man for crimes he might not commit, could I?

Castle Watchtower, Late Evening, November 15th, 3015.

Ran blinked at the head shipwright, and acting head of Watchtower Shipyards. "What do you mean, we're already out of helium?" His voice was calm.

Richard Lutens grimaced. "As per instructions we were to focus on the Dropships and Jumpships, correct?" I and Felsner nodded.

"That doesn't' explain why you're short helium already." I pointed out sweetly. "We drained Artu dry of it, nearly 3,500 tons of it." I tilted my head. "Plus what you could likely savagle from here."

"Near enough to four thousand tons, all total, yes." He looked upwards, and nodded once. "The problem comes from something else." He looked outside the main window, in the office we were using. "There's only enough slips able to handle Jumpships to do two at a time, that we can use. We had enough people to also do two dropships, so… The Argo is still in one, but she'll be ready to leave by the first of the year. She was remarkably less damaged than we feared. But it was a bit tricky resetting all the internals, now we're just fabricating new drive nozzles, and replacing members and armor plate." Ran nodded, his eyes narrowing.

"Yet, you have three jumpship slips working, or so I inferred from the report." His tone was confused.

"Yes. The slip the Newgrange was in." He looked at his paper. "We hit a stroke of luck there. When they shut down, she was actually undergoing repairs, all her armor removed, a replacement drive assembly fabricated, but not installed. Full armor replacement. They had gotten as far as fixing and certifying everything but the transit drive and repair bay."

"And?" This was the Marshal again, and he was annoyed.

"Well, while we had enough people all told to run the four yards we were, we had enough extra people with a decent clue, and with supervision to actually run a single shift on the slip the Newgrange was in." We nodded.

"Makes sense, she's honestly the one ship we need as good as possible, since she can fix everyone else." I responded absently. "And speeding up her repairs means we can leave faster, and if she had a new transit drive waiting for her… why not?"

"Capital. How long before she's ready?" The Marshal realized the same thing I did. Getting SLS Newport News out would be a major victory. Inside her repair bay we could stuff countless boxes and parts, plus even full dropships, upwards of two point three million tons worth of cargo, in fact.

"And that's why we're out of Helium already." The shipyard worker sighed. "Since she's less than three months out by computer projections, though I'd say closer to five, given our crews…" Everyone nodded at that. "The main computers refuse to release the helium she needs. Take out that 2,300 tons or so, a reserve hundred or so, and that leaves only 1,600 tons. Which the first Monolith ate a fourth of, and the one we're working on and getting ready to take out, ate another quarter."

"Well… shit." I spun at the Marshal's statement. "That's unpleasant. I was hoping that we could get more of the command chain with nine total dropship rings, so we could get more of the troops home for Christmas." We had sent the Monolith Indiana, as well as the SLS Hal ahead, and the pair were going to be anchors, as we tried for a nine ring chain to the Suns. I rubbed my forehead, thinking.

"Okay, look. We are three weeks into building the chain." Ran and Lutens looked at me, the harried balding black man going "Yes…" with his expression.

"We'll send out as many of my jumpships to link up, and keep building the chain…" I looked at my map on the tablet I was using to keep track of the chain. "If I'm reading this right…" I sigh. "Using all my jumpships, and sending them out now, we'll still make the Dec 1st timeline. Risk is of course, us who stay here, are stuck here, until the chain's complete." I look at Ran. "That means my aerospace regiment, marines, the independents we have…" I was referring to of course the independent regiments of ASF and the battalion of Marines we had gotten from the FSN.

The Marshal shrugged. "Needs must. Make it happen, though all the troops stay behind, and with a bit of luck, we can get a third Monolith online, before that deadline as well as a Star Lord and a Merchant, and then we just have to hope the First Prince realizes we need helium."

I shivered. "I hope so. Five months til SLS Newport News can leave, you say, Lutens?"

"Yes ma'am." He tilted his head at my expression.

"Let's try for four." I nodded at the Marshal's sharp nod of agreement.

Felsner looked around. "I'll schedule the extra personnel, I'm sure we'll find enough extra people. And I suggest you comb your people, General."

I saluted, at the same time Lutens sighed, but strengthened. "With your permission?"

"Granted."

Kikyo's office, Dropship Xanadu, Castle Watchtower, Morning, Dec 9th, 3015.

Almost a year since I arrived in this universe and merged with this body, and had thought: At least I don't have to deal with this paperwork, wonder how my other self will…

Silly me. I had more paperwork than I really dreamed possible, and that was saying something. The only pleasant news, was the chain had connected with one Hanse had managed to… well, hopefully quietly piece together for us, and a pair of Danais dropships had brought 6,000 tons of Helium. This allowed us to obey our orders, and build a Chain to Coromodir as requested. My hatch opened, and I didn't look up. "Unless you're here to report that an Aqueduct showed up full of helium, plus enough crew to jump the rest of the ships, please leave…" I sighed, looking at my paperwork.

A laugh that I recognized caused my eyes to shoot up, to Hanse Davion's grinning face.

"Well, I could report both, and both would be true, but I didn't think that was my job. Arranging for such, now, well." His grin just made me chuckle ruefully.

"I apologize for being so rude, Your Highness…" I started, before Hanse's laugh cut me off.

"This reminds me of my office the week before Royal Court and the High Council arrive." He looks around. "Well, if I kept it on a dropship, at least." He tilted his head. "I daresay I have more, though."

I nodded at that. "I'll give you that, but well, since Katheryn took the first batch of personnel down the chain, I'm doing her paperwork for what remains, reviewing Gry's and Stig's actions and approving them, and…"

He held up a hand. "None of which are critical at this moment. As for Major General Sandoval's paperwork, she has an executive officer who should be doing it, or someone she left behind. Have your aide - Lt. Winters, I believe? - find said person and dump it on him."

I raised my eyebrow. "And?"

"I require a tour! I am the First Prince, and your contract holder! My whims are law to you!" He sniffed, broken only by my laugh, and sigh at the paperwork.

"Okay." I pushed out of my desk, after clamping the pile I was working on to the desk, as well as the tablet I was using. "Better than looking at the nineteenth duplication of a hiring statement anyways."

Hanse's eyebrow quirked. "You're running a brigade plus formation, if you think the Acting General of the Light Horse, Colonel Wolf, or others in your position review each one…" He took my arm, as we headed out of my office. "You are sadly mistaken. It does explain some comments I got, however." He shook his head.

"Oh?" My tone asked the question.

"More competent than reasonably hoped for, thinks big, knows the basics of combat, and some areas very well… and is fit to run a battalion in any military they can think of. Needs experience for more. Can operate on a strategic field as an independent commander, with a basic objective or mission and not much more." He shrugged. "It's almost like you did run a battalion, or at least was fully trained in that regard."

I thought on how to reply. "Perhaps I'll explain."

I felt the chuckle. "Another secret you're waiting to expose?"

".. You could say that." I finally answered. "You could easily say that." His bemused laughter rang, as we walked to the waiting shuttle to show him the glories of the Star League.

Main control Room, Castle Watchtower, Late Afternoon, Dec 9th, 3015.

"Now that we have had our third date…" Hanse trailed off…

"First, I've heard about the little escapades on New Avalon now…" Hanse shrugs, indicating he'd explain later. "Second, that's not quite a date, no little black dress, no meal…" I shake my head tsk, tsk, tsking.

"That can be arranged…" Hanse trails off again, teasingly.

I shake my head. "Briefing, you need this." He sighs.

"Business before pleasure, always the bane of dutiful people. Then again, a briefing like this…" He smiles, and gestures me into the meeting room.

I take my seat, as he moves to the head of the table. Ran to his left, I to his right, Banzai to my right, all the way til Lutens at the base. He looks around at everyone and nods. I had my strays as they were being called, and my command staff, Evie, Morgan, Evie Jr as she was being nicknamed, Kath, Case all here.

"First and foremost. I know most of you are surprised to see me here, and I'll just say I had to see the prizes you have won for the Federated Suns... " He pauses, bows his head slightly, then sweeps the room with his eyes. "No, humanity. With a bit of luck, and time, we can finally break the cycle of spiraling into worse and worse technology, and begin to return our people, no, again, humanity, to its peak, and then beyond it. Humanity owes you all a great debt, the Federated Suns owes you a great debt, and I owe you that debt."

Before any of us could respond, Case, ever scruffy, leaning against a wall snarked out. "Well, you could be paying that debt by getting your ass back to New Avalon, and doing your job, you know, being the Prince of the Federated Suns?" He paused. "No offense, Johnny adored Prince Ian, but it got him killed, and it'll get you killed, if you don't behave, and be safe. Everyone knows you got balls, you've proven that, and no one calls a Davion a coward."

Hanse blinked. Ran shot Case a glare, who looked over his sunglasses, unimpressed, while Kath just facepalmed.

"You know… I think Yvonne was more polite about it, but she'd applaud you." He shook his head. "And yes, I know, but… at times, being Prince means I must lead. At times I must see the answer to prayers long prayed." He looks Case in the eyes. "When I started seeing exactly what we had from Halstead station, I realized even with the NAIS I was starting, it would be my grandchildren's… no my great grandchildren' lifetime before we restored in any measure the lifestyle the common man enjoyed in the Late Star League. And now?" His hand waved at the outside. "You have cut that time by an immeasurable fraction, and perhaps with the other objectives we have, I will live to see it for them."

Case shrugged. "You'll only do that if you be a good First Prince." He leaned back again, smirking.

I sigh. "We thank you for your praise, but I do believe we're getting paid for this."

Dr. Banzai picked up. "Sire, about what I sent you that message?" Hanse looked at Banzai and nodded. The Doctor turned, and looked at the non-Cav in the room, and then at us. "I should not need to say this, but all this is Sword-One level information, and treated as such. Any, and I mean any reveal of it, will have you executed." Hanse nods, and Lutens pushes back.

"Too high for my blood, something even more so than this? I'll wait around the corner, if you don't mind, Sire." Hanse looks at the man, and nods.

"I appreciate a man who recognizes his limits. We will call for you. Anyone else?"

Lutens left after that, with Case stopping Alt. Only Morgan, Rios, Justin and Felsner remained who weren't in the know, besides Dr. Banazi. Evie Cook snorted.

"This should be good." the older redhead snorted, and Dr. Banzai slightly smiled.

"I would not say good, but I would say interesting." His slight shrug conveyed a wealth of information. "I have examined and gotten limited permission to discuss the following medical information with you all." He thought about how to approach this, and then dived in.

"In summary, General Onishi, Lt. Winters were the first I examined with very unusual neurological formations, then Colonel Steiner, then Commander Blackwing and finally, now, Recruit Kessler show the same basic formations." He looked, tossing up a picture I recognized of my brain.

"I further have seen very unusual behavior, based on previous information on all patients, as well as highly atypical behavior to the stress of combat, on their part. I believe others have commented on similar indicators." Felsner nodded in response to that, as Hanse waved the 'get on with it.'

Dr. Banzai rubbed his bridge slightly as he stated simply. "I want… no, I need confirmation." He looked at us. "Are you reincarnates who recall your last lives?" He paused, thinking for a second. "No, that wouldn't explain some other indicators. But… Reincarnation would answer so much, but if not that, What?"

I look at Case, and pull out a ten pound note. "Why do I feel that you're padding your paycheck with mine?"

"Because I am." Case snarks. He looks at Kath who shrugs, then me, and I sigh.

"My shout, Strays." I look around and shrug. "None of you are going to believe this… but, in short… we remember another world, 20th and 21st Century Terra, where the Sovs didn't reclaim power… and Hanse Davion was a fictional character." I launched into a detailed speech I had mentally practiced, leaving out specifics, but covering the gist.

After a fair thirty minutes, with the rest kibitzing, and interjecting, finally I wound down. I hadn't gone over the 'future' history of this universe's future at all, but gave enough to know we were operating off that.

Felsner thought for a moment, and then spoke, before Hanse could, and stopped at Rios collecting a twenty pound note from Morgan. "Major?"

"I bet it was something along this. Morgan agreed it was close enough."

Case stared for a moment, as Alt facepalmed. Case's laughter rang out finally, then he got himself under control.

"If that's all…" Ran's dry tone interjected, and Case waved in agreement. "You were an officer of a military, were you not, General?" I tilted my head. His wintry smile answered that. "Too many clues, I would suspect a Western Military, more than likely the American." I blushed.

"As for the young Miss Kessler, I would expect military training as well, too." Dr. Banzai hummed "I would suspect enlisted, and some elite, possibly American Marines, British Para, or similar forces."

"This is my rifle and this is my gun… one is for killing and one is for fun!" Evie Jr caroled out.

Hanse interjected. "Full Metal Jacket… Wait, American Marines actually sang that?"

I shrugged. "Army, here, Evie?" Evie's grin and nod answered it.

Hanse looked hard at us. "From what you've all implied, you knew what you would find, you knew what was at stake, and what would be. While I understand some of you just gained that knowledge, or were not in a position to use it… " He turned to Kath and blinked. "Err.." He paused… "Damn, you really are a clone of Katrina Steiner aren't you?"

She shook her head. "No, not even a clone at all, or even in vitro and tube birthed, just a natural." She grinned. "Proud of it!" She sobered. "You want to know why, if I'm in general agreement what's upcoming is bad, the Suns don't deserve it, nor do the Lyrans, hell, I'll go as far as the Mariks don't either… And none of the everyday civilians do, that's for sure…"

He nodded. Kath sighed. "That's for a later story, but suffice it to say I was making preparations for when I could move without severe risk of bringing hell on all our heads, and I had a worst case plan if I bit it."

Hanse leaned back and looked at all the Strays. "Strays. Strays from another universe brought to ours. For … what?"

I looked at the others, but I stood up and started. "To move worlds, Sire. Because evil triumphs when good men stand by and do nothing. Even Case, as cynical and as amoral as he claims, is still a good man."

Asha picked up. "We can't stand by and do nothing. If nothing else, at least on our tombstones, it would read 'Tell the world We tried.' What we can do, we must."

Case snorted. "Speak for yourself. I wanna get hot bondswomen, kill snakes, and get a planet. And.. um, SCIENCE!" Kath didn't look at him as she thwapped him with a backhand.

"Where I came from sucks. Where I came from before that wasn't perfect but I loved my home. I didn't recognize home there, but I do here." Kath stated, her composite ceramic rosary in hand. "I am here but for the Grace of God and I'll be damned if I don't act to make things better." Evie finally sighed and joined in.

"I got nothing here, now, except a few friends. My family, my past? All gone… But one thing, my honor as a Marine, my friends here, and the fact is, I am angry. And there's a lot of targets to take it out on. Better those who deserve it, than innocents, eh? And I know my friends have my back, I got theirs." She looked at me. "Sexpot over there, shouldn't be allowed around guns, wrenches, anything useful without adult supervision, but hey, she's an officer, that's expected." Hanse stifled a guffaw at that. "She does the high faulting thinking and makes the long term calls. I trust her to get that as right as she can, as she trusts me to nail the targets here and now. I trust Case to not screw us over, just everyone else. Flygirl there? She can watch us from above, as we clear the ground." A crooked grin. "I even trust blondie to know about good times, and where to find them." Kath snickered. "That's all we need. We're the lever that will move worlds."

MageOhki · Mar 2, 2020

Becasue people have asked:

Ships:
(to FSN)
SLS Newport News, Newgrange class
SLS Detroit, Belknap Class
1 S. Soyez Class (current status: LFB fried, 1/2 speed, 1/2 weapons and armor)
2 Lola III's, as the Soyez
2 Essex, as the Soyez
2 Vincent Mk 39's, simliar state as above
1 Volga, with half the dropship rings thrashed, as the cruiser
Monoliths: 3, Star Lords: 5, Invader 7, Merchant 8, Scout 2, 3 Snowden Space Stations
Behemoth 6, Mammoth 1, Aqueduct 1, Mule 5, Union 4, Overlord 3, Lee 2, 4 Avengers, 2 Fortresses, 2 Achilles, 2 Titans, 2 Colossus

to OHC
1 Carrack, OCS Golden Lady, 1 ring damaged, 5-% armor, half of the weapons (one side) gone. (Kikyo gets her)
Monoliths: 3 Star Lords: 5 Invaders 7 Merchants 7 Scouts: 2, 4 Snowden Space Stations
Behemoth: 5, Mammoth 2, Colossus 2, Vengeance 2, Titan 1, 4 Elephants, 1 Aqueduct, 6 Mules, 3 Unions, 2 Overlords, 3 Avengers, 2 Fortresses, 2 Achilles

Castle Watchtower had the complete needed setup for the following (weapons, etal, all of it)
Slips:
1 2.5mt with core extruder, 1 2.5mt without (ie, biggest)
2 2mt with core, 2 without, 4 1mt with and 2 without, 4 600kt with, 2 without, 4 450kt with, 2 without, 4 300kt with, 2 without, 4 160kt with, 2 without, 4 120kt with, 2 without
4 100kt without, 8 60kt without, 16 20kt without

There was additional stuff, too, but that's the shipyard.
Hanse picked up an addtional 41 Royal ASF, 90 late SLDF Line ASF, 30 ROyal Mechs, 140 late SLDF Line (including 16 more LAMS), 25 Royal AFV, 100 Line, 60 Maxims, 60 Goblins, 60 Royal Command Heavy APC of each type, 24 Vail
a shitton of VTOL and support vees.

The BIG Prize however is PROJECT STAR.
Powered armored Space Marine Suits. And it was just about complete.

AND the factory module to build it.

This isn't counting the fabs/etal in the Argo (Kikyo's), or from the Castle Brian.
This is just the stuff. Weep Liao, WEEP.

MageOhki · Mar 5, 2020

And becasue I can... Chapter 7. Chapter 9 is 2-4 scenes from being done. Very annoying. Expect slowdowns, however, as I'll be starting a unfun month or so.

With a lever big enough I can move the world

A Battletech FanFiction

By

Andrew "MageOhki" Norris.

War is often theorized to be diplomacy by violent means, and politics by non-verbal expressions, as thinkers have theorized. I prefer Sun Tzu's theory, that supreme excellence in battle comes from winning without said battle. Anyone who has actually been in combat, and isn't a complete murderer does. The trick is pulling it off. Sometimes you do. And you'll never realize it.

One thing about politics, diplomacy and in essence, human interaction on a societal scale, is it is a massively complex system. An old Terran movie, once had the main character comment: "Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you'll get." Any action at that level, meant to shape that level… is often like that. You never do know what you'll get, though you can often predict… but often, your actions will blindside you. The real trick, in the end, is it for the better?

From the journals and notes of Kikyo Onishi, New Avalon Press, 3291 AD, as part of the "Century of Chaos: The Movers and Shakers." series.

See Chapter 1 for disclaimers and other information
I would like to thank Drakensis for kibitzing and Editing, JG/Joe Gunnarson (Of Whateley fame) for the same, Valles, Case/Fosfor, Minako/Scratx for kibitizing. Y'all made this go a LOT faster than the first two, thank you. Psyckosama deserves a special shoutout for helping reinspire, some basic visualization and idea throwing.

Main Control Room, Castle Watchtower, Morning, Dec 10th, 3015.

Hanse's eyes swept all of us, as he ended last night's meeting then and there, for all to as he put it, 'consider' the ramifications. He then called us back together the next morning.

"Thank you all for coming." He looked at Lutens, and nodded once. "You were wise to remain out of the meeting, Mr. Lutens, and I applaud you." The man nodded.

"Thank you, Sire." He tilted his head. "By any chance, did you read the information I sent?"

Hanse sighed. "I did not, please summarize for me. Last evening's meeting was a bit distracting." I couldn't hold a snort back, and Case's soft chuckle indicated he agreed with me. I dreaded to think what Evie was up to, but she wasn't here.

"Newport News," the head shipwright was referring to the Newgrange, "has all internals except her transit drive fully certified, though the acid test…" Hanse nodded in understanding. "We are placing armor on all but the rear as we speak, and that part should be done roughly by the fifteenth. We are ahead of schedule, and it looks like no later than by the first of February, she'll be ready to slip her moorings and test her drives."

Hanse smiled. "Excellent." He nodded once. "And I brought along enough crew to at least nurse her to a hidden system close to New Avalon, so that problem isn't yours."

"Thank you, sire. We are doing two jumpships at a time, and have already activated five, with now three in process, I estimate about another sixteen months, though it's possible I can cut that down to twelve, if we're allowed to keep the Newgrange here, while we fix the Detroit." He smiled at that. The Detroit was the Belknap ship, which was designed to build factories, as Kerensky aptly proved in the Rim after conquering it. Amaris Empire Forces during the early states of the Liberation campaign had struck at the class without mercy, and given the losses in the Uprising, it was no surprise that only one had made it to Terra, and she was unaccounted for, as Kath had confirmed that Cologne hadn't gone with the Exodus.

Hanse's eyes narrowed, but he waved the shipwright to continue. The man did. "All the spare parts, that we haven't earmarked for Detroit, or the jumpships, are loaded on the Behemoths, ready to go, as those are activated, and I'd say honestly, by the time we release Detroit and Newport News, all of them are able to go as well. The other easily portable equipment? Phaf. Colonel Steiner's report says enough."

"Outstanding. Do please focus on the warships enough to jump them, and then of course the Monoliths, Star Lords, and Invaders." He received a nod. "We can afford…" He paused, wondering at his words, then shook himself with a smile. "As I was saying, we can afford to lose the Merchants and Scouts. What we cannot lose is Detroit and Newport News." He fixed the man with a steely stare. "Which is why I am very concerned about keeping Newport News here."

The man looked solidly at his prince, and responded. "Two, no three reasons, Sire." Hanse nodded, impressed at the man's steel. "First, we are fabricating Detroit's replacement drive with the tooling here. As well as her armor plate and other parts she needs. Second, even compared to Newport News, this station is far ahead of her ability to repair. While the Newgranges live up to their reputation, make no mistake, Sire, they are slower than a proper shipyard, which this Hughes is." Hanse nodded, signaling he understood. "Finally, Sire, it was actually not my initial idea, but Colonel Steiner's."

Hanse turned to the blonde.

"When we get Detroit ready to go, sir, we can move out the ultra large components, the main Newgrange class core extruder, and those bays associated with her. While they're jumpable, they need warships to do so. And they'll fit compacted or attached to Detroit and Newport News. And we can load other components, dropships, and raw metals, as well into and on the ships."

Hanse thought about it a moment. "Agreed. Approved. It just means the roughly four aerospace regiments I have here aren't going anywhere." He shrugged. "I was hoping to bring two home, but what is, is." He nodded once. "When Detroit is certified to leave, and come to New Avalon, one regiment comes home, second does when the last Warship is ready, and the last two come when the jumpships are leaving, with the last station modules. Regarding those, Richard, " He was referring to the shipwright, who reacted in pleasure, "How hard will it be to remove them?"

"Not very. Not very at all, in fact." He shrugged. "Putting aside that while they buried them in an asteroid, to begin with, it is fairly clear part of the time they spent prepping the station to be moved. Outside power runs, and tunnels, and some other quarters and a few small factories, which we will pack up, realistically, we can unlock and have ready to start heading to New Avalon, each station part in a day. Two at most."

"Outstanding." Hanse's smile was savage. "Richard, I promise you, when you return home, your grandchildren will be amazed at what you bring them. I'm thinking of at least a County."

Lutens began to protest, only to have his monarch raise a hand.

Hanse grinned. "To those who do great deeds, and beyond any reasonable expectations, come great rewards. Our best case was twenty-four months from now. You're telling me seventeen months. Even if it slips by a month, or even two?" He shook his head. "You've earned it. No argument."

"Sire, it'd not have been possible without the Baroness' people." He protested. "I'm not sure…"

Hanse tsked. "And if you think I don't have plans about that, Richard, you're mistaken. Don't worry, it's all being prepared." I started to feel a sandbag falling. I shook it off, I'd figure a way out of it.

"Well." The shipwright thought for a moment, then stood up. "I'd like to make it twelve, so if I could…"

"With not only my permission, but my sincere gratitude and pleasure." Hanse grinned.

Hanse waited til only Ran, Kath, Case, Justin and I were still in the room. "Well."

Justin actually picked up the conversation for his prince. "You all do realize we're going to want more details about the … how did you put it, Colonel? The Future that was?"

Kath snickered. "Yes, and I suspect narco interrogation is planned."

Hanse snorted. "I'd not say no if you agreed, since it also includes memory enhances, as Justin explained to me last night, but in this case, not required." He looked at Justin. "And if certain people suggest it, they will be looking for work immediately. If I don't have them shot."

My blink was met by Hanse's eyes. "I'd have to say…" He cut off my statement.

"What you have done, and what you've put on the table is more than enough to earn you any consideration my realm can give you. Even if it's not in the Realm's best interest. Or so I think. And my thoughts are what matters."

Case shrugged. "Meh, I expected it, plus it's been a while since I've last read the shit, at least a year for Kikyo, even if she wrote what she remembered down, and might have wrongly, as for the rest?" He snickered. "I want the video tape. I need blackmail!"

Hanse snickered at that. "You realize they'll have blackmail on you, do you not?"

Case's grin was amusing. "What's blackmail between friends?" Hanse's laugh answered him. Case sloppily saluted and nodded once. "I'm going to go play with SCIENCE!"

"As amusing as that may be, permission will be sought." He nodded. Turning to Ran, he nodded once. "As I've noted, Kathryn and half her unit have already left, and honestly should be on New Avalon, I understand you've sent some of yours, as well as Kikyo sending some of hers?" Case had slipped out after that.

"Yes Sire." Ran collected his thoughts for a moment then nodded once. "We sent by and large, all the foot infantry, and in fact, all the ground vehicles, and by this time, all reconnaissance elements. We've also sent at least a company each of 'Mechs back." Hanse's eyebrow indicated he wanted the Marshall to expand.

"The ground vehicles and their crews really didn't add much to either our combat ability or our capability to well, acquire this asset." Hanse nodded. "Same with the Foot infantry, and the reconnaissance elements, plus their need to keep in training. The Jump infantry at least has some ability and understanding about space infantry combat, and of course the Marines. We sent back the least capable mechwarriors, as well, for the same reason. I believe we're sending along another company each, just about when the chain's charged, plus the rest of the ground vehicles, plus the support personnel least suited for this." He looked at me.

I nodded. "That is more or less what we're planning. And as we start disassembling the station, more of the support personnel will go back. Less here, less questions about exactly what we found, no?"

Hanse nodded. "And the Marines and Aerospace elements stay as long as needed?"

Kath picked up that. "Actually, yes. We really want the Marines, in consideration, considering that for the year before the Uprising, it appears that the SLN was testing a Nighthawk variant here." Hanse's eyebrow rose.

"They removed several of the reconnaissance aspects, but kept the stealth armor, to fit in space operation capability, including the needed thrusters. It's in essence, powered armored marine infantry."

Hanse blinked. Blinked again, and then took a deep breath. "Please tell me the specifications for Nighthawk is here? I've looked at what the cores have… and while it didn't say…"

"No, they don't. We likely could develop an ersatz Nighthawk from this, no question, or quite possibly the real one once we reverse engineer their electronics, but only what appears to be the actual full field testing version of what I'm calling the Devil Dog." She tilted her head. "I'm lead on that aspect, since I uncovered it while trying to figure out why the Commanding General didn't take the station." Kath paused and Hanse interjected

"Any luck there?" Hanse was very interested.

Kath shrugged. "Nothing I can say for sure is accurate, but some station personal logs make it clear, that Kerensky was short personnel, and didn't want to send people here, instead of along the exodus route. As his only reply put it… 'If Amaris and the Great Houses haven't found you yet, it's unlikely they will over time, and I need you, not your equipment. I already have two full Hughes.'"

"So… a combination of a lack of people to crew the ships and move the station, and well, a lack of need?" Hanse tilted his head. "That doesn't quite…"

"I'm not sure, but it's quite possible he was hoping that some things would remain and eventually be found after well, you all got finished blowing each other to bits." Katherine didn't mention it was also possible he didn't want to bring more warfighting along with him. His actions on arriving in the Pentagon, plus along his route, showed he was disarming, not preparing for a new campaign.

"Possible, doubtful but possible." Hanse shrugged. "In the end does it really matter why?"

"No, Your Highness, it doesn't." Katherine Steiner, Freeborn Bloodnamed of Cloud Cobra and Clan Wolf agreed with a Scavenger Lord. "It just means you can rebuild now."

"That it does." Hanse's eyes grew distant. "That it does. This time, gods, I hope, for the better."

Dining Lounge, Dropship Xanadu, Castle Watchtower, Evening

One thing that wasn't mentioned in the books, though hinted at, is Hanse can be and usually is a gentleman, and treats the ladies in his life as such. There's hints that other Davion males generally did so as well. Explains why they seemed to have decent married lives, at least.

I was reminded of this, simply by a private dinner for two, Hanse was a perfect gentleman, doing everything that the classics would do while dining with a lady. Hold your chair, wait til you're seated before sitting, you name it. Even with said lady in a little black dress, all he did was the appreciative and slightly lingering enough to indicate to the lady in question, that yes, he noticed, and yes, m'lady, you look like a million C-bills, and yes I do appreciate it, without going over the line into drooling or open perversion. In my and the original Kikyo's experiences, that's a hard trick to pull off.

I couldn't resist. "I'm afraid I have to ask, do you have tutors for being a perfect gentleman? The books didn't say nor state how good you are at being such." Hanse blinked, then grinned.

"Of course I did. But I found watching Jimmy Stewart, Bogart, and Errol Flynn much better examples." He nodded seriously, though the twinkle in his eye indicated he wasn't being that serious.

I broke out into laughter. "I'm sure that Grant and Wayne would be so disappointed to have missed out on being legend for behavior, though based on what I know of General Stewart, I believe he'd be pleased."

Hanse snickered. "Was he really a general? That was a thousand years ago, and while I'm not saying history's been edited…" He paused for a moment. "And considering America's so called stars of a similar age twenty to thirty years later… bit hard to see it."

I nodded. "Bit before my memories go, but yes, an Air Force General. Had to scheme, from what I knew to get his twenty-fiftieth mission as a bomber pilot over Germany." I shrugged slightly. "Best way to put it, was, and I guess I can be an authority on this, even though I didn't live through it, I studied it as a historian, last life…" Hanse's eyes narrowed at that, but I wondered why. "Was the era of 1946-1970, in a lot of ways, the Baby Boomer era, more or less, rapid upheaval, and rapid shock at America assuming the world leadership role." I shrugged. "Another theory, and my view, was the kids reacted to their parents cloying influences, and well, reacted."

"Ah." He shrugged. "We'll get back to that, I think… but first, business, before the food comes out." He looked slightly sheepishly. "I have some ideas on how the split should really go." He pushed over a small folder, and I opened it, while sipping at water. My eyebrows rose slightly, as I leafed through it all. "Are you sure you can get away with this, without the courts or your champion knifing you in the back?"

Hanse sighed. "Yvonne is not in the best of situations with me at this moment. I had Truxon and Allard do a full review of some actions, and some situations in Supply and other aspects. Let's say this, some of Michael's and the Dragoon's complaints previously, are well warranted, and I know why." He shook his head.

"Michael is a snake, and I'm not sure if he's a cocksucker yet, but he will be!" I shot back, a bit rattled. "I am the first to admit, I'm not fond of your champion, and seeing her a bit restrained, well." I shrugged, calming down. "But I fully agree with her on your brother in law."

Hanse blinked, both on the strong language and the curse I used on his brother in law. "...Normally you're restrained in your language, so I must ask. 'Cocksucker?'" His tone was amused.

I blinked. "I picked it up from my memories of technothrillers. Supposedly FBI slang for a traitor, a person who spies on his home nation for another power, etc." Hanse's eyes narrowed for a moment, then he nodded.

"Ah, the Federal Bureau of Investigations. And I have to admit, that's a fair term. Better than I've heard in some ways, worse in others." He shrugged. "I don't disagree with the thoughts. What I disagree with is what it endangers." His eyebrow rose.

I thought for a moment. "Putting aside personnel and even equi.. Oh, hell. Yvonne blew it, if she wanted to screw the weasel, didn't she?"

Hanse smiled. "If he's a - as you so bluntly put it - cocksucker, one thing he'd do before moving to openly visit glory holes." I sputtered at how Hanse put it, unable to hold back giggles, to his roguish smile. "Rhett Butler is such a cad, isn't he?" I laughed outright at that. "Anyways… he'd be sure of his troops and march. Yvonne playing silly buggers with supplies just helps him." He nodded at that. "Most miss that."

"Yes." I sighed. "However, a Carrack?" I tiled my head, "That'd make the the fourth strongest power in the Inner Sphere, at least warship wise."

Hanse's eyebrows furrowed. "Me, I can see, who else?"

"Comstar, you, Dragoons, me." His eyebrows shot up, as his eyes widened, then narrowed.

"Wolf's mothballed them, hasn't he? And he's a SLDF-in-Exile?" Hanse's tones were decisive, indicating he didn't think he needed the answer.

"Yes, in basic, to both, though the second is far more complex. And no, Katherine Steiner didn't say boo, we strays already knew it." I smiled slightly. "She's not into betraying them, for one, and generally, I'll be honest, they're not bad people."

"I see." Hanse thought about it, and then shrugged. "I wondered why Wolf stated he couldn't accept my apology, for what went down on his first contract with us, but he appreciated that I honestly meant it, and that I would see to admends."

"Now you know. I won't go into details, and those elements are the one area Kath doesn't want to talk about at all. What the SLDF-in-Exile is right now, sure. The Dragoons specifically?"

Hanse nodded, "I have some ideas.already, mind you, and none good, but you're implying that it's possible they're not quite accurate."

I shrugged. "This is a pleasant dinner, not full on debriefing, none of it's critical now." I shook my hair, the curls along my jaw trailing. "Something to discuss…"

Hanse's roguish grin answered. "But when it's time for it. And that's not now." He nodded at the folder. "So?"

"At a first glance, it seems generous to us, at a second…" I shrugged. "If Helm pays out along with New Dallas…"

"It'd be hard pressed to say you aren't owed more, yes." He shrugged. "I daresay Sandoval would have sharp words now, in fact…" He smiled. "Which I've already taken into account, this is just a modification of the agreed upon contract, in a way that benefits everyone." I nodded.

"You want to stick my parts of the station at Panpour to fix Challenge, and what better way?" I tilted my head. It was a neat solution. The AFFS gets out of the notes they held on Challenge Systems that they couldn't collect, and the Federated Suns out of the notes, both real and implied, that I and my people were owed that arguably the Suns couldn't pay, while getting a small shipyard (and hopefully a bigger one, a bit later) where one already had existed. Win-win, except...

Hanse nodded. "That's the idea. I thought it was quite neat."

I tilted my head and smiled slightly. On some things, Kikyo original, and I'll admit, the 20th century person I was, was quite willing to be lead on. Several areas I wasn't, and Hanse decided that he'd step on those lines. Hanse's expression indicated he knew something was amiss, but couldn't figure out what.

I knew, because it was an out of context problem. While it was more later, that it was obvious, that Hanse Davion was a control freak in his own way, he was also a master of delegation, and a lot of his initial and mid-range choices, remarkably like Elizabeth the Great, come to think of it, were very good at what they were picked for. But, as military, and in primus, being a Davion absolute federal ruler… not to mention an astute student of history, himself, he was programmed pretty much to be a control freak. 3025 and later didn't help. He was very much used to self confidence, in himself, and trust in his judgement.

The longer he lived, the more he was generally proved if not right, at least not wrong, the more this built. It'd not surprise me that by the end of his life, Ardan, his right hand, his moral lodestone, was the only person who'd challenge him on any idea, or at least out of those who he trusted, as 3025 put a dent in that ability. I doubted Melissa Steiner would be a voice in military areas, Justin Allard… Good man, good agent, I just didn't really think he was the best at running an agency.

"I can tell you're missing why I'm smiling."

Hanse nodded.

"You, to be fair, like me, have the vices of your virtutes, mind and training." I kept smiling. "While I am quite willing to accept direction, and to be even more fair, have no interest in running a corporation, I'm not that Lyran…"

He laughed at that.

And I let the smile flicker away for an instant. "I do not appreciate being told who'll run my assets, without even a 'with your permission'."

Hanse blinked. He blinked again. It was clear he didn't really understand. "Richard Samethal is if not the best businessman in terms of raw profit, is one of the best managers currently alive and not already a major CEO somewhere." He tilted his head. "He's MIIO vetted, and undergoing it again, in fact, and was my shortlist to take over salvaging Challenge before you came along." He started to expand on this to only stop at my nodding, which hinted to him, it wasn't the problem.

"I can believe that. I can even believe he's the perfect man, who understands deferred profits, that workers are as important as machinery, and honestly less replaceable, and that he's so ethical and moral, it'd make St. Loyola look and nod at him in respect." I smiled sharply now. "It's that I have had one conservator and manager of my assets that was all that. I can't quite figure out a way to sue her yet, but I'm working on it. That's not going to happen again, not on my watch. Or would you like a regent appointed for you at fifteen you had no say in? When we talk about me effectively becoming a major shipbuilder, by taking over a distressed company, I will want to be sure that the people I appoint, or have appointed to be in charge can do the job the way I want it done."

He blinked. I had the lovely experience of seeing Hanse Davion, completely, utterly, and totally taken off balance, to the point he simply facepalmed at himself.

"Well… huh." He thought for a moment. "Huh." Shaking himself. "Okay. I see that now." He smiled ruefully. "I'm not sure I agree there, but I'm sure we can come to a compromise, on that, and I'd like to suggest him as the first to interview."

I thought for a moment. "That's fine. I don't mind having a potential best choice pointed out. But …"

"Locking you in without a hey do you think?" He tilted his head. "I guess I assumed as an actress, you'd be more willing…"

I shook my head, amused. "I'll say this, once I could voice a preference in directors, I made sure I got them." I tilted my head. "Some are easy to work with, but bad at it, some are hard to work with, but they are masters, some are the rarest of them all, good to work with, and masters at their craft." I shrugged. "Guess which I always shot for?"

He laughed, agreeing. "And I suspect, you'd default to hard to work with, but knowing what they were doing, over easy."

"Art isn't, agreed." I shrugged doing interesting things to my bust line, which his eyes flickered to, just briefly. "But, if this is a suggestion, pending review, and evaluation, without it being.."

"Oh, agreed." Hanse sighed. "I didn't think." His grin was a bit sheepish. "I read the update as-of-before-I-left-New-Avalon profile, I thought I thought through the implications of what you said yesterday…" He trailed off.

I smiled normally, and let him off the hook. "But this…" I tapped on the folder "Was such a great idea, and neatly solved all the current problems, and older ones, how could anyone but agree?"

Hanse snickered. "Add in the fact, that well…"

"JAWOHL, MY PRINCE!" I barked out, snickering afterwards to Hanse's blinking, then guffaws.

He finally calmed down. "And… that, yes." He couldn't help but shake his head. "Well, outside that, and another piece of business… those were the main issues that were of a not personal nature, though I will admit, I've learned a few things." He thought for a moment. "Some unpleasant things I thought I had under control. Annoying."

I smiled with a bit of empathy. "Difficult things, about ourselves, to control and keep in check aren't easy, and when we think…" I simply sighed. "Annoying. Understatement."

Hanse nodded simply at that. "Second is more an idea, that is being worked on. Didn't bring it with me, because it's still an outline." My eyebrow rose in question.

"Operation IDES." I blinked.

"And I assume you want to use the Heavy Cavalry?" I tilted my head.

His nod answered me. "The go date is roughly July 1st, though not solid yet, and will involve all the Dragoons, your first Brigade, the Heavy Guards, and several other units. We're actually ahead of where our best hopes were in terms of equipment, though we're not at a point where we can begin raising new units." He sighed. "One thing Detroit, your station, and well, a fair bit of the other industrial related equipment will be going is to establishing new component lines. Then more lines, but focusing on vehicles. Your Vedette variants look promising, as well as the Partisan ones."

I nodded. Battlemech factories were more assembly points, often with frames, armor and some items assembled there, but weapons, electronics, engines, often shipped to them in interstellar freight. Putting aside the need to ship them, there were limits, and those factories too had slowed down and needed repair and replacement parts.

"Make sure this time we don't repeat the Cameron's intentional setup? Please keep components on the same world as the main factory?" I pleaded.

"That, m'dear, you can be sure of." He nodded seriously. "But, back to the operation, in primus, I want Epsilon Eridani." He smiled. "Not only does the map of the Argo that Colonel Steiner so nicely opened for us, confirm your statement nearly a year ago, I've seen your rebuilt Brutuses run around. Militia tanks my ass." He nodded. "Better that factory and its output be in the hands of those who appreciate a good tank, wouldn't you say?"

I snickered at that. "That was also something that happened in the future that would be, though much later." I conceded. "So… basically Ronel, Small world, Epsilon Indi, Bryant and of course Erandi?" His grin indicated I figured out his intent.

"By and large, yes. Stretch goals depending on factors would be Outreach, Sirius and Keid." He shrugged. "Carver V would also be on the list. But I'm pondering telling Janos, and seeing what he does, tempting."

I thought for a moment. "Heavy Guards, the 1st Brigade…" I tilted my head. "You want Sirius as an apology gift." I nodded sharply. "That's roughly six jumps from Helm, and we could be there, with a bit of work within weeks after wrapping up Eridani."

He grinned. "Nicely caught. Good mind there, and you're missing a play. I might go ahead and give some of the weapons we found here, as well." He was referring to the five thousand nuclear weapons we found in Castle Watchtower. All needed their hydrogen replaced, but in other regards, they were ready to go. The Star League had built to last, and had made the weapons pure hydrogen based, cutting out the need for fission triggers.

He shrugged. "Maybe even some of the equipment, while selling some to Katrina." He waggled his hand. "Both Katrina and Janos have interests in common with the Federated Suns, Katrina is wise enough to know I will need to mend fences with Janos, but can't neglect her." He nodded. "The alliance temptation is still there, mind you. And I think we can bring Janos in."

I thought for a moment and shrugged. "All I can say was he rejected it in 3020. Then again, it could quite simply be on who offered it, and his suspicions on why." Which ironically to some degree matched mine. Hanse's eyebrow rose, demanding an explanation. "I'd say that he was noting she was building more equipment than he was, and wasn't as in deep of a hole. The peace would benefit her the most, allowing her to restore the LCAF faster than he could rebuild the Free World's forces, and could disrupt his control over the nation." A slight shrug. "Which, honestly considering things? Might have been her objective all along. Buy time."

He pondered for a moment, nodding. "Makes sense. And a valid reason but… you implied I changed her calculations?"

"Correct." I thought for a moment, then added, reluctantly. "It didn't hurt that you were the only one not to reject it rudely, nor completely out of hand, indicating that at this time you didn't think it was viable, and all things equal…" I toyed with one of my curls for a moment in thought. "The AFFS was the strongest and best it had ever been, and you were kicking everyone's ass."

"Why stop?" Hanse nodded. "Not when peace, even a short one would at best be a draw for the Sun in benefit, I see. And if only I had responded as a leader and gentleman should… There's another way to build a military worthy of the name and fix problems. Gold gets you good soldiers."

I thought about it, and nodded. "I'm sure that wasn't her only calculation, nor even her main one… but I can't disagree. I do think being a mother, and seeing the risks to Melissa, put finding a way to change the paradigm of the Succession wars, on the top of her list of things to do, after all."

"Well said, and nicely thought of." Hanse agreed. "But, she was raised with an eye to sit on the Archon's throne, unlike me, to some extent, and she is very good at what she does. If the Lyrans can't do it themselves, buy who can." He said calmly. "And until you, I will admit, Lyran money is very tempting."

I shifted tone. "Back to the Operation, in primus, I agree, will want more details, and I have an idea or two on how to deal with the Highlanders, and some suggestions on how to distract the other main reaction force."

Hanse nodded. "And I'd want to hear them, but I just wanted you thinking. It's quite possible you'd have a second brigade ready to go, too. Won't be rejected at all." He smiled. "The more you use…"

"The less you lose." It was a hilarious concept of war. The concept of elite, highly trained personnel was the truth of warfare, and the losses in them were grievous. But when you could focus numbers of them, gaining not just a quality superiority, but a quantity superiority in the battle, the less both in absolute and in relative numbers did you lose. Or as Murphy's laws of combat, still worshipped here and now would say. "Buddies are important. It gives the enemy more to shoot at."

"Some things never change." Hanse's tone was somber. "But… that's all for business." He pressed a button, and a steward, my bet an highly trained AFFS officer, came in and refilled our wine glasses. "If it is at all possible…"

"Of course, Sir, Madam." He bowed slightly. "It will be ten minutes, once I inform the chef. Please excuse me."

"Of course." "With great eagerness." Was the steward's response, with a slight smile playing on his lips, as he departed.

"At least he's amused." I tilted my head. "A Captain?"

Hanse snickered. "For something this important? Sergeant Major, of course."

I paused and snicker. "True, officers aren't allowed to tie their own shoes, generally."

"Oh, well said. All enlisted would so agree." He had to laugh at that statement. We shared a chuckle and a smile.

"Well." He leaned forward, eyes intense. "I'd like to ask some personal… well, what could be considered personal questions. Some might be offensive or painful, and neither is intended, but … I have reasons, which at least I think are good, to know, or at least try to get answers to."

I raised my eyebrows. "With the caveat, I retain the lady's right…"

He smiled at that. "Ah, quite. On these questions… while I feel they are important, I'd concede the Suns don't need the answer. But I'd want the answer. Agreed. Want does not mean I get." His smile widened, then he added. "As I just got reminded sharply."

I snickered and leaned back, sipping at the refilled wine.

He took that as permission. For a moment he studied his wineglass, and thought. Finally, he spoke. "How?" I didn't quite get it, and I must have shown that. "How do you keep going, who are you?"

The last was answered first, immediately and pointedly. "Kikyo Onishi, daughter of Miya Onishi, younger sister to Ichigo Onishi, who needs more slaps, apparently, older sister to Aiko Onishi, who will do awesome things with the right backing." I shrugged. "Who I was in a past life, or another life, is immaterial."

He blinked at that. "I… see." His tone didn't quite say he did, though, so I answered the first question.

"I dealt with a drug induced dream, or an ultra powerful being, who wasn't incarnate, by simply deciding that I had to be who I am. Figuring that out is a lifetime, anyways, and I suspect by my own views one of the reasons we are here." I shrugged helplessly, not sure what he was asking. "But, I got myself together, first by just keeping too busy, then when I felt I could, by accepting what is, is, and moving on. I'll be the first to admit, Aiko in her own way, by existing, was a great help, it gave me something to focus on, and care for, the twin sets of memories, both blessing and curse." I paused, nodding once. "And those who've already dealt with it, also helped. Kath just shrugged, and reminded me in both lives I was raised with heavy Buddist and Shinto views. Case… well. He pointed out that at least I didn't have to remember going through childhood twice, anyways, personally."

Hanse blinked at that. He had to shake his head. "...I never thought of that. I'm imagining that would be… unpleasant."

"He's implied it was, and that his parents held to the more… typical Outworlders, yes." I tilted my head, amused. "Let's just say I'm not surprised where he is, and what he's done."

"Ha." He nodded at that. He paused and nodded again, speaking. "Given what I know about Shinto and Buddists, it'd have been a help, yes, I suppose. But the better question…" He thought and then nodded. "One set of your memories, I suppose, as you put it, left behind a life, suddenly. It'd not surprise me if you had a family and ones you loved back then." He shook his head. "Some of the questions I'd want to ask, I don't suspect, I know, you'd deflect, now." He grinned at that. "So, how?"

I nodded, it didn't surprise me he'd ask that question. "I answered." I grin suddenly, and start to sing. "I get by with a little help…" Hanse blinked. I stopped the tune, and picked up. "By having things to focus on. By my friends. By my family here and now. By accepting what was, was, what is, is, what will be, will be, and I will do my best to make the will be, the best I can. I can't change the past, I can't go back, I can only deal with here and now. I said goodbye and my hopes for them months ago. None of them would want me to linger."

He leaned back. "... I see." It sounded like he meant something different. Before I could inquire, he shook himself. "No. I think I do see. And I admire that strength."

I shook my head. "More like screaming heebie jeebies at the future that would have been."

"You could have fled." He returned to the intense stare.

"No. I didn't join the United States Army in '89, because I was a coward. I didn't join for just the GI bill and other bonuses. I believe that good men, and good women cannot stand idly by."

Hanse breathed. "All it takes for evil to triumph." A Sharp nod.

I sipped my wine, and with a smile. "Quite. I confront my fears, I don't take their counsel."

Hanse thought for a moment, then smiled. "Well, then. While I had other questions, those are the ones I most needed. Thank you." He was very sincere.

"You are welcome." I smile back, playing with my hair. This was after all the third date, and Kikyo-original and now me, had very specific tastes for ideal. And I was looking at a very yummy dish.

Before he could say more, the meal came out. Very tasty, but simple. Steak, fine potatoes, steamed broccoli, and shrimp we had kept alive, all from Artu. I had a pleased smile.

"I'm afraid I'm guilty of presumption and control here… again." Hanse semi apologized.

I waved my hand with a slight smile. "Actually, this is the one time gentlemen not only get away with such presumption, they're expected to do so. Secret:" I grinned at him. "We ladies use it as a test to see how much you've learned."

Hanse blinked. Then just shook his head. "That… explains some things." He raises an eyebrow as the steward was patiently waiting. I shook my head.

"That will be all, Sergeant Major, you have our thanks and when we're ready for dessert, and after meal, I'll call, do please leave the wine?" He was polite and considerate.

"As you will, Sir." The Sergeant Major was getting a kick out of doing this, I could tell. The stories he'd be able to tell.

We waited and sampled the food. Simple, but done perfectly. Not easy to do on a dropship, even one set up like Xanadu, or Camelot, Hanse's own dropship, and I nodded in appreciation. The steak was actually to my preference, the seasonings were about as close to perfect as was possible, and the wine was a perfect compliment to the food.

"I see you used MIIO." I couldn't resist snarking. "Good choice."

He grinned. "They were amused, yes." He waved his fork. "I'll admit, Chef Roberts has outdone herself." He tilted his head to my sudden pause. "No, no kidnapping her for your own. She's convinced I'd starve or eat junk food if I didn't have her."

I pause. "Drat."

"I know, I know. Don't feel too bad, you're not the first to have acquisitive thoughts about her." He grinned to take the sting out. "I do suggest we pay her the highest compliment, though."

With that, we set to doing so. Some light discussion on differences between military rations (I agreed that the quality of military food hadn't changed, or at least the bitching about it, but I did point out I was a spoiled Actress from an early age.). To be honest, I thought military food had improved somewhat.

Soon enough, the dessert, and I would kill cheerfully to know how she got the mousse perfect, on a dropship, of all things, was devoured, and the wine and us moved to an nook near my cabin, with very plush seating, with lovely plants and a pleasant and fragrant perfume to enhance it's comfort.

Hanse smiled. "Princesses, even ones modified like your lady, are sinful." I smiled in response, my mind already plotting the distance to the cabin. "I'm sure you're curious on why I had an MIIO agent portray you as my girlfriend." I actually wasn't, I thought I had the reasons nailed.

"No, not really, I assumed it was a shell game. 'Oh, hey, look, she can't be lostech hunting if she's here, no?' As well as a smokescreen to find anyone who'd be interested in making sure you didn't have a heir, as well as arm candy to keep greedy gold diggers off you."

He blinked. "First and third, yes. Easily. Second… I will ask Yvonne, all things considered if that was part of the plan, or at least did she and the agent use it for that."

"I see." I shrugged. "Two out of three isn't bad." He grinned at that. I was sipping at my wine, when he smiled with a slightly devilish look in his eyes.

"Now, it won't be just a decoy. I think you'd make an ideal one, since I had a third reason you missed. Well, besides of course, the fact that I've been wondering exactly what you're wearing under that little black dress." He had cleverly leaned slightly to his right, as my spit take had sprayed my mouthful of very expensive wine into the plant behind him.

After I had finished coughing for a second, I shot him a glare. "You'll have to explain that logic. The first part. Second, that was the idea. Now, I'm beginning to rethink that."

Hanse blinked, then hurried to explain. "It's very simple. You intrigue me. Beauty isn't everything, as we're both aware, for various reasons, nor should it be. Our second meeting, " He was referring to Bun Bun's cockpit. "The situation was different than I expected, and that attracted my thoughts. All other issues aside, and I took care of one possible issue, tonight, you caught my attention by not being 99% of the Federated Suns population. I know why, now, admittedly, but…"

I thought about that for a moment. "... Well, you're Hanse fucking Davion, badass and one of the biggest trolls in the Galaxy, I'd say." Pause. "And for this time and age, one of the best. The setting pumped you up to be well, James Kirk of Battletech. You don't need groveling or ego stroking or respect because you got a title, you get respect because you damn well are worth it, all flaws, bad actions, bad choices put aside. That's what I see, at least."

He laughed at that. "I'd hope I didn't emulate some of his other behaviors." He put that aside. "And that's what got me. I was extremely lucky, and to the point, I didn't think I'd be that lucky again, with Dana." He sighed, showing the wound was still there. "But you said it best, she'd kick my ass if I didn't move on. She didn't want to be a Duchess, she didn't want to be Princess-consort. But she accepted that, and kicked my ass when I needed it. You'd be surprised on how rare that is."

"...actually, no, I wouldn't, sadly." I shook my head. "Let me say this, I know more or less when you're slated to die and from what… and yes, it's on the list of things to change." He laughed at that. "But by that point, if you had two people on a regular basis that'd kick your ass when you needed it, I'd be shocked. Your wife …" I shook my hand slightly. "Not to speak ill of her. She isn't at all bad, and grows into her own, I do hope, but… the books and lore get quirky."

"I see, something to cover later. But… I think if I seize the moment, I can be lucky twice." I didn't quite catch what he was implying, after all, I knew who his wife was to be, and he was right. He did get lucky, and the match had ended up a love match.

"Eh, you did." I shrugged. "3028 you marry her."

His intense stare unsettled me. "I disagree. You said she'd not yank my chain, at least in general, and I'd rather not wait thirteen years."

What.

My blank look, from the video Hanse had managed to get set up, I learned later, had really amused Hanse, who didn't show it. "It's simple. It's clear that while you're still not quite used to yanking my chain, you show no fear in doing so. Dana did. I have a chance to get what I need, to be the best man I can. You've clearly implied you know who I ended up married, and I'm seeing a hint, she was second best, or a compromise, or at best, me doing my duty to the Suns. I don't want that. I was the product of that. Ian was. Our father loved us, and cared for our mother, but… she wasn't his heart. I think you can be. I'm not comparing you to Dana. That would be a disservice to you both. But, I think she'd approve of you, in basic. Some things…" He waved his hand.

I was skittering on ice. What have I done.

"Uh…" I floundered for a second. "Wait, you have a wife for you, one that you will have children with, and a healthy partnership."

He raised his eyebrow. "I'm not thinking that from what little I've heard. And I note you don't speak of my children with her. Who, out of curiosity."

"... Melissa." His flat stare was indicating that he really wanted the last name not to be what he feared it was. "Steiner, yes."

"Oh… fuck no." He snapped. "Now I see why you aren't Katrina's fan." He shook his head. "She's twenty-five years younger than me. What the hell?"

"Um…"

"Why not Morgan?" Hanse's mind had snapped into calculation mode. "Oh, Michael."

I nodded. Hanse lived up to his reputation from the novels and lore.

"Right, no. Seven to eight, at most nine year difference is much more tolerable than twenty-five years. No matter how much you're implying it wasn't a marriage of hate or at least pure politics."

What.

I repeat myself, once again. Silly me. I thought I was in control of how the new future would turn out. Ladies and Gentlemen, see how silly I was?

Hanse leaned forward. "I want to see where we can go. I think you want what I want. Not the glory, but at the end I want people to be safe, happy, and better off. I think you're the one that can make that happen. If not directly, by my side… if needed, yanking my leash." I had the hilarious mental image of Hanse in a gimp suit, which I squished.

"... uh…" I cast aside for a reason to escape this. He had already implied he was going to pursue what he wanted. Me.

"If you're wondering about your reputation, meh, most of the noble girls and those who associate have similar, early on. Ran even has a lady he hasn't married yet, who's a Countess." Hanse grinned roguishly. "If you want a practical reason … You've implied I'm a great man, and did many things to improve the Future that Would have been." He paused. "I like that phrase…" He shook himself. "But you're clear that I wasn't perfect, I made mistakes, avoidable ones in your eyes, and that I could have done better." He was intense.

I couldn't speak, feeling like a mouse trapped in front of a hungry viper.

"I will be honest, I understand the saying behind every great man…" He shook his head. "Let's just say, you want to stop evil? Here's your chance. You'll have the biggest lever of them all over a major figure." His roguish grin returned. "The couch."

Breakfast nook, Dropship Xanadu, Late Morning, Dec 11th, 3015

I came into the nook where the Strays tended to assemble, slightly sore, and very satisfied. No, I'm not going to tell you how easily Hanse could carry me less than 50 steps, nor will I tell you what he found under the little black dress, or how he talked me into showing him after he completely trolled and blindsided me. Man was good, and a perfect gentleman in all senses. I could have likely killed Hanse's interest by being a dead fish, but first, I'm not that good of an actress with my body being the way it is, and second, remember what I said about him being a perfect gentleman? It applied everywhere. And he very much enjoyed what was under the little black dress, and the return that a lady does to a perfect gentleman.

"All hail the cougar!" Evie snarked. I blushed slightly.

"Not that old!"

Asha's dry tones "Maybe physically…" She shrugged. "I have to admit, I think I'm going to have that poleaxed look framed. Might be the only time we see a real one from you, gods… I hope so."

What?

Case drily commented. "We got the video up to when he picked you up." What?

Kath shrugged. "That's one way to avoid the FedCom civil war. I seriously doubt you'd allow Victor to keep head in ass."

I blinked, blinked again. Say what?

Evie laughed. "Dammit, and we don't have our own video cameras!"

I finally rebooted. "He mentioned the greatest lever. Couch. He just might find out quicker than he thought."

A toast with a cup of coffee was Case's response, with a dry laugh. "Sounds like you're taking his proposal seriously." He paused. "You realize that'll mean you can't do shit we need done. Don't you?"

I shake my head. "Not all of it, no." I sighed, looking at Asha. "And in your story, you weren't allowed to be a carefree merc either. I should have seen this coming."

Kath's response was to the point. "Could have, should have, would have. Whatever. Now what's next?" She looked around. "Yeah, Kikyo wanted to bone the Troll, who cares. She has and Hanse is in the mood to get more sweet and sour."

"Oi!" I shot back, unamused of the Germanic blonde's snark.

Evie was too busy laughing, and Case snickering. "Isn't that sushi?" was his response.

I could throttle the Pole. "No comment. I don't kiss and tell."

"Uh-huh." He shot back, a reluctant grin on his face. "Downside. I was actually hoping we could keep that on track, Sexpot. But nooo… someone had to wag her shapely ass in front of his nose." He sighed.

Kath shot back, responding. "Upside, no FedCom civil War. For the same reasons."

"We could have avoided it!" Case finally admitted to the truth, he was fully on board and not an asshole, not only in it for money, women and booze. "But noooo."

I shook my head. "To be honest, I don't know if we could have avoided wrecking it." I look at all of them. "You did see his reaction to her name, didn't you?"

Case sighed. "Yeah, I should have figured that, myself, and told you to keep your mouth shut." I looked at him. "Fuck, yeah, I know, I'd have ranted about the Bitch, too." He shook his head. Kath shuddered as her mind briefly thought about that woman and then mercilessly crushed those very thoughts.

"Yeah. If his instant reaction, and our babbling about Morgan's trustworthiness, " I was referring to Morgan Hasek-Davion, Hanse's heir at this point, though his father was the aforementioned cocksucker… "Victor and Katherine would have nuked it."

"Correct." Kath nodded. "And he has a solution he thinks will work. And he wants." She suddenly grinned. "You're a match in that. See, want, have. Very clanlike, if I dare say so." She was hissed at by four people, but undeterred, finished her trolling. "He likes that, add in our view of well, royalty for royalty sake, which we all have? You pretty much set yourself up to be taken. Repeatedly. Was it at least enjoyable?"

"Kath!" I sputtered. "I'm not that bad." Four flat stares answered me.

"Shiny. You want, you get. Pleaaaase." Case shot back. "Bloody magpie."

Kath snickered, then responded as Evie was proving the truth about teenagers, and reminding me to thank the spirits I brought food in bulk. Reminds me. Need to order crayons in bulk too. I shook my head of the idle thought as Kath spoke.

"First and foremost, we've derailed, no matter how, the Hanse and Melissa marriage. I dunno if it's good or bad…"

"Neither." Asha's soft voice broke in. "The odds of Victor and Kathrine…" She shot a smile and an apology look at Kath's shudder, "Existing in our new timeline as it stood, were… low." She shrugged. "Which pleased our resident Pole, I suspect."

Case looked at her dryly. "Try all of us, and you know it, girl. I know you derailed it in your story, so drop the act."

"It was a bit distasteful, admittedly." She sighed. "And to Hanse's credit, and my annoyance, the cabbit was right." I couldn't help but preen. "And I suspect that he went into it like his father did, for the good of the Suns."

I winced at that. "That's not good… at least he got beyond it."

"In the future that would have been…" Kath shot back, looking. "Here? Once he started looking at Kikyo here seriously?"

"Fuck." I summed up.

Case nodded. "When you fuck up by the numbers, you don't do it halfway, do you?"

"I didn't set …" Evie looked up from her latest pile of pancakes.

"Didn't, couldn't, wouldn't, doesn't matter. Drive on, deal with here and now. He's got one point, and one good one."

We all looked at the girl with no ability to color coordinate, and apparently a black hole for a reactor. "And what's that, besides… don't you want crayons?" I couldn't help but snark.

"That's a treat, and he's right. None of us are going to hesitate to yank his chain in private if he gets too far off the reservation. Not us. We're already dead once, we know it, we know what comes next, so, yeah, No fear. And we're faithful. Grow up, be glad he wants you back, and take him. Remind him who really is in charge. Repeatedly. You're nicer laid."

I spat out my coffee and Kath wiped her face. Afterwards, as I was trying to catch my breath, the blonde clanner turned to the younger redhead. "You, Evie, are despicable."

The bright grin that answered her was all the proof we needed to know Evie would fit right in for sure. And was recovering from the trauma of all the things she had experienced. Still… I didn't know if I really wanted this lever.

Briefing Room, Dropship Camelot, Evening.

Hanse flipped through the report, as he looked at Justin. "So…" He shrugged. "Summarize."

"They didn't take the simulation seriously." Justin sounded upset about that. "I'll admit that General Onishi tried, but honestly, Sire… they treated it in general as a video game, and even the Baroness did, though she tried hard to not."

Hanse shook his head, amused. "I treat sims as a video game, Justin, so does Ardan, so does your father. I'm not interested in their performance, I'm, like the profilers, interested in how they interacted. They played to win, mind you."

"Yes, Sire." Justin clearly thought on how to say it. "As the Champion's junior aide, I didn't think I'd be doing this… but my view, is they have a general view of what each other is capable of, and I'd point out that outside of immediate tactics, they referred to Colonel Steiner or the Baroness." He paused, thinking on how to say this. "While I would say the General, aside from Kessler, is the least trained or experienced mechwarrior, she and the Colonel are the most experienced in tactical and operational thinking. As you say, they played to win. They also played to have fun at yours and a few Heavy Guard's expenses."

Hanse quirked a smile. "As they should, sometimes being a troll is useful."

Justin nodded. "It was clear that while they all referred to Onishi, or if she pointed at Steiner, her, they all had their points and views, and it was a free flow of thought and communication. I won't say hive mind, but they do know each other very well, and were just nudging, and well, their behavior indicated they weren't taking it seriously, unlike the BattleROMs we have from all their mechs."

"As in they were friends who knew how each other thought. And didn't stand on pride, formality or well, what most would consider good behavior?" Hanse pressed.

"Exactly." Justin paused and nodded once. "Baseline reactions and new profiles are in there, but… we are still using enhanced interviewing techniques, are we not?"

"I would prefer not to." Hanse quietly stated. "And do you think it's really needed, Justin? I know your father didn't not tell you about his work."

"You misunderstand, Sire. I suspect why they're all willing, with caveats in Colonel's Steiner's case involving the Dragoons, understandable, that, I would be…" He paused, and shook himself. "Forgive me. I was just trying to…"

Hanse smiled. "Place yourself in their shoes. Good trait, Justin, and an excellent one. It turns enemies into friends if you use it right." Justin nodded.

"I hope so, and as I was saying…" He thought for a moment. "I understand your reluctance, they are proving to if not be loyal to the Suns or you personally, at least honest fellow travelers for your goals, which honestly, I would feel…"

"Well said." Hanse smiled. "There's other traits I value as well, but consider thinking on those, as lessons for your future service." Justin didn't quite understand, but nodded anyways.

"The reason I think, and our profilers agree, is they want to maximize what they have." Justin finished.

Hanse's eyebrows furrowed. Kikyo had admitted she had forgotten stuff she read from her sources to him during some discussion last night, as she amused him with some tall tales that she had read. Or had a hand in writing. "... Which is why you used interview, instead of interrogation, is it not. You're trying to imply debriefing."

"Yes, Sire." Justin didn't sigh, but Hanse noted he'd need to work on body language anyways.

"The drugs include memory enhancers, as well as a more free flow thought, as well as disinhibition and several other traits, or so I was told." Hanse finally finished. "You're thinking of the first two options."

Justin nodded. "That is exactly the reason. Colonel Steiner and Leftenant Winter are at least fifteen years past when they last were in a position to examine the Future that would have been."

Justin's lips twitched upwards, to Hanse's own, and the shared amusement of those in the know. "And Corporal Kessler, General Onishi and Commander Blackwing have admitted that their memories aren't perfect."

He paused. Hanse thought about it for a moment. Then another. Finally, he sighed. "I don't like it. And I'll want certain questions explicitly off limits, and the debriefers to understand, if information comes up related directly to those topics, they are to forget it. And it never existed."

Justin nodded. "I can think of several ones that are… as the lady said, immaterial, now." Hanse grinned, his accomplice in trolling was learning.

"And it's to wait til New Avalon. I think your father would be ideal to supervise." Hanse relaxed, and stood up. "Now, I go face the music."

"You don't have to worry about the couch… yet." Justin smiled.

"Justin, you are young. I can tell you this. Maybe not tonight. Maybe not this month. But I will be on the couch, hopefully if my goals work out, for last night. I promise you that." Hanse grinned. "And it'd have been worth it."

Justin's eyebrows furrowed. "Are you sure that a lady that'd remember that far, and take vengeance patiently…"

"That's the best quality in a lady worth any man's time. The trick is convincing them it's not worth it, or that you've apologized… okay, groveled enough. I need to get to work on that, now…" Hanse smiled as he clapped the younger man on the back, and walked off, whistling off key a tune only a few historians would recognize… and two redheaded females, one of which would grin, the other would facepalm.

Castle Cormorant, Coromodir VI , Late Evening, Dec 15th, 3015.

Wearing what wasn't considered high court fashion on New Avalon or Comorodor, but was a classy, to me at least form fitting, silver laced, backless and sleeveless black evening gown, with a slight train, that framed my ah, assets perfectly, made me stand out, as if being on Prince Davion's arm and announced as his plus one didn't. Hanse had made his view of my choice of fashion quite clear.

The Strays following behind, along with Marshal Felser didn't attract as much attention, since the Marshal was escorting Kath, and Case, once again proving he was almost as good of an actor as I was, was looking properly attired and dare I say, Bondish? He'd have given Pierce Brosnan or Sean Connery a bit of a run, I'd say. He decided a cleaned up and properly attired Evie Kessler would work as his plus one, and her struggles to not be properly dressed amused Kath and I.

Shortly we were circulating, greeting the lesser nobles and political players of the Realm, as a fair bit of their children of age would be going with us, plus sixty of the Reach's most promising. Those were the real payoff to House Arano. They would return with arguably the best education anyone could buy, of a level if not equal to what could be had on Terra, just below. And in areas the Reach - no, the Inner Sphere - desperately needed. The nobility and other shining lights would form a well trained professional core to build a military around. Forty College of Military Science officers, spread out over the areas, would translate into down the road, a hard core of military professionals, with the accumulated knowledge of 5,000 or more years of warfare, pounded into their heads by experienced professionals who knew what worked and didn't.

Give the Augirans a pair of decades after both sets of students returned, and their successors, and the Reach would have a shot at being a player strong enough that no one would challenge them, lest they get challenged in return. Right now, they only survived as a viable nation state because no one wanted what they had enough to risk a possible invasion by their enemies, though I'd say all three of their major threats could take them fast enough that the risk wasn't as high as they believed.

Their new asset on Arutu would require careful handling to keep that status, however, and one of the prizes they had won, while not a full treaty of alliance, was a 'Treaty of recognition and Friendship' with the Federated Suns. Just the recognition of their existence officially by the Federated Suns was a prize, and the 'friendship' bit added to the implicit threat that the Suns were watching. But it'd not be enough, if the Capellians or Taruians really wanted them. Though if I read Hanse's mind right, the Capellians wouldn't be an issue much longer, as he 'approved' of some of my ah, suggestions that I made late last night on Xanadu.

After a bit, and discussing certain things, Hanse went to talk to Lord Arano and his brother in law, while I had the duty of entertaining the heir and Espinosa's daughter.

"Baroness, isn't that cold?" Was the first words out of Victoria's mouth, while Kamea just looked a bit shocked.

I smiled at the pair. "No, it's not, though I do have a fur coat. Silver Ice Weasel, a mammal that lives in my barony, and is quite popular." I looked around. "With the climate controls you have, I'd say most of you would be too warm."

Kamea thought for a moment, then firmly stated. "Father thought that since New Avalon, both the city and the world, are a mild climate, the winter desert nights would be a bit unfair to his guests."

I shrugged slightly. "New Avalon does have some winter areas, New Scotland, for example has some wicked winters, and fine skiing. There's a reason Winterfell has her name, after all." I smile, as if to share a joke. "But, I'd say after being on dropships for the fair amount of a year, any winter would be a bit much." I admitted.

Victoria thought at that and nodded, not understanding, but accepting it was an adult thing. Kamea on the other hand, had her eyes narrow. "And Spencer wasn't too out of sorts for you?"

My eyebrow didn't raise at that, but the way she had phrased it… "When a major nation state wishes to acquire items, M'lady, they will, by and large. I will point out that while we tried to do it without violence, and in fact were not the first to start firing… I was explicitly under orders to do what we did. Maybe not in those words, 'Go get the lostech on Spencer', but was quite clear what my mission was, and as a mercenary commander, obedience to legal orders by the rules of interstellar states, is required, if you want to stay in business and keep your people fed." I shrugged. "Is it nice? No. Is it right?" I paused for a moment, thinking.

Before I could, Victoria broke in. "She had to do it, because Prince Davion told her, and if he didn't, he'd be failing his realm. As a Prince, he has to do whatever it takes for the Suns." She turned an admiring eye on him, and my hackles rose, though settled when I realized it wasn't lust, but of what the person was, or thought to be.

"And how she treated the Spencer militia, and the world? What about her duty to them, as well?" Kamea's response was immediate, showing an on going debate between them.

"Ladies." I paused. "There is that. And I'd point out we did leave some material behind, which from what I understand, Janos has brokered a deal with them, with two of his corporations supplying the funds." That was information we had received today, and Hanse's smile indicated he had pulled off a tasty henhouse raid. As far as I was concerned, extra Stalkers and aerospace I could buy wasn't a bad thing.

"For war material. Not items that improve their people's lives." Kamea replied softly. "And what did you take from them that might have changed that?"

I thought long and hard. Taking a sip of the wine I had snagged during Kamea's statement, I responded afterwards. "While classified, Lady Kamea, I can assure you, outside one item, and I'd suspect they'd have traded that for more war material as you so aptly pointed out, the other items, honestly? Were not worth much, to anyone, except as items to fill in gaps or historical curiosities. And most likely, MIM or SAFE would have stolen them, if the Maskirovka did not." I shrugged. It was a lie, but it was one that both girls seemed to buy, and their ill concealed pleasure at being brought into a secret, made them not question why I was doing it.

"Your Prince could have offered them something similar to what my father negotiated with you…" Kamea finally spoke. I nodded. "That would have been an option, at least before the shooting started. And I will concede that it would have been my preference." I shrugged slightly, amused by the two's slight glaze at my words. "But orders are orders, and Spencer was a mission discovered after those orders. And I'll be even more fair, those orders didn't change until Artru's situation was clear."

Victoria's face grew pinched, while Kamea's was a bit sad at those words. "My father had thanked you for your aid, and I need to do so as well. You didn't have to…" I raised my hand to stop her flow of words.

"That was being a decent human being. While one could argue it was a contract breach, at that point.. I am Suns born, Suns raised, and I happen to know the Prince's mind. Plus once we deployed that many ships, we honestly didn't expect the ruse to stand much longer, anyways."

"How many mercenaries would be that decent?" Victoria asked. "I mean, honestly, most are just in it for the money. No better than pirates, just official."

I sipped again at my wine. "Lady Victoria, I'd say you'd be surprised." I thought about how to put it, then nodded. "There are units with reputations for decency, famous ones. Does the Fifteenth Dracon mean anything?" I paused. "Several other units, while not as noted for their work of that nature do go out of their way to help, and most, agreed on not all, most are at least conscious of decent relations… and there is a fine line between objective raids to recover nationally important assets, and just taking every dish a normal civilian owns. Or Slavery." I shot back. Victoria blinked at that. "And I can tell you, there are those who put Honor. Duty. Humanity… first, over contract." I tilted my head.

"You must remember, you can divide about eighty-five percent of your mercs into two broad categories: Those who got kicked out or left their national militaries for being, well unsuited for that service, to put it mildly, and find the mercenary trade to their liking, or those who grew up in it, and that's all they know. I'll concede the remaining fifteen percent aren't, but I'd point out that's where the fair amount of problems come from."

Kamea thought for a moment. "You're saying most mercenaries are just like anyone else?"

I nodded, as Victoria clearly wasn't sure about that. "By and large, yes. We practice a more violent trade, but it's a trade. Outside your regimental-sized formations, most of our work is anti-piracy or protection, when the main militaries are away." I smiled. "I'd point out that Colonel Wolf smacked the Domains pretty hard a while back." Both girls nodded at that.

"Ladies." Hanse and their fathers appeared, while we were talking. Hanse had broken in, amused. "While I'm sure an interesting discussion, it's time to sign the treaties, and General Onishi is my witness, so if you would be…" Both young ladies nodded, as Hanse slipped my arm into his.

After the ceremonies and speeches, Hanse once again claimed me, and we began what he admitted he hated, the circulation routine. Once finished with that, we had a few moments to ourselves. Hanse broke the quiet moment. "Espinosa worries me. He's too much of a patriot and a strong man." My eyebrow raised at the last, and he ruefully grinned. "Perhaps it takes one…" He trailed off

"You'll want to talk to Case and the others more, what dealt with the Reach, was a game, and they played it, I didn't." I shrugged slightly, while speaking quietly. "But yes, he's got the potential for being the worst type of…" with this I grinned wickedly. "Cocksucker, shall we say?"

"I… see. Worse than Michael?" His eyebrow raised at the last, curious to what I'd say.

"Yes. As much as I'd be loathe to admit it, Michael didn't cross that last, fatal line that would damn him as much as Amaris or even Anton. It's one reason why I argued for having their jumpship fleet refitted and refurbished at preferential rates. Can't be sure, but best to remove one possibility."

"I… see, then Kamea?" Hanse's tone was light, his words were dark.

I nodded. "She's got a good heart. I disliked some of her choices, but her heart is closer to where it should be. Maybe too much so, she thought we should have bought Spencer off."

Hanse barked a laugh at that. "If they weren't willing to stay bought, or at least try for a deal with a Lyran noble, I doubt they'd have tried to deal straight with us." He shook his head.

"There is that." I smiled as another noble started towards us, and once again, we began the gladhanding. You'd think being a noble meant you'd not have to deal with gladhanding or other such political activities. I wish I could be doing something more fun, and Hanse clearly agreed after politely fawning over one middle aged lady. His twintle indicated he had an idea or two, a very enjoyable idea or two for later. But duty called first. And this was only the first of these nights, which would be a long stretch, if I agreed to what Hanse wanted, or at least thought he did.

Kikyo's stateroom, Dropship Xanadu, Puta System (Dead), Moring, New Avalon time, Dec 19th, 3015

Hanse looked at his tablet, as he leaned back against the pillows piled up against the bed's headrest. While he hadn't moved into my dropship, he made the preference for sleeping arrangements clear. As he put it, the pillows were better. The fact he could say this with a straight face, impressed us all. His eyebrows rose and he clearly wanted to pitch his tablet into the wall. Sadly, he was wearing a loose sweatshirt with NAMA on it, hiding his chest.

I rolled over and rested my cheek in my hand, as the sheets slipped slightly, distracting him and changing his mood. "So, exactly why do you want to dent my bulkhead?" I asked teasingly, the slight laughter causing the sheets to slip a bit more.

While his eyes roamed at the view, he sighed. "Duke New Syrtis is 'hooking'" he quoted with air quotes, as the tablet was clipped to the nightstand. Even though we were under spin for simulated gravity, otherwise I'd have the sheets locked to the bed, so we'd not float off, habits died hard. It only took the first floating tablet… okay, two, for you to learn to secure everything. Just in case. I was distracted as Hanse countined. "To the chain at New Damasus." I tilted my head, outside the one system in the Reach, Guldra, we were in the black until New Damasus.

"I see." I thought for a moment, then shrugged. "That is where we first actually appear in the Suns, actually, so…" I thought for a moment. "Why do I think you have given orders no one not cleared by you or Yvonne are allowed on any of the Medusa ships?" Hanse grinned at that.

"I suspect however," Hanse being a bit more serious as he fully looked at me, "He's heard enough rumors to start ah… requesting shares, and when stonewalled by the Den, he's coming to make his case personally. And see if there's any truth to the rumors about well."

"Us." I shrugged, giving him more to look at. Which he appreciated. "If that's the truth, would your sister be with him as well?" He nodded at that.

"Would not surprise me. Court ended somewhat early this year, and this way she can spend Christmas on New Avalon." He sighed. "Which we will be in time for. Too much time, in fact." I winced, noting what he was implying.

"And instead of being a guest, and able to play the game, I'll be the hostess on your arm, and focus for the game." I shot back.

"And of course rivals sizing you up for a knife in the back, Michael if what you've implied is true, figuring out how to make you a non-problem…" Hanse listed. One thing I'd credit him with, was even though he wanted me, and was seriously considering long term, he didn't sugarcoat what that'd mean. Well, he hadn't come out and say my days of driving Bun Bun around the battlefields were over, but looking over some of his plans for the upcoming operation, lead me to realize that was on his list of things to do. As if.

"I really rather not have him near anything important." Hanse finally admitted. "Putting aside the suspicions you've raised, which to be honest, you share with Yvonne… I don't trust him, I don't think he'd use them for the betterment of the entire Suns, and I don't think he thinks long enough term to realize what they mean." He shook his head. "As per your suggestion, the idea of a double blind attack, focusing on Ares for the second prong, to draw the Big MAC into that battle… has merit. I think I'll present that plus a slight twist." My eyebrows went up.

"Oh?" He nodded at my curious tone, his hands beginning to wander.

"Yes, I'll hint that the deployment of the forces assigned to the actual thrust, is a cover for Tikonov. If he leaks it to Max, it's buyable, if he doesn't, nothing lost." Hanse smiled as he started to distract me.

I gasped in a slightly breathy tone, "Ah…" I paused, debating to bat his hands away, but decided to finish my thoughts and let my hands wander. "And if the Big MAC is waiting at Ares…"

"I have… plans…" Hanse leaned forward, and started to execute one. It didn't take much for me to be helpless to resist his assault…

Briefing Room, Dropship Camelot, Puta System (Dead), Mid Afternoon, New Avalon time, Dec 19th, 3015

As the dropship we were running the sim on was being winded back to the jumpship, Kath's bright grin indicated someone had fun in the sims, as she maglocked herself to the deck. I, on the other hand was wrung out, exhausted, and was keeping my head on the table. Evie had joined me, while Asha was floating, with a loose grip on a handhold. Hanse, while looking like he was put through a wringer, had a relaxed smile, and Case was just belted into his seat, chilling out, completely loose.

"First, I would like to thank Prince Davion for letting us use Camelot's computers, since only Xanadu has a similar setup, and we couldn't connect her to the other dropships. Hopefully that'll be fixed soon, once Argo is up and running."

Hanse nodded. "I was curious what sims you wanted to run. Thank you for running me though one."

Kath waved her hand. "Not a problem, thank you for subbing in for me, in the Lance, though a Battlemaster was a bit annoying."

I muttered under my breath. "And what would have been more than a bit…"

Kath pretended to not hear, though Asha snickered, and Case guffawed, while Evie just flipped a finger at the blonde.

"Well, I'll summarize this quick. You all ran the sims that we… err." Kath paused and shook herself. "Well, okay, the Dragoons did. It's a graded sim, and seventy is the minimum we require to be active. For your information, Prince Davion, the Davion Guards ran this sim yesterday, and while only a few excelled, none failed."

Hanse grinned. "That's pleasant to know."

Case whistled. "Dare I ask if the hot redhead that was your boss got a 100?"

Kath smiled. "When she does, we recalibrate. This is the fourth version."

Case just nodded, smiling. Asha sighed.

"As you all should have figured out, it's set to filter out natural talents, so we don't use it on brand new recruits, but I have a baseline on all of you. Only thing that gives it fits, is Phantom, Asha, so I disabled that for you, until I figure it out. Then you really will suffer."

"I see." Asha's neutral tone indicated that she understood the upcoming fun for her.

Kath looked around. "First, .." She was broken off by a clang, as Camelot docked. The thirty minute to jump warning sounded, and she smiled. "Okay, let's get this quick. Tactical and lance group score. Eighty-three. Not too bad. Could be better, but working in Prince Davion, and well… Yes." her smile turned evil. "Scores from best to worst, individual average of the two sets of sims. First was your individual dueling and fighting along, second was how you did in the group." She received nods from everyone, with Case snickering still.

"Case! Ninety-nine first run, ninety-eight second run. You are one crazy motherfucker, and I will never tell 'Tasha, otherwise she'd do her best to kidnap you for Red Black." Kath was serious on the last.

"Ha. I'd show her what she's missing, and show her who the real mechwarrior is." Case waggled his eyebrows, as he just grinned back.

Kath paused for a long moment. "... I'm tempted to tell her now." She shook herself. "Asha, Air ops, eighty-seven tactical, eighty-four first, eighty-nine second. If you get tired of Kikyo's service, I'm sure most units would take one look at your ability and scoop you up. Remember, this doesn't include your knack." Asha nodded.

"It was… challenging. And… I thought nothing was as bad as that last fight in the Combine." The dark haired asian woman admitted, somewhat haunted.

"It's meant to push you to the limit and beyond. Harder you sweat, less everyone bleeds." Kath was however sympathetic to Asha's distress.

She then turned to Hanse. "Eighty-five, eighty-one, if you weren't concentrating on a certain shapely rear, you'd have been higher." Hanse nodded.

"I figured she needed the help." He admitted.

Blonde locks shook in weightness, as Kath shook her head. "Sim is meant to counteract that, and well, yeah. Wasn't the best idea."

Turning to the other two redheads, the blonde grinned. "I'm sure you know what I'm about to say, but when we get back to New Avalon, expect pain. I'm saying neither of you should be near a battlefield." I winced, without raising my head. Evie just flipped her off again. "And yes, the sim can handle and did your trick of iron shooting. I do it, precisely so assholes like Morgan Kell or well, ladies, like our own Asha… don't screw me."

Hanse looked interested at that, but didn't say anything. Kath nodded, and went on.

"Evie, Trollcust, fifty-tow. King Crab, forty-three. Second sim, in your trollcust, fifty-nine. You do work well with a team, you just need to get better." Evie made a sound that sounded like agreement. I sighed, not raising my head.

"Kikyo! First, fifty-two. You really need to remember you are not a infantryman. And Infantry are very squishy. And you need to learn you are a commander, and you are piloting a fire support mech." She shook her head, as Case nodded.

"Absolutely RIGHT. I could have 100'ed if I wasn't busy bailing your ass out, Cabbit!" Case snarked.

"Actually, that was factored into your score. Second was fifty-five, like Evie you do better with others, but really, you need to break habits and also get better being a mechwarrior." She sighed. "I know Hanse won't get this, but both of you would be eaten alive by my old sibko before graduation tests, much less after. You should not be on the battlefield."

I just made a noise of disgust.

Kath softened the blow, as she sat down and strapped herself in. "Well, at least right now. You both have the ability to be good, not a Case, not me, but well within Hanse's range, or hell, most elite formations. But you have a long way to go. And if that battle where Bun Bun's cockpit windshield had to be replaced didn't tell you that, maybe this will." I didn't notice Hanse's narrowed eyes, and a sense he was making notes, and thinking about this.

"Fifty-two on a Dragoon sim without ever having an actual trainer when I was expecting a Twenty-Two. I'll take it." Evie snarked. "King Crab's still offline and waiting for some parts that are hard to get ahold of or I need to co-opt a machine shop to make so I'll stick to the Trollcust for now."

Kath smiled evilly. "As I said… I got confirmation that Gry built a version of the Gauntlet at Winterfell." Her smile grew wider, as the one minute alarm blared. "I'm sure you both will enjoy it."

I simply looked at the demon with blond hair. I hated losing, but I had to wonder if getting a friend back was worth the demon I let into my life, and who seemed to want to make me her clone… in a week. Before I could bring up a response, I felt reality dissolve and twist around me, and I began losing my lunch.

Kikyo's Office, Dropship Xanadu, New Damasus Nadir Point, Late Evening, New Avalon time, Dec 19th, 3015

I looked up as Kath came in the door, looking just a bit annoyed. "Yes?" I was curious what pissed off our resident clanner.

"First, why did I have to fish Evie out of the Trash disposal on the Park and Pool deck?" Kath's tone indicated that she was mildly curious.

"She made a crack that I was pregnant." I sniff. "Sorry, I am very much protected from that." I didn't catch the sudden flash of something in the blonde's eyes, but caught her deep breath.

"Second. Kikyo, dear, what the hell are you thinking?" She threw up her hands, and a tablet slipped out, and slammed against the upper deck, dislodging the chip that was in it.

"Uh… what?" I was puzzled.

"I looked over the adjusted contract and agreement to divide the spoils. In basic, fine, and the rest of the council sent basic approval, yes. But, we need to talk." Kath put her tablet back with the data chip she had, and thwapped it to fix the screen.

"Okaaaay…" I was puzzled. Seriously, what was the problem?

"Oh, gods, I can see you can't tell the problem." Kath's sigh was obvious. "You're too frigging generous." I blinked. "You cannot keep giving out bonuses of this size. I concede that some are owed that, but to the unit as a whole? I'll be honest, they'll rather want the money to go to long term investments to keep us fed and in basic pay."

I blinked. I blinked again. Before I could counter…

"And remember, while Hanse is paying some of the costs of Challenge and us taking it over, we'll still need money over and beyond that! We have factories to build, people to hire, security to run… Great Father!" She threw up her hand, and the poor tablet hit the wall, this time breaking into three parts.

"Uh…" I thought on how to put this. Kikyo before her twentieth birthday ironically for someone money grubbing was strangely free with it, and really didn't wonder where her next meal was coming from. The twentieth century person, was similar.

"Never mind. Sign this." She looked at her tablet. "Okay, scratch that. I'll get a new one, and a verigraphed copy, you'll sign that!"

I paused. "What am I signing?"

"Me, in charge of the finances and contracts for the Unit, and your business manager. Kerensky only knows you need one. And Rayanne already is worshipping my feet, for some reason. I'm wondering if your conservator didn't have some good reason."

I almost rose, forgetting I was belted in, then sat back down. "You're saying I'm going though money too fast, and need to hold a lot more back."

"Yes. We'll need it to expand Challenge, to keep the unit running so we can be picky about contracts, and other such things. You just thought the people were doing well, and should have a share in the windfall. Not long term about keeping them employed, or their pensions, or their death benefits." She finished her spiel.

I really wished I could let my head fall to the desk, but… "Fine. Get it." It came out petulant, and frankly, I wasn't sure I was happy with this, but I saw her point. I forgot I had no nation state to back me up, and even with the agreements and contracts that Challenge would get it'd be a fair long term project before it became the money printer it should be.

"Good." Kath spun on her heel, the mag lock whining. She could have at least picked up the tablet bits!

Park Deck Lounge, Dropship Xanadu, New Damasus Nadir Point, Night, New Avalon time, Dec 19th, 3015

We were sitting in the nook, as Katherine Steiner brought us all up to date in short, pithy statements, to what had happened on the various fronts. While generally butterflies hadn't flapped that hard, a slightly higher than the 'Future that Was' tempo of operations on the Draconis front had indicated that the AFFS was feeling its oats as 'Mechs began to flow to units. As far as she could guess, it had inflicted more losses as well as the surprise fall of Tancredi, after Brion's Legion had surrendered Tancredi II to the well supplied Davion units.

That had happened about a month ago, and operational tempo had fallen significantly, but from what Kath had picked up from Wolfnet and what DMI and MIIO were giving her, in primus, the Snakes had been hammered, though it had cost the AFFS in numbers, if not every single new mech and ASF, but enough that Sandoval had pretty much ordered a operational pause, since in effect, the AFFS in his March was more or less the same as it was at the start of the year, in strength, and much more battered and exhausted. But Tancredi IV, one of the founding worlds of the Federated Suns… was back.

Oddly enough, even with supply issues being dealt with by Hanse for the Capellian march, no operations had changed, and it seemed that the tempo was about the same. Kath's theory was that Hasek Davion was stockpiling in preparation for a coup, and if nothing else to keep the myth of New Avalon's neglect up. I'd ask Hanse later if there was more.

The big change from what we remembered was the Anton Marik situation. In primus, Anton had actually accelerated the demand to surrender effective command and control of the Dragoons and penny packet them, by nearly two weeks. Two months later, the Dragoons were on New Valencia and Hanse had snapped them up on a short term garrison and then normal contract. I raised my eyebrows, but Kath shrugged.

With the decampment of the Dragoons from Anton and they claimed Marik service due to a contract breach (Jamie had recorded it, and presented it and the contract to the MRB and others, and with that, C*, gritting their teeth upheld the Dragoon's decampment.) Anton's troops collapsed, with the vast majority surrendering, when Janos promised no junior officer or enlisted would be executed or tainted for treason, only Majors and above, and even those if they surrendered right now, could escape the noose… except for his son and Anton, of course. While the vast majority took him up on that offer, roughly a battalion and a half of the Ducal guard had fled to Sian with Anton and Gerald in tow.

Katrina hadn't done anything unexpected, actually, so in a lot of ways, outside the collapse of Anton earlier, and his escape, and the celebrations over the return of Tancredi IV being nearly seven years before it was supposed to happen. We already knew about the increased production of the Suns, though Blackwell's increase again surprised all but Kath.

"So, wait, the Snakes gave up Tancredi?" Case demanded. "Seriously?"

"Not really, Pole." Kath shook her head. "It's more that Robinson was more or less feeding the roughly twenty to twenty-five new mechs a month he was getting into taking that world back. We have reserves finally convinced the Dragon, that holding Tancredi wasn't going to be possible, so as a 'temporary' measure, saved what they could." She snickered. "It really didn't help that Robinson was launching raids up and down the border."

Case smiled a bit coldly. "Well, damm. Sucks to be them. One world down, several more to go. I so hope we can be there when Hanse retakes Mara."

Kath snorted. "I have serious doubts that we, as in the command task force will ever see action on the Combine front." She looked at me. "He might be willing to bend on the Capellian front, but on that? No. He's not going to risk that hurt again." She snorted at Case's groan.

"No, you had to give into the shiny and get the shiniest prize of them all! Now we can't go kill snakes, dammit!" Case threw up his empty hand, as the other had a bottle of Timbuktu dark in it. "I knew that'd come back and bite me."

Kath soothed. "It's not like she'll always be with us, it's quite possible that I'll be tasked to take over the command TF, on occasion."

Case suddenly looked up, starry eyed. "Really? And then we go kill Snakes?" He paused. "I'd even serve under you in that case!" His tone implied more than just service in battle, mind you.
"Perv." She shook her head. "Too young, back to the fish pond with you."

Case sighed. "Dammit, the ladies old enough for me, won't touch me unless they're hard core cougars and those scare me… and those who will, are way too young."

"Sucks to be a teenager again, don't it!" Evie chirped. Her attempt to paintball me for the trash incident, met an odd fate, when she realized she had hit a dummy I was using to spar on, instead of me, as I had moved just at the same time she fired. I had then spent an hour chasing her around Xanadu.

"Uh, huh." I sighed, looking upwards. "And you are one too, get used to it."

The other redhead flopped across from me, in that boneless way that teenagers often seemed able to do. "Meh, rather not. So, when are we gonna get to killing things?'

I shrugged. "I doubt Kath is going to let us near the battlefield."

Before the blond could speak, Case burped from a pull on his bottle. "ANd if she lost her mind, I'd beat what the US Army should have beat into your pretty little head. Stars do not fight. You of all fucking people, in this time, should frigging know this."

I sighed. He was right. "Look, pole, I never commanded a battalion, much less higher. So yeah. While I was taught it, I never did it." I nodded. "I'll need to be reminded of that."

Two voices, one female, one male, answered as one. "Oh, count on it."

Hilton Head, Terra, Morning Local Time, Dec 20th, 3019

Tojo Jarlath, the new official Precentor ROM, head of Comstar's Intelligence, walked into his superior's office, and the Primus was enjoying a fine cup of Blue Mountain coffee.

"Ah, Tojo, would you like a cup?" Julian Tiepolo was in a fine mood. "We finally got the exact blend of how the American presidents had their coffee during the last period of that so called Cold War of theirs. Quite excellent."

Tojo noted it'd not only be rude to refuse, but as he was a coffee connoisseur, an insult to his hobby. Softly, he answered. "I would be delighted, sir."

"Excellent!" Julian bustled, serving his subordinate personally, a rare gesture, and shortly both me were sipping the beverage the most powerful man on Terra once drank. Julian's smile indicated he knew the irony of the drink, and how much more powerful he was.

Alas, all good things come to an end, thought Tojo, who reluctantly didn't ask for a second cup. "As you know, you placed a tasking on ROM, Primus, it's complete."

Julian tilted his head. "Did I not… oh, you wished to be complete, I presume."

"As well as some more recent information has come in, from one of one of our Adepts, nominally part of Rho, but really a ComGuard Mechwarrior we tapped for a mission. One Erin Larkin. I'm actually quite pleased with her performance, all things considered, even though I must admit I wished we had given her full training in Rho."

Julian's eyebrow rose as he sipped at a second cup, then he snorted. "Don't be that way, Tojo, pour yourself a second cup, it's Christmas, and unless you report Hanse has Prometheus, nothing can spoil this week."

Tojo obeyed with a rare thin smile. "Thank you. As I was saying, Adept Larkin was assigned to join Baron Naka, the younger son of the Count of New Osaka?" Julian nodded following along.

"I presume to see if he was left anything, and any locations?"

"I would not be so gauche to say you are wrong, and you are of course correct in any manner." Tojo responded.

"No, you wouldn't, as if you had one vice and weakness, it would be a new coffee blend. I already have your gift this year, thankfully." Julian smiled, and Tojo returned it.

"She was able to give some information, then the young baron fell out of contact." Tojo gave a shrug. "She recently reported in, and is arriving on Terra for a debrief shortly, but in essence, the Baron was left enough to form a so-called mercenary band that did not register with us, then a location. Illyria."

"He was in command of that?" Julian was disturbed. "If the young adept took part in that, I will be… most disappointed. Make sure that's found out." Tojo nodded in response. Illyira had been sacked brutally by a combined arms regiment that hammered it flat. Only pictures were a purported mercenary command, and a death warrant issued by Katrina Steiner for the Baron, after his attainment.

"I don't believe she did, and even if she did, it could be argued it was needed for the mission we gave her, Sir." Tojo reminded his superior.

"... Find out, however, which it was if at all." Julian sighed. "So. He did. What?"

"The field library that Illyria had. Including its hardware research into Project SHIELD, or what Adept Black called CASPER III. The next generation of SDS systems, I believe." Tojo winced, at the look of fury on Julian's face.

"Sir. She got a copy, and we have it. She thinks she may have been able to corrupt elements, focusing on those specifically and HPG research in the core, but she's not sure."

Julian's tirade was held just to hear that, then a slight smile crossed his face. "Just the recovery of the data for ourselves, is a not so minor coup, I apologize, and a wonderful gift the young adept brought us, and as if you say, she has done a well done."

Tojo nodded. "She also attempted to destroy the jumpships and dropships, but that wasn't successful."

"Truly a shame that." Julian shrugged. "But, as you say, she is really ComGuard, not Rho, so what she did, was exceptional on it's own, I wager."

"As I said, I wish we had her trained in Rho, and if possible, I would like her." Julian's eyebrow rose. That was high praise.

"Let's give her some time to recover, then offer her the choice, shall we, my friend?" Julian shook his head. "As I remember right, those in Rho don't just have to be good at what they do, but like it to some extent?"

Tojo nodded. "Yes, sir."

"So… do we know where the young ex-Baron is going? And with what?" Julian raised his eyebrow.

"Two automated last generation Star League Defense Force dropship bays, about the equivalent of two dozen mech bays of the same nature, a few odds and ends, including one ground drone. And Adept Larkin believes, the Combine."

Julian's eyebrows furrowed. "Remind me again, about the automated bays you refer to?"

Tojo paused for a moment, then spoke. "As you know, part of the CASPER system was the Automated Repair Bay Systems, used to repair and rearm various craft."

"Yes, I do." Julian wasn't upset, he understood that the man wanted to be clear.

Tojo nodded, and continued on. "The Star League sometime in 2750 apparently developed a variant that was used normally on Royal Command and other units, including some Outpost Castles. I've done some research, and we knew about them, just that we thought they were all destroyed."

The Primus tilted his head. "I take that wasn't the case."

"No, sir. They also use the same computers and similar tooling as most late generation factories, such as Wagknar's or Corean's."

"I… see. Miss Onishi, no Baroness WinterFell, now, her dropships had these." Julian nodded. One question answered, and a wry smile crossed his face. "Well, that answered how Hanse increased his production."

Tojo nodded. "And presents us with a unique possibility." Julian tilted his head.

"Pray tell."

"We send technicians to help the Combine install these in a few factories, increasing their mech production by a small amount, say twenty to thirty a month… and as our price, acquire some for ourselves, which we will sell to the Confederation. We are helping with the project they have going, after all…" Tojo trailed off, to Julian's thoughtful hum.

"I like it. I really do, Make it happen, Tojo, and I assume that our technicians will be trying to see what data was recovered?" He received a nod.

"Well, then. We'll keep having them find a clutch of buried Battlemechs in reserve, then, since once your agents disable Hanse's recent windfall…"

"Quite so, though the cost of taking Tancredi IV back, pretty much expended the increased production the AFFS assigned to the Draconic Front, and Hasek Davion is playing games with his." Tojo spread his hands. "The mission to infiltrate the production factories and the NAIS is still ongoing."

"And Miss Onishi's little activities recently?" Julian asked idly.

"We don't believe she recovered a datacore, at least not yet. Hanse Davion would be crowing about it, I believe. Though given what she and he left the Reach, it's fair to say they regained some more components for factories." Tojo sighed. "We don't know how much, and it may be needed to - instead of 'Mechs - have the Combine and Confederation find some of their own automated bays, to fix their factories, since we now know how to build them, or shortly will."

"We'll keep that in reserve, Jarleth." Julian shook his head. "I can imagine the screaming at the young Adept's 'failure'." The Primus snorted. "As you said, she didn't have the training. What she attempted and did successfully do, was more than we could reasonably expect, no? She at least tried to deny the Scavenger Lords the ability to increase their warmaking potential. At great risk and cost."

"I thank you for that consideration. She seems to have a talent." Julian smiled at Tojo. Who continued on, finishing his report. "In summary, we think the upcoming operation is aimed at weakening the Confederation, but won't go for a year or more. It's possible, we presume it could go as early as March, but our views of the Heavy Cavalry and Dragoons, which we expect to play a role in the battle, is that they're not yet ready for the roles. Both units are still integrating new personnel, and while large, not at where they want to be, or so we think."

Julian took another sip of his coffee, thinking for a moment. "At this time, I don't think we want to derail that. Let Maximilian learn his place." Julian smiled cruelly. "He will need us more, and so will Takashi. Hanse will do Blake's will… then they will."

"And the young baroness?" Tojo's question seemed innocent, but was one he had asked before.

"I think now, yes, Tojo, if you could be so kind." Julian greenlit the request. "And as for her sister, and brother? They too. And let us make sure that she didn't leave anything behind for others to find."

"Pointing at…" Tojo trailed off.

Julian Tiepolo, the Primus of Comstar, and one of the most powerful people in the Inner Sphere… "Marik. Hanse is getting too close to them. Failing that, his attempts to woo Katrina annoy me. Loki makes a good foil."

"Blake's will will be done, Sir."

MageOhki · Mar 13, 2020

And as a bouns, for those of you who are BT heads:

Collection of Star League Support Vees found in Lever:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1YW1szigmFmfpRHua9rKY6Myt4Wdze9Sc

MageOhki · Mar 14, 2020

With a lever big enough I can move the world

A Battletech FanFiction

By

Andrew "MageOhki" Norris.

One of the debates when you theorize time travel, at least in my 20th century memories was, translated for 31st century people, 'Would you go back and kill Amaris at 20, no as a baby', before he had committed the horrors. The question is, that I still don't have a good answer for, is when you know someone is going to be scum, do you kill him first? I never did get a good answer, as in one case, it was the right call not to, in another, it wasn't.

Diplomacy, politics, hades, most business, is the art of smiling at men and women you rather shoot. On occasion, in this universe, you do get to shoot them. But they get to shoot you, too, and incoming fire always has the right of way.

From the journals and notes of Kikyo Onishi, New Avalon Press, 3291 AD, as part of the "Century of Chaos: The Movers and Shakers." series.

Airlock, Dropship Camelot, New Damasus System, Midday, Dec 20th, 3015.

Hanse had insisted I be by his side as he greeted one of his most powerful vassals. Given it was Michael Hasek, who had added Davion after marrying Hanse's bastard older sister Marie, I tried to beg off. Didn't work, so here I was, magboots locked to a bulkhead, as Hanse greeted a lean, thin-faced man with braided black hair, an AFFS uniform with Field Marshal tabs and a practiced smile. I didn't buy it, nor did Hanse, and Michael's eyes were a bit flintly, as he turned to me.

"And so, this is the girl who brought us increased production!" His attempt at a jovial tone, wasn't bad, per say, but my trained ear knew it was false.

"I was just doing my duty to the Federated Suns, as any good citizen should." I demurred his praise, as Hanse nodded with an amused smile.

Michael hinted at things, and was trying to imply I hadn't been rewarded enough, yet. "But it's the duty of the First Prince to reward such attention to duty, isn't it? And again, when you do it again."

Hanse interrupted, and shook his head. "We're still in discussions about the precise rewards she should receive. Kikyo has a will of steel, and isn't enamoured of certain things most would take with pleasure."

Michael blinked. "Ah… well." Michael looked at his liege's body language, and mine, as Hanse slipped an arm around my waist, to steer us into the briefing room. "I see. Well, then that is one way to reward, I gather…" He shook his head with a smile. "And a pleasant one. So… the media wasn't a false flag?"

I kept quiet, as Hanse just shook his head. "At first, but… Well, Michael, I seem to remember quite well your pursuit of Marie."

Michael smiled, though there was a faint ugly cast to it. "As you say. May I offer my hopes that it leads to future happiness for you both and the Suns?"

I smiled, as Hanse nodded. "Thank you, Michael… As I said, we're still in discussions." Hanse's smile indicated several things.

"Well, I am sure most of the Federated Suns hopes for a very fruitful outcome." Michael nodded. As we headed to the briefing room, I wondered where Marie was.

"May I ask where Her Grace is, Duke Hasek-Davion?" I inquired politely. I actually was curious, since I suspected Marie had some pointed questions for me.

Michael smiled a bit more naturally. "Morgan, our son, isn't doing too well, from the rapid jumps, so she's tending to him. She told me she is ah… eager to meet you. And would do so, shortly." We had arrived at the briefing room, and I looked at Hanse.

"If Her Grace wishes my time, then I need to finish some paperwork and deal with some ah… issues, Hanse? Your Grace? I think she deserves my full attention and as much time as I can give" I was polite about asking to get away from the weasel, and Hanse just nodded.

"Denying us your lovely presence, m'lady? Is a shame, but paperwork waits for no one, as anyone who rules or commands know. And yes, Marie and you have much to discuss, I think. Words that mere males should not be privy to." He turned to Hanse. "I'm sure we have issues to discuss that is only for senior people to know, don't we Hanse?"

Hanse tilted his head at Michael, and smiled. There was an edge there that I didn't like, did the issues between Hanse and Michael go deeper than was hinted at in the future-that-was? Interesting. "Oh, while I wanted to discuss some issues that Kikyo has a stake in, I do have some things that she isn't cleared for, and this is as good of a time as any, I suppose. And yes, Marie really does want to talk to you, Kikyo, she's said as much in her letters to me." I took that as my cue to flee, though I did so without showing anything.

Shortly I was back aboard Xanadu, where Evie and Case waited. Evie looked me up and down, and appeared disappointed, while Case just shook his head.

"I know you'd not skin the Weasel yet, sexpot. Dammit." Case sighed. "Can I arrange for him to go pop, please?" His attempt at kitten eyes in his scruffy mode amused me.

Evie joined in with her more effective ones. "Pleaase?"

"There is a reason I didn't bring you two, you realize. And we don't kill men for what they would do, we are civilized people in a civilized realm, with laws and courts that actually work."

Evie and Case turned to each other. Looked, turned to me and in unison. "But it'd save the taxpayers money!"

I paused. They had a point, given all things, and the level of havoc Michael had done. But I steeled myself, like Espinoza, we couldn't kill baby cocksucker in his crib.

"No. If we get proof… we do it right."

Case and Evie tilted their heads. "Rios needs a raise, she really does." Case finally said. "She's working for a bleeding heart."

Before I could chase the two out to find their own amusements, outside of killing the weasel, Evie had the last words. "Literally if she keeps this up."

Kikyo's office, Dropship Xanadu, Early Afternoon

I looked up as Katherine walked in, trailed by three people. I blinked. I blinked again. "Holy shit, it's Sean Connery and his younger brother, who has a hot redhead poured over him." I blurted out. Really, seriously, FASA and CAT Labs, what the hell?

Breaking out in laughter, Katherine doubled over, while Jamie shook his head bemused. "That's now two people who call me that, and I still don't know why."

I looked at the laughing Natasha and Katherine, then at the bemused brothers. "... I think Natasha has seen some 20th century movies… I think I actually have a few of Sir Connery's films in Xanadu's library…"

"Oh." Jamie blinked. He paused, blinked again. "That… explains how you knew it, but not Katherine. Nor how you knew that Anton was going to be well… "

Stupid. "Panicked enough to break your contract, and seek leverage over you in any way?"

Jamie nodded, recognizing that I had caught his unsaid word, and was being polite. "As good of a description, I suppose, General." He tilted his head. I blinked and face palmed, hitting a button.

"Keria, please bring some coffee and… eight mugs, and if you would be so kind as to have Lieutenant Winters and Corporal Kessler come?"

Jamie's eyebrow rose, but he took the invitation as meant, and settled into one of the loungers I had bolted to the deck in an apparently haphazard arrangement, while the other three Dragoons, ex or otherwise, took their own, though 'Tasha seemed to like using Joshua as hers. The arrangement wasn't haphazard, as this way I had a clear view of the main hatch, and only had to slightly turn my head to directly view the majority of the people in the office. As a bonus, I had a fairly large area to have people stand in front of the desk, if I needed that type of environment

I simply waited til Keira arrived,she quietly served coffee, while paying close attention to Natasha Kerensky, as if she was a hungry pit viper, and left the serving setting and a large carafe of coffee. Jamie took a sip, and raised an eyebrow.

"I would pay good money to have your supplier, General…" He trailed off.

"Kikyo, you have time on me, if nothing else." As I said that, Jamie's eyes narrowed. He sensed that I didn't mean age.

"Holy shit, he really is Sean Connery." A female voice blurted out, as Jamie turned his head, and Evie reacted shocked.

Case looked at both. "And his brother is an evil twin. Both must have gotten serious play." He grinned at both, and looked at Natasha. "Name the place, name the time, and we'll see who's the best… and I got a C-bill saying it's not you, trashborn."

Before Natasha even reacted, the Archon-clone wrapped her arm around Case's neck and rubbed her knuckle on his head. "Don't pull that crap with her, Case."

"Kath?" Natasha asked her best friend in confusion.

"Numbskull here thinks he can pick a fight with Number One because he has Hax."

"... Hax?"

"I'm that good Lady, what you all had hundred of years of hack scientists trying? I beat by being me. And I'm all natural." Case waggled his eyebrows. "So… fight me."

Natasha stared at him for a moment before eyeing Katherine, who ground her knuckles harder in response.

"Challenge her after explanations, you Pole. 'Tasha, I didn't say anything. Wait for the explanation, everything will be obvious at that point."

"I'll take your word for that, Kath."

I facepalmed. "Dammit… you Pole." I looked at Jamie who was amused, and Joshua who was eying a person who made a bespoke spidersilk tunic and Somerset wool turtleneck look scruffy somehow.

Jamie's voice broke in in exactly the same accent and tone that the actor Sean Connery had used in Hunt for Red October. "Considering that I had some questions, I suspect they'll be answered here and now, anyways without me asking." His smile was a bit quirky as 'Tasha and Joshua turned to him.

I shook my head. "You won't like them, and the best way to say it, is I doubt you'd believe them, anyways." I paused. "The answers, at least."

Katherine dragged Case to a chair and dropped him on it before settling down herself, "Play nice for now. You can play with Natasha later."

Case sulked, but obeyed, looking at the two older females in the room that were Cav.

"Alright, so. Since we're all here and sitting down, we may as well get started," Katherine began. "This is a closely kept secret and, for reasons that will become apparent, it should stay as such. It is on the wild side of things, but… it's real."

Natasha was definitely paying close attention to her best friend now, wondering where she was going with it.

"I am sure it might not come as a surprise, given my past as Cloud Cobra, that I have a much more spiritual outlook than most of us."

"Kath!" Natasha said, looking scandalized she'd name-drop that.

"Chill, 'Tasha. One of the things that many of us believe is in reincarnation, that our spirits would, after death, return to the living world as a new person. That sometimes the spirits who reincarnate can actually remember some of their past lives and there have always been some reports of such claims over the ages. Rather hard to prove, usually… except, here we are."

Jaime interrupted before she could finish. "... Really. That… " Jaime's eyes flashed with something unusual. "... that explains a lot, if true." He tilted his head. "Them too?"

I simply nodded.

"Yeah," Katherine confirmed. "We all are and, whether by accident or design we all have enough in common that Kikyo tracked me down. And this is where things get… crazy-sounding."

"Reincarnation isn't crazy-sounding?" 'Tasha piped in.

"Not in comparison. You see, our spirits came from Terra but from what we can tell it's not quite this Terra. In that Terra, an entertainment company developed a table-top game in the twentieth century called Battletech. It was designed to allow players to battle with giant war machines called battlemechs and it featured a fictional setting where five Great Houses were fighting over the remnants of a Star League. The lore would develop to encompass events up to the mid-thirty-second century, covering such events as the short-lived Amaris Empire, General Kerensky's Exodus, the First, Second and Third Succession Wars -"

"Us?" "Tasha broke in, amazed. "Wait… that explains how you knew Anton was a betrayer… What'd he do?"

Katherine nodded, taking the interruption in stride. "Kristofur was actually Precentor ROM, manipulating Anton into bleeding the Dragoons and trying to force a resupply run. ComStar wants to know where we came from and even now they've got their Explorer Corps out there, looking for us. They'd find us in 3048, triggering a Clan Invasion. As for what exactly would've happened in New Delos that I was trying to derail and Kikyo managed to do so brilliantly, if rather bluntly? Anton would've taken our dependents in his HQ hostage, including Joshua, and executed them. Our response would've been swift and brutal, with you, 'Tasha, leading a company of mechs through the backwoods of his HQ, while the woods are on fire. A famous action, but I think we all agree we'd rather have the need for that avoided."

Jaime nodded. "And you," He turned to look me in the eye, nodding once. "Wanted to be sure that didn't happen, did you not?"

I spread my hands slightly. "I rather not have a fellow soul stealer decide killing her way til she found someone to put her out of her misery was a good idea."

'Tasha blinked, confused, as Case barked out a laugh. "Not the same red hair type, Cabbit, Evie is the soulstealer, you're just the succubus." Evie joined Case in laughing.

"Each freckle is a soul. Where are yours, Major Kerensky?" Evie asked amused. "Otherwise, you're not a good redhead, out to eat souls…"

Katherine chuckled as Natasha finally caught on to the reference. Instead of snarking, however, she mulled over Kikyo's words and what they meant before speaking up. "You say I reacted to Joshua's death by seeking someone capable of killing me?"

"It's a theory," Katherine said, "that fits you. We can't be sure and none of us wants to find out for real."

I rolled my eyes as Evie coughed. "Bullshit," was heard at least twice.

I shrugged as 'Tasha went to glare at Evie. "It's a working theory, and given group psychology and cultural norms that you grew up with, the most likely one. Humans are social animals, and we tend to prefer relationships. You don't have one, you feel like a useless waste. It's what it is."

Evie broke down laughing. "And you would take up the proper course, and become the most listed cause of death in mechwarriors!" She sniggered. "I wonder how many freckles you'd have had…"

Case snorts. "And only to be pulled down by the Jade Pigeons. If I recall right, it took something like two full Trinaries? And even then, half didn't make it…" He grinned. "Poor shitbirds."

"Something that we almost certainly butterflied away," Katherine interjected. "Not that I don't mind teaching pigeons who the alphas are, but if they stay in the Homeworlds everyone is better off, including themselves. The sheer degree of self-destructiveness the Clans got to after Operation Revival failed is only comparable to the degree of sheer spite and dumbshittery the Word of Blake got to when their cherished 'Second -"

Three hisses at the name of Word of Blake broke Katherine's train, as the Strays all made warding signs suited to the cultures they now had grown up with, as if Katherine had mentioned the very Devil himself's name.

"As I was saying," Katherine resumed with barely a pause after the unexpected interruption, "The Clans basically self-destructed after the Clan Invasion failed. Split between the Clans that made it to the Inner Sphere and those who didn't. Then whoever the fuck it was made IlKhan, started reaving Bloodlines left and right and they had a god damned civil war, with bio-weapons manufactured to kill entire bloodlines in the mix. So yeah, let's not go there."

Natasha looked horrified even as Katherine shuddered. "Bio-weapons? What… Stravag would use them?"

Case snorted. "Better ask which one wouldn't, I mean, for all your pious words about civilians, Tanite worlds, what the leadership at the reaving did to Blood Spirits, I could go on, but, your scientists got tired of being below the warriors, and felt, hey, we breed you, so, you should be below us… and subverted Coyote." He shrugged. "And it's not so much that the invading Clans were much better, really. Nova Cats get visions leading them to become good little Combine drones, then get wiped, Smoked Kitties glaze a city or two with warships… and let's not get started on what insanity Wolf gets up to."

Katherine mutters "Turtle Bay" at the Smoked Kitty reference.

Evie joins in Case's derison. "It's like all the clans period compete to see how many war crimes by the Ares Conventions or even Nicholas' own guidelines they can commit. Honestly… if I recall…" She looks at Kikyo, a question in her eyes.

"Ghost Bears, Diamond Sharks, Hell's Horses, and Snow Ravens are the cleanest, yes, but outside the first two, if I recall right, even they do a bit of war crime for fun and profit… and the Sharks… well, you know how they play." I pause. "And frankly, the Ghost Bears by the last time I checked the future-that-was, in what the writers called the Dark Age, aren't really clan. And counting the Homeworlds and Inner Sphere, I think maybe a dozen are left?"

Case and Evie shrug, turning to Katherine. Before they could speak, Joshua sighed.

"None of that surprises me, not really." All the heads snap to him. He shrugged. "As much as I hate to admit it, I suspect Kerlin thinks the same, that the Inner Sphere society would corrupt the hell out of the Clans, and the Clans wouldn't take that very well."

Jaime nods. "I see it in the Dragoons. Even the ones raised and well, the most ardent Clan way believers.." He spread his hands. "Continue, Colonel."

"There's some irony there, because the IlKhan that started the Reavings was doing so under the idea they'd been corrupted by the Inner Sphere and he was purifying the Clans. It was poetic justice that the end of that war was marked by his own reaving in the Grand Council by his fellow Khans after someone pointed out he'd been in the Inner Sphere too," Katherine said. "But that's less important than the main take-away from this. If the Clans invade? They'll likely end up self-destructing and it's vital we ensure they do as little collateral damage to us, in the Inner Sphere, as possible. Ideally, they don't come at all or we change the situation such that a political settlement might become possible between the Clans and the Inner Sphere. I've no real idea how to accomplish that, but given the Clans would most likely want a new Star League? Might come around to establishing one in some form that's acceptable to them. Or not. I'm more worried about keeping them out right now."

Katherine paused for a moment before adding, "One way of doing that could just be super-powering a Great House to end the war, too."

I shook my head. "I've mentally noodled that out. Problem is, at best, given what you told us, my sandbox figure is fifteen years before the clans invade, assuming we do manage to piss off Comstar enough to send out lots of ships, at worst, 3050's. No Great House, not as they stand, can win the wars, unless we superpower a union of two of them. Even then…" I waggle my hand slightly. "Three would be better, though… There is a way, which is deeply depressing to one side of me, that the Clans can fit in."

Evie's eyebrows rose at the last. "I call bullshit."

"Drak did it, in his story, 'Along Came A Spider.'" I shrugged.

Case looked up. "Thinking Warrior Houses?" I nod in response.

Natasha raised an eyebrow. "As in the Capellans? Making a Clan fit like a Warrior House? Who's Drak?"

Evie giggled. "Bookwyrm, maniac, singing battleship… Actually a writer. As you might have guessed, any setting gets somewhat or fully creative people altering it, for various reasons, their interpretation, et al, it's called Fanworks, and Drak, short for Drakensis, did several fanworks, more precisely fanfiction, set in Battletech. I don't recall the details of the story Kikyo referred to…"

"Alternative universe, where the change from Canon, is instead of … 3055?" I shook my head. "Anyways, instead of dying during and after the Clan Invasion is stopped, Jamie Wolf dies at Misery in 3028. Leaving only one original Dragoon officer alive." I smiled at Natasha. "You." I grinned at her recoil in horror. "Kerlin Ward..." All three Dragoons turned to Katherine who just shook her head with a smile, as I continued, "Gave Jamie orders to and I quote, prepare the Inner Sphere for invasion." I tilted my head. "'Tasha there wanted to do them, but was actually a bit better than Colonel Wolf, because she realized she was out of her depth on how to do it, while Jaime's solution was to basically train the IS to fight like Clanners." I snorted at the last.

Jaime considered the new information, especially regarding Kerlin's purported orders which he'd already suspected were his intent, but Natasha didn't react nearly as well. "No… Kerlin wouldn't do that, would he? You… you're lying."

Katherine hopped out of her seat even as Joshua embraced the redhead. The blonde gently turned Tasha's face to look at her even as she lowered herself to be level with her.

"It makes sense…" I sigh. "Kerlin, and to an extent Ulric, his successor, are Wardens. I'll admit that I believe they're the closest to Aleksandr's views, mind you, so there's some fondness from me, and if you're a Warden, whose core view is to defend the Inner Sphere, doesn't that mean you defend it from the Crusaders?" I tilted my head. "In that view, you could argue that the Crusaders are breaking the Unity, which I don't really get, mind you, but I understand the importance." I pause, then Case breaks in.

"And in a way, you could argue he was trying to protect the Clans, too. I doubt that Kerlin had a clue what'd happen, but…" The Pole turned Outworlder shrugged. "But didn't he actually take as a bondsman a Scorpion so he could drain the guy of all the history knowledge?"

"Tasha, back in Terra, miners used to have a bird called a canary inside a mine's tunnels as a warning sign that there was poisonous air building up and they had to get out. The Dragoons are the canary for the Inner Sphere. Think about it, if all we're supposed to do is play mercenary to get some inside information, exactly why did we need to be as big as this? Why not simply send no more than a regiment. Or a battalion. Or even better, send two or three smaller units, hire out to different Houses and get the recon done even faster? Why did we need to come with the things we left behind?"

Katherine made a brief dramatic pause before resuming, "Because Kerlin wanted us to be the warning to the Inner Sphere that the Clans are out there and they will come, and do so in such a way that he can feign innocence and protect Clan Wolf in the process. That is why, Tasha, why we are so damn oversized, why we are riddled with Lostech, why he tried to and in fact succeeded in pushing us into taking hardware, mechs, that were never produced in the Inner Sphere. He wanted everyone to know. He just can't outright tell anyone, even us, that it is his intent, because that puts Clan Wolf in jeopardy. Not if he has any choice whatsoever about it."

I nod. "It's a smart play, and bluntly, the cover's so threadbare, that everyone suspects it, at least in some sense, that you're the SLDF-in-Exile." I shrug. "Even with Katherine doing her best to get the 'Oh, Hai, there, we're still inventing stuff!" batshit stupid clues out, just five regiments with a pile of well mantained and equiped gear from 'nowhere' would have been enough. Add in the infosec you do well, as well as the stuff Kath couldn't keep out?" I shrug. "The only question that the spooks have, are, are you a recon in force in prep to invasion, or for 'Okay, what's going on', only. And it'd not surprise me if the OAI has more than a bit of a clue about the existence of the Clans, and I'm honestly surprised the LIC doesn't, given the Hansa."

Jaime simply nodded, having come to that conclusion on his own already while mentally noting to ask a question of Katherine soon, who was busy looking at her best friend as she processed yet more information that stomped on her world-view. Much like anyone else, there was only so much she could take in one go without taking her time.

"Tasha?" the blonde asked softly, but the redhead simply curled up on Joshua's lap and turned to him, hugging him hard.

Yeah, Katherine thought, that was about it for the redhead. Too many shocks. She stepped back and let Joshua comfort her fellow Bloodnamed.

"Kath," she heard from Connery, "how much do they know about what we left behind?"

"Roughly what we did bring, but not where. It's the Dragoon's, nobody else's. Your call on what to do with it, Jaime, but I have to give you fair warning based on what we know of ComStar. They recovered several warships the Great Father left behind and should have at least three, all new builds, on active duty right now. Their naval bases should primarily be Luyten and Ross, although they also got their hands on Gabriel in the Odessa system. I have no proof but I think, given we have the coordinates of those bases, we could come up with a plan to covertly peek at them and confirm that intel."

"I can think of three ways, offhand to do it, all of which I'll give Hanse. Only problem is, at least outside of Odessa, are the odds that ComStar kept what likely was there before they moved on." I looked at Kath. "While I have not…" Case and Evie snorted. "Asked if there's any other butterflies with the Dragoons, shall we say…" I looked at the pair of giggling teenagers who had amazingly kept silent… helped by death glares from older women, I'll have to admit… "And I know what you told them…" I shrug.

Looking Wolf in the eye, I simply stated. "I consider what I'm about to tell you equal to where you are from, and in the future-that-was, while I disagreed with your choices on how to go about Kerlin's orders, you did them, and you tried to be as good of a Warden as you could be." I waited til Jamie nodded. "We didn't just loot Arutu and Spencer." I smile. "We got the Blackwatch, the ultimate map of SLDF and other Royal or even tighter locations, and Katherine cracked it. And yes, as I suspect you suspect, Artru's not having a datacore is a lie."

Jamie simply nodded, as Joshua held out a hand to his brother. "Pay me."

I rolled my eyes and continued. "One of those locations was the fallback for the fleets in the area… a hidden shipyard that could be disassembled." Jamie's eyebrows rose at that, and I let Katherine pick up.

"Essentially, a pair of Hughes stations and a clutch of ships the Great Father opted to not push for a hurried recommissioning. Of greater interest, though, was finding that they were running a development project on powered armor meant for marine operations. If you recall the Nighthawk Powered Armor the SLDF used to have, then you have a good idea of what we're looking at here, Jaime."

Jamie nodded once and turned to me. "I doubt you have the Princes' authorization to tell me this… so. I'm learning to read between the lines, finally. Exactly what are you after, young… or not so young lady?" He grinned at the last, a nod to the reincarnation I suppose.

I smile at him. "Help converting the STAR, that was the name they assigned, though I think we'll give them a different name…" He nodded at that, chuckling. "To regular infantry suits, or more precisely, armored jump infantry." Joshua whistled at that thought.

Jamie thought for a moment, and then asked. "I'm surprised you don't want our aid in developing Elementals." 'Tasha gasped at that. "Since you and Kath seem on the same page on how to defend the Inner Sphere from the Crusaders…"

I grin, while I didn't fully agree with Kath, just the waste of life involved in an quantitative type strategy offended me, she wasn't far wrong. "I disagree with the cost of her plan, but the basic strategy she outlined would work, just more wasteful of life than most would approve of." I sigh. "I don't want you all to get Reaved. Natasha will have, I guess, a daughter in the Invasion, and if our battle armor seemed to be a downteched Elemental…"

Jamie blinked, and winced. "Point taken."

"It's best if whatever we get is legitimately an Inner Sphere creation without using Clan blueprints. That doesn't mean we can't help, but we can't just give the blueprints and say 'build this'. That would make it obvious and land us and Clan Wolf in deep trouble," Kath said. "We don't want that."

Three snorts answered her. "We don't want it for the current Clan Wolf. What happens after Revival? Those dicks deserve all the screwing they can get, without a reach around. They become as bad as Smoked Kitties." Case snorted.

"Not arguing otherwise, but that story's complicated enough. Wolf ended up split in two after all was done, remember? Crusaders on one side, Wardens on the other."

"A micro-schism to reflect what was going on in the Clans." Jamie nodded. "But again, I don't think that's quite all, General."

I smiled. "Depends on how crewed your warships are. We've implied, and flat out stated Comstar isn't neutral, and has its own plans." Jamie nodded. "To pay the share that the Suns owes the Heavy Cavalry… we got most of the shipyard and station. I'd like it to arrive at Panpour intact, mind you, and while it's getting set up...."

"Insurance against sudden warship attack, I see," he concluded. "You want us to activate our warships and keep them out of sight, covering our, and your, strategic assets."

I nod. "It would be very annoying to lose that station, yes." I smile. "And well, honestly, who better to train future armor wearers than your people." Jamie chuckled.

"Well, I was going to tell Kath this, but you're absolutely right in what Kerlin's been up to. The resupply between the Davion Contract and the Liao-Marik one, basically sent us our own Hughes, to support those warships. He also sent along a clutch of Snowdens…" With that he paused, seeing my nod. "To mine away to feed it. While I didn't use the station." He chuckled. "I think seeing us sell jumpships from nowhere would have blown every House Lord's mind as well as ComStar, and it'd be 'WHERE', and no expense spared to find them." He raised an eyebrow

"I… think you just might underestimate that response." I was rewarded by everyone, including 'Tasha laughing in some form or the other.

"However, the station wasn't idle, and Kerlin had been shipping the metals back to clan space." He shrugged. "We've been doing our reports that way now."

"Yeah, I didn't know that," Katherine admitted, "just how much was he shipping back? Out of curiosity. I'm going to laugh if he's actually making a profit out of this."

Jamie smiled. "I'd wonder if our scientists stole some Cobra genetake, yes, if I didn't know better. Try on average two Behemoth loads a month. About five to ten percent germanium." He paused. "This of course is not counting the fact the station has produced four Invaders, and two went back." He paused and nodded, amused. "And the food for the personnel involved, is why we were spending a lot more than you thought we should." The last was sent to Kath. "I'm not completely insane, Kath."

Katherine nodded, running figures through her head before laughing. "Kerlin's expenditures mostly amount to obsolete hardware we had in storage and for that he gets quite a rich supply of minerals and jumpships… If he hasn't already made the investment back I'll be very surprised. It's only the stations and the shipyard themselves that are the biggest expenditure. Jumpships to a certain extent too, but I think some of them got pulled off a cache."

Jamie nodded. "They did, and would it surprise you that when a Behemoth, also built at the station, doesn't arrive at the meet point, a Snowden or a replacement shipyard or Alliance component does? I'd say about every month for the last eighteen months. He's also sending extra people, not warriors, though a few get sent every trip, that way to us. Slowly, but the stations and the planet are self supporting easily, and there's even warship production now, there."

I blink. Case and Evie shoot up looking at Jamie. Who simply smiles back.

Katherine grinned. "If he had glasses I'd call him Hara-guro Megane (腹ぐろ眼鏡). Instead, I'll settle for Magnificent Bastard."

I shake my head. "He's topped Shirou, Kath. Shirou at the least didn't have to do it against eighteen paranoid asshole groups. Damm. And if, and I suggest you do, tell him Comstar has a small explorer fleet…"

"And what would he do with that information? Not that I disagree with informing him, mind," Jaime asked. "We'll need confirmation about Luyten and Ross, was it?"

"Yes," Katherine confirmed. "Luyten, Ross and Gabriel, though the last is probably impossible to get a bead on without being spotted in turn."

I shake my head. "Gabriel is the easiest, actually, just time consuming. Remember the CIA station we found, Kath?"

"I do. What about it?"

Case and Evie both snorted. "Bets the pair of systems have a similar setup, Kath? If nothing else, they'll know someone jumped too close to their systems. Odessa is easier to insert a long slow probe in and out of." Case shrugged. Evie countined.

"It's like the Navy's…" She paused and saw sets of blank looks at her. "The United States Navy, I mean, SOSUS arrays, Kath. The big huge sonar nets. Just for KF drives." She frowned. "We really need to test how sensitive they are, not trusted without adult supervision boss lady." I snort in reply, then get a thoughtful look.

"I'm familiar with SOSUS and I did figure out what it does… I hadn't considered ComStar might have their own, good catch. I doubt they can tell the difference between a jumpship and a warship but we can only be sure once we test it. Mass-wise the Dantes are easily within jumpship plus dropships' range so I don't think we can tell them apart simply based on mass," the blonde clarified.

I tilt my head, running things though my mind to various sets of stares. "Without actually doing some serious number crunching and hell, doing an experiment or two, I can't tell if they could, though I suspect mass is the big one, concede." I note Jamie's raised eyebrow. "Wolfnet didn't report my degree?" Jamie's eyebrow still remained raised.

"The jump detector is just an array of the same basic sensor in reactors to detect KF fluctuations, and microholes." Case quietly lectured. "Just larger units, likely built better, lots of them in a huge pattern, with massive computer support to back it up." Case shrugged. "While the sexpot figured it out first, I've been running some numbers. Thirty to sixty light year radius, is an offhand guess, could be as low as fifteen could be as high as ninety, but yeah, as Evie pointed out, traffic makes a difference." He paused, then nodded. "Is Kikyo paranoid? Yep. Is she paranoid enough? Damned good question, that." He shrugged. "Which is why the make like a rock plan she has for Gabriel isn't a really good idea for the other two." Jamie just looked at the scruffy teenager. Who finally relented. "I'm not an idiot."

Evie snarked. "No, you just play one, until it's time for SCIENCE!" Case laughed and I looked at Case.

"Is that why half of Xanadu's spare parts are missing?" I tilt my head. "You built a mini array?" Case didn't look me in the eye as he shifted slightly. Katherine laughed.

Evie giggled. "Ask no questions~~~" She paused. "It was fun."

"Yeah, I would bet it was. I hope the parts are reusable once you're done experimenting with them, otherwise that's a pretty big hole in our budget. Those things aren't cheap," Katherine said.

Case shrugged. "Sexpot can afford it, worse comes to worse, she does another movie. Flash some leg, lean over, it worked on Hanse." I glare at Case.

"Now, now, can't ask Kiki to pick up the tab for everything you do. I wonder what kind of roles you could be cast into… hmm… Han Solo?" Katherine wondered.

I look at Case, framing him as if in a camera lens. "Nah. He doesn't quite have the vibe you need to be an actor."

"OI!" Case protested, only to be overridden by Evie's giggles, and Jamie's bemused looking at us.

"Ahem." Jamie smiled slightly. "So… make like a rock?" He tried to get the conversation on track.

"Y'see, it's like this. Create a very low powered camera and other passive sensor drone, toss it on a ballistic course past your target, collect at the other end. Voila! Info and no one the wiser. If it's a small space rock, who expects it to be a spy in disguise?" Evie grinned.

I simply nod.

Katherine nodded. "Good girl, that's the right explanation. Won't work on Luyten and Ross nearly as well if they have the means to detect a KF Jump without seeing the emergence signature the traditional way but… something to look into. And I'll be right back, I got something."

She grinned before briefly vacating the room.

Jamie looked at us, shaking his head. "We have much to think on, and much to discuss, though why would Kerlin want to know? You're implying he'd …" Jamie quietly stopped and realized. "In the … future-that-was, he cut us off completely, didn't he?" I nodded. "And if he knows Comstar and others are looking for us, he can use that as the excuse to do it again."

I nodded softly. I was watching Natasha.

The red-headed bloodnamed was subdued in Joshua's lap, a haunted expression on her face and, apparently, not in a mood to really speak up at that point.

"It's the best way, since the Inner Sphere if it held on the original track, even without some discoveries of recovered and hidden information, was beginning to rebuild, and Kerlin could tell that. The Crusaders don't want honor, they don't want glory, I'm not sure they want the Star League. They want easy prey."

"And if Kerlin told the truth about everything, they'd come before the Inner Sphere was ready." Jamie finished. "And in the…" He smiled, liking the term. "future-that-was, it was a near run thing, wasn't it?" Before I could respond, the door opened once again, admitting the Steiner back in, holding a box of… crayons?

"Fancy snacks for the Evie! For a job well done," she said before walking over and dropping it on her lap.

Evie took one out, and looked at it. "If fancy, where's the glue?"

Case broke out in laughter as even Natasha, who was dealing with her worldviews being stomped on by stiletto heels, joined the other two Dragoons in looking at Evie.

"Oh, my, you're right, I seem to have forgotten about the glue. What a shame. Still, you have crayons, why don't you open them up?" she said with a grin.

Evie does so, looking at the foil wrapped crayons. She pulled one out, and unwrapped it, studying it. "This isn't a crayon…" With that, she bit and groaned.

"So." I finally said. "That's where my white chocolate went."

"You need to stick to a diet to stay in shape anyways, Kiki, physical exercise notwithstanding," she said grinning. "Besides, how could you deny Evie her crayons? That would be cruel~"

Jamie tilted his head with a smile. "I propose, General, that we take a break. I do believe that the Duchess of New Syrtis should be visiting you shortly, and at least on my side, I have several things to think on before we come to agreements. And I believe you have a thief to punish. With your permission?" He didn't need to ask, per say, but I nodded quietly, as the two male Dragoons stood, with Joshua still holding Natasha. I watched as they left, with Jamie smiling at Katherine for some reason.

Turning to the blonde I just gave her my own sharp smile as Evie was in bliss, and Case had slipped out. "Do you know how hard Dephi White is to get in New Avalon?"

Kikyo's office, Dropship Xanadu, Mid-late Afternoon.

I looked up as my hatch opened and a redheaded woman walked in, and sat across from my eyes, uninvited. I recognized her, of course, Marie Hasek-Davion.

"Your Grace. Welcome." I politely responded to her rudeness, as I again pressed for Keria's attention and the second buzz was a hint for drinks. "It will be only a moment for refreshment. If you had called ahead..."

Marie's eyes flashed slightly. "As soon as my son was settled from the jumps we've done, I came. I have some pointed questions."

I didn't nod, just looked at her. "I understand. After all I'm a threat to your son's inheritance." This was a probe, to confirm she wasn't thrilled with the idea of Morgan Hasek-Davion, her son, inheriting the throne.

Her snort answered that. "If that was my only concern, I'd march you to the altar with a sword at your back myself."

I blinked. That was… blunt. "I… see." Marie was cut off by Keria's entry and her quiet service. I had to suppress a smile, Keria was drawing on period movies to provide the perfect 'maid' type service, and I knew it amused her at the same time it grated on her.

Marie sipped and an eyebrow raised. "I may have to steal your steward."

"That's twice now someone's made grabby motions at my coffee… how hard is it to order?" I wondered out loud.

Marie didn't respond, but looked at me. "You, Baroness, are an actress, reputed to be somewhat of loose morals, a gold digger, or so it's said, and reckless in the extreme."

I tilted my head. "First… accurate. Second… I'd argue, but the reputation is there, and as for the third…" I snort. "Pure money isn't a problem. Not anymore." I shake my head. "As for the fourth… I suppose I can be. Is this where you decide if I'm good enough for your little brother?" I tilted my head. "I must admit, I'm only mildly impressed with your approach."

Marie blinked. Then she smiled slightly. "Well. That answers one question." Putting her coffee aside, she interlaced her fingers in front of her face, her blue eyes peering at me. "Now, why shouldn't I put all my ability into crushing this?"

"... Honestly?" She nodded. "My view… for reasons you cannot know, and for some you can, is you should." Marie seemed taken aback. "I'm a product of late Star League science, with drawbacks that aren't conductive to a marriage, not without serious work, though I'll concede marriages are that in themselves, I have a reputation, that has some truth in it, I am not willing at this time to simply surrender my freedom of action to do things to be the Princess-consort, and breeder of future Davion heirs."

Marie was still silent, so I continued on. "I can't say why, but at least until recently, there was someone that'd make him happy and at least compliment him in areas he dislikes or is weak in. It might have taken some time, but I truly know he'd be happy in the end. And better suited. Now?" I sigh. "I don't know. But, you're right, in a way, that I wouldn't be ideal as Princess-consort, and take this as no offense, but while being your mother to your father, is tempting, Hanse deserves better. Not an actress and treasure hunter who takes risks and doesn't fully think long term, though I'm working on that. Not someone who has similar traits and interests and desires to do things that he does. And most certainly not a person who doesn't really understand what she'd have to do as Princess-Consort. Nor would she want it."

Marie leaned back. For a long moment, she said or did nothing, then she finally shook her head. "Well. This is not going at all how I expected it to." Hanse's elder sister seemed to deflate just a little. "Why did you have to derail me from the word go?"

"Because we're women, it's not worth our time, as well to play games, and if you are here for Hanse's happiness, well, I can't blame you, and that deserves the best and most honest response you can get." I shrug. "And I find being honest works the best."

"It should, you're right. Your two ragamuffins you call assistants alone would point to that." She gave me a wry look. "Yes I have been paying attention to you since the rumors arose. Just like I know Hanse was dating a body double of you for a few months. I have paid closer attention to what has been going on of late than the news outlets have."

"I doubt you have fully, not without Yvonne trusting you a hell of a lot more than she trusts your husband." I nodded once. "But I concede that. But they're not my assistants. They're my friends." I grin and softly sing… "I get by with a little help…"

Marie snorted. "I don't need Yvonne to brief me on my brother. He wasn't acting like he does around you the way he did with the lady in the news casts. Rather like he was different between…" she stopped, leaving the thought hanging. "Never mind, that's an old wound, one I've no intent to reopen."

I nod. "He… well. Let me say this, he's difficult to resist when he has his mind set on something." I smile slightly crookedly. "Quite intense." I nodded to myself. "And I know what you're referring to, leave it there." I paused, then nodded once. "I can't say I don't want him, but I don't want the First Prince. And we both know the truth of that position."

"Can't have one without the other," Marie said, finally settling into a chair. "And yes, Hanse is rather like a Battlemaster run amok in a horde of Wasps when he sets his mind to something. It's one of the things that makes him a good First Prince. He doesn't allow himself to second-guess. He's no interest in anyone who sees the title before they see him."

I snorted at that last. "And that's everyone's mistake. He can be, if not the best First Prince we've had, at least in the discussion. He truly wants what's best for the Suns, and he doesn't want endless war. Win it? Sure. But not for vainglory." My hair twitched slightly. "Though I'll admit he's fond of his grand gestures, and he's… a bit fond of risk taking himself." I smile fondly. "What he truly wants, I want. What he, as Hanse Davion thinks is important. He doesn't…" I stop, rethinking for a second, then nodding. "He deserves respect for himself. Not his title, not his position, not his name, but for what he has, is, and will do. He's earned it. But..."

"But how many will see that?" Marie got a catlike smirk. "I'm willing to bet you and your little crew are driving Truston batty right now. He's overthinking your group."

"To be fair to the esteemed head of the MIIO and your aunt, who did a similar job before, they're lacking information." I roll my eyes. "I'll bet if they did have the information, they'd be thinking clearer. But back to why you're here. I agree with you. He either needs an equal, or someone who meets him…" I snorted at that. "Without realizing he's the First Prince. But, the one thing that I know he takes seriously, is his duty. As any wife he takes must do, to be worthy of the position. And that's to do what is best for the Suns. I'm not it. My reputation, perhaps could be dealt with. As could a few other issues… But, in a way, there's better for him. But I'm not sure he'll wait."

"Yes and no. My father confided in me once, that his failure that led to me kind of broke the way things needed to be. It is the First Prince's duty to be what the Federated Suns needs. It is to the First Prince that the lion's share of the burden falls. But the woman he marries, or if a woman, her husband's first duty isn't to the nation. It's to his or her family, not the cameras and the nobility. If the First Prince needs someone who can look pretty and handle business behind the scenes, she needs to be that."

Marie smirked slightly, "But even if Hanse needs that publically he'll never settle for anything less than someone who can meet him eye to eye and challenge him. It's who he is, and bluntly? It's why he never really got back into the 'market' as it were. He doesn't need a trophy wife who wants a position."

"Agreed, there." I ponder for a moment. "As I've stated, there's reasons I believe there is that, and one that while would challenge him, would not try to compete with him in areas that he, rightfully so, considers himself good in. And at least until I wandered into his life with enough equipment to equip the Davion Guards, she'd have made him happy" I sigh. "But here and now, I don't know what's the right choice, not just for myself, not just for him, but everyone those choices affect."

With a crooked smile, I admitted. "The one thing he would get from me, besides as you say, looking pretty and being his shadow, would be a pin. Which would be harder than you'd believe, because, dammit, he's often right… but at times…" I shook my head. "If I am Hanse Davion's best choice, so be it. But I don't know if I am."

"From the mouths of babes…"You know, when I was talking to a friend of mine about how to cut past the actress and see how you really were, it was Morgan that gave the answer?" She gave a fond smile at the mention of her son. "If you want to see if she's mean watch how she plays with her friends,' he said." Her amused look was a mix of pride and amusement, likely at my expense. "I'm surprised at how little your attitude changes when you're being earnest from when you're dealing with your ragamuffins, except with less cussing and dark humor."

I thought for a moment. "Everyone has masks. It's rare to let them all down. Everyone expects certain behaviors from you. With as you say, the ragamuffins, Kath, or as they like to call themselves, the Strays…" I grin at that. "They don't expect much. They have dark humor for several reasons, some of which are easy to find out, some I know, and only I, and I share that with them." I look at her. "I remember my first acting tutor saying this. 'Yes, you're playing a role, young girl, but the best way to play is to be.' My friends need me to be that with them, so I am. You want, no, you need to see who I am, so I give that. That simple. It's not the easiest way to live, but I love my friends, my family, and they get the best I can give, even if it's not me."

"Wow, you're so full of shit your eyes are turning brown." Marie grinned. "I did spend some time watching when you weren't in a classified meeting. I grew up in New Avalon. I know all the best places to hide. You're the same with the foul-mouthed redhead, as you are with Katherine Archon-clone, and the obnoxious boy who wants to fight everyone. What I wanted to know, was if you would try to lie to me. I appreciate you didn't, until you tried to convince me that you're still acting."

My brow furrowed. "I'm… not quite sure what you mean." I tilted my head, reviewing everything. "My friends, expect me to be myself. I am with them. What I meant was I am what they want, though I tend to prefer less dark humor, I'm a bit more ribald in my tastes there. However, if they need someone else, or find someone else that helps them to be relaxed, happy, and above all true to themselves? Even if it hurts… I'll help them get that." I nodded. "That's what love is to me. Giving the best you can, no matter the cost to yourself, for those you love."

"There you are…" Marie's eyes narrowed as she got a hunting cat's grin. "Just remember, while you're there for everyone else to lean on, figure out who you can lean on and hold to. I know that look. Hanse gets that look. Ian always had that look. Don't try to be the rock for everyone at all times. That way lies a martyr complex and an early grave."

I snort. "I know." I pause. "To be honest, Case isn't someone to lean on. Great man, smart as hell, can style so hard that it'd make the Palace tutors ask for lessons, he works at being a scruffy nerf herder. But… in his own way, he's a brother, with his own problems, and he's bitter, cynical and hasn't healed. But he doesn't stop." I sigh. "Kath… coldly? She may never heal. What she's been through, putting aside what is known, is so horrific, the fact she's where she's at, makes me deeply, deeply honored to be her friend, and amazed at her strength, but it's taken its toll." I smile. "Evie… give her two to three more years, and then well. But not right now. She's lost too much.. But she's a stubborn bitch, and won't let herself be stopped. The universe took away what she values most? She'll get it back, even if she has to make it. I draw strength from them. And I hope I can heal them." I stopped. "Rephrase. I hope I can help them to heal. But that means they need to lean on me now."

"I think you'll do fine. We shall see how things play out. But for now I want your promise, if being in his life hurts Hanse… get out. But if your presence helps him, stay. But don't stay because you feel obligated to do so. Hanse has passion, but he couldn't handle codependence."

I thought. "The truth is, I've already made that promise. He will be a 'great' Prince. But I think he can be Good Prince Hanse. And that's what I want for him. It's what he wants. He doesn't want to be great, but he wants good for the people he's responsible for. I want what he wants. I won't stand in his way. I won't let him hurt himself if I can prevent it. That's a betrayal of him. If... if I'm convinced I can help him be who he wants to be, and would make him truly happy? I will stay." I committed myself. "But if I stand in his way, and my presence hurts him? I'll quietly disappear. Be the sakura blossom he remembers fondly, but nothing more."

"Then for now, peace. Now, tell me. Is my baby brother taking care of himself?"

Briefing Room, Fox's Den, New Avalon, Afternoon, Dec 23rd, 3015.

As I sat at the table, I looked at everyone here. At the head was Hanse Davion in his AFFS uniform, to his left was Yvonne Davion, to his right was Ran Felsner. Along the table was Stephan Davion, commander of the Assault Guards, me, Jamie Wolf, and several other officers, including the COs of the Illyrian Lancers and Crater Cobras, plus the 17th Hussars commander and the 5th Syrtis Fusiliers. Micheal Hasek Davion and Duke Robinson were also present. Rounding this group out, was our staff and other intelligence personnel.

"Welcome all, to the first brief of OPERATION IDES." Hanse spoke, his tones reaching everyone easily. In the holo display rose a map of the Capellan Confederation. "As you can tell, this operation is to strike at Liao, taking away industrial worlds. It has two objectives. The weakening of the CCAF and associated long term mercenary commands with it, and the taking of Epsilon Eridani, to cost them a useful tank factory that they don't realize they have." He smiled. "Now, if we get more, I won't complain, and a preliminary objective is the taking of Ronel to cut an easy link between the Confederation and the Combine." The worlds were highlighted.

Yvonne took over as Hanse sat. "The Dragoons…" She nodded at Jaime. "Will strike at New Hessen, with the intent of damaging the units there, and hopefully drawing the Highlanders to battle, to damage them. New Hessen is not an occupation target as we believe that the CCAF will move units that they don't have to take it back if we tried. Crater Cobras are your reserve, Colonel Wolf." Everyone nodded.

"Ares is the target of the Lancers and the Assault Guards. The Fifth Syrtis will support if needs be, if Stephan thinks there's a reasonable chance to take the world. The primary objective is however the Big MAC. Hammer them, Stephan." The named Davion simply smiled.

"Ronel, is the target of the Heavy Guards, the Seventeenth Hussars and the Heavy Cavalry. It's to be taken, and used as a stepping stone." We all nodded at that.

Hanse stood up, and tapped a command. "Landing for the Ronel forces is roughly March 15th, with the world to be secured hopefully no later than June 1st, so we can move on. Colonel Wolf will move into reserve at the same time, after New Hessen, while the Armored Cavalry joins us." He looked around, seeing the nods. "Then the Crater Cobras and 17th strike at Epsilon Indi, while the Heavy Cav, the Heavy Guards, and the Armored Cav hammer at Small World, which is the primary objective of Wave Two." He saw the nods there. "We project unless exceptionally lucky at Ronel, August 1st to be the date we hit that world."

Yvonne picked up again. "While taking Epsilon Indi would be pleasant, it's not an objective. Wolf's forces are going to be in reserve if the Highlanders don't play on New Hessen, to help whichever attack gains their attention, since at this point, Liao has to honor the threat." More nods.

"Finally, once one of the two worlds is secured, the primary task forces move to Eridani, with the full intent of taking the world, to hold it. We project no later than October, unless, once again, we're unreasonably lucky." Yvonne looked around. "We hope to have this operation concluded by the end of next year, gentlemen, and a nice gift for the AFFS in our hands."

Hanse once again spoke. "Gentlemen, you can and will take additional risks to secure the prizes. We are producing and buying nearly an additional one hundred mechs a month, and thirty are earmarked for each major thrust as replacements." He received nods at that, and pleased grins. "General Onishi and Colonel Wolf are to be thanked for the production increases." Several people turned to me, and I simply nodded.

"Finally, as you understand, the primary objective is weakening the Confederation, over the long haul, not destroying your own commands, and yes, the Lancers, the Cobras, the Dragoons and the Cav are on the list to gain replacements if they need them. At our expense. Marshal Sandoval?" The named duke straightened. "While you'll be receiving more equipment, you are to spend this year preparing. Michael? You stockpiled what we sent you last year, so, this year, we're focusing your normal arrivals on the thrust." Hasek-Davion looked displeased.

Before anyone else could speak, Michael did. "We should also make a thrust at Texlos!" I actually saw the logic there, denying the Capellans aerospace was not a bad idea. Hanse shook his head.

"If you had spread those 'Mechs out to your Militias and other units, I'd be tempted, honestly, Michael… But, that might be a step too far." Hanse nodded. "However, depending on how the main thrusts go, we'll revisit." Hanse gave the Duke of New Syrtis a look, and he subsided. He really couldn't complain, since he had been agitating for more action against Liao, and Hanse was delivering.

My eyes, as well as Yvonne's had narrowed at the look that crossed the Duke's face. While Robinson was content, Hasek-Davion wasn't. I knew Hanse knew the man was going to pull something to try to gain glory, more than Hanse would in the upcoming offensive.

"Sir." Everyone turned to Colonel Wolf. "I presume that if the Highlanders aren't in play by the third wave, the Dragoons would be sent to take them on on where they're based?"

Hanse smiled. "Actually, in that case, depending on factors, I may have you sent to Tikonov." Wolf smiled at that.

"I see. Well, plans change, and we'll see." Wolf's lazy smile indicated he was amused. Hanse returned the smile.

"I don't expect a repeat on your end of New Aragon, Colonel, but the Highlanders are to be dealt with, if at all possible." Wolf nodded. He looked around the room. "Any more questions?"

No one was bold enough, and Hanse nodded. "This of course, is Sword-One, gentlemen, and further information and intelligence briefings are being handed out. Good luck, and good hunting. May next Christmas be as joyous to the people of the Federated Suns as this year is, thanks to you, Duke Robinson." The Duke smiled, as he straightened. Recovering Tancredi IV was a coup and an honor for him. Hanse wanted to do the same on the Capellian front. It was time to deliver publicly for the Heavy Cavalry.

Main Ballroom, Castle Davion, New Avalon, Late Evening

My memories, both sets, to be fair, had the memories of these types of gatherings, just without nobility well entrenched. The one thing they didn't, was when you were the hostess, and the hot new thing on top of it. Marie ironically gave the best advice. "Pretend that you're just happy to be there, and nothing more. A little overwhelmed wouldn't be bad either."

Good advice that, and if you kept away from her husband, fairly easy to do. After several hours of this though, I was getting a bit tired of happy smiles and polite but veiled conversations. At least the ones from the younger female nobility were easier to deal with, concealed, or not so concealed hostility was something I was very used to. Before I could escape for a few moments to regain my senses, a voice interrupted me.

"General, a moment of your time?" The tones and accent told me who it was before I could turn, but I still did so.

"Of course, Colonel Wolf." I looked back at the small gathering I had, and smiled. "Excuse me, Colonel Wolf wants a moment of my time, likely to discuss upcoming operations, so, please forgive me." I smiled with a hint of apology, and made my escape to the 'of course' and other comments.

"I'd not say you don't play that game fairly well, but after a few hours of them… I'd … no, I have been ready to chew my own leg off to escape." Wolf's low voice included a soft chuckle.

"I can't say you're wrong, but I'm actually somewhat used to it." I shrug. "You'd be surprised at how much acting is actually meeting people."

"And not killing them at times." Wolf's low tones carried a hint of mischief. "As tempting as it can be."

I had to smile. "They can't go see your movies, paying ticket price if they're dead, no?"

Wolf pretended to be enlightened. "Ah, so that's why!" He was steering us to a private alcove, and as we arrived, he took out a jammer.

Clicking it on, he nodded. "There, we won't be overheard, and no one really wants to interrupt military commanders for political games in the Suns." I snorted at that. He nodded. "Correction, most, at least."

"So, why the level of security?" I was curious. "It can't actually be over the upcoming plans."

"Quite so. I've talked to the Prince. About what we've already discussed." He was being somewhat oblique, but I easily followed what he was saying. "I appreciate the attempt to prevent our internal secrets from coming out, but the major one is the one that you all wish to give." He smirked. "But, as I told him, what I don't see, I don't have to report."

I blinked at that. Did Katherine convert Jamie fully onboard to defending the Inner sphere? Before I could formulate a question, he continued on.

"I tend to believe that the purpose of a soldier or sailor in a military is to defend, not otherwise harm civilians, and I've been here long enough to know what some of the people where I grew up would do, not to mention that they have no real idea what it'd take to be here."

I nodded. Message received. "I see, and understand, Colonel. But… you could have talked to Kath and gotten the message that way."

"Oh, I could." He agreed, but then continued on. "He's informed me of some of the gains you have or are bringing home." He thought for a moment, then nodded. "I'd be more than willing to... well, help staff your new corporation, especially in the more trickier bits. But, value for value is something that is a common theme everywhere."

"And what is it you propose is fair value?" I was interested, what he was hinting at would significantly cut time to get the factories and stations up and running.

"Three things. First, you'll confirm that Katherine paid her debt to Snord with the equipment she'll 'send' him from your haul." My eyebrows rose. "Of course those items will be not quite from the haul itself, but…" He spread his hands, amused.

"I can do that, I suppose, I'd need…" I trailed off as Jamie interrupted, with a grin.

"Already approved by Hanse. He's amused." He would be, yes, I thought, but Wolf continued on. "Second, you'll help funnel the excess personnel I have here and there, mostly admittedly for your projects, but there's a few spaces where some good techs, or even mechwarriors could make a difference, wouldn't you say?"

I nodded. "I think that can be done but I'd want details and how Hanse would help. I don't doubt you talked to him about that, either."

"I cannot accuse a lady of being wrong…" He trailed off, then nodded. "When she's right." He nodded again. "And last, a joint agreement that Blackwell and whatever you end up calling your new mega corporation, are strategic partners. I can see a use for powered infantry easily, as you can well guess." I had to smile at that. "Much less what you'd like to have. I'm actually somewhat short of far thinking design engineers. Something I doubt you'd be."

"Your knowledge, my thinking?" I hinted.

His nod indicated the problem. "As a student of history yourself, I'd compare the Clans in a lot of ways to the Japanese people, for a long time. Good engineers, not good inventors." He shook his head. "And that'll be a problem. But…"

"Combine the two." I nodded. "Again, Colonel, I see no reason why not to."

Wolf nodded. "With of course the caveat that the Prince approves, I suppose." I simply nodded. "Well, then, it's rare in something like this, I don't have to fight or at least negotiate."

"Oh, there's a few things that can be adjusted. Help with tooling, I suppose, though that'd be per unit, maybe some other designs we can agree needed, or transfer of some of your designs. Specifics on right of refusal for the Dragoons or Cav from each other… but as a basic agreement…"

Wolf blinked, then smiled. "I think that's what lawyers are for, isn't it?" His grin said he understood.

"Correct, Colonel. But even that, is a bit not really enough for the level of paranoia common in the Inner Sphere at this level.." Wolf sobered up.

"Natasha still isn't happy. She's refused to talk to anyone for the last few days. Could I ask…"

"If you want Katherine to beat sense into her, that's fine." Wolf snorted at that.

"If that was the problem, I'd do it myself. I'm not thinking that." He shook his head.

I really couldn't understand what he was thinking. "Okay, I'll admit it, I'm lost."

"I'm thinking you or your strays, not Kath, can have a pointed word about how to deal with having your worlds torn apart. I'm sure you're all still dealing with that. 'Tasha isn't, and frankly, while Kath, Jousha and I were seeing what is and will be coming, as soon as Kerlin can arrange it and get away with it, 'Tasha never paid attention to the clues he did give us." He sighed. "It's really one of the great failings of the Clans, we don't think past the next battle, by and large. Kerlin can easily, a few others I know about in Wolf can, and Kath, of course. Joshua seems to have the knack as well, not as good as Kath, and between them, I'm beginning to figure it out."

I stared. "...I'd say I'm pleased, but I'm trying to reboot."

His laughter rang out. "That tells me a lot. It really does."

"I'm sorry?" I couldn't quite really believe how this conversation was going.

"Don't be. I'm a father, and I want a better future for my children, and now that you've saved them, I suspect, I still want that." Jamie sighed. "And I owe debts for that, and they will be paid. Not sure how yet, but I'm thinking about a few things." He stood up, offering his hand to me to help me, and I accepted.

"That you don't, because well…" I shrugged. "There are several reasons to have helped you. If nothing else, pointing you at our biggest enemy now is a help for everyone." Wolf's eyes narrowed, and he smiled.

"Perhaps, but it's not what you feel, General, you did what you did for your own reasons, the debt is from me. Remember that, for both good and ill, your actions place others into situations. And they will try to counter them, or otherwise pay you back for them."

I couldn't help but feel a chill at his words. "I'll remember that."

Manor Winterfell, New Avalon, Morning, Dec 26th, 3015

I suppose it was inevitable that when I put Evangeline Kessler into a room with Natasha Kerensky that things would go south in a hurry. In retrospect, I should have made sure they interacted somewhere that was not my fancy new home on New Avalon. My first warning should have been when I walked in on the Brothers Wolf huddled in the security room watching the feeds.

"What are you two doing?" I asked, still groggy from waking up, and having gotten no bedtime fun the night before. "And how did you get in my house?"

"Case let us in," Jaime said mildly. "He offered to fight Natasha again, but I don't think she was really into it. He got pissy, so we steered her into your sarcastic new tagalong. Evie, was her name I believe?"

I froze. "Wait, you put a sulky, bitchy Tasha in a room with Evie?" I asked quietly.

"We just asked her to see if she could cheer Tasha up a bit. She seems like a safe bet. All bark, no real bite," Jamie said mildly. "Not irritating enough to trigger Tasha into killing her."

Katherine caught me from behind as I turned in a blind panic to intercept this fiasco. "No Dammit Kath, my tables! My plates!"

"What? They're just sitting there, being sulky. Evie's about as antisocial as an elemental stuck in a room with thirty mech jocks and no purpose in life." Joshua pointed at the screens showing Evangeline placidly eating a plate of eggs and bacon of some variety she'd cooked up for herself. She was sitting at the counter, with a stool between herself and Tasha, who was staring into space like she was lost in her own head.

"You do realize you've put Tasha in the room with the only…"

Kath was cut off as the security feed caught Evie's first words to the sulky Dragoon. "Holy shit, are you gonna wake up or are you gonna sit there and stew about your daddy issues with Kerlin Ward?" The Aurigan accent was in full play, a far cry from Evie's normal manner of talking.

The punch caught Evangeline in the side of the head like a viper strike, and the smaller redhead kinda sat there and shook her head, blinking as Natasha leaned over "You don't get to talk about things you have no understanding of!" it was, by all accounts, a friendly type of warning from Natasha.

I let out a pained moan that almost made the other three miss Evie's response, which surprised everyone but me. Evangeline doesn't look like much, a young and curvy, pretty thing that is the stereotype of sexy farm girls. What her flannel and loose pants hid was the fact that despite being short and curvy, she was compact and capable of picking up and tossing hay bales.

Joshua let out a noise of shock when Evie hopped off her stool, picked it up and used it to knock Natasha Kerensky three feet into my wall. Which used to have a cabinet. Full of fragile dinnerware.

"Evangeline's memories were born of a twentieth century, shocktrooper infantryman," I said with a hollow, horrified voice as the Aurigan girl delicately set down the now-damaged stool, stepped over to the Dragoon and just started talking.

"I understand that I'm looking at what used to be the most ferocious bitch in the Inner Sphere and Clan space moping around like a depressed teenager feeling sorry for herself." Evie's voice wasn't pained, or thready. "So your daddy figure turned up to what, actually give a fuck about the consequences and you can't handle that? Typical fucking Trashborn, can't think past the next fight or the next fuck to see what's…"

The thrown dishes as Tasha came up elicited a pained whine from me as both shattered, with one embedding shards in my nice walls! Jamie Wolf let out a low whistle as Tasha came up and punched Evangeline twice in the face and kicked at her abdomen, only to have the more petite redhead catch her foot and swing her like a baseball bat into the counter, which buckled and collapsed as the Aurigan girl got kicked square in the tits by her opponent and staggered back, actually feeling her oversized chest's drawbacks in a fight as the now livid Kerensky came out from under the wreckage of my breakfast bar!

"I LIKED that breakfast bar," I whined, trying to escape Kath's grip.

Jamie wordlessly handed a small wad of C-Bills to his brother. "You were right, she's not all bark and no bite."

"So you know what it's like to find out nothing you know is real?" Natasha almost screamed at Evie, right before picking up a beam of very expensive wood from my wrecked breakfast bar and swinging it at Evie.

To the Aurigan girl's credit I hadn't really taken her seriously about her self-described "fighting style" when I knew her in the other life. But I was watching the obviously bruised and bleeding farm girl take hits like her skin was made of tank armor. Apparently not actually giving a fuck had some power.

"Oh you fucking poor baby," Evie said after the beam hit her in the side, her arm snapping down to pin the beam to her ribs. Apparently Natasha hadn't learned from the kick, because the reincarnation of loud mouth and attitude simply twisted and ripped it from Natasha's hand after Natasha realized she was going to get thrown.

"I've got a little tale to spin you, of having uninterrupted memories of another life, fading to black from a gunshot wound. Then waking up in a fucking dark hole, face down in the dirt in a new life and stuck with all the shitty memories of the old one." Evie tossed the beam aside. "All the memories of having to hold back and just take the pounding for fear of doing too much damage in response. And then just when I thought that I might be getting rewarded for not being a complete asshole in my old life I got to watch everyone and everything I cared about die."

Evie actually caught Natasha's fist and stopped her cold. "Stupid. Fucking. Clanner. All fight. No thought." What came next wasn't quite the Hulk slamming Loki back and forth before declaring him a "Puny God" but Evie gave a good go of it, wrecking my dining table, several chairs and a china cabinet with her new weapon of choice: Natasha Fucking Kerensky.

"I'm going to kill both of them, then I'm going to make you three clean up the mess and repair the damage, then I'm going to kill you all for wrecking my HOUSE!" Perhaps it would have been more intimidating if Kath wasn't manhandling me more easily than anyone in either life had ever gotten away with.

Natasha was just as tough, or just as rhino-stubborn as Evie because she came right back up swinging, tearing the Aurigan up. She must have hit Evie twenty times before the smaller redhead slammed her away into another wall, then rushed in, grabbed her head and slammed it into the hardwood like a battering ram.

"Fuck, you, you little runt," Natasha spat out as she pulled herself back up. "Everything I know, my whole life is a goddamn lie. And you just don't…"

"Oh shut the fuck up." Evie cut her off. "Fuck it, let's call this a trial of possession. I'm taking Joshua cause you couldn't recognize when you had a good thing if it hit you…"

Evie never got to finish the sentence as the red-haired Dragoon lost all semblance of anything resembling rationality and went off on Evie with renewed fury and energy as the one person she truly cared about was threatened. Evie answered the onslaught in kind, and I began to lose the details of the actual fight as I saw all of the nice things that had been given to me by someone I considered special in that room seem to disintegrate in a whirling dervish of red hair, purple flannel and black leather.

I found out that Tasha's aim worked equally well with PPCs and shot glasses, or even wine snifters. I also found out that Evie could crack an inch-thick granite countertop by slamming someone down on it.

It was at the end when both of the brawling women were sprawled out in the wreckage, too injured to move well that Jamie and Joshua looked over at my despairing look. Kath had let me go, and I wanted to go do something, but it was too late. My new, perfect kitchen was wrecked, and a burst pipe was trickling water along the floor like an expanding puddle of piss, complete with appropriate noises perfectly picked up by the camera feeds.

"We should…" Jamie began as his brother picked up "See if they're okay," Joshua finished as the pair went out to check on the barely-moving duo of Ruin and Hate.

I looked at Kath. "Why my kitchen?" It was that plantitive question to the Archon-clone that finally got a reaction, even if one that i didn't appreciate.

"It was either that or an area with bystanders," Kath shrugged.

"But… Why my kitchen?" I asked again, plantitively, turning to follow the Wolf brothers, dreading to see the reality.

It was actually somehow worse when I saw it in person. The entire kitchen was an unsalvageable ruin. There were bits of cutlery embedded in the walls and countertops from when Kerensky had tried to stab or throw knives at Evie. The reality of the dent in the front of the refrigeration unit was almost enough to get me to cry.

Then I saw Evie. For a moment I thought the obnoxious little Aurigan was dead, lying still with a face so swollen she couldn't see, and the docs would have to cut her to drain the blood away from her eyes. The cough tipped me off that she wasn't dead, and when I went to check on her, she was, of course, bleeding. There were a couple shallow knife cuts that would need stitches, I don't think an inch of her body would be any color but bruise for the rest of the month, and the way she plantitively whimpered when I touched her, I figured that there were cracked ribs at least.

"Holy fuck I'm gonna feel this tomorrow," she said quietly before passing out.

Natasha had said something to Joshua while his brother tallied the damage, realizing that his profits were receding with each passing repair that would be needed. But Joshua's response to whatever the similarly-injured Natasha had said was particularly apt.

"You crazy bitch, why would you think anyone could take me from you with a stupid Trial?"

Fox's Den, New Avalon, Morning, Jan 2nd, 3016

I sipped at a cup of coffee as I watched the first interview. Ironically, it was Evie who got the first interview, simply because she had the least complex chemical brew in her body. Case was being set up, then they were evaluating Kath and me for it.

"She'd have fit in well in some elemental sibkos, I'd say." A voice spoke up behind me, and I somehow managed to keep from whirling and strangling the battered redhead that had somehow snuck up on me. "But, really… fuck the Clans."

I blinked. "And what brings this on, Major." I was shocked.

"After your pet honey badger…" I felt the grin from her. "And let me say when I found out about them, I wondered why in hell no one picked them as a totem animal."

I snickered. "I'll give you that, so do I."

"Anyways, after she pounded me and well, I pounded her, I had a long talk and some thoughts on Clan Space." She sounded amused.

"And?" I was curious.

"Joshua pointed something out. What, what of anything lasting have we created?" I understood what she meant.

I snorted. "Well, Kath says you have some shows…" But I understood what she meant.

"Yeah, and well, how Clans view things. I'm not saying that the Inner Sphere is better, just… different." I heard her shrug.

"And?"

"I'm wondering how much of what the four people I respect the most's thinking is that we'll destroy something, and wondering how much I really care. I'm not good at thinking about tomorrow. But… what'd I'd be doing in the Homeworlds?"

I thought about it. Natasha was pushing her mid-thirties. "You're bloodnamed, so …"

The snort that answered that was a bit amusing. "I'd be expected to either be challenging Kerlin for leadership, or leading a Galaxy." A chuckle. "And you can just imagine how much fun I'd consider that."

"Quite." I thought about it, and asked. "By being here, you're aware of what's going to be given to the Suns, isn't that a problem?"

"Oh, quite the reverse. If the four people I respect the most think this is the right path… well, who am I to argue? I could, I suppose." She sounded thoughtful. "I'd not place high odds on winning…" I turned at that, and saw her battered face grinning at me.

"Not you, not your hellion, not even that maniac you call scruffy. I'd put even odds Jamie could beat me, Joshua not far behind, and I don't think Kath has ever gone all out against me." She noted my eyebrows rising. "Yeah, I finally figured out why Kath at least didn't go that critical edge needed to beat me the first time we tangled. Joshua? Yeah, no, not happening. And Jamie… he won the trials to lead the Dragoons. Not me."

"Yet, you're the best mechwarrior." I couldn't help but answer.

"And how good is that when you're trying to feed people, figure out what or who to fight for, or hell, anything besides the field?" Natasha snickered. "I dunno what happened in the.. Oh, yeah, Future that was… but I can tell you, Khan, I'm not meant to be."

I thought about it. I shrugged. "You were, though. SaKhan, at the least."

Natasha's stare at me was hilarious. "How insane was Clan Wolf, or how insane was I?"

I thought about it and nodded once. "I'd say all things equal? You were seeking what no one could give you. I don't recall exactly, but in the end it took at least a … binary, and this nearly forty years from now, of Pidgeons to bring you down. And most did not come back."

"Heh." She was serious with her next words. "Joshua died, didn't he?" I simply nodded. "In fact, I suspect he's already supposed to be dead, I take it?"

"Fate isn't set in stone, Kerensky." I quietly answered. "Sometimes, it's unavoidable, because people don't listen, sometimes…"

"It is. Because people do." Natasha looked me in the eye. "And that I owe you for." She snickered. "I'm sure Jamie's said the same."

"I didn't do it just for you or him." I shrugged. "I always thought out of the pair, he was the smarter one."

"Jamie agrees, usually." Natasha's smile was soft. "But, it is what it is." Her statement inferred much. "Out of curiosity, why aren't you or Kath first?"

I shrugged. "They calibrated for unusual neuropathy, but they didn't calibrate for unusual blood chemistry." I thought about it, and shrugged. "Genetic modifications aren't a free lunch, and apparently Kath has enough of the Steiner package that it's annoying, and I have my own. My turn. Why is Joshua still single?"

"Ah." Natasha smirked at the next lines. "Because apparently he hasn't clued in, that we're not in the homeworlds anymore, perhaps?" She smiled impishly. "If he doesn't get a clue soon…"

"I'll send Evie."

"Oooh, nice. Just be sure to explain to her Joshua isn't as hard headed."

Medical wing, Castle Avalon, MIdday, Jan 16th, 3015

White blurry tiles entered my swimming vision. I really didn't remember much since I sat down and they stuck an IV in me, except… ugh, it's been twenty plus years since one set of memories looked at circuit patterns, why was one in my head?

"Ah, General, you're awake." Dr. Banzai's cultured tones greeted me. "Forgive us, we thought we had taken into account your blood chemistry. Apparently we were mistaken, though it did work."

"Oh…" instead of my usual sultry tones, it was a rasping tone, and a straw was placed at my lips, soon gushing water. After a few gulps, and swishing water around, I responded again. "How… long?"

"It is the sixteenth, General." My eyes were closed again, though a soft groan escaped my lips. I had promised to spend time with Aiko.

"Lovely." I took some more sips of water. "Why?"

"An adverse reaction. Completely unpredictable." Dr. Banzai sounded mildly irritated. "When dealing with rare and exotic blood chemistries, such as yours, and to a lesser extent Colonel Steiner's… even the best and most exhaustive research cannot account for every variable. It is fascinating in a way."

I didn't scream at him, it'd have hurt my throat. "Uh… huh."

Dr. Banzai's next words indicated he did understand the meaning behind my words. "Except to those who are the lab rats, I'd suppose." A pause. "Do know that while the interviewers and analysis personnel assigned to the case want more, it will be at least a year before you can undergo this again, and at least six months before Colonel Steiner. Lieutenant Winters and Corporal Kessler are already undergoing a second round."

"Sucks to be them." I finally snarked. "Did they?"

"Get everything? I don't believe so, but enough that they're very eager to get to work, and start cross referencing. In yours and the Colonel's case, while that's part of it, both of your previous educational efforts are fascinating." Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck.

I thought about it. "Uh. Huh. Someone educated in advanced computer science and engineering from the days of binary integrated silicon circuits is an interesting factoid, I'd suppose." I paused. "And someone who spent even longer learning more in depth, at least programming." I thought for a moment. "Sucks that I never finished that degree, and never used it at all."

"The drugs used are quite potent at restoring memories, and whatever transferred those memories seem to be quite intent on every memory. As you well know, all information the brain gathers is stored, it is only if connections are made." His tone had entered a lecturing mode.

"Spare me, Doctor. I took fusion engineering for a reason." I couldn't help but smile.

I felt his amused smile. "We all have passions, General. It is a failing of most that we wish to share those."

"I do try to keep people from mine, simply because how many people would want to listen to my horrible taste in jokes."

"... I'd estimate at least five." A pause. "All of whom are headed here."

Ah. Well. Time to start putting myself together.

Dr. Banzai had clearly seen something. "Ah, no, none of that. They understand and have been told. It isn't your fault, after all." He was surprisingly strong for his build. "You will stay in bed, General. Doctor's orders."

"... and doctors win over stars." I finally said.

"Yes, we do."

Small Private Breakfast Nook, Castle Avalon, Morning, Jan 17th, 3016

I looked up from my coffee and reports, I was still a bit woozy, but enough that they didn't keep me in a hospital bed anymore. Walking towards me was Colonel Wolf.

"Mind if I ask a question, Kikyo?" He nodded at my gesture towards a seat, and took the chair.

"... If you don't mind the possibility of no answer." Wolf smiled at my reply.

He nodded, sliding over a folder. "I received this message as a priority today. I even had to pay for it. Annoying. I was hoping you would understand it. Couldn't find Kath or your…" He smiled. "Honey badger, and I was afraid of the cackling where Case was."

I took the folder and opened it. Verigraphed paper, and a Comstar heading indicated it was a message from them. I started to read.

"Colonel Wolf, please relay to Kikyo Onishi, I assure you she will cover the costs of this message. MSG STARTS: Cabbit, holding 250 years writing hostage. Send a tow to Delos. Thomas 'Drakensis' Praetorian. MSG ENDS."

I look up at him, shock in my eyes. "Uh… Send me the bill, yes." I shout, hurting my throat. "JARHEAD, CASE, DUTCHMAN, CLONE STEINER. NOWWWWW!"

Wolf saw various Davion personnel dart off, and raised his eyebrow. "I take it you recognize this."

I giggled. I then broke out in maniacal laughing. Wolf was eying me. As I fell to the floor laughing and rolling in tears, he looked towards the pounding feet.

Katherine Steiner sprinted in, stopping at my feet. She had Asha crash into her from behind, then Case bowled them all over with Evie snickering as she came from the other direction

Wolf simply pointed at the folder, and then at the anointed Honey Badger.

Evie picked up the message and rapidly scanned it. She began laughing maniacally, only to grip her ribs and utter "ow" several times between psychotic laughter. When she finally caught Wolf's wary expression, the Aurigan honey badger grinned maniacally and looked at the other strays. "Drak's back!"

Case stepped on Kath, who tried to toss him off her only for him to leap to Evie. Snatching the message, he read quickly. He reread. He began to laugh. Laughed so hard, he too fell to the floor, joining Kikyo in tears.

Kath finally got up and grabbed the message. After reading it, a silly grin crossed her face. "Oh… my."

Asha snatched the paper and read herself as Kath joined the other two on the ground, with tears rolling out of her eyes. Finally, as befitting the one sane woman, she spoke. "Three things come to mind. One, he and I need to start a band. Sky Cancer." She nodded. "Second, Hanse is going to hate our fees. And third, why does he need a tow?" She paused. "And Fourth, once I verify he's not completely lost to time, I CAN RETIRE BEING THE ONE SANE WOMAN!" a silly grin crossed her face.

Hanse had walked up, looked at Wolf who had shrugged helplessly. "A tow?"

"We're sorry, that information is classified "Stray Bullet," Evie grinned. "What's with the Praetorian tag anyway?" She looked at the message, picking it up.

Hanse blinked. "I am cleared for that, I do believe, so is Colonel Wolf. and odd last name."

I gasped from the ground. "SLS Praetorian. Modified…" I gulped down air. "Texas class battleship."

Case picked up. "They made it into a M-6, and, well, Drak, Drakensis…" He stopped for a moment, catching up with his air. "Is the brain." He paused. "Two hundred and fifty years of his writing to catch up on…" He goes off in a trance.

"Wait, you're telling me that somehow Drak is a Caspar II?" Evie asked incredulously.

I just nodded helplessly, as I clutched my sides.

"I think his transit drive is damaged." Asha had dropped the grin for a frown. "I'm not sure, but it'd explain why no reports of a singing battleship were heard during the coup, a misjump?"

"A Caspar II… with Drak as the brain… in a Texas-class battleship." Evie's eyes looked glazed. "I'm about to have a nerdgasm. Hold me…"

Hanse just looked poleaxed, while Wolf facepalmed. Finally the mercenary spoke. "The strangest thing about this… is I'm not surprised. If he misjumped that badly, his transit drive may be damaged. I'll get some people out to him fast, so he can be repaired."

Hanse thought for a moment. "After reading the interviews, I'm going to join you in your thought." He agreed with the Colonel and helped me up. "Dear, you're still recovering." He childed, and I just stuck my tongue out at him, and he had to laugh. "More seriously, if I send you and your strays out on a command circuit can you confirm this?" I nodded.

"Excellent, it'll take a bit to set up, but I suspect by the 1st, and you'll be back by the end of February, then, enough time." He had thought a moment before that, then decided.

Asha smiled. "And then we have something to do all the transit time…"

Outside NAIS (New Avalon Institute of Sciences), New Avalon, Midday, Jan 21st, 3016

Aiko looked at me, with a pout. "I don't understand why you have to spend another month travelling." This reminded me that she was a teenager. "It's not even to a battlefield, but some outback world." She sounded upset, and glory be, reason. She had been told that I'd be around 'til March, but… now I was going again.

"Orders, Aiko, and you're not cleared on why." She looked stubborn, but against my resolve face, she relented.

"It's not fair." She finally stated. "You get to go everywhere, and I'm stuck on New Avalon."

"At the NAIS." I pointed out. "Hanse's dream and dedication to the future. If it's not the best university yet, it will be."

Aiko still wasn't happy, and I made a note to give her her car soon, before I left, so she'd not be too unhappy. The last supercar made for export on Terra, a Ferrari Wolf Spider should be a good gift, shouldn't it? Natasha loved hers. Joshua… I hope he was joking when he dryly thanked me for his grey hairs and indented hands.

Rios was scanning the area as we walked out of the tour of the campus, and onto the main streets, where the armored cars were parked, that Aiko had gotten us, as classes were to begin at the first of the month, and Hanse of course wanted me to see his pride and joy. Well, as he said, his current one, where my brilliant sister would easily learn to be the best.

I don't know what, in particular, clued me in that something was wrong. I could point at a thousand isolated things, from Sergeant Esteban, Rios' NCO for my detail looking at someone with a tight jaw and a twitchy hand. It could have been the fact that we seemed to have walked into an area mostly bereft of foot traffic. It might have been Rios abruptly stopping and scanning. A thousand little things added up, but not fast enough.

The ground shaking, the loud booms and plumes of smoke and fire on the skyline were more obvious. I grabbed Aiko as Howling threw me to the ground, unlimbering a collapsible carbine from a zip bag while Rios roared "CONTACTS! Four-'o-clock! Lay down fire and move the primary!"

It used to be that I didn't, or more accurately wasn't allowed to, wander around unarmed, and my hip suddenly felt naked without the now-unfamiliar weight of my CZ-75 from an eon ago.
For some reason the Serrak seemed inadequate as a very heavy man's body slammed down on me as he rolled to my side and pulled me in close. The Junior man of my detail was doing the same with my sister. The concussion from the explosions hit me, and I, and Aiko were dazed, groggy, the man that had dived on my sister pressing a hand on his head.

I rolled over and saw the blank stare of a dead man too young to be taken by the reaper staring at me where he had shielded me from the grenades with his body. It seemed important in my dazed, shocked state to gently press his eyes closed.

When my hearing came back I heard an engine rev, and then a crashing noise with shattering glass and crumpled steel as the groundcar skidded a few inches closer. I breathed a sigh of relief as the groundcar shielding me barely moved to hit me and Aiko. I rushed over, grabbed my sister and had dragged her towards a building when a sudden loud noise was accompanied by the wall I had intended to hide myself and my sister behind rushed forward to hit me. The world went black.

Medical Center, Castle Avalon, New Avalon, Mid-Morning, Jan 24th, 3016.

Another set of white tiles, I fuzzily thought, and heard. "Can you hear me, General?"

My mind quickly reviewed, and I asked, well croaked, "... Aiko? Rayanne? The Detail?"

Natasha's voice rang slightly in my ears. "Sister's fine, your personal detail's alive, Aiko's detail from the Davion Guards ate about half their number…" I winced at that, and Natasha saw. "Sorry, but Rayanne and her entire law firm is gone, along with Yvonne Davion who was meeting her at the time."

I closed my eyes. "Dammit." I wanted to say something else, and maybe cry a bit for the guardsmen who died doing their jobs, and Rayanne, a friend, but Natasha wouldn't be impressed.

"Yeah. Got worse, a hit was done on your brother. He's gonna live, but good thing we had some docs here working on that Outworlder Admiral you have. New legs and balls."

I stopped. "... what?" My heart was cold. I snapped my eyes open, and looked into Natasha's blue ones.

She nodded, keeping eye contact. "And someone tried to smuggle a nuke aboard Xanadu." I went completely still and white.

"Excuse me?" That was the only thing I could say.

Before Natasha could respond, Hanse walked in, face tight, and angry. "Thank you, Colonel Kerensky for watching her and being here when she woke up, since I couldn't be."

"Not a problem, Your Highness." She paused. "Did they finally break?"

"Thanks to your people, yes." His tone was … tight. "Colonel Wolf is informed."

"My, considering that Kath got cut up with Ichigo, he's not going to be too pleased." Natasha's words belied her tone and just said she wasn't pleased at all.

Dr. Banzai walked in, and did the usual medical checkups. "You will be perfectly fine, and no need for plastic surgery to repair any cosmetic damage. While we think there is no brain damage, we did keep you in a medical coma while the slight swelling in your cranial case went down. You of course, will need to have a neurohelm test, and might still be having some tinnitus, from the explosion." The last, I had noted already.

I had cleared my throat, and taken enough water, so while my voice was still rough, it sounded mostly normal. "Understood… and my family? My people?"

"Your unit's fine, some cuts and scrapes. The group smuggling the weapon aboard the Xanadu offended Morgan enough that he decided to discuss it with them at length. One of the Saboteur groups managed to run headlong into Evie, Case and Asha. Case is responsible for two of the captures we have, albeit without working limbs, and Evie's aim is apparently phenomenal. We'll need to discuss how she got a sidearm into a weapons-restricted area, but no one is complaining so far. Asha apparently is insane, played distraction for the other two and broke more necks than Case did."

Banzai blithely continued on. "One of the groups that fled from the three strays ran right into two squads of your jump infantry with predictable results. Other than that, I'm afraid your immediate family took the brunt of it. Ichigo lost his legs, but the docs are prepping his replacements as we speak. Unfortunately he won't be having children any time in the immediate future. Aiko's better off but she's still contending with broken bones, a concussion and we had to keep her in surgery for a few hours to extract shrapnel matching what went into your own ass."

Natasha broke in. "Hold off on the replacements, Doc, we got this, he'll be fine after a few months in our hands." She was referring to the Clan doctors with the Dragoons, who could do cloning and full replacements.

I had closed my eyes, and was trying to keep from screaming.

"Banzai handled Aiko's injuries, as much as I wanted him to make you a priority, he reminded me that if we didn't tend to Aiko you'd kill us both." Hanse said wryly.

Eyes still closed, I asked. "And Rayanne? The explosion was near or at her building. Did we take anyone alive, for questioning?" I thought I had heard something about that.

"Like I said, Case brought two alive. By literally breaking all four of their limbs and dragging them wailing to the guard. Morgan brought in a team. A couple other groups got caught by your people." Banzai changed out my IV bag as he spoke. "Hanse had to personally keep Evangeline and Case from requisitioning a 'pair of pliers and a blowtorch' to have a chat with a few of them. Your family's hurt, but your people are angry, and just this side of a killing fury."

As I processed this, he sighed. "We did lose a team of your retired Rabids. One of the attack teams blew themselves up in a park near civilians. We lost Smith, Peck, Baracus, Allen, and Murdoch."

"Dammit, that was our A-Team," I said plantitively. Then I closed my eyes. I didn't know them, but they still were my people.

Banzai nodded sympathetically.

I thought for a moment. "And who are they? Though I suspect some things." I quietly looked at Natasha who shrugged.

"I wasn't allowed to help Case and Evie, girl. Something about we wanted them to talk, not scream." Her shrug was more of a 'what can you do?' type movement, than actual dismay. "But they tried to spout some bullshit, then one of Jamie's guards broke out our toys and drugs. Pretty sure they sang, besides the group that bit down on hidden poison teeth."

I turned to look at Hanse, who by this time had captured my hand, and was squeezing it, partly in reassurance to me, partly in reassurance to himself that I was still here.

"And she's right. They did." He paused, collecting his thoughts. "That means my plan to send you and your strays out to fetch the strayest of you all, is still valid, but you'll be departing once Xanadu's been completely rechecked. Another day or two, I think." I almost protested, but a squeeze from him shut me up.

Dr. Banzai had taken the hint to depart that Hanse had given him. Hanse waited til the door was closed, and turned to Natasha Kerensky. "I don't suppose that you'd like to depart, either?"

Her toothy smile answered him. "If you think I'm not going to find out who tried to kill that cute little Honey Badger, and my friend, I'm going to laugh at your profilers."

Hanse ran his free hand through his hair, and sighed again. "Quite. Comstar. They were all Comstar. Given an immediate, all costs order to terminate you, and clear up any possible data drops you may have had. You're right, Rayanne Dawson is gone, the law firm you had, and the entire building went up like a blowtorch, as they detonated nearly thirty tons of propane in the parking garage. Yvonne was with her, discussing something." His eyes closed, and I squeezed his hand, when I realized he too was hurting.

"They tried to spin that they were really SAFE, but.." Yeah, I could tell no one believed that, just from his snort. "Then Loki…" Natasha's snort at that was epic. "But the motive wasn't there, so."

"Colonel Wolf provided you aid to get the real story." I said, looking at him, seeing the bags under his eyes, while still worried about Aiko and Ichigo, and I would insist on seeing them and the Strays very soon, but he was clearly stressed.

"Yes. I knew from your debriefs that Comstar was dirty as sin, but to have proof delivered in such a manner." He was very icy when he said that. "We haven't leaked a word outside the Palace or MIIO's deepest pits, but the press is running wild with who it was."

"I… see." My mind was churning away, the icy rage banked for a moment as I took care of immediate details. "What's going to leak, and who are you going to point at?"

Hanse tilted his head, arrested out of his fury and worry. "I'm … a bit surprised." He struggled for a moment, then sighed again. "I'd have thought you'd want the Primus' head on a platter."

I smiled. Natasha's and Hanse's eyebrows went up on that smile. "I do. But, I know I can't get it now. But... "

Hanse nodded, a similar smile gracing his face. "When we can." He tried to stop me from struggling up into a sitting position, then swinging my legs over the bed. "Wait, what are you doing?"

"Getting up." I said, calmly, as Natasha snickered. "I will see my people." Hanse held me back for a moment, as I swayed, the ringing sounds a bit louder in my ears.

Hanse sighed, as Natasha's laughter grew. "Fine. I'll carry you, then back to bed." He put actions to words, as I squeaked. I gave up, as I wasn't sure I could walk without aid.

"Fine… but we'll talk about who to blame, and how to punish the actual guilty players…" I muttered, unhappy.

"Soon." Hanse's shark like smile returned as my head was on his shoulder. "Very soon."

MageOhki · Jun 25, 2020

Slowly but surely they come out.

With a lever big enough I can move the world

A Battletech FanFiction

By

Andrew "MageOhki" Norris.

Friends are precious. Friends have your back when you need it. Friends are irreplaceable. But Goddammit! Helping them move bodies is hard on the back. Watching their backs is also stressful. It doesn't help when they bait the tigers.

One thing I learned is that the Star League was close to real AI, as in artificial sapience, not just intelligence. They really came insanely close to it, and had even developed brain downloading. What kept their AIs from being people, instead of mindless drones? Kath and I spent time researching this, and we came to the conclusion they hadn't made just one, little, step. ROB isn't that nice apparently.

From the journals and notes of Kikyo Onishi, New Avalon Press, 3291 AD, as part of the "Century of Chaos: The Movers and Shakers." series.

Nadir Point, Delos System, Morning New Avalon Time, Feb 1st, 3016

I floated in, somewhat still groggy, sipping at the coffee. "So, we're here. While I spent the entire trip knocked out to sate an overprotective boyfriend."

"He hasn't proposed yet?" Katherine asked. "Dammit, I'm going to owe Evie money."

I looked at the blonde, then to the bickering redhead, who was having a discussion with Case.

"It's so unfair." Case actually whined. "I can't smack Natasha around to deflate her ego! She won't do it!" He sulked a bit. "And goddammit, how did you manage to fight a woman who starts getting twitchy if she doesn't take a beer bottle to the head periodically. You look like a fucking underage playboy playmate! What the hell?"

Evie smirked. "That's because she thinks you're adorable…" the singsong seemed to irritate Case even more.

"Adorable? ADORABLE?" His voice raised. "I'll show that tubed and dyed Kerensky ADORABLE!"

Before Case could add to it, or Evie set him more in motion, I shouted. "ATTENTION ON DECK!"

Everyone snapped to, Case accidently bouncing himself off the top bulkhead. Apparently he forgot to lock his boots. Evie snapped out, and put him on the bottom bulkhead, and he then locked himself in, and popped to attention.

"Now that we're all here." I dryly commented. "Petty officer?" Joshua Wolf had walked in, and had a smile on his face.

"Ma'am?"

"Please send the recorded message." I had taped a message, just in case it took me longer to wake up from the drugs used to keep people under during jumps. It was one of the concessions I had made to sate the overprotective boyfriend that called himself First Prince. He wasn't happy about me going this early, nor was he happy about me not being fully medically cleared.

He wasn't even happy that I had passed the neuro helm test. When I saw the bruises on his back, the last night before departure, I found out that Ardan had given them to him, by sitting on him, 'til he thought better of the impulse to dedicate the entire First Davion Guards to my protection. I did however have to increase my personal detail to a full company.

Rios was very happy at that.

"This is Triple-A calling a Mr. Praetorian, did you call for roadside assistance?"

We waited. Case broke the silence. "Twenty gets you ten, he's just trying to figure out which song to play." I didn't mention that the channel was still open.

"No," an unfamiliar voice came back through the loudspeaker. "I always know what song to play for you, Case."

Dennis Leary's "I'm an asshole" began ringing through the compartment. Then Evie began gleefully singing along.

I and then Kath joined in, as Case once again hit the bulkhead.

"CONTACT CLOSE." the Tech shouted. "How in…"

"Sorry about being late, Drak." I responded after the singing had stopped.

Evie stared at the bridge display. "Fuuuck me. Drak, you're HUGE!"

"Yeah, my diet went to hell the last couple of hundred years. Probably not getting enough exercise."

Case was rubbing his forehead. "He's a singing troll battleship, he better be. British ass."

Kath was just shaking her head.

I sighed. "What's your situation, Drak? Or Praetorian, which do you prefer?"

"Let's save Praetorian for formal occasions. I've used basically every spare part aboard and cannibalised my main drives to get some sort of jump ability back or I'd still be somewhere behind the Outworld Wastes trying to reach civilisation on ballistic. Fortunately my jumpsail still works or I'd be out of gas. As it is, I have about a third of my tanks left… I could do with drinking a grand or so of H2."

"I see." I tilted my head, as Asha swam in. "We do have an Aqueduct with a fair bit of pure high octane for you, if fuel was your problem… spare parts…"

Before Asha could speak to her salvation, or so she hoped, Joshua broke in. "Drakensis, I presume. I am Major Wolf of the Wolf Dragoons. You wouldn't have a list and blueprints of your parts, would you?"

Asha finally got to speak. "Tell me, please, please, that you can help be the sanity of this group? Please? I know there's a lovely set of mountains calling my name to build a ski chalet on! " She paused, and then nodded. "More seriously, it's good to see you, Drak, even if Griever isn't likely to show."

Case shot back. "No escape for you! Miss Phantom of the Skies."

"The fuck is this sanity thing you babble about?" Evie asked with a disgusted look.

Joshua shot our air stray a look, just asking. "What."

"Sanity is overrated anyways," Katherine quipped.

Asha just sighed, looking like she wanted to cry after the comments.

There was a low laugh from the warship. "Major Wolf - is there a Minor Wolf around too, by the way? - if you came here with this lot and still need to ask that question then you've failed at observation. And yes, I do have blueprints. House Cameron was nothing if not paranoid and wanted to make sure that I could be repaired without leaving that data lying around at every possible shipyard."

Wolf grinned. "Was being more polite, and was told you were an Englishman. As for Minor Wolf, I am trying to work on that." He paused and nodded once. "Excellent. How fast can you do about one hundred forty light years? Five jumps, all F class or better stars."

I and Kath turned to look at the Major. Kath looked more shocked than I was.

"He needs parts, we need the plans, and Kikyo's station won't be ready for him. Plus, we can put the parts in, even if we don't have the dock." Joshua shrugged. "Bit tricky, but since he took them out, I figure he can put them back in."

"If I really pushed my luck, two weeks. My drive is fully charged right now and I have a lithium fusion battery, but I haven't chanced using that since before your ancestors' Exodus and I've been avoiding maximum range jumps and charging carefully... More sensibly, a month and a half."

Wolf nodded. "We'll meet up with a chain, so we can send the data we need to start tooling those parts, so that's not a big issue, it'd take even longer to tool them, I suspect. And if you have an HPG, it'd be even faster."

"Well I had one., but I stripped it for parts. Right now it's making up most of the initiator I cobbled together for the K-F Drive." A slightly sheepish tone entered the voice. "You know how it is."

Joshua shrugged. "Was a hope, we'll need to make those parts as well. Well, if we can dock with you, or at least the Aqueduct, we can get you on your way to our chain." He turned to me and nodded once. "Colonel Wolf really wants you to at least visit our station. Due to timing, as we both know, it'll be a short visit, but it's important, just… Trust us?"

Kath's eyebrows raised, and she thought for a moment, nodding at me. "I'd do it."

I simply nodded in response.

Drakensis' voice rumbled. "Once you're clear of the jumpship, surrender control and I'll guide you in."

We put his instructions to work, and were being docked when Drakensis' voice came through again. "First, I'm afraid that I have no oxygen to allow you to wander me, I chose to keep focus on my hydrogen and helium tanks." Various nods. "And second, are we expecting more visitors?"

Joshua turned to me and looked. I shrugged slightly. "No… what type of visitors?"

"Jumpship or warship, more than likely jumpship, mind you given size, about… say between one fifty to two hundred kilotons." Drakensis' voice was bemused. "I've seen this size jump signature before, but never quite close enough to see it."

"How long before we can go?" Katherine's voice broke in.

"About an hour, I'm beginning the initiation now, but I'd prefer to have more fuel transferred. Ah, there you are."

We all looked at the display showing a jump signature, and Asha's soft voice asked.. "Drak… do you have big ass K-F detectors in you?" A soft chuckle in affirmation was the response.

"Found one of the grids, did you?" An old man's face appeared in a window on our main display. "Yes. Not quite as sensitive as those, but it does give a few extra moments of warning, and a bit more reach than other methods. BIt annoying, mind you, though."

We all looked at each other and turned to him. His slight smile answered us. "Range is variable based on sensitivity, computer processing power, and how many KF signatures are involved. In the days of the League, Terra's array, at best could cover fifteen light years. I have the math if you're interested."

"Yes." Three voices answered as one. I continued on. "There's a couple of places we'd like to check, but the odds of the toaster worshippers not fixing the Terran one, or the ones at Ross or Luyten?"

"Quite." He paused and seemed to shrug. "Well, let us see who this is. It will be a bit, mind you."

I decided to give him something to read. "Uploading a file, Drak, it's more or less what we've been up to." A hum from the display indicated he got it.

"Interesting." He replied a minute or two later. "Oh, and that nice station you found, I'm afraid the deal you worked out with the First Prince, needs to change. I do need a flat, you understand."

I turned to Kath who was shrugging, then back to the display. "Okkkaaay…"

"Cabbit, I can control those stations, easily, especially the last generation ones. Without any need for crew. Admittedly the whole complex would be a bit of a bother and time consuming, but a single complex to support a battleship? You'd almost say I was designed to do that." The innocence in his tone amused me.

"We'll see what we can do." I finally responded. "Hanse might just give you the station as a way to keep yourself supplied and in money for books."

A pause. "That would be quite useful, but where would I put the bookshelves?"

Joshua solved Drakensis' problem as the signature firmed up beginning to reveal a jumpship. "You're a battleship, my friend, you put them where you want. And dare anyone to gainsay you."

"There is that, yes." A pause. "Ah, they're here. I have a small wager on how many brown pants are now on that ship… aha, it's a Magellan, I believe. Rather remarkably like the art."

Asha and Kathrine were studying the picture in the holotank, and from what I could see, I had to agree, and Case was just groaning.

"Oh, for hell's sake." Case finally burst out. "The toaster worshippers." He paused. "Hey, Drak?"

"Yes?"

"Want a cult?"

Everyone turned and looked at the slightly bruised teenager. "What?" was the universal word that we all said.

"I'm rather confused, this isn't Exalted, after all."

"They worship toasters, and you are the prime example of the Machine God." Case's face was in a big grin.

Kath got it first, followed quickly by Asha's groan. "Case… taking over Comstar by making it a cult worshipping Drak is insane!"

"See what I have to put up with, Drakensis?" Asha's soft moan caused a chuckle to enter the projection's voice.

"It does sound tempting. Do you think I could demand novels as offerings?"

Case grinned. "Absolutely! You're the Grand Machine God of them all!"

"Reborn as a battleship, I am now worshiped as a God Machine… but who would do the art for the light novels, the manga, the anime adaptation? I might have to annex New Kyoto."

"Beware, for I am a wrathful and angry machine God… OOOH MANGA!" Evie intoned giggling.

Asha just moaned. "I'm never getting the ski chalet with ski bunnies and hot chocolate, am I?"

"Nope." "No." "Doesn't look like it." "I'm afraid not, m'dear." was her response.

Before anyone else could respond, a transmission came though

"I am Adept Smith of Comstar's Explorer Corps. To unknown battleship, please state your name and intentions?" There was a sense of panic buried below the forced calm.

"Pretty sure they'd object to my intentions," Evie said quietly with a psychotic grin.

"Try all of ours." I quietly commented as Case snickered.

Drakensis prefaced his transmission with a long-suffering sigh. "Adept Smith of the ComStar Explorer Service - I don't feel we're on good enough terms for nicknames, you stalker - my intentions are to have a nice chat with some old friends, maybe have a few drinks. Fuck with each other's heads. You know… socialise. And I, since you finally asked, am the Most Interesting Man In The Inner Sphere."

Case and Evie just started to spin as they began laughing their heads off, while Asha just sighed again, and I just giggled. Asha finally gave in. "Stay thirsty, my friends, Stay thirsty."

The two teenaged maniacs started chanting. "One of us, One of us!"

When the voice came back it was quite confused. "Ah, may I have your ship identification, and your name, Sir? It has been a long time since a battleship has been seen in the Inner Sphere."

"Under the circumstances, you may not, although your interest is noted and perfectly normal." His voice lowered as if speaking to someone else in an aside. "Asks for ship ID and doesn't offer his own? How rude."

"CSS Cook, my apologies, your presence has well, rattled me a bit. Are you sure you do not wish to give your name? Times have changed since you last served the Star League… as in, there is no more, and only Terra remains of the great legacies. You can help to defend that, and preserve the last element of the Star League, the Ministry of Communications, now called ComStar, the only truly neutral and helpful organization in the Galaxy, and we preserve knowledge. Not destroy it like the Scavenger Lords."

I looked at the display, stunned. Case was busy coughing words like "Bullshit, wow, where are my hip waders, haven't seen this much shit since I was on the ranch…" Evie was just smiling psychotically, clearly inclined to rip and tear. Maybe Natasha was right about Evie?

Kath and Asha had simply shared a long look, while Joshua tilted his head. "... I haven't heard that before." Paused. "And believed, anyways."

"That is absolutely adorable, Adept Smith. I am well aware of ComStar… and of the - let us be fair - many, many good deeds of your organisation over the centuries. But I am also aware that the organisation's leadership is no less corrupt than the other Lords and that their commitment to preserve knowledge ends sharply when that knowledge is outside their power. Knowledge is power, Adept. And your leaders have no interest whatsoever in sharing power. My apologies if this leaves you somewhat disillusioned."

Evie chimed in with a grin. "Hey Drak, the techno-luddites have an HPG. You should make sure they don't light it up."

"Alas, that's not realistically possible, as we are departing.. Now." WIth that, discontinuity flashed through us, as Comstar's adepts watched for the first time in their lives, a battleship jump.

Station Kaiser, Dragoons Den System, Evening, Feb 2nd, 3016

Four more jumps, unconscious again, plus a bit of recovery time, added up. Evie and Case had been given a tour of the station we were docked to, and that Drakensis was making his way to, as they got started crafting the needed parts. Clan Wolf had set up their support mission very well, in four modular stations, and now even a small community of a half a million people on the planet, which was somewhat habitable. At least for about ten degrees off the equator each way.

The stations were somewhat haphazardly organized in orbit around the technically habitable planet, Natasha admitted they could build Elementals, but without Harjel… On the planet there were mining operations, and farming, plus a few small industrial lines.

"I'm impressed, this must have cost Kerlin a lot." I finally stated. Joshua snickered. "With what I've read before you've woken up, he's had this up and running for three years, now, and basically, every month, material is flowing back to the Clan." He shrugged. "When you consider he's also been having the stations build replacement dropships and jumpships, I figure give us maybe three more years here, and his investment is paid off on all the Dragoon's equipment."

Kath shook her head. "Not quite. Call it maybe four." She tilted her head. "The Snowdens, if nothing else."

"Ah." I finally said. "Why in hell would Jamie want the person sleeping with Hanse Davion to know this. Yes, we see the warships, but again…"

"I'm not quite sure." Joshua admitted. "But I know that was secondary." Natasha raised an eyebrow.

"Oh?"

"See that dropship?" I looked at the display, seeing a Lion make its way from a pirate point.

"Yes?"

"That is Kerlin Ward. It's time to make an impression." My jaw dropped. Katherine Steiner, Star Captain of the Clan Wolf, cursed, while Natasha simply whistled.

"Colonel Wolf doesn't do things by halves, does he?" I finally responded.

"No, he doesn't. Nor does Kerlin. Bring your A-game, General, you'll need it." Joshua Wolf answered soberly.

Station Kaiser, Docking Port, Dragoons' Den System, Morning, Feb 4th, 3016

I waited along with Asha Blackwing, Katherine Steiner, Joshua Wolf and Natasha Kerensky, plus one Star Colonel Richard, the man in charge of the System. It was universally accepted that Case and Evie being here at least initially wasn't a good idea, as Case had already been dragged to Natasha by an Elemental stating that she needed to control the sibko bratling even though the Elemental was amused by the will to fight. We watched as Kerlin Ward, in Clan Wolf ceremonial leathers swam down the docking tube.

He touched the bulkhead, was announced, saluted the Dragoon symbol on the wall, and asked the Star Colonel for permission to come aboard which was granted, then looked over the people waiting for him, after returning several salutes. Nodding once, he strode over, taking Richard's hand. "You have done very well, Star Colonel, this system is almost ready to fully support the Dragoons, outside of personnel, of course, you have done wonders." Richard nodded, and thanked him quietly, then Kerlin Ward turned to us.

"Joshua! Katherine, Natasha… who are the lovely ladies next to you… No, let us make introductions somewhere else." He raised an eyebrow at Joshua, who led the way.

I remained quiet, as Kerlin gave off a feeling that I in either life had only run across a few times… all senior Operators, such as Morgan, or old and wise masters of the martial arts. He was chatting and doing a bit of gossiping about affairs back in Clan space, clearly unconcerned with my presence, or Asha falling in behind me. Shortly we were in a conference room.

"It has been quite a lively year," Kerlin quipped, "And the project here is on schedule without anyone else being the wiser. At this stage the risk the other Clans will find out about this is minimal. Since everyone is aware of what we are, I will skip the introductory materials and go straight to the point. The Crusaders are not letting up on their desire to come and take the Inner Sphere, which would be a disaster to all involved so we have little choice but to start preparing the Inner Sphere to resist if need be. The delaying action has thus far been successful, but it will only work so far."

He continued on, "Not only Blackwell, but Dragoons' Den is meant to supply you with all the hardware you could ever want, once the last station is finished." He looked at the Dragoon's officers. "I am hoping now that we have a command chain in place, that we can send you enough personnel to keep the Dragoons, and maybe this lady's…" He nodded at me, "unit up to strength, but no assurances on that." He paused, and nodded once. "This world also makes for a good test bed to see if my supposition about the Inner Sphere citizens adapting to Clan ways is a virtual non-starter, or at least a far longer task than anyone would believe."

Joshua tilted his head. "You think the Crusaders would come? In the future-that-was…"

"The Crusaders would already be here if the Dragoon Compromise were not in place. They are one-track minds in that regard even as they prepare their toumans for the future glorious battles to be had in retaking the Inner Sphere and founding a new Star League," he confirmed with a sarcastic tone. "Nevermind that I doubt any of them understand a thing about the Inner Sphere's workings or what the Star League was. They would invade first then squabble between themselves about the meaning of what founding a new Star League is. That is no way of running things, to say the least."

"Now," he looked at the Strays, "I admit to some surprise and skepticism to what I was told about the 'Strays' as was put but," he focused on Katherine, "You were always a little odd, even for an abthaka from the Cloud Cobras. You were holding out on everyone, Star Captain."

"Yes, I was, Khan," she confirmed, "Given the circumstances and my inability to prove, even to myself, that it wasn't just some hallucination I felt it was best if I kept it to myself until I could prove it, one way or the other."

She paused for a moment before letting out, "It wasn't easy on me."

"I cannot say I imagine, for I have absolutely no idea," Kerlin admitted, "But I understand your motivations for keeping your mouth shut about it and in fact, I agree it was better. I do not think anyone would have believed you and if they had… I have no idea what would have happened to you. Now, about the other Strays," he looked at them in turn before laying his eyes on Kikyo, "I have heard much and I am most interested in hearing your stories. General Kikyo Onishi, I believe?"

"Yes, Khan Ward." I nodded slightly. "What tale do you wish?" I smiled.

"I understand your inheritance was substantial and you have used it to build Onishi's Heavy Cavalry as an unit. What do you envision doing with it? I am curious, since you were an actress… and a twentieth century US military officer? Warfare has changed."

"I would argue only the means have changed, not the fundamental truth. Sun Tzu is still as valid today, as he was in the twentieth Century, or even back in the era of the Three Kingdoms. But, the purpose of the Heavy Cav, is in primus, what shock cavalry's mission has always been. By maneuver and shock tactics, such as concentrating fire, break hard positions or hard targets. The Germans adapted it for armored warfare, in the Second World War, and Battlemechs fell naturally into that role, supplanting tanks, when the Mackie first came to light."

I shrugged slightly, then added: "While I would prefer to use them as primary guardians for industry to build up the Federated Suns and Lyran Commonwealth, in one regard, the Inner Sphere isn't so different than the Clans, both truly only respect those who fight. And some objectives to build and defend the industry requires us to take that industry."

I finally pause and admit: "And while make no mistake, I find most aspects of the Clan culture abhorrent, at least from the way I was raised twice. I'll say this. There are worse than some clans. Ghost Bear might be tolerable, Ravens in the future-that-was, came to reasonable terms with the Outworlders, The Sharks… I can't quite figure out what their objective was, or will be, and the Wolves under you and Ulric, at least tried to be somewhat understanding." I look him in the eye and state. "There are cultures worse than those. And they are in the Inner Sphere."

Kerlin pondered the answer for a moment. "I cannot base my decisions on the future-that-was, although I can look for clues as to what might happen from there. I would venture a guess as to which cultures you might mean but that is besides the point right now. You have a good grasp of theory, at least. What I want to know, though… is something else. Have you seen war?"

"Which lifetime." I simply think back, eyes going distant, as I think of the pilot who died at Spencer as her Sparrowhawk exploded, or the dusty streets of a city long gone. "I will say this, war at the level of what Aleksandr Kerensky led his people into? No, the last wars of that nature in Katherine's and my time, were long over, and there hasn't been that war here. But I have been shot at, and have shot back. In the end, that's what matters, if it's one on one, or as part of the largest armies ever assembled in memory. I have and I will put myself on the line for my goals, and my ideals. And write the letters that come with command."

He nodded. "Close enough. The ritualized form of combat we perform in the Homeworlds is a good thing. It keeps combat clean, avoids civilian casualties and the waste of life and property that are inherent to that. When I suggested the Dragoon Compromise, I was not quite as… aware of the savagery of real war. It was not until I watched the holo-vids, tactical manuals and saw them being practiced by the Dragoons that I truly understood what war on that scale does… and what kind of war would be waged against the Clans were we to come. And, obviously, how we would likely react to that."

"It is no coincidence that I trialled for the commander of the Heartvenom's Cluster after the training was done. I needed his insights, to confirm whether my thinking was correct. He proved to me that I was, as far as we both could tell. War as the Great Father and our ancestors practiced, whether waged by us or against us, would destroy us as a culture. Our code of honor would have to be thrown away and from there, where would we land? Would the savagery be brought to our Homeworlds? That… would be the end of us."

"That is why I am fighting tooth and nail to keep us out, but success is far from assured. Ideally… if the Clans were to come, it might be possible to beat them in a Trial of Refusal, like this Anastasius Focht, was it? Managed to do in the future-that-was. For that… we will need elite units that know what they are up against. Units like yours, I would hope. Are you up for such a challenge? It may well be the cleanest way of stopping an invasion."

I thought for a moment. "It's doable, the more time the better, to close the tech gap, and if I can get the Kells back together, even easier. But, that doesn't square a fundamental circle. Unless each clan is beaten, either by trial, or by force direct, they'll argue, as they did in the future-that-was, the invading clans just weren't up to the task." I thought. "But we can square this circle." I smile. "And while the Crusaders won't get everything, it turns the problem around."

"It is a problem that can be dealt with or at least controlled," Kerlin agreed, "if nothing else works to keep them out." He looked around and addressed everyone, "I will trust Katherine's assessment about just how wide the technological gap really is and I will leave it to you to work on that problem. It is imperative for the sake of Clan Wolf that Dragoon's Den works to replace the hardware we had to commit to building and supplying it, particularly stations and jumpships, so I am afraid that you will not have full usage of it for a while yet. The other Clans will notice sooner or later there is a discrepancy between what we have built and what we have deployed where they can see it if we do not remedy it. Once that problem is solved, however? Its resources can be used fully as you see fit. This world will be handed fully to the Wolf Dragoons once I am done preparing it and covering up our tracks."

I nod. "And we've come into some assets ourselves that'll make us less dependent on one source." I thought about it. "It's not too much to say, but we found a Navy hidden fleet yard." I smile. "Just a tad helpful, as you can imagine. The trick is keeping it from being destroyed, and we have plans for that. But, to the root of the problem. Would you say, a new Star League, at least forming, and visibly so, even if not the name, would soothe some less than… egotistical Crusaders? Especially if there was a place for the Clans in it?"

"It is unlikely," he admitted, "Hatred for the Great Houses is imbibed into us, and denying glorious battle against them? Now that's just ruining the Crusader's fun dream. However, you may well find a great deal of Wardens following you into it. Remember what I told you, the Crusaders don't even know what the Star League they envision recreating is. You could call a street fair a Star League and some of them might fall for it, for all I know."

Joshua laughed, with Asha smiling as well. Natasha just shook her head. "That would be the Smoked Kitties, I would put money on it."

I had to smile at that. "As I see it, the main two issues, is that the Clans in general are in a resource poor environment, though I suspect that's as much of as a design, than it is a flaw." I thought about it… "And their tales of the Inner Sphere, do have some truth, mind you, about how wealthy we could be." I shrug. "And of course, a culture built around might makes right."

"Both are solvable. There are several worlds of the old Hegemony that we can't terraform back, or are virtually depopulated, as well as lost colonies here and there." I looked upwards… "And as for prestige and honor and glory… we bring back the Olympiads. Every four or five years, the Clans, the stalwart defenders of the human race, clash for the best able to guard the motherworld and capital. Once we bell the bigger cat, that is." I smile twistedly. "Uniting the Great Houses back." I shake my head. "The idea of a total united humanity won't work in any of our lifetimes. How the Star League brought in the Periphery and then exploited them later on… left generational bad blood there."

Asha shifted at that, and I sighed. "But yes, there are ways to solve some. Did Colonel Wolf send a full military background on House Liao?"

"I have read his reports on the state of affairs in the Inner Sphere, including military strength," he said, clearly wondering why House Liao was being singled out.

"While Liao itself is diseased, every so often, they come up with some good ideas. I was specifically referring to their Warrior Houses, and the basic concepts behind them." Joshua nodded at my statement, indicating Jamie had sent those. "It is similar to the Clans, similar to the holy orders of Knights, and several other examples I could give. It could be a template for the Clans to adapt." I smile. "It's a thought."

"That is an idea I will look into," Kerlin said, "It had not occurred to me to look at it in such a manner. I cannot say it will work or that it will not, but the basic idea seems to hold some promise. Naturally, I cannot ask other Clan's opinions on such an arrangement."

He paused for a moment before continuing, "I can see why you brought it up, one possible way of integrating the Clans with the Inner Sphere without destroying either. Might be, might be. Or it might not. Of a more immediate concern is ensuring the Inner Sphere can stand on its own if the Crusaders get their way. If you can figure out a way to make the entire Warden versus Crusader divide obsolete, all the better."

I nod. "Which means I need to decide within days, at least by the time we get back to New Avalon, for OPERATION IDES, if I push Hanse Davion away, or accept his courtship fully." I shake my head. "Because, the easiest way, is a series of dynastic marriages, Steiner-Davion, then add the Mariks in. Liao, honestly can die in a fire, and the Combine, is the worst traits of Imperial Japan, a society that didn't get enough kicking around, and I say that, as I have the set of memories of a man raised by a man who lived through the Second World War in Tokyo. You can guess my view of the Combine with that information, I suspect."

"I might have an idea," he said drily. "House Kurita is set in their ways. If there is a Great House deserving some kicking around from us, I would look at them first. But for all that, the arguments against invading still stand well above that. It is a problem for you to solve."

"They started the Succession Wars," Katherine interjected. "We will make them pay for it. If nothing else, strip them of their gains so they cannot even claim they got anything out of it."

"I would hardly suggest anything less," Kerlin said with a smile.

I shook my head. "As you say, it is our problem, not yours to consider. And if we solve it, we are well on the way to solving yours. Maybe not completely, but it is a route out. But the primary concern is to show the clans that, for all their breeding programs, which… no offense, Khan Ward, strike me as at best haphazard, but I'm biased, for reasons you may not have been informed of." I smiled in amusement. "It is the person that matters, the soul of the soldier, the warrior, the sailor, not what flesh they are in. I would stack Morgan Kell up against Natasha Kerensky, and have 99% confidence she'd lose." I looked at Natasha.

"... I will be honest, that is not a fight I would go into expecting an easy victory." The redhead thought. "It all depends on what happened on Mallory's World, really. But yes, Morgan Kell is a mechwarrior I would not take lightly. Nor your Zackary Winters, or even you, once you have some more experience and training." She smiled. "And I see your point, remove our technology, and I would agree, that the Inner Sphere Elites by and large match ours, or come close enough that outside outliers like myself or Katherine, it would be difficult to say who is better."

"And lets' not forget that we practice fighting, not war." Joshua looked his Khan in the eye. "That's where the Inner sphere would crush us. Not in one on one, but they'd send a lance to deal with a single warrior. And that lance would be better fed, better equipped in relative terms than our warrior."

"And then we would start crying foul, that you do not practice honorable combat and escalate. Everyone loses," Kerlin summed up. "You see it as I do, I think. Although I disagree with the General's opinion regarding the breeding program, at least without clear evidence, I do agree it is just one component of what makes a Clan Warrior what they are. And, to be entirely fair, if we thought nature could not at all potentially match or exceed our best efforts, Warriors like Star Captain Steiner would not exist."

Katherine nodded in agreement there - how could she not, as a freeborn herself?

I waggled my hand. "I'm biased, as I said, but to be fair, I'll admit that nature often trumps design. If nothing else, there's more chances for nature to get it right." I snicker. "Commander Blackwing and I wish to put on a show for you and your … Keshik?" I tilted my head. "I understand while you retained a fair bit of the martial arts, I doubt you've seen an Outworlder martial artist, or some of the Order of Five Pillar's styles. And I'm very curious to see how I stack up against one of their best."

Asha groans softly. "Ferret… I was tournament, and you were movie. I'm sure the Clans have better than us." She spoke softly.

"I have seen you move, Asha," Katherine put her two cents in, "I am quite sure of the otherwise, notwithstanding the old adage that there is always someone better than us. Clan warriors, with the exception of aerospace phenotypes, are bred with a bias for strength. We mostly practice hard styles as a result. A soft style practitioner who knows what she is doing?"

I smile innocently at that statement, as Asha sighs. "Okay, okay, let's show these poor warriors how it's done in Alpheratz, then?" She looks at me, "And I'm a mixed stylist, your soft mistress is her… and I think she needs to indent a wall or two. Standard freestyle tournament rules, correct?"

I nod, bouncing slightly. Finally. Case was impossible to spar against, Evie too dangerous, Kath too easy. "If nothing else, you can try to beat sanity into my head…"

Asha snorted at that. "If I thought it'd work, I'd have done it already."

"Well, well… if you want to make a display of martial arts I surely have no objections in a proper setting. The question that I now pose is where? I assume you would rather avoid a mud pit, as amusing as it might be for the audience…"

He got four amused looks and one snicker.

Landing Circle of Equals, Landing, Dragoons' Den, Midday, Feb 5th, 3016

Asha handed me a bottle of water, and slightly smirked. "Sorry about the nose." I shrugged, testing it, and finding it nice and painful, but not broken.

"Eh… it happens." I swished some water and spat out the bloody water. "Sorry about the ringing of the bell."

Asha shook her head. "Had worse myself. Not too bad, you could compete on Alpheratz."

"And you could make a fortune in holovids." I shot back. Asha had won the sparring match, pretty clearly, but I had given as good as I got, to most extent, Asha was just better and more in tune with her art and body.

Kerlin walked up, carefully eying us both. "Quite invigorating, though I do have a few questions." Asha and I looked at each other, then looked at him.

"Yesss?" "Okay." we answered.

"First, why are you not aerospace pilots, I've seen some of ours move, and you both put them to shame…" He nodded. "Second, is a shame you did not do the mudpit." I looked at Asha, she looked back, and two empty water bottles went flying at his head, and he laughed as he dodged.

"She is." I finally responded. "I know a bit about it, but I owned a Mech, not a fighter." Kerlin nodded.

Asha spoke up. "Pretty much that, yes. My father runs.. Well, ran, now is head of overall space operations for the Heavy Cavalry, a fighter mercenary regiment."

"Ah!" Kerlin nodded. "I will not say the Inner sphere is as bad as we are about Mech combat glory, but …" he spread his hands. Asha laughed, I had to chuckle ruefully.

"I'm an Outworlder, Khan. We love our fighters." Her slight smile was amusing.

Kerlin thought for a moment. "More seriously, are not the Outworlders pacifists? Forgive me, that was, and combined with the reputation of the aerospace wings of your birth nation… I am beginning to wonder."

"The Omniss are pacifists. The rest of us are merely... peaceful. Which is not the same thing as 'defenseless'."

I snorted. "What she's not mentioning is her mother was a member of a similar sect. So… bred for peace, because war is too damned easy."

Asha paused, about to protest, then thought about it. "... I got to admit, that's actually as good of an answer as any. A lot of the Outworlders came from higher than Terran gravity, and most of our worlds aren't light in gravity as is. Add in late Star League genetic engineering…" She shrugged. "The only real reason we weren't as bad as the Taruians or Canopians in the uprising, is realistically, we weren't as aggressive as a culture, nor did we have leadership publically hating the Star League."

Kerlin blinked. "Really?"

"That's my take on it. I don't know what you know of Furlough, but he left a very bad impression on us, much less the Taruians, for far less reason."

Kerlin's voice was quiet. "What the Scorpions and I know… and what the rest of the Clans know, is far different. I will say this. The Scorpions are very much a Warden clan, because they know they cannot afford the loss of their souls."

Asha nods. I interject. "Add in the rapacious taxation that the House lords put down, and effectively the Star League as a belief falling apart in not just the Periphery, but the Houses… and you see why the Uprising happened."

"A good point." He shrugged. "Something to consider, if all the Outworlder pilots are as good as you are on the ground, that would be… troublesome, though I can see the Cloud Cobras being very interested."

Kath had walked up, and she laughed. "They and the Ravens, yes." She shook her head. "But that is neither here nor there." She grinned wickedly. "Case got his ass kicked."

Asha and I turned to him. "By whom?"

"Who else?"

"Taped?" I had to ask

"Oh yes." She snickered. "But she admitted he is good for his age, and she is not sure she would have beat him at the same age."

Kerlin nodded. "That does help, and if I spread that around a bit, it might sober up a few of the more realistic Crusaders." He shrugged. "A few, you understand."

Asha snorted. "So, no Smoke Jaguars?" Kerlin laughed slightly.

"Even there, a few may be reachable. Contrary to what you all think, and to be fair, I have to admit, with some justification, we are not all mindless warhawks."

I shot back. "Just mostly?" His answering smile sobered up.

"I understand from Kath, that you recovered a Star League Weapons project, a Marine powered armor suit?" He finally answered.

"Yes." I hadn't told Kath to keep that secret, since with a bit of luck, Jamie could help us convert it to regular infantry, and with even a bit more of luck, work on Inner Sphere Battle Armor, removing the one huge tactical edge that the Clans absolutely would have. Heavily armored and armed infantry, where five could chew easily on a light 'Mech, was one of the massive edges the Clans had. And the worst to counter initially.

"I do not suppose you are all plotting Inner Sphere Elementals, are you?" He grinned. "If not, I would have to question your sanity."

I snickered. "Ask no questions…" He laughed.

"I will detail some additional scientists and personnel to help Kath make that work. Jamie is ahead of where I expected him to be, but something that advanced, not without prodding." He smiled. "As we both agree, the Clans don't teach forward thinking."

"It's the reverse." Asha said quietly. "You reward short term gain and short term plans, over long term." Kerlin thought about it, and nodded.

"And the Inner Sphere doesn't." He thought and nodded. "Well, I believe you have a mission to get to, and I cannot be away from the homeworlds for too long." He finally stated. "Good hunting."

I nodded. "As well as you, Kerlin, though your prey is much more elusive."

Kerlin looked at Asha. "As your lovely Blackwing may put it. A Challenge."

Asha's snicker was his only answer.

Winterfell Castle, New Avalon, Evening, Feb 22st, 3016.

Kath sipped at a Pyramid, and shook her head. "Command circuits really spoil you. You all have it so easy…"

"Uh… huh. Spending a year in a tin can, you said?" Evie snarked back. "How long were you in, Kiki?"

"Long enough not to complain, long enough." I stated, amused.

"And Xanadu. Sooo wasteful." Kath simply sighed.

Asha snorted. "I don't see you turning down berthing in her, instead of an Overlord."

Kath blinked. "I may have been raised in the Homeworlds, I'm not insane…"

"Ha." Case snorted into his beer. "We're all crazy, period. We just admit it, unlike the rest of the galaxy."

I shook my head. Sipping at my Timbuktu Dark, I simply looked at them. "Does anyone have a problem with Operation IDES?" We had received the changed plans, and differences less than two hours ago, thanks to Jamie opening the spigots of Dragoons' Den, at least for this mission. Adding an additional hundred 'Mechs, to the already fairly impressive pile that Hanse built up, as well as adding to each thrust an additional company or so of 'Mechs a month as replacements, not counting the ground vehicles.. Enough said about how Hanse viewed that.

"I don't like it." Asha finally said. "It's a serious diversion of force. The Seventeenth, the Assault, and all three Lancer brigades, plus another roughly four 'Mech battalions for Ares, is fine. Hasek's decision to send two of his three Syrtis Fusilier RCTs to hit Texlos to take it, plus what? Another mech regiment, thereabouts?" She looked at me and I nodded.

"That could be used at Ares to finish it faster, yes." Kath sighed. "Michael won't let Hanse have the glory, though. And let's be honest, if Texlos is under siege, St. Ives won't be willing to free up assets, since in reality, there's still… what? Another half dozen to dozen RCTs lurking to pounce?"

I wiggled my hand. "Practically, another two to three, yes." I shrugged. "Hanse's op plan makes it clear he's playing games with the new dropships and jumpships we've gotten him, but it still is tricky. Michael won't have the level of replacements Ares will, or our prong. Make no mistake, if he does pull it off, Hanse will contrast our rate and our campaign, vs. his."

Everyone nodded. Kath picked up. "Us, and the Heavy Guards hitting Ronel is fine. We should have that over in a week. Especially if we do the test of the Ricos there." We had renamed the Project STAR suits as Ricos, for Johnny Rico of Starship Trooper fame. We all agreed, and Hanse after laughing, agreed.

I raised my eye, noting that she wasn't finished. "New Hessen, with the Dragoons at four regiments and the Crater Cobra's pair backing them up, should be fun, and hopefully the Dragoons will draw out the Highlanders to take the bait." We all nodded at that.

"And?" I prodded.

"It's what comes after that gets me. Taking one of the reserve RCTs, the Mercs, hitting Indi?" She shakes her head. "Heavy Guards and the Cobras for Small World, and maybe a detachment of the 1st?" She took a long pull out of the can. "And then us and Tybalt with the FSAC."

"His op plan explained why, you realize." I childed.

Asha nodded. "While I tend to agree with you that the Fury is a bit overdone as a tank, it's still a good one, and if the plant's fixable easily…" She shrugged. "Though I agree with Kath's point. This is risking defeat in detail."

"We'll still have the second RCT in reserve, and it'd not surprise me if they can't pull anything off." Case interjected. "You really think Marik, at least Oriente and Andurien won't start biting when the Big Mac and Highlanders are in play, and we're still moving?" Case shook his head. "We'll roll them!"

I thought about the points. I tended to agree with Case, but the Capellans fought.

Kath apparently agreed. "You weren't at New Aragon, Case. Don't mistake weakness of strength for weakness of will."

"Bah, they're not Snakes. We'll crush them." Case smiled lazily.

I was getting a bad feeling about this. It's a good thing I had the rocket launchers in production, now, even though it cost a fair bit of change. I had a feeling I'd need them. Shame about the LRM manpacks not being ready yet. After the bickering between the Strays went on for a few. "Right. We took his coin, we go with his plans. I dislike it myself, but I do have a date tonight with him, remember?" Laughs answered back.

"So, decided?" Kath shot back.

"I still have a day or two, I suppose." I finally answered. It'd be nice if I could just let the future take its course. Then again… wasn't that one reason we were here?

Main Bedroom, Winterfell Castle, New Avalon, Late Night, Feb 23rd, 3016

I rolled on my side, seeing Hanse simply look up at the ceiling. "As much as I hate this, business is needed. I have a few ideas."

Hanse snorted softly. "Softening me up?" He grinned, rolling to lay on his side, face-to-face with me. "I'll at least consider the idea, mind you. But…"

I shrugged slightly, amused on how Hanse's eyes drifted, then snapped to my face.
"Well, I had several ideas, though I think you personally leading the Heavy Guards, instead of Ran, is a bad idea, Hanse."

"Ran isn't thrilled himself, nor are the rest of those involved. But I have to do this, politically, and personally?" He looked me in the eye. "I am not going to let you go out and fight alone, you realize. If nothing else…"

"Your manly pride?" I teased, then shrugged. "But that's not the items I wanted to discuss." His eyebrow rose and I took that as permission to continue. "Helm. We don't need the equipment as much as we used to, but…"

"The Core, and getting it without Comstar." His voice hissed on the last. Hanse could hold a grudge like no one's business, and while Liao thanks to us all confirming Doppelganger and what it did to the poor sap, had made Mad Max an especial target of his fury, Comstar's actions in the future-that-was, confirmed by their assassination attempts… Well. I knew that the Word of Blake would have serious problems. He continued. "Knowing. I have some ideas…"

"So do I, and they may benefit us, politically." His eyebrows rose. "We nixed a long duration probe on New Dallas until we could see how sensitive the arrays likely are, though Praetorian was helpful there…"

"Verification - which we'll have by the end of August, if all's on track - is always a smart play for this score." I nodded. That'd open up a few other locations as well, and how sensitive the sensors were to low level transits, such as the Scout's small signature would be ideal to know as well for other operations.

"You're of course, correct." I smiled. "Don't let it go to your head." Hanse mimicked a touch by a fencer, with a comedic look of dismay. "But, instead of a smash and grab on Helm, let's do it stealthily." His eyebrows furrowed, and he nodded once. "We send a team in, get the chip, duplicate it, open the site without anyone being wiser, a few geeks copy the core, and voila… We can do it under the movie cover that was my original plan."

Hanse thought for a moment. "Doable, and if we plot it right, we can actually send a Scout to investigate the deep naval anchorage that was there. I'm not sure what would be in it, but it'd be useful to know. Maybe Kerensky left some more ships."

I shook my head. "I doubt warships, I really do. Or they'd be in the same condition overall that we found at Watchtower. But the slips might be worth the effort, and it's far enough away from any possible array, that it's not even a risk." I shrugged again. "Using a movie cover, for another weeaboo atrocity… say a Robinson-based film production?"

He nodded. "It would fit, and focus attention back on the Combine, or so people would think. Aaron would be all for it, as a real movie." He grinned lopsidedly. "I can find some people, and we can kick it around. I'd like to borrow Blackhand, if we agree to the mission."

I thought about it, and nodded. "And I presume Dr. Cunningham?"

"You presume correctly." He thought about it for a moment, then nodded. "And with the unknown location your father found, I'm quietly assembling a jumpship chain so you can go out there, after the campaign's over quickly. It will take time to get in place, but most of it will be covert." I smiled. "My suspicion as well as yours and Colonel's Steiner's is that it's an Amaris location, but still…"

"Extra recovered items are good items. If the team can get the core, copy it several times, get it back to us, after making it look like it's never been filled with the data?"

He grinned. "I have some ideas on how we can use it, yes." He thought for a moment.
"Normally it's the lady that brings this up, but, you're remarkably hesitant, or uncertain of things, and well, given the future-that-was, I can actually understand it." He shrugged. "But where do you see us going? Morgan's completely clear, and I suspect we can make doubly sure of that, Marie approves of you, or at least is willing to wait and see… Plus, seriously, marrying a woman not even half my age?" He shuddered. "I can understand why I did it. But, I have the potential for other options, and well, I would rather explore those. And if Katrina still does the peace proposal, and we end up walking the same dance… I suspect she'd prefer my heir, and I don't want anyone to be a cougar." He grinned. "Unless it's their choice. Poor Case."

I laughed at that. Case was often chased by the more amorous of the older nobility, as well as some young ones, given his bad boy vibes, as well as his new title. However, I thought about what he was saying for a moment. "... One of the problems is, by all accounts, it was a happy marriage.. Though you seemed to overshadow her." I sighed. "But …"

"Yes, the children. I can actually see how that happened as well." He tilted his head. "Something I doubt severely you'd allow." I had to admit he was right. Again.

"How do I poke your ego when you're often right?" I plaintively asked.

He grinned. "By being around to see my screw ups and remind me of them. Rome's tradition was right. Every leader needs that." He sobered. "But, that depends on your choices."

I knew what he was asking. I knew what he wanted. And the future was already in change. "We haven't had enough time to see fully, but…"

"But?"

"I say this. Let's see. We'll have some time on the campaign, so we'll know." I nodded once.

His eyes brightened, as he leaned forward. "Excellent. Now there is no way I could be kept away... Too many firm emplacements to assault." His wicked tone as well as his movements indicated his plan. I smiled back, and responded.

"Then be firmly and aggressively about it… shall you?"

Mech Bay, Dropship Xanadu, EnRoute to Ronel, March 15th, 3015

We Strays all stared at the slightly fidgeting Katherine.

"Where is Redline, clanner bitch?" Case snarled.

Evie was looking around. "Hey, where are my mechs?"

"Where. Is. Bun. Bun?" I hissed at her.

"They're coming! Jamie asked to ah, adjust them somewhat." Kath hurried seeing the sheer level of violence. "He thought we could use a bit of an edge. I told him we already had that taken care of, but …"

"Oh, for the…" "You Let clanners touch my baby?" "... what am I gonna learn on now?" was the response.

Kath was saved by a buzz.

She looked and sighed. Outside were five super large trucks, each with one of our 'Mechs. Jamie stepped out of one of the cabins and walked over. Looking at us, then looking at Katherine, he ignored Case running to Redline and fussing over the hunchback

"I see you didn't tell them before I made off." He tsked. "Upside, I get to present a surprise. I like doing that. Consider this a down payment on the debt." He raised his hand. "And I believe it's owed, so… I'd appreciate it if you just accepted."

I shook my head. "What did you do to Bun Bun?" I looked at him.

Jamie grinned. "Oh, a bit of this and that, though honestly, when my techs were done analyzing and duplicating everything, I think we owe you more. Bun Bun seriously wasn't' spec, even for a 2Rb, was he?"

I nod. "I can't find the name, but his pilot was a female Major General, it appears."

"I'II see if I can find any info in our records. I'm really curious about the tech." Jamie shrugged.

"So?" I ignored Kath and Tasha walking over to her Marauder, while Evie had been drawn off by Colonel Jamison, to look over her King Crab.

Jamie grinned. "Besides copying and duplicating those nifty features the tech put in, we rebuilt the frame with Clan Endosteel structural members, instead of the SLDF-spec you had, put in a Clan XL, restored the original Artemis fire control, added an anti-missile system, our ECM, armored to hell your cockpit, sensors and life support… oh, and you have a pair of medium lasers, and small pulses on each arm, instead of just the one machine gun and a pair of lasers. And eight tons of ammunition now. Should keep you alive. The rest of the tonnage was freed up by putting on new armor."

I blinked. "And his computers?" I was really worried about those.

"Untouched, though some additional programming was added." He nodded. "As I have said, we're copying those to put into some of our machines. Same with the cooling jackets, whoever did them was a genius. All your lancemates have them too, so…"

I tilted my head. "Repairs?"

"You'll have a few spares, so you can keep these machines running." Jamie nodded. "I need to get my people and my trucks back to my dropship so I can get to my attack…"

I let him walk me over to Bun Bun, and help me get in. Shortly, Bun Bun was joined by 4 other mechs, and they were being put into their cubicles, waiting for their time to unleash their new firepower and capabilities. I made a mental note to come and sim the changes, and verify that the electronics remained the same. Those were important.

Command Center, Ronel Defenses, Ronel, April 24th, 3016.

"Gry!" I called, slightly muffled through the filtration mask, as the weather beaten General, and commander of my first brigade walked to me and Hanse. "Report."

"M'lady, Your Highness." He didnt salute, indicating it was still a potential hot zone, but continued on. "Spaceport and the main command center for the defenses captured. Enemy KIA, two hundred and thirty, wounded about four hundred, captured about nine hundred." I whistled. He smiled. "And what I know is more important to you, no one killed from the Heavy Cav, thirty nine wounded. Material losses, nine Rico suits, though the techs think they can get three back together, armor damage to all of the command mechs, and about half the main combat vehicles, ammunition needing refilling, and somehow, one Manticore threw a track."

"So… the avalanche drop of the Marines worked?" I couldn't help but sound pleased.

"Ayup." Kath walked up, grinning. "With us dropping around them, and sweeping the spaceport, while the Aerospace forces bombed them, they missed Armstrong's boys dropping in, and once they got on the ground, it was all over." Gry nodded, a pleased grin on his face.

Hanse blinked. "...very impressive. I hope the techs and engineers you've acquired, General," He was speaking to me, as he shifted gears. "Finish the straight infantry version fast. This is a game changer. Removing their space maneuvering capabilities, should let you fit in some heavy weapons, and that will… " He thinks. "Well. Ways and Means is going to hate you, the infantry are going to look at us mechwarriors like we're juicy deer to their Piranha." He grinned at that, then turned to look at Kath again. "And you say the Clans have bigger and better?"

Kath nodded. "They do. THey'd have loved this, the Elementals. I'm not even sure they'd have needed us mechwarriors, or lost a suit."

"Fuck." Hanse summarized Gry's thoughts quite well. "Well. I understand there's a plan for that, too, to get us close?"

I nodded. "Straight powered armor will do for Elementals, roughly in the same manner how infantry can wear down them. But that's costly. We are working on that project, but… I don't even think we'll be at prototype testing in five years."

"Eh…" Kath shook her head. "Three, I'd say."

Hanse shook his head. "Well, the majority of the militia are either in those forts that the rest are demonstrating outside of, or with the mercenaries. Should we see if they'll surrender?" He was putting the problem of Clan infantry on the back burner, for here and now, and I followed suit.

"Worth a try." With that, Gry led us through the shot up and scarred building, proof of the viciousness of the fight.

"The Ricos wouldn't have helped if they burrowed into a mountain, but, with this?" Gry thought about it. "I'm sure that the Prince would agree, we'd have paid at least a battalion of mechs, even with the heavy air cover we have to normally take this place."

"If that low." Hanse grinned. "Until the enemy adapts to the suits, we will romp well." He sobered. "So, about six months, I figure." He sighed. "Oh, well. It is the nature. But even with that adaptation, I do think more infantry and personnel will survive these assaults."

I nodded strongly. "We believe so, yes." We had arrived at the command center's communication post, where Major Armstrong was waiting. His clanging salute, and loud statement, indicated how pleased he was.

"M'lady! First Prince! I present to you one Capellan Colonel and her staff!" He grinned. The Colonel was gagged, indicating she was very uncooperative, and the resigned fury in her eyes indicated why. "One question. We are keeping the Ricos, ma'am?"

I smiled. "Yes. Though we do want a complete after action report and what the troops feel can be improved."

"Of course!" Another clang. "I will get started on that right now!" He didn't wait for permission, but led off.

Hanse shook his head. "Eager man. Now…" He looked, and saw one of my techs that had landed after the Marines secured the compound, at a communications setup. Waving his hand, he indicated, my show, I should finish it.

Nodding at the tech, I took a headset. She shifted the board to transmit on all frequencies the CCAF was using, and I transmitted. "This is General Onishi of the Heavy Cavalry, to all CCAF units still on planet. You are cut off, your dropships captured, and I am sitting on your main storage, and command post. Further resistance is futile, as you have no more aerospace to contest the air with, I have over three regiments of aerospace fighters, all with bombs. Please surrender, before you run out of food and filtration masks."

About a minute later, a voice came through, on the frequency assigned to the Kerr's Intruders battalion on planet, the vast majority of their mech forces. "General, this is Major Janice Shao. I'm afraid I can't do that. And I don't think you want to tangle with a battalion of assault mechs." I raised an eyebrow, amused. "And the rest of the militia isn't really thrilled. If nothing else we can tie you up until relief comes." Tilting my head, I had to smile.

"Major, forgive me, but I have the entirety of the Heavy Guards, my command brigade, which has about four companies of assaults, my first brigade, about a battalion of assaults, my second, same amount. Exactly why would I be worried about forty assault mechs?" Smiling still, I added. "This isn't counting the over two hundred aerospace fighters, nor tanks I have, nor the fact that the Thirty-Fourth and Thirty-Sixth Hussars will be arriving over the next few weeks, as well as the fact that there's nearly a dozen assault dropships in orbit. If Maximilian sends relief, I'll enjoy the salvage."

I could hear the grinding of teeth on the radio, and a smile from Hanse.

"See you in the fields, then, we'll see about your boasts." Looking at the tech, she pointed at a screen, which showed a location for the transmission, and I raised my eyebrow. The tech grinned.

"See you."

Looking at the display, the last reported positions of all the units, I nodded. "A bit convient, but it looks that the militia armor and infantry are near your brigade, I would…" He nodded.

"With your permission?" I nodded. Turning to the tech again, I had her contact Seig, who was running the combat space assets. "Sieg? Relaying the location of a 'Mech battalion backed up by about an infantry battalion and armor battalion, can you make them go away?" They were close, less than five kilometers from my second brigade, which was trying to reduce one of the forts without taking damage. This meant mostly artillery and long ranged fire, and not much being done. I had wondered why that fort hadn't surrendered, like the fort that the Guards took, or the one that Gry's Brigade was at.

"M'lady, consider it done. Ten minutes."

Those were a long ten minutes, as several techs had managed to link Camelot and Xanadu's C3 systems to the fort's, and within six minutes, the Intruder's first battalion had covered half the distance to the artillery park that was supporting the attack on the fort. Sieg had however, overestimated how long his birds would take, and before the Cappelians could reach firing range of the suddenly packing up vehicles, over a thousand bombs shocked them, stunning them into immobility, as the assault dropships came in for strafing runs.

Shortly, it was all over, and while I knew my people had taken damage, I saw no indications that I had any wounded, less dead.

"Well… that worked well." I finally said.

Hanse nodded. "It's very rare to have as much aerospace power on the field as you do, so I believe they didn't believe you. At most, we commit maybe two regiments, and most of those aren't that heavy, in real terms. Twelve assault dropships?" He shook his head. "Last time we had more than three at once was an assault on Tikonov in … 2943, I believe. Again, this was an unique situation."

I sighed. "And it won't be easy after this." Hanse shrugged.

"No, not once they adapt to what you do, and that won't take very long. It doesn't hurt them that the usual type of combat performed is risk averse, with low amounts of advanced warfighting equipment. And the objective is to preserve that as much as possible."

"I understand that… but we've changed that." I smiled grimly. "We can now practice true shock tactics, which is what Battlemechs are meant for."

Hanse shook his head. "Not yet. Not fully. But yes, soon. Very soon. And right now, on a limited basis." He then grinned. "And if you can come up with some more toys…"

I simply smiled. "That's the idea we have, yes."

Interlude Two

Operation Whirlwind was successful, very probably more successful than Captain General Marik believed possible. The death of his son Gerald, among other considerations, has decisively ended their civil war, and the recapture of Sirius and six other worlds, must make the Captain General feel somewhat vindicated against Liao. It helps that the trial of Anton Marik will begin January 2nd, 3017, thanks to the AFFS offensive capturing him alive.

The Free Worlds Military has paid a steep price for their victories, Archon. Effectively, they have expended all the hardware they had brought from Federated Suns source under the deal the Captain General and First Prince arranged. Normally, we feel that they would be restrained from further adventures, or at the least, choose to focus them on the already weakened Liaos. However, see below:

The Dragoons are under contract with them starting April 2nd, so that may indicate that Lord Marik plans some activity on our border. With the serious reverses the Cappelians have undergone, as well as the growing strength of the AFFS (see appendix two and three), the temptation for Marik to strike at us must be severe. However, his recent inquiry into a cease fire agreement with us may indicate that he plans to continue operations against the Confederation; as information indicates that the agreement between the Free Worlds League and the Federated Suns will continue for at least another two years

What price is being paid for this pact remains unknown. Hanse's recent inquiry to extend our agreement, indicates that as projected, his production is above his budgetary ability, and he seeks ways to place equipment in the enemy of his enemy's hands.

Of concern, is the temporary staging of the Heavy Cavalry's Command Brigade on Helm, (see attachment 4 and 5). The recent news from New Avalon, combined with the Command Brigade's location, would indicate that Baroness Winterfall has found another location, we suspect on Helm, and given some troubling recent analysis, possibly in our hinterlands. Time will tell us, and it may be possible to intercept it, though the Command Brigade is a powerful formation.

LIC Report to Archon Katrina, Dec 21st, 3016.

Born out of the recovery of the all important computers, from Baroness Winterfell's inheritance, General Kikyo Onishi of the Onishi Heavy Cavalry at the time, Davion production by the start of 3016 had doubled the amount of Mechs and ASF flowing into the AFFS. Prince Hanse decided to use this windfall, and expected replacements to push the CCAF to the breaking point. We now know that Hanse Davion had also counted on the second of the major lostech discoveries by the then-Baroness, and decided to use them.

Converting the Heavy Guard into an almost completely lostech formation with late-era SLDF and Royal 'Mechs, he had a sledgehammer to dedicate. Baroness Winterfell's mercenary command wasn't far behind in the level of technology she could dedicate to her people, and that gave him a second hammer. However Prince Davion wasn't eager to wreck these hammers for limited gains, so he sketched out a two pronged operation.

The rimward prong, Operation Knife, was intended as an invasion of Ares to capture the industrial world and one of House Liao's few BattleMech factories, further increasing the disparity in the two states' forces. The invasion force was planned around three different formations: the Davion Assault Guards RCT to break up what were (correctly) assessed as strong defensive fortifications and the Fifth Syrtis Fusiliers RCT as the main operational force, while the four regiments of the Illician Lancers made up the main mobile element.

Operation Knife proved a testament to the ancient axiom that no plan lasts longer than contact with the enemy, or in this case, one's supposed ally, since the first problem to arise was the absence of the Fifth Fusiliers from the landing, having diverted the unit almost before AFFS High command could adjust plans, to join the Sixth Fusiliers RCT in the invasion of Texlos, added by the Duke to the Operation at almost the last moment before the Sixth went into Texlos. Marshal Stephen Davion, led to believe by via subtly misleading communications from the Duke that this was fully cleared by Prince Davion and that another RCT would arrive very shortly, pressed on with the landings only to find the defenders not only fully alerted but in fact reinforced - far from having a window of opportunity before regular Capellan 'Mech battalions could arrive, much of the famed Northwind Highlanders were already on world.

All that saved the situation from turning into an extremely costly debacle was the sudden arrival of the Seventeenth Avalon Hussars RCT, concurrent with the remainder of the Northwind Highlanders and the diversion of further Capellan reinforcements to Texlos (as much as Maximilian Liao would have loved to avenge his ancestor Dainmar's humiliation by eradicating the Crushers, the other world under attack was a major source of aerospace fighters). As aerospace fighters duelled over Ares, Ardan Sortek dropped his regiment behind the Highlanders and brought the AFFS a vital respite to regroup and deal with the situation.

What had been envisaged as a relatively quick coup de main now degenerated into two slugging matches that lasted months and wore down the 'Mech regiments on both sides. Adjusting to the new situation, Hanse Davion elected to 'play the ball from where it lay' and poured supplies into the Ares campaign, running through well over a regiment in replacement 'Mechs, while coldly informing his brother-in-law that he'd got the Fusiliers into this mess and the Duke would be held accountable for salvaging them - leading to the arrival of the Eighth Syrtis Fusiliers to help their brother commands.

While the Big MAC still had a numerical advantage in 'Mechs, the advantage of RCT organisation paid off with Capellan conventional regiments gutted at a shocking rate and unsupported McCarron units frequently taking disproportionate losses. After four months, the Chancellor was forced to make the tough decision: he could afford to commit no further forces and the supply stockpiles from St Ives would allow only one campaign to continue. With great regret, in August he pulled the Capellan forces off Texlos, with McCarron's regiments fighting a rearguard retreat as as much hardware and personnel as possible were extracted (holdouts and Maskirovka would make the pacification a painful one, but this was something that the AFFS was long practised at).

Fully aware of Maximilian Liao's reasoning, Hanse Davion had been moving a second wave of forces into the area as fast as the supply lines could allow and he just barely managed this feat in time. Nonetheless, the situation was very nearly a disaster for the AFFS for a second time as the Big MAC's arrival on Ares was also the cover for dropping a full company of Death Commandos behind Davion lines. On 23rd September, the Commandos circumvented field security, seized four AFFS BattleMechs and turned them against Marshal Davion's headquarters during a meeting of the invasion force's senior officers.

Quite literally the only officer above the rank of Major not killed or seriously wounded was Colonel Sortek, who suffered only a broken rib when the mortally wounded Marshal fell on top of him. Piloting his Victor one-handed, the Colonel rallied the Assault Guards and his Hussars to hold off the Highlander's follow-up attack, causing such severe losses that the newly arrived McCarron had to commit his last intact regiment to extricate the humbled Northwind forces.

The arrival of the Thirty-Fourth Avalon Hussars and the two mercenary regiments of the Crater Cobras proved the end of Liao's calculations. Now even Ares was clearly lost and the only question was how high he could make the price. While the answer was steep, the hope that the strained mercenaries could buy time to evacuate tooling from the Bergan factory proved futile and cost them another battalion of 'Mechs along with Colonels Archibald McCarron and Marcus Baxter, who were killed trying to hold the last defensive gate (ironically, due to miscommunication, the Armored Cavalry's command company didn't receive the order to retreat until it was far too late - some have suggested that the Liao command staff delayed the message intentionally to punish the mercenaries). By the end of October, the Capellan forces were boosting for their jumpships and the AFFS could begin securing their conquest.

Despite the defeats, Liao expressed confidence that the cost had been pyrrhic: the Maskirovka had a fairly accurate grasp of losses (directly from Duke Hasek-Davion's desk, as it turned out). Over a hundred BattleMechs had been lost on Texlos and an astounding five hundred on Ares, with more than two hundred factory-fresh 'Mechs shipped in but far from making up the losses. Hundreds of aerospace fighters and thousands of combat vehicles would need to be replaced and a horrifying eighteen dropships had been lost, mostly a wing of FSN Avengers that had paid a heavy cost in atmospheric attack runs against Capellan fortresses.

Capellan losses were also hideous, almost equal in aerospace fighters and approximately two thirds as high in 'Mechs, combat vehicles and dropships. Nonetheless, Liao took the awarding of the Medal Excalibur to the heroic Colonel Sortek as face-saving and - convinced that the AFFS would be years recovering - felt safe to turn his attention to the other border where resources were badly needed - sensing weakness, Janos Marik had granted supplies and consent to Duke Halas and Duchess Humphreys, meaning that several previously contested worlds were now under pressure from the Oriente Fusiliers and Defenders of Andurien. 3016 would prove to be a poor year for the Capellan Confederation as despite this redirection of forces, four worlds would fall to the League, added to the two conquests of the Federated Suns.

And then there was the coreward part of Hanse Davion's plan...

Operation Wolf, the coreward aspect of the grand operation, was predicated off Hanse having three hammers: his Heavy Guards, which he would personally lead, the new Onishi Heavy Cavalry, and the Wolf's Dragoons. Reinforcing these mighty hammers, were the Crater Cobras, a collection of four mercenary battalions to act as mobile forces, the Federated Armored Cavalry and the Thirty-Fourth and Thirty-Sixth Avalon Hussars.

The campaign started well, with the famed Wolf Dragoons striking at New Hessan, working through all three Hessen units, plus a scattering of other units sent to keep the important world from falling. Wolf had inflicted nearly a regiment of battlemech losses by the time the second prong of Hanse's attack landed on Ronel two weeks later. In their baptism of fire, the Onishi Heavy Cavalry quickly routed the mercenary battalion on the planet, and unknown to anyone but the Heavy Guards the first combat deployment of the combat powered armor known now as the Rico Space Marine Suit played a key role in capturing the Capellan headquarters. Once the task force had fully gathered on Ronel, and Jaime Wolf departed Hessen to restore the Dragoon's modest losses and wait in reserve, the other units assigned to Operation Wolf hit three worlds, a more ambitious plan than originally projected but a plan that the First Prince could be sure hadn't leaked. Hanse Davion felt the Free Worlds League's active invasion of the Confederation and Colonel Wolf's actions had made the risk acceptable.

The Crater Cobras joined Hanse Davion and his Heavy Guards in assaulting Small World, while the Thirty-Fourth Hussars and smaller mercenary units assaulted Epsilon Indi. The Federated Suns Armoured Cavalry and General Onishi's Heavy Cav would share the honor of Tybalt.

Unfortunately for the attacking force, Tybalt had been set as a staging area for the counterattack...

From "The Federated Suns vs. the Capellan Confederation, Volume 4, Late Third Succession War Campaigns." NAIS Press, 3107

The year of 3016 was quite exciting on the Federated Suns and Combine front. With the Coordinator having inside information on the main campaigns, he decided to probe the Draconis march to see where a campaign after their successful but costly retaking of Tancredi IV would be successful.

He severely miscalculated, not realizing that while yes, Sandoval had taken losses well above what was normal, he had ended the year at least two battalions stronger in mechs than he had started the year, while the Combine had barely added a pair of companies to their roster. Nor did the Combine's famed ISF properly appreciate the growth of the AFFS due to increased production.

Sandoval knew that he'd be slightly shorted this year on extra equipment, and on jumpships. The additions of the Heavy Cavalry fleet, as well as the Dragoon's, and the discoveries of a small supply of jumpships, at Castle Watchtower significantly reduced that issue. He still did not have enough to significantly counterattack. The pattern of raiding and counter raiding over the year, flashed up and down the border, with Quentin, Breed, Marduk, Kessel and Niles all significantly raided, while Hoff and Ozawa felt the Sword of Light's touch at least once during this year. The Combine did not see the weakness they hoped for, as counter raids at Galatia III, Mara, Delecruz and Tripoli convinced the DCMS that while their front might be secondary to the Davions, it wasn't as secondary as the DCMS hoped. While losing roughly two thirds of their new production for the year in these raids, they inflicted nearly nine battalion equivalent losses on the Davions and their sell swords, so the Combine felt vindicated.

Unfortunately for the Combine, Sandoval was not only ahead of where they expected him to be, he was gaining strength by nearly two companies of mechs a month with even larger gains in armor and aerospace combatants. By mid year, the Combine had realized this, when Proserpina itself was subject to a two RCT raid, and then towards the end of the year, Mara was retaken by forces of the AFFS. In the end, both sides ended up more or less status quo as of the start of 3015, with Mara retaken, though the addition of a full battalion to the DCMS's numbers on the Davion front was more than counterbalanced by the addition of three battalions to the Draconis March's order of battle.

One must wonder, if the ISF had accurately portrayed at the start of the year the Davion's military and industrial position, what would Takashi have done? In the end, those aware, realized this would be the weakest the Davions would be on that front for years to come.

From "Cattle Raiding. A History of Combine Activities in the 3rd Succession War." Sandoval Press, 3078

This recently formed mercenary unit, currently boasts a command brigade of two mech battalions, a mech company and command lance, an armor unit of the same size, and a regiment of frontline infantry, one battalion space marine capable as well as an aerospace regiment. Their Home Guard brigade is the same, though lighter in weight, and they maintain currently two full strength brigades, each with a regiment of infantry, armor, aerospace and Mech, with the same extensive support as above.

After their campaigns in the Confederation, they have enough salvage and assets to begin forming a third brigade, as well as repairing and refitting the other units involved in the campaign.

They have extensive support arms, and are well equipped with dropships, jumpships and assault dropships to cover their landings, as well as a scattering of lostech. They have full technical support, as well as heavy medical and engineering support units, so this command is well suited for most missions you can hire them for.

At this time, with their recent victories, we here at the Review board consider the unit Veteran, and Reliable, with the caveat that while her first actions were successful, General Onishi's skill is still to be fully determined as a commander. If you wish a more detailed overview of the unit, please contact your local MRB office.

Onishi's Heavy Cavalry Brigade, an Overview for prospective clients.

Primus's Office, Hilton's Head, Terra, Dec 29th, 3016

"Ah, Tojo!" Julian greeted him, shaking his hand, and personally seating him. "I was just about to call you." As the Primus settled in his chair, he steepled his hands, and looked at Tojo.

The head of ROM didn't fidget, though this year had not been a good one for him or his people, as several operations had failed.

"A report on Project Marshall?" Tojo asked.

"Of course!" Julian simply smiled. "And with a bit of luck, perhaps Project Weasel?"

Tojo smiled. The latter project was named for egging Micheal Hasek-Davion into revolt, like Anton had towards his brother. Blake's vision would be proven right.

"As for project Marshall, the division set of equipment has been hidden, and is just awaiting to be found by the two nations." Comstar had hidden three regiments each of battlemechs, armor and aerospace in the Confederation and Combine for the two nations to 'discover'. "As well as contact being made to help with the Wells Technology issue, and to help restore some of the Confederation's industry." He smiled a bit. "In the Confederation, at least, all doors are being thrown open, and I suspect that while Maxmilan knows our agent is Comstar, he cannot question the aid at this time."

Julian smiled slightly. "And once we break the Federated Suns' industry, or have Micheal do it for us, we will know the exact state, and how to sabotage the Confederation's, as he is letting us in."

"As you say." Tojo nodded. "It is a bit slower in the Combine, but hints are arising that the ISF has, at the least, recognized the danger that the new and repaired industry of the Federated Suns presents. As well as Katrina's recent acquisitions."

"No one ever said a dragon moved fast, at least." Julian nodded. "Though with Subash's reports, I suspect our wheels will be greased there, I hope?"

"We expect so. Marik at the least has wasted what Hanse Davion sold him." He sighed. "We are unsure of the exact losses to his lostech, but we think they're at least not trivial. Using the Cavalry and the Heavy Guards to concentrate the lostech provided a potent hammer, but it did mean they bore the brunt of the fighting, and from all indications, Tybalt wasn't easy for the young actress."

Julian sighed. "And so far, she's possessing the Devil's own luck, I do think. When will another attempt be made?"

"At this time, there's some debate on which method would be best, as Hanse Davion's MIIO did not buy Micheal's involvement. We are sure they have no proof it's us, and without anything else?" Tojo smiled. "It would not surprise me if he believed Maskirovka or ISF did so, as they have caught agents attempting to suborn her subcommanders."

Julian snickered. "She's at least somewhat aware of that risk, since she was generous to her people." He thought. "Ah, well. Keep trying. And how about infiltrating the industrial complexes?"

"Remarkably difficult, though we think we have had some success." Tojo sighed. "No one in the shipyards, now that Hanse Davion's discovered the sabotage and other issues we set up, and even in the other factories, we only have a few inserted, and they'll have to work themselves into position."

"Excellent!" Julian beamed. "Well done." He saw Tojo's eyebrow rise. "I didn't expect it to be fast, Tojo. But you've done better than I thought."

"Thank you, Primus. I do need to report that Bauer's Rapier plant is once again producing Rapiers, it appears that Katrina found what Bauer's staff were doing."

Julian shrugged. "I honestly didn't think that'd last as long as it did. However, if at all possible?"

Tojo nodded. "We will work on it, sir." He paused. "Perhaps we can sow distrust with the Federated Suns and the Lyrans?"

Julian's eyebrow rose. "Oh?"

"Recent information has leaked to us that General Onishi and Colonel Steiner are planning a trip. To somewhere in Lyran space, we believe."

"Ah, leak it to Katrina?" He thought. "And when she tries to intercept, have the orders written in such a manner… That will do quite nicely, Tojo. Given Hanse's plans…"

Tojo nodded. "I thought so myself, but, given recent…"

"You thought correctly. It is authorized. Do please attempt to corral your people this time, the first time we went off half cocked over this young lady." Julian looked at Tojo.

"Agreed. It will be done right." Tojo stood. "With your permission?"

"Given… and have a happy New Year's." Julian paused. "Oh, for your short vacation, supposedly some people have reopened the original StarBucks shop in Seattle, you may want to go see it." Julian smiled.

"I did not have that information, thank you, sir." Tojo bowed slightly, and with a slight rustle, departed.

Julian stared at the door. "Damn that girl. She's ruining all my plans. At this rate, Blake's vision won't be done for another one hundred years. And that just won't do." He turned to a thought. "Perhaps Maxiliman's suggestion of replacing people…"

MageOhki · Jul 2, 2020

With a lever big enough I can move the world

A Battletech FanFiction

By

Andrew "MageOhki" Norris.

Ronel was easy, too easy. Part of the reason was it was a application of force not seen since mid Second Succession war against a target designed to withstand a Third Succession War campaign for a month, at most. The other part, was the planet itself was in primus, hostile to humans, so long term fighting wasn't realistically possible, allowing the sheer superiority of numbers and technology we had to be decisive fast. Ironically, while Tybalt was almost as fast, the reason there, was the old adage, "Surprises aren't." It wasn't easy.

Sun Tzu's wisdom about deception applies. When you combine it with his words about knowing your enemy… you can bait a trap. It's a good thing as Kath joked, I'm Bait Phenotype, isn't it? But, as I learned at Tybalt… be careful. Others you don't even know about might see the bait, and try to take it.

For all the Glory that Tybalt brought me and my unit, I keep in mind the price. For someone raised and trained in the American late 20th century mindset of war, considering the engagement size, it was agonizing. For someone of the 31st century, it was to be celebrated. Mindsets differ, and times differ. Still. Glory is never worth it.

From the journals and notes of Kikyo Onishi, New Avalon Press, 3291 AD, as part of the "Century of Chaos: The Movers and Shakers." series.

As usual, thank the crew, and they know who they are.

Command Center, Dropship Xanadu, En Route to Tybalt, 5 days out, June 2nd, 3016.

We were well ahead of the schedule, expecting to land on Tybalt, find the Fury factory and see what it needed, a good month before the plan stated. Hanse wanted to take them at a run, and the Thirty-Fourth and Thirty-Sixth, plus the occupation units, had the fun of chasing down the last holdouts on Ronel. Acquiring ten UrbanMechs, two Cicadas, and a pair of Victors out of the battle, plus outside the Rico suits, enough to restore us to full capability in spares and armor.

"Ma'am?" One of Xanadu's comm techs interrupted my pondering of Tybalt's map. "Admiral Rostig would like to speak with you."

"Put him on." I nodded. Turning to the pickup. "Sieg! What can I do for you?"

"Didn't MIIO say before we lifted from Ronel, that there were no enemy frontline forces here?" His tone was amused.

"... wouldn't be the first time MIIO was wrong, or simply behind the OODA loop, you know that. Why?" I was getting a nasty feeling.

"I count, roughly, eleven battalions worth of transports for 'Mechs, about the same in armor, maybe an additional regiment for armor, about the same in infantry, too. And a trio of assault dropships, plus, what looks like an additional Vengeance. Just in case that wasn't bad enough." His tone was amused and relaxed.

"You'd not be this amused, if something was off." I sighed. Signaling the tech, I quickly sent out a message to the Armored Cavalry's commander.

I could hear the glee and predatory anticipation. "Oh, yes. It seems the transports are not going to make landfall in one neat collection, and the assault trio is guarding the Vengeance, and they're six days out. I count about… one-thirty to one-forty fighters, it would seem, if they could concentrate, that is."

I drummed my fingers. "Odds of intercepting that trio? What are they?" The data came up on my screen, as Sieg relayed the data Tawara, our command Titan had gathered.

"An Achilles, a pair of Avengers." His tone was amused. "Call it ninety percent to intercept, fifty percent to force a total engagement, with them using the Vengeance to hot bay the fighters." I thought long and hard about this.

"I know we set it up so it'd be hard to see exactly what we had, is that still valid?" I really wanted to push the assault, and destroy their aerospace, but…

"They'll figure it out, the question is, in time?" I heard the shrug.

"Do it." I made the decision. "The Fleet is yours, Admiral, Fight it."

"Consider it done, and enjoy two gravities of acceleration." I shuddered. Kath would enjoy it, Asha shrug, Case snicker, but Evie and I would hate this. Needs must. I paused.

"Petty officer?" I asked the tech.

"Yes, ma'am?"

"Send to the jumpships to relay, and well, Comstar on Tybalt, to relay to the Heavy Guards and New Avalon." I nodded, then thought. "As well as the Dragoons." I bulked in as Xanadu accepted the new orders, and Colonel Jonathan Riffenberg sent an annoyed complaint, saying he thought it'd be better if we hurried to land, instead of trying a risky space intercept.

As I felt my weight double, without eating, how unfair, I sent back. "Air supremacy is worth it." I also sent a message to Sieg, asking would it be possible to tie or lash down 'Mechs to the hulls of the dropships, to add to their firepower.

Command Center, Dropship Xanadu, Tybalt System, 2 days standard travel out from Tybalt III, June 4th, 3016.

Sieg was grinning. Colonel Riffenberg was just shaking his head. "I can't believe this." the Colonel finally said. "They got to know we have over twice their fighters, and well into three times their dropships, and no one's going to fall for the brainstorm of adding a dozen mechs to our ship's hulls as mobile turrets."

To my immense surprise, the transport dropships had hurried planetward, while the carrier group with the assault dropships had slowly matched our course, for an intercept. That allowed us to slow down enough for a period to add as the Colonel said, a dozen heavy and assault mechs to each ship, mostly the most armored we could find. We had carefully kept as many of our carriers hidden near Xanadu in the heart of the formation, but let the Colossus and Excaliburs be seen, which apparently tempted the commander of the space forces beyond compare. He had even added all six of the Overlords, to help provide hot bay space, and had stripped the planet of all the aerospace assets it had.

"Rough count is… we have three hundred twenty fighters, to their - at most - one hundred fifty, about sixty gunboats to their twenty, and well, dropships should be obvious. I'm curious if he did the same as us about our mechs." Sieg said idly. We'd be moving one assault squadron out to the front, to join the other two, plus the pair of extra Avengers we had, as we launched everything, since interposing the two forces would happen in about an hour.

"Your thoughts?" I said, strapped in, since Kath had gotten Case to step on me and Evie taking our mechs out to bolt to Xanadu's hull.

"Lunch." His tone was deeply satisfied. "Your authorization of the rocket pods, will go a long way to destroying this flotilla with as little cost as possible."

Colonel Riffenberg's tone was more worried. "I sure hope so." As our last assault ships slid into position, as well as the hordes of fighters streaking towards the main engagement, I saw why Sieg was so happy. I felt the shock of the CCAF pilots, as they realized they were about to close with twice their numbers in fighters, as well as three times their number of assault dropships ran though their heads. And it was too late, due to the cold equations of space travel.

We didn't know, but the sheer shock was worse. Apparently someone hadn't made the guess correct on what units were hitting Tybalt, so they thought at worst, they'd have parity in fighters. We found this out by interrogating one of the prisoners we took. But as what seemed for an eternity, the two forces closed, and fire began. The Cappellian forces were clearly not interested in dueling, but getting to the eggs behind them, and our forces had dedicated half our strike to killing them. This would prove costly for them.

I watched as in the ten minute clash, all the Cappelian strike simply seemed to vanish, joined by a pair of AFFS Sparrowhawks, and a trio of mine, as shots ignited their rocket pods. Sieg however looked intently sasified, as our strike wings hadn't been touched, nor the attack wings slated for the strike. I saw the Vengeance reverse course and try to escape the battle.

Sieg's voice was deeply amused. "This will be over fast. Do you want us to try to take the ships? We do have the Marines in their suits on the gunboats."

I thought about it, as the assault dropships met ours, backed up by a strike wing. "If you can, it'd be nice." HIs answering smile was wolfish.

As Sieg's smile indicated, the results were predictable, as while our fighters carefully wove and danced through the fire, stripping armor and weapons off the Overlords, they would be falling back with armor damage and other components needing replacement. For some reason, the Confederation Navy didn't concentrate fire, and while Ajax, Hurricane and Augusta would need yard time, and four crewmen were killed by a compartment breach, the CCAF had lost all nine dropships, with successful boardings of three of the Overlords, as they hadn't been killed outright, and one of the Avengers.

Evie was laughing. "Wow, just wow. Did Asha cornhole them or what?"

Kath's voice came over the intercom. "Now we have to deal with their mechs, on planet, guys."

"True that, been thinking on that. Let's just drop on their heads and kill them all!" Case cheered. "And have tea and boast of our victories."

I watched the Vengeance cut her drives, to be boarded. It appears the Confederation Navy wasn't thrilled at dying when they didn't have to. "Gentlemen, and ladies." I dryly said. "I'm thinking about it too. They fell for bait already, bets on their insanity to fall for it again?"

Various snickers, giggles and one laugh answered me, while Colonel Riffenberg had the last word for now. "Depends on the bait, and how tempting, girl… they're not stupid."

Command Center, Dropship Xanadu, Orbit of Tybalt III, Local Morning, June 7th, 3016.

Colonel Riffenberg simply looked at me. "This… is either completely insane, or is completely brilliant. I'm not sure which yet."

I nodded. "They seemed to have all congregated around the main spaceport and capital, knowing if we take that, it's more of suppressing them. The link up with the local militia gives them… if our count is right, mind you, five regiments of armor, six of infantry, and slightly over eleven battalions of 'Mechs."

Kath snickered. "And if that commodore we bagged was right, they put Anton Marik in Charge. Good thing we sent that info off, nothing will stop Jaime from coming here with fury."

I shook my head. "Not the plan, Kath. We build a nice FOB…" I got blank looks from several, and sighed. "Forward Operating Base." Several ahhs. "Then everyone decamps to take 'vital' positions elsewhere, in an attempt to draw them out, except the command brigade."

"You honestly think they'll fall for it?" Case asked. "Seriously, it's a good idea, but they'd have to be stupid as fuck."

Gry hmmed. "Actually, I can see it working. After the reaming Sieg's boys and girls gave them, Anton will need a triumph, and well, capturing our lostech and Kikyo…"

Riffenberg shook his head. "And that's the part I don't like. If this goes wrong, the First Prince might shoot us all."

Seig shook his head. "We practiced for fast launch and lift, and with IR passives overhead, in small balls?" He shook his head. "I don't say Ferret can take the entire mass, by herself with just me backing her up, but… if we time it right…"

The Colonel sighed. "You're in charge. I like the concept, I have to admit, I don't like what can go wrong."

It was Evie. "Please, it's Marik. Who thought it was a good idea to piss off Jaime Wolf."

The snickers answered that thought. I gathered my thoughts and finalized it. "We're doing it. My orders, my authority." I shrugged. "And the trap works best if I am the bait."

Riffenberg looked at me and shook his head. "And I wondered besides your body, what the First Prince saw. You didn't even think of body doubles or that. You're not even questioning being at risk."

"I drive an Archer, I'm not that much of a risk." I smiled back. "Just don't be late!"

FOB Alpha, Tybalt III, 110 km from MacBeth, capital of Tybalt, Local noon, June 9th, 3016

"I really want to know where you got those FASCAM bombs from." I shook my head watching another flight of Vulcan aerospace fighters pretend to practice their bombing. With very careful plotting, Sieg was making it look like we had taken nearly equal losses in our aerospace wings, or at least damaged the birds enough that we'd be repairing them for a while. It also helped that we sent one of our assault squadrons to the pirate point to take two of them for repairs, as well as our prizes, except Vengeance, which was in orbit, pretending to be empty.

Sieg just smiled. "There's a richer man on New Avalon who financed the plant." He shrugged. "The real trick was getting small enough radios that'd survive jump transit, so we could command detonate them, but Asha suggested going with simple transistors, since they just needed to receive the command."

"I suspect the AFFS is going to make him even richer." I grinned back at him. Numenor's fuel cell makers had made a small mint off us already, and the AFFS was looking very closely at how we handled the conversion of ICE to fuel cell, and how the repairs and logistics went.

"In a way, I wish it wasn't for war…" Sieg sighed, then brightened slightly. "But at least the Federated Suns doesn't wage war generally on those who aren't deserving of such, nor do they attack or try to enslave civilians." He paused. "Generally, and I'd bet you'd be the first to agree, their corporate tactics aren't the best, either."

I sighed. "I can't disagree. There's that old history term, Carpetbaggers. The Federated Sun business community seems to thrive off it, not so much the Lyrans."

Sieg thought about it and nodded. "The Free World league seems to do the same as the Suns, as well." He shrugged. "Though in both cases, at least they don't allow the rapacious behavior of Canopian corporations."

I was about to say something, but the scream of shells from behind us, crashing into the 'firing' range we had set up, between us and the capital, along the best route between us, interrupted me. I turned to look behind me as the FOB was taking shape.

Colonel Riffenberg walked up, with Kath next to him. "Taking excellent shape." He stated. Kath just snickered evilly.

"Biggest trap this side since Endor." I smirked.

Kath instantly sobered, but Riffenberg beat her to it. "I would remind you that the Empire failed there, General." He shrugged. "Of course we don't have Jedi on their side, nor are we evil blackguards, but still. Overconfidence."

I nodded. "Murphy's rules, no plan survives contact. Hell, the easiest thing they could do to shaft this is… not come."

Kath nodded. "That would suck royally, but, we are working on a backup plan, right?"

I shook my head. "It's called wait for the reserves to come, then take them." I sighed. "Otherwise, with the defenses they're building around MacBeth…"

"Yeah, New Aragon mark two, not my idea of fun." Kath shook her head.

The AFFS Colonel winced. "I heard about that. It was most unpleasant from what I heard."

Kath grinned slightly. "Understatement that. It wrecked us, the Dragoons, I mean, at the time."

"But you still won." I reminded her. "However, agreed. THAT cost is unacceptable. My view is we undertake a siege, while trying to level their defenses, once we have the reserves. Colonel, where did you get another one hundred and eight guns?" He surprised me by adding to my artillery park a full regiment of guns by my standards. Admittedly, these were towed Thumpers and Long Toms, but doubling my long ranged fire was more than acceptable.

"Ask no questions…" He grinned. "I still want to place my objections to this, at least your part in it, General; but I'm feeling a lot happier. I'm surprised at your liberal use of FASCAM, but I guess you're thinking defensively, while we of the AFFS prefer to be on the attack."

"With the command det, yes, it's great instant defense." I grinned. "And strategic offensive, tactical defense, is a valid way." I thought about it for a moment. "I'd agree that it's not my first preference, but even fights into prepared defenses is a sucker fight, and I prefer not to be the sucker in that case."

Kath's sudden cough indicated she had a dirty thought about it, but didn't say it. The Colonel simply looked at her.

"Well said." He looked around, and shrugged. "Back to screening, I suppose, to keep lookie loos away from us. This skirmishing is annoying my people." He wolfishly smiled. "Do save some for my boys, we're going to want to feast well."

"I don't think I can kill eleven battalions of mechs by myself…" I smirked. "I don't have enough ammo, at that."

He laughed. "Well, not in your Archer, no. But piled up and buried for safety? I'd not be surprised if you did. This will be very unpleasant."

I looked at the works, the firing lanes, the semi buried roads, all the work of three engineering battalions, several infantry regiments, and of course, nearly two battalions worth of industrial mechs designed and used for civil engineering. Not to mention a similar weight of engineering exoskeletons for this purpose. "Oh, I think the Capellans and Duke Marik will find it quite unpleasant. That's if they take the bait."

Kath snorted. "He's dumb enough. Even without it, he can't get half his 'Mechs off this planet without leverage, he goes back short a regiment plus of 'Mechs? He's going to have Maxy shoot his ass."

"Still, ladies, remember, the enemy plans too. And sometimes amateurs are the most dangerous." The Colonel's words rang in our ears, as the next wave of fire struck the defensive belts.

Kikyo's Tent, FOB Alpha, Late Local Night, June 17th, 3016

I was looking at some paperwork, plus the current to date casualty figures, while writing personal letters to the next of kin, far too few of my people had such, which didn't make the task easier at all. So far, I had lost about a dozen tankers, two hovercraft, and about two dozen infantry, of all types to the relentless skirmishing. The FSAC, the Armored Cavalry, had lost a pair of 'Mechs, and a pair of hovercraft, as well.

As I closed the folder, to be mailed out, Evie bounded in. "I'm bored! Where's the enemy!"

I rolled my eyes. "Where they were two hours ago?" Before I could chide her for being a child, the camp phone rang.

"Ferret Actual, go." I responded as I picked up the phone.

"Central, relaying for Count Actual." A click, and a slightly scratchy voice came through. "M'lady? They're moving. Those IR balls have sent the signal." Another pause. "Estimate time of contact, call it zero three hundred local, you. My birds will be ready to strike." I tilted my head and looked at the clock.

"It's zero two twenty now, they're a bit stealthier or smarter than I thought. Count?" Evie brightened, and zipped out.

"Looks to be just about four regiments each of armor and infantry, motorized or mechanized, and unless they've been hiding some I'd say it's all their 'Mechs, at least eleven battalions. Going to have a bit of a fight, since I estimate that Gry and Albert can't be ready and in position til just about kickoff. FSAC, maybe a bit faster."

I nodded, forgetting he couldn't see. "Needs must, I'll relay."

"No need ma'am, I sent the message to all. They're loading as we speak." I heard the shark in his voice. "Oh, and the Alpha and Beta Regiments of the Dragoons arrived about twelve hours ago, and are headed in system. We might have this over with by the end of the month!" His tone brightened.

"So, to be clear, out of their main force, they left a regiment of armor, and two of infantry at the capital?" I shouldered the phone as Kath came in, with a yawning Case, who had a sleepy grin.

"That's what we're calling it up here, yes. Good luck, and good hunting. I need to get my birds ready. Asha will be leading the strike that'll cover you directly."

"See you at the party." I responded

"Be safe." He childed. "The enemy is still the enemy, and with a Warrior house, plus a few of these units, they're not going to go easy." I nodded again.

"Will do. Remind the pilots that repairs come out of their bonus money." He laughed, then signed off.

I looked at my lance. "You heard?" Uri had walked in, looking ready, and a sharp smile crossed his face. "Boots and Saddles, then."

"We'll get it done, Ma'am." Uri nodded at Kath, who looked at Case and Evie.

"Yeah, yeah, keep her off the front lines, we know." Case rolled her eyes. "She's more likely to shoot us than them anyways with her aim."

"Oi!" I snapped at him. "I'm not that bad."

"Yes you are." The two sharpest shooters in the Cav shot back, as I pulled out my cooling suit.

"Go get ready and meet at the mechs." I responded.

Evie caroled as she walked out. "I get to kill and troll! I get to kill and troll!" to Case's groans. I had to snicker. Case hated Evie's intentionally bad singing, not realizing that she was actually a very good singer, but was doing it to tick him off. It amused me. And amused everyone else, and with that, no one would be worried. I had wanted another ten to fifteen minutes of warning but the balls weren't that good. Eh, it would be enough. It had to be.

Phase Line Omega, FOB Alpha, zero two fifty five, local time

Kath's Marauder was crouched behind the berm, as we watched the recon elements who were hull down and hidden transmit. She tight-beamed me.

"Are we sure Count's boys and girls will be on time?" She was a bit nervous, since this was a lot of force.

"Armored Cav is in position to avalanche drop five minutes after I give the signal, and Albert is actually where he's supposed to be, powered down. Gry's settling the last of his people in, all ours are in." Which was a good thing, as while the best way to us, was wide, Anton wasn't a complete fool, and had roughly a battalion of recon on each flank, probing.

Case's response on the net was amusing. "Won't save him, and it just means we get to see if Rivero's plotting pays off.

Ruben Rivero, Major, was the senior engineering officer we had, and he had immense fun building the FOB. The people doing it under him, not so much. He made them do sixteen hour days, and he didn't exempt anyone - including mechwarriors - who wasn't needed for other tasks, from digging. Even Bun Bun had used an improvised shovel and hammer to do some work.

Evie's voice came over the comm line, this time no troll in her voice taking her job as light recon for the command lance seriously. "I'm picking up on seismics and on EM band. They're getting close to the Killbox. Buncha chatty motherfuckers, aren't you?"

A few minutes later, we had a quiet overlay of Capellan chatter on their general channels as Evie and Caveman worked on hacking their encryption. Her little Trollcust was remarkable in its sensor capabilities. Her King Crab's main armament, a pair of Gauss Rifles, had been late and needed to be installed into the monster, so she got to play EWAR tech for this little escapade.

I snorted. She had also plugged into the network we buried, to give us a better view. Even though Ink Blot, what we had dubbed Kath's sadly unnamed Marauder, and Bun Bun had full command capabilities, enough to run a Star League Division, during the Liberation of Terra, Evie pointed out she was recon. Kath and I simply let her have her way on that.

"Solid, they're about three minutes out from the minefields, and if they keep this speed, they'll make Phase line Alpha -" The first of four belts of trenches and firing positions, it was where we had put all our Rhinos and LRM carriers, so they could at least get one salvo off at extreme range. When you were talking about a literal gross of LRM-20's, accuracy didn't really matter. "About six minutes. I suppose Uri will have something to say about that, won't he."

Case responded to Kath. "Hope not, I'll get bored if I get no kills today. Ronel was such a waste of effort. Dammed Marines. Hogging all the glory!" He paused. "And let's not forget Dutchman and her killsteals too…"

Asha's voice broke in. "Five minutes, Ferret-Actual. Ferret-Three, fuck you. They were trying to overrun Dealer Two, didn't like that idea."

"Don't mind Case, he's having that time of the minute" Evie quipped. "Recon elements on either side aren't reconning, they're basically close enough to play 'Operation Human Shield'. It's like their commander doesn't know how to run a proper screen. A heavy ambush you'd just fire over the screen and charge through 'em. Probably kill half of them by trampling."

I looked at the disposition, and nodded. "It's a valid tactic, actually, far enough out to give some warning, it's called screening. Not well done, but moving screens of this nature, are a pain. They're in a valley." I paused, did some math. "Central, Ferret-Actual. Relay to Budwiser Actual. Free the Clydes." Snickers from everyone in my command channel answered, as Central responded.

"Ferret-Actual, Central. Relayed. Budwiser says you're buying once his beer horses are frothed." I nodded.

"Understood. Relay to Beauty-Actual, Patton-Actual. Begin." I shifted channels, as Gry, who was amused by the reference to Black Beauty, and Albert Shedlon, my 2nd's commander, who had been taken by Patton's movie, would be informed. "Dealer-Charlie-Actual, Ferret-Actual. Begin your rain in… six zero seconds from my mark… targets are painted on main. Two… one… Mark!"

"Ferret-Actual, Dealer-Actual. Rain on schedule." the amused voice of Jasmine Nurse, our colonel of Artillery spoke.

I sat back, waiting for the moment that the single lone squadron of Boomerangs that were sweeping towards us from the Confederation's lines, would spot the fact the FOB was completely dark. That's a bad sign, if you don't know. It also would almost be timed perfectly for them to hit the mines. Funny how life works.

I watched as for once, timing was perfect. The FSAC's dropships screamed over them, at the same exact moment they hit the minefield. Worse, cluster munitions struck, and Gry and Albert simply vaporized the recon screen in a massive volley of fire as they swept down the slopes of the wide valley. I saw the entire formation just freeze. It was for only a moment, then the infantry carriers shot forward, clearing the minefield in the most brutal method possible.

Watching on a display screen was akin in it's own way to using an IVIS system, but far more impersonal. I was used to being much closer when the shells hit, and I was glad for the opportunity to not watch the mines go off, the shells fall. As Evie reported the initial detonations of mines and the confusion started cutting through the background noise of Capellan chatter you could hear the panic creep in.

It wasn't until the Long Toms began saturating the target area that the screaming began. Men and women yelling in panic as dozens of half-ton shells began detonating around them. I saw a ripple as each of the impacts was shown on my screen by Evie's network of seismic sensors, showing the red wave of dots saturated with rippling waves of death ripping through them.

One voice cut off the comms, barking in Mandarin as the rest went silent, and a lurch in the red wave signified the Armored Personnel carriers charged forward… and began dying.

"Holy shit." Evie said. "They just pushed the APC's into the minefield."

"What do you expect?" Case's voice was disgusted. "They're Russian-Chinese-Nork hybrids. Empathy for human life? Pleaaaaaaaaaaase."

My mind whirled and I toggled a switch as I spoke. "Count-Actual, Ferret-Actual. Expedite Beauty, Patton-Actual, same." Bun Bun began to fire up as I stated the second line of today's code. "It is not our job to die for our nation, it is the poor sorry son of a bitch on the other side."

I paused, relaying. "All Ferrets. Expect Phase Line Alpha not to hold, and Bravo unlikely, support Gamma, but expect fallback to Omega. They're hell for leather, gentlemen."

"Black Ferret-Actual. Understood." Uri's voice sounded clear, as the first salvo from the hidden LRM boats struck at the AFVs, to lock them up, only to find that they had a plan and a use. As sponges.

We could see the detonations from where we were. Great gouts of fire and stray shots flying skyward. The LRMs arcing above the treeline were impressive, and as they fell…

The voice barking in Mandarin sounded off again as half the screen to the left and right rushed forward behind the APCs. The remaining reconnaissance element of the attacking force was the least likely to get hit, least likely to trigger mines as the few light mechs that weren't exterminated by Gry and Albert darted forward, taking full advantage of their speed to avoid death. The faster mediums from the main body followed suit as the Capellans rushed the LRM Carriers between them and me. The Capellans had chosen their target, they were going to try to break out through the Heavy Cavalry.

"Case, Ostscout, Wasp, Stinger, just out of range." Evie's voice rang out as the Trollcust rapidly accelerated to her insane flank speed. "LRM Carriers falling back to phase line Charlie. Shall we sound the horn and bugle boss?"

"Command detonate in five… four… three… two… one. Detonate."

The bombs Asha and her aerospace fighters had seeded the battlefield with went off simultaneously, blasting mechs and vees indiscriminately. "OHC, Up and forward, meet them at the firing positions on Phase Line Delta, and draw them back for the flankers."

"CONTACT!" Evie barked as a battered Wasp broke through into view. It was battered, with actuator and internal systems showing as it moved fast towards us. Case fired first, at long range. His Gauss rifle tore a silver streak to hit the bugmech center mass and threw it backwards like a rag doll, tumbling in two pieces as the OHC charged past the unfortunate, torn in half mech.

Kath's Marauder took the Stinger's leg off with dual PPCs, sending the bug tumbling as the command lance prepped to move. It was like that for almost a kilometer as the OHC advanced. APCs and a few light mechs had made it past the mines and artillery only to face the OHC line of brawlers and assaults. They didn't stand a chance until we met the Capellan main battle line.

'Evie, Spotter, light 'em up for indirect. LRMs stand by to fire on the bug's marks. Case, Kath, you're with me."

"Moving." Evie was doubtlessly white-knuckled on the stick, but the maniacal one gave a mocking laugh, which was mimicked by the loudspeakers sending a deep, sinister laugh as the fastest mech on the field tore forward with the other recon elements to mark targets.

It was deeply impersonal from my perspective, as I fired the first salvo of LRMs over the berm at a Trebuchet that my maniacal Troll lit up for me and the rest. My forty LRMs were joined by a hundred more, and shortly after, Bitching Betty dutifully reported "Target destroyed."

I took a quick peek at my MFD showing the entire map, the blue symbol of the FSAC was steadily munching it's way through the rear of the formation, while the strikes that Count, Asha's father had planned now brought the enemy to no more than half his armor numbers, as Gry and Albert squeezed them like a grape. What worried me was the red icons still charging the berm, not questioning. Not thinking. Not realizing that there were eighty heavy and assault 'Mechs, backed by the same number of tanks, and now the infantry mortars I had emplaced opened fire, adding to the chaos.

I checked the states of the units on the berm, and winced, as yet another target was lit up by Evie, and more LRMs went streaking after the unfortunate Awesome. We hadn't taken many dead, but a lot of infantry markers were MIA, and enough of my vehicles were showing motive damage, that I wondered if the crews had survived. But… we had held long enough, as the three other units were now slamming fully into the formation, and all that was left was the dying.

Case, for his part was baiting a Crusader and an Ostroc, Dancing through their fire while answering his own. The pair was trying to get at me, while the obnoxious and garishly painted orange Hunchback drilled the Crusader in the right hip three times until the bigger 'Mech's leg separated from its body and it fell as I launched another salvo at an Assassin.

Evie, for her part was doing very well, and Kath stayed close, systematically slicing up targets with her PPCs, and her autocannon, an Ultra model, thundered it's wrath out upon the Warhammer that had entered her sights.

Evie's bug was incredibly hard to hit, when my command lance came around the corner there were no less than five Capellan mechs "Chasing the squirrel" and trying to kill the maddening little monster running around their ranks. It said a lot about the panic the OHC had caused that when she ran between them, the most damage they seemed to be doing was to each other's legs while she sprayed them down with machine gun and laser fire, further enraging them.

Case killed the Ostroc, blasting its gyro to shards, felling the 'Mech even as Kath's warhammer opponent went down with it's right leg sheared off. I let fly on another Awesome that Evie was plaguing only to see twin PPCs slam into the hip joint of the Trollcust, and another took the knee, blowing the leg of Evie's Locust in two pieces at full throttle.

It seemed to happen in slow motion, her 'Mech pitched forward, chin slamming into the dirt, then horribly the torso rolled from the momentum causing the twenty-ton mech to somersault twice before coming to rest on it's top. The Awesome turned and began stomping forward, clearly intent on killing the pilot when I let fly with my missiles and lasers. Case's Gauss rifle sang out along with Kath's PPCs and autocannon. Everything hit, and impossibly, the assault 'Mech weathered the fire and kept stomping forward on it's mission of murder.

Then we did it again, and as we rushed forward I wasn't thinking as Bun Bun's fist went through the Awesome's cockpit as it fell.

Then another blast of PPCs lanced out hitting Kath, and lasers lanced out to caress my and Case's armor from the FSAC lines! The FSAC had shot Evie down!

While Case frantically tried to get her attention on Comms I turned toward the FSAC lines, "BUDWEISER ELEMENTS. FERRET ACTUAL CHECK FIRE CHECK FIRE!"

"Negative Ferret we're showing all hostiles on scope."

"BUDWEISER YOU JUST KILLED MY COMMAND SCOUT CHECK FIRE!"

"Motherfu…" The lead elements of the FSAC broke wide and the lead element officer came through "Budweiser elements verify targets visually. I am showing Ferret Command Units and ONLY Ferret Command units as having Liao IFF, repeat, bad target IDs, verify visually before firing!"

An autocannon shell slamming into my armor reminded me that there were still Liao mechs on the field. I turned and got back to business calling on the radio. "SAR 11, need extract on downed mechwarrior, SLDF Locust tagged Trollcust. Pilot Evangeline Kessler." I paused as I fired my missiles at the Cataphract coming into view and forced myself to say it. "Pilot condition, unknown."

It took three more minutes before the Capellans realized that they were dead and began signalling surrender by shutting down their battlemechs and tanks. A few fought all the way unto death, and those fanatics cost me too many of my own personnel.

Command Tent, FOB Alpha, Late Morning, June 17th, 3016

Case walked in, whistling. "Yo, Cabbit." I looked up from the tallies I was reading. "Troll will be fine, just banged the fuck up." He shrugged. "Serves the little troll right." He nodded, ignoring my glare at him. Looking at the papers. "How bad?"

I sighed. "Two hundred nineteen dead, Five hundred eighty-one wounded. Five LRM carriers gone, two Rhinos, figure another dozen vehicles, mostly hovers easier to scrap than repair." Case winced. "Twelve total write-offs in our 'Mechs, eight of them bugs, two Valks, and a pair of Griffins."

"... shit, I didn't realize…" Case sighed. "And damage?"

Kath shot back from where she was at a terminal. "Let's say this, if Hanse wasn't picking up the tab, we'd be out about fifty million." She looked. "That's not counting the death benefits or replacement equipment."

"Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu." Case sighed. "... as sick as this is, Kikyo? We did good. I don't think there's been a victory of this scale for the entire Third Succession War." He smiled. "And this should cheer you up. That Awesome you put down?" I nodded, the one I crushed before it could stomp Evie, he was referring to.

"Yess?"

"Pilot lived. Bad Ferret. Or in this case, not so bad. Anton Marik." Kath shot up, looking at him.

"Please tell me you're not joking. Please." Kath all but begged.

Case's savage smile answered it all. "I think we have our key for Helm, don't we?"

As sick as it was… Case was absolutely right. Not only was the victory the most lopsided in the entire Third Succession war, or at least as far as I could remember, we had just gotten the key we needed to unlock our most critical goal. Hopefully without totally wrecking relations with the Free Worlds league. But… why did I want to cry?

"So how is Evie?" Kath asked.

"She's still out cold. Concussion, re-broke her ribs on the other side this time, broken arm, broken leg and a nasty case of whiplash. She's going to be laid up for a while. Bluntly the rescue crews were amazed she lived through that crash." Case looked like he had a bit of respect. "Evie's a lot tougher than she looks, that's for sure."

Kath rolled her eyes. "And she's small enough and lucky her straps didn't break." Kath sighed, and tossed up a screen. "Preliminary survey." I raised my eyebrow.

"Oh, that's the loot?" Case suddenly was interested.

Blonde hair shifted as Kath nodded. "Around one hundred fifty to one hundred sixty 'Mechs recoverable, about the same in AFV, about the same in APC's. About half. Rest, realistically, salvage." She shrugged. "If nothing else, it cuts Hanse's bill down."

I nodded. "And we have enough spares, I think for our mechs." Kath nodded. Jaime not only upgraded our mechs to what he called IIC standards, though outside Case's Gauss rifle, the weapons were all inner sphere, but made sure we had enough spares. We'd have to buy some more for the Trollcust, though.

I stood up. "The senior colonel remaining is coming under flag of truce. I think he wants to surrender."

Case lazily smiled. "Can you blame him? We have three virtually intact brigades each with a regiment of mechs, and he's got what, to defend the capital? Three regiments, one armor, two foot infantry?" Case snorted. "Even with defenses, the piss drinkers can break that in an afternoon. Much less Black Beauty or our very own greaser."

I had to laugh, even with the pain of losses. "Yes, true. But we've already paid the cost, let's try not to add more?" I looked at the list. "Do you want to write these letters?" Case shut up instantly. "Good."

Outside my tent, Gry and Colonel Riffenberg were waiting. Across from them at a table, was a somewhat oriental man, who looked shell shocked. "Colonel Shoukov, I believe?"

".. Yes, General Onishi… may I say your beauty is only exceeded by your brutality?" I tilted my head.

"I understand the words, but to be honest, Colonel, my objective was to defeat your forces, while preserving as many of mine as I could. I succeeded." I didn't show the frost that had crept into my tone. "What would those forces have done if they had caught us unawares?"

He laughed bitterly. "Your point is taken. What are we offered to surrender without further bloodshed?"

"How many of your troops are local?" I paused. "Those that you can command to surrender."

"All. But I'd be loathe to surrender them, without some … assurances that Maskoriva's people can't get to them." He sighed. He understood my question.

"Well, I can assure you you and yours if they wish can be transferred to another Federated Suns world, one in the deep Crucis march, if you so wish." I paused, an impish thought crossing my mind. "Molino, perhaps." His confusion was clear.

"How can you assure us of that?" He finally responded.

Case snorted. "The bleeding heart here would pay for it if she had to." He snickered. "This assumes she doesn't threaten the First Prince with the couch if he doesn't do it."

"... ah, those … ah." The Colonel stood up. "Six hours, and it shall be done. If you would be so kind?"

"Of course, but we still will keep a loose net around Macbeth until the Surrender." I nodded. "Until then, Colonel."

"Until then." He bowed, and walked to the waiting VTOL.

Kath whistled. "And that, ladies and gentlemen, is how you ball an ace."

I sighed. "Hard on the eggs, though." I repeated myself. "Hard on the eggs."

MacBeth Spaceport, outside Dropship Camelot, Midday, July 3rd, 3016.

We waited in our snazzy dress uniforms, as Case put it for Hanse Davion to disembark, fresh from conquering Small World. Case joked we were to present him another bone, like good doggies, but I pointed out he paid good money, good taxpayer money for this bone, and Case had to agree. We had found the Jolassa plant, and noted the two things missing to restart production. A Gauss line, and a line for the computer that it was famed for. I honestly pointed out the Fury wasn't a great tank, and realistically, stripping it of the infantry bay and resetting the reactor line for a 240, might make a better tank. Kath actually agreed, but pointed out Jolassa was technically still in business on Bristol, making small vehicles for the AFFS.

"I still think turning it into a Demon plant makes more sense. Seriously, without an XL, it's just a command post with a gauss, what's the point…" I brought up the argument again, as Hanse Davion and Jaime Wolf stepped out of Camelot.

"Hush." Kath was tired of the debate. "I'll give you it's a so-so vehicle, but it's up to Jolassa, not us. Bat your eyes at Hanse to win, not me." She paused. "Huh. Hanse doesn't look too happy. Jaime's in a fine mood, though."

I had noticed the tightness around Hanse's jawline and eyes. I had sent a complete report on Camelot's arrival in system… maybe I shouldn't have? "I wonder why."

Case snarked. "Maybe, just maybe you understand, it's something about an Archer, you know the mech that is supposed to stay in the second line, punching out an Awesome?" He paused. "Naw, it couldn't be that, could it? Didn't he have a fiancee die that way?"

I winced. Yes, I shouldn't have sent the complete unaltered and unedited battleROMs, I was beginning to believe.

Kath shrugged. "It was that or Evie got stepped on. I personally prefer this outcome."

Case paused, and shrugged. "Can't disagree, just.. It's our job to get that close, not hers. All those years in the American army… and she still wants to play Lance leader…"

"Blame the universe, not her. Plus… didn't you only go as far as Lieutenant Colonel?" Kath inquired.

I sourly answered. "Yes, Kath, but Case has a point. Company commanders see combat, Battalion commanders shouldn't unless needed, brigade only if the situation is completely fucked up, and as for division… which I am… Well, let's say this. I'd be in front of a board with pointed questions."

Case's satisfaction as I admitted that was felt. "Now if we could get your boytoy to realize that, as well. My day would be complete!"

Asha snorted. "Davion. Though honest truth requires me to point out, it's also a Steiner and a Marik failing too. Even the Kuritas have that streak, though they're better. Honestly, the only houses that don't require their leaders to take the field… are the Periphery, just about."

I shrugged. "I'll figure some way to convince him. Part of it was he needed a triumph. Not to mention Michael's bullshit."

Hanse and Jaime had almost arrived, and we all straightened as Colonel Riffenberg arrived. As the two men walked up to us, we saluted the First Prince.

"As you were." Hanse's tone was soft, as he returned the salute, his eyes raking me, and the rest of my lance, though his eyes tightened slightly when he noted the missing member.

"Would you like a tour of the new Federated Suns Government offices?" I inquired idly, curious to see what he would say.

"Perhaps later. The occupation forces are arriving over the next week, so it will be useful to know." He nodded once, and continued. "However, I have some questions about the battle, and compliments to give our people. The compliments will be at a group formation, I believe tomorrow..." He raised an eyebrow and I nodded. That was already scheduled. "So, let's get to the questions… Xanadu?"

"Of course, this way, Sire." I was on my best behavior, and oddly enough Case was too. We all fell in perfect formation, and lead the way to Xanadu and her briefing room.

As we all were seated, Case kicked on a replay the battle at double speed, and Hanse watched it, apparently again, as he seemed to narrow in on specific aspects, and his eyes tightened at the end of the battle.

"First question, why this strategy?" Jaime asked for Hanse and himself.

I thought about it and shrugged. "They were digging into the city, I wanted to avoid civilian losses, and even with your units coming, the cost to take the city and avoid excessive civilian losses would still be in my view, obscene, both in our personnel and civilian personnel. This offered a chance to avoid that."

Jaime nodded, a pleased smile on his face. Hanse sighed.

"The flaw is, it counted on them being stupid." His eyebrow raised for it. "Almost every officer does study historical tactics, General."

I shook my head. "Not as much as you would presume. Would I try it against Jaime, or a Davion Guards unit? Absolutely not." I smiled as Jaime snickered. "They at least understand true shock combat, and would be quite aware of mobile killsack ambushes. A flaw on the enemy's part, and one that could have ruined the trap was the lack of use of VTOL assets, for example. I doubt that the Guards or the Dragoons would make that mistake."

"At the very least our screens would have been better, yes." Jaime nodded.

"It counted on them actually understanding a maxim, an old one. 'I attack a target the enemy must succor'" I tilted my head. "Combined with Duke Marik needing a triumph, Capellan greed, and the simple concept of attacking logistics… Along with the fact he needed leverage to get off planet if the situation turned sour, it wasn't stupid on his part, as much as a gamble."

Hanse thought about it and nodded once finally. "You based your plan on the enemy, not on what you could do. It won't work all the time, and even the Capellans won't fall for it again, at least their better personnel." I nodded at that. He finally smiled slightly. "But a glorious triumph it is, and it explains why Small World and Indi fell so easily. With a bit of luck, Eridani will fall as fast, too."

I nodded. With the battles raging up and down the Confederation's borders, the CCAF had to be desperately short of personnel and advanced heavy equipment. Choices would have to be made.

He sighed. "Now. Colonel Wolf? Colonel Steiner, Leftenant Winter?" All three nodded, and the males departed, with Kath shooting back. "No hitting!" Hanse blinked at that. As she departed, his confused face turned to me. "Does she…"

I shook my head smiling. "No, it was me she was referring to."

"Aaah." He waited until the door was closed. "Now. what in hell were you thinking. Being on the front lines, and personally tangling with an assault mech in a Archer?" He paused, his voice intent. "That is not your place or the 'Mech for such a place!"

I looked heavenward. I understood why he was upset. "Before we get to screaming, let me ask you this. Weren't you at Halstead Station? Aren't you taking risks leading this campaign?"

"Of course. It is my job as First Prince." He shrugged. "Putting aside the political gains, part of the duty of the First Prince is to lead."

"And that's your answer." I looked at him. "Yes, I fully agree an Archer has no place punching an Awesome, though considering the situation, I'd do it again." I shrugged. "And my training pretty much states a division commander has no place on the front lines, as well. But, here and now… that's not true. And my people have to know I can and will take the same risks." I looked him in the eye. "First principle of leadership."

Hanse sighed. "Never ask someone to do what you are unwilling to do." He sighed. "And the timing wasn't perfect, so… every 'Mech was needed." He thought about it for a moment, and nodded once. "Can you avoid it in the future? I don't think my heart can take that or the worst outcome."

I nodded, smiling. "If you act as a true First Prince, and commander, I think I can act as a General, yes." He tilted his head, sensing a trap.

"Until we're sure of Morgan, or your heir is fit to rule…" I shrugged. "Replacing you isn't in the cards."

"... Ardan and Ran will be pleased." He finally responded, stepping over. "I wanted to say more, but in the end, you're right. Leaders must lead. And you hadn't proven yourself as a junior officer or low level commander. Now you have." He sighs. "I wish you'd be a more typical actress… or low level noble, but then again, you'd not be you." Taking me into his arms, he rested his head on top. "Which is why we're both assaulting Eridani. This way we both can keep each other behaving." I felt his grin.

"... I'd take a bet that won't work, but…" His rueful laughter was the answer.

Command Center, Dropship Xanadu, En Route to Epsilon Eridani, August 5th, 3016.

Hanse sighed. "Well, the Thirty-Fourth and Cobras are en route, and should arrive in September to Ares." I looked at him, eyebrow raised.

"Intelligence indicates that Maximilian is going to write off Texlos, to save Ares, damn Michael…" He sighed. Michael had managed to pour all the additional and new equipment the AFFS had assigned to his march for his assault, while pulling one of the units assigned to Ares off.

"... So the Big Mac goes to Ares?" I finally asked after a moment of thought, and Hanse's nod. "I see, hopefully those units can arrive in time."

"His glory hounding is screwing up our expansion plans." Hanse finally admitted. "But it's working, and with the equipment you've captured, at the very least, we won't be weaker than when we started, and the Draconis March will be better off." Hanse sighed.

"Just think, we'll have two more tank factories, Ares, Texlos. Yes, we're going to be behind where you wanted to be at the end of this year, but two to three years down the road?" I raised an eye.

Hanse's eye shifted to the map, and Tikonov was cupped in the hologram. I sighed.

"No. Don't be greedy. We can't do it, not now. I had to talk you out of sending Wolf to pick up the other three worlds, remember?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Now, no, you're right. Three years from now?" His smile was wolfish. "We shall see."

I tilted my head for a moment and thought. "Run it by Ran, and let's try it without denuding the Crucis March?" He nodded. We had gotten lucky no one hit the central march of the Federated Suns yet, but that luck couldn't last, and a major campaign to take arguably the second most critical world of the Confederation would require massive commitment, and tempt the Dragon… as well as pirates.

"That is the plan." He finally said. Opening another file on the display, a map appeared, and a smile grew.

"Outstanding!" I looked at the map, seeing the strategic display.

"Oh… Janos…" I sighed. "The Lancers went for Sirius without him?"

"Yes, they did, and since the 2nd Ducal Guard is there, Janos is following, though he's agreed to meet us on Eridani before he goes." Hanse thought for a moment. "And I wanted to tell you earlier, but Blackhand reported complete and total success. The Core is ours, and the lovely Miss Cunningham assures us that no one will know that Keeler loaded a proto Prometheus on it." His smile was wolfish.

Mine was as well. If it was Katrina? I'd fully agree to letting her in. Janos… not so much. Putting aside that the Marik family post-Marion Marion's immediate heirs were… at best power greedy, and at worst disasters; SAFE, the Free World League's intelligence service was… not the best, meaning Comstar would know before we had gotten the Core safely home we had it. The 'Mechs and equipment? Not so much of a threat.

"So, my suggestion?"

Hanse gave me a nod to my question. "He gets half, you get a quarter, I get a quarter. If he agrees. He will, with Anton on a silver platter for him, and the Ironside Plant… and my sweetener." I raised an eyebrow at that.

"In exchange for a five year cease-fire, with Katrina, I'll allow him to keep to the current purchase arrangement, maybe some modifications. And you get a movie to remind people just how bad the Kuritas are. And that the only difference between Jinjiro and his father, was how personal they liked it." Hanse's expression was fey. Helm had been effectively depopulated from orbit by Minoru Kurita, while Kentares IV had received the same, just with blades and bullets via his son, Jinjoru's orders.

"This is of course, assuming Janos goes along." I noted.

Hanse shrugged. "I think he will, if not, we keep Anton, and fall back on Plan B."

"Singing from orbit?" I inquired.

Hanse's smile was amused. "He does have some taste, yes."

I looked at another map, showing a collection of dots. My jumpships. "And the command chain we're building?"

"It'll be done in about a month, month and a half, if all goes according to plan. Huesta is the end, per your information, and given that it wasn't on the Argo's map, yes, MIIO agrees it was a Rim Worlds' hidden base." He smiled slightly. "Maybe another shipyard!" I snorted.

"Not that lucky." I shook my head. "No matter. Find it, get it, bring it home." I raised my eyebrow.

"Those are your orders, yes." He shrugged. "With a bit of luck, your metal friend will join you, but I'd not count on that, not at all."

I nodded. Drakensis would be nice, but realistically, he was a half year away. It wasn't as if we'd need his welcome firepower anyways.

Main Spaceport, Madison, Epsilon Eridani, Local Early Evening, August 21st, 3016

Epsilon Eridani - with only militia, Kressly's corporate forces, and a single lone 'Mech battalion - had surrendered without a fight, the CCAF regulars boarding dropships and fleeing with others who did not want to be part of the regime change. Hanse was a bit annoyed. The Heavy Guards more so at the Heavy Cav, which had gotten all the glory in this campaign, but I pointed out to one of their battalion commanders, they had captured one and a half worlds, without any real losses.

This amusingly didn't cheer them up, another commander pointing out that I crushed four regiments of mechs. Oh, well, can't please them all.

"Captain-General!" Hanse's voice boomed in good cheer, as the older man strode forward to exchange a warrior's handshake with Hanse.

"First Prince! May I be the first to congratulate you on your successes? Texlos, Ronel, Epsilon Indi, Small World, Tybalt, and now Eridani." Janos' smile was wide. "I cannot boast of such success, though my realm's efforts have born some fruit, I suppose."

"Carver V, and I have some information that you will find most intriguing there, Hall, Pella II, Jasmine, Shiba and Sigma Mare." Hanse shook his head. "As well as engaged at least a dozen Capellan commands. WIthout you, my successes would not have been as glorious, and finally, Sirius."

Janos shook his head. "I'll be going to Sirius with my unit to finish that… though I have a question for you, about that." Hanse's eyebrow rose. "I understand that the Dragoons are under contract to you, until the end of the year, then I have acquired their services, to use against Liao or the Lyrans…" Hanse nodded. "Colonel Wolf has indicated that he would accept one regiment transfer early, if you would be…"

Hanse pretended to think about it, but was fast. "Of course. Weakening the Liaos is in my benefit as well, and as it happens, the Dragoons did not have as much action as we projected."

Janos turned to me, with a smile, and a slight bow, as I got the hint and held out my hand to be kissed. Straightening up, he smiled. "This lovely young general is why. Colonel Wolf must be annoyed that she stole his glory."

I smiled. "Colonel Wolf and I are at least friendly acquaintances, he was amused that a young actress that two of his best had a hand in shaping lead her forces to such a victory this soon."

Janos laughed. "And the prizes, the prizes." He shook his head. Hanse had offered Janos Xanadu's rooms for a private conference, and we had been walking this way. "Be careful, Hanse, some might be tempted to steal such a prize from you." Hanse grinned.

"I am taking steps to assure that will not happen." My eyebrow rose, I knew my contract with the Suns was also up at the end of the year, and four generous offers had come in, but none from the Suns yet.

Janos smiled slightly at that. "Considering the offer I know that I extended… Quite Generous, almost equal to the Dragoon's."

Hanse just smiled, as we walked up the stairs to Xanadu's hatch. I had to laugh slightly. "I'm afraid in pure generosity, Katrina has you beat, Captain General." Janos' eyebrow rose at that. "As for entertainment value, the Canopian offer was amazing, and I am amused that the Dragon actually bid on my services."

"Well, Hanse, I note a name not in there." Janos' eyebrow rose.

"Working on a proper one." Hanse nodded with a fox's grin. We arrived at the conference room, where three guards were waiting. One from my command, a Davion Guardsman, and a Marik Militiaman.

Shortly, we were settled in, and Keria had served us, slipping out. Case came in, professional and clean, his uniform and fruit salad simply stating who and what he was.

"Gentlemen, Ma'am, we are secure." Hanse nodded. Janos' eyebrow rose slightly, but a slight grin was on his face.

Hanse turned to Janos, and a smile answered Janos' amused look. "Winters, can you bring up the Carver V map, by chance?" Case's click of the boots and the holodisplay was his answer.

A gold icon was on the map, ringed. "I'm sure you'd be interested in this. MIIO indicates that the old Brooks, Inc. Ironsides plant was only mothballed. Not destroyed." Hanse shrugged slightly. "It may need some more parts, but, I have a possible solution for you."

"That is interesting information, actually, Your Highness. If it pans out, then I will owe you a boon, irrespective of the boon I owe the General, of course."

Hanse turned to me with a smile. "Perhaps this is …" I stood up, and turned to Case, who popped another world in the holo display.

"Helm, I want half, with half of my share to go to the First Prince, since he's financing my operations." I paused, to see Janos' expression

"... you believe you know where the infamous cache is?" Janos grinned. "I'd wager even with your recent streak… Your half brother, the Lyran one didn't know, or he'd have hit it." I nodded.

"Before I get into that information, I would appreciate…" Janos held up his hand.

"For Anton, for the Carver V information, I agree. It is worth it." Turning to Hanse. "As for the cease fire with the Archon… Bah, who cares about five years. Liao is here and now. He owes me. He owes my realm. It will be collected." Hanse nodded. Katrina had signaled she'd agree to it.

I pulled up the location, and nodded once. "The Special Weapons Depot of the Star League Navy, in the Free Worlds, gentlemen." I traced the river, showed how it went under, and how it behaved. "As you can see…"

"... Well. How do we get in?" Janos turned to look at Hanse, who simply nodded.

Hanse shrugged, smiling. The chip had just been delivered the day before, and was in my hand.

"One of the keys was a bit of information that we verified, our apologies, Your Grace, but we sent a team in to confirm it before we presented this to you. Major Keeler keyed it to a chip that became the local lord's regalia."

Janos began to frown, then nodded once. "And you verified the chip existed and would do what it should?"

"Yes, Your Grace." Case responded. "Combined with the rumor that Keeler tried to put together a Prometheus… But we are not sure he had enough time to load it or finish it, and we didn't want to risk any failsafes. At least the team we sent in."

Janos paused for a moment, then sighed. "Consider that forgiven. It would be bad form if you did not have all your ducks in a row." He grinned. "And for the prize? Of course."

He carefully studied the hologram, and then nodded. "By any chance are you ready to depart immediately?"

Case looked at me and I nodded. "Sir, the Command Brigade is ready to lift in twelve hours, though our second brigade is tasked as garrison here, and the First is set to garrison Tybalt."

Hanse sighed dramatically. "Janos… can it wait a day? I was planning to have a pleasant evening…"

Janos paused for a moment, then laughed. "One day is no great tasking, I would say, and it would take that long to set the orders in motion as it stands. My apologies. He paused, then nodded. "Would you prefer to come along?"

"Alas, Ran Felsner is annoyed enough with me, and I should return to New Avalon." Hanse's dramatic sigh was answered by Janos' rueful smile.

"I've had some sharp comments from my staff as well, I understand. Your lovely general will just have to stand in your stead, while I work out ways to enhance the offer. Helm, at long last… Even if Keeler didn't finish it… who knows?" Janos smiled.

"Who knows indeed." I smiled at the Captain General.

Private Dining Room, Dropship Xanadu, Madison, Epsilon Eridani, Late Local Evening

Hanse handed me the updated contract, and I raised an eyebrow. The offer wasn't ungenerous, but given the offers from Katrina and Janos… "I do hope you aren't counting on a hometown discount."

He laughed. "Actually, if you'd note, the offer explicitly retains Winterfell as the home base, as well as at AFFS purchase rates." He shrugged. "I'm pretty sure Janos didn't make that offer, and Katrina is unlikely to be as generous. Nor would she consider some other deals we've made."

I thought about it, and shrugged. "It would be simpler, yes, and allow us to keep building, but it's not just my decision. The Steiner option is very tempting in pure cash, and that will be part of the decision."

Hanse nodded. While I was the commander and head of the unit, I did give the command council input and voting rights on contracts, and this had to go to them. In terms of cash, it was about one hundred and fifty perfect over our operating costs, but the additional benefits regarding purchasing of new equipment, supplies and other non direct monetary concerns put it in reaching distance of Janos' offer, though Katrina's offer was three times our operating costs, plus a discount on purchasing from Lyran firms. The fact is, the other two had not offered de facto tactical authority, nor command authority without any restrictions, for example Janos' offer only extended to missions that we performed alone, and Katrina's was based on rank.

When you add in the clauses that regarded salvage and well replacements lost in combat, the offers were about the same. Both Janos' and Katrina's offers included clauses about lostech discoveries, that made it clear they were counting on us finding some, and taking it from us, at their option, while Hanse's offer treated it as any other salvage… I was sure which offer would be taken, but it had to go to the council.

"I can say how I will vote, and I'm sure Kath will prefer to stay in the Suns, but that leaves Gry, Cook, Sheldon and a few others. When they all have a chance, we'll vote."

Hanse nodded. "So, you think you'll be done with the movie about… late October, then to Huesta for late November, and with a bit of luck, back in December?"

I wiggled my hand. "Maybe. Depending on how the acting goes, I could have the film done by early October." I paused. "No assurances, but in general, as long as you get the shooting, you can always redo the lines afterwards." Hanse smiled at that.

"Bit different than military operations, I presume." He sighed. "Still… do try to hurry back." I nodded.

I paused, and noted something. "Now with a successful test of the KF sensors, we have some idea how far Comstar's ability to see is. Kath's going to poach the Argo, and check out Satarra." I shrugged. "It should be safe, and away from prying eyes, given that Ross and Lutyen are towards us, not the Lyrans."

Hanse smiled. "Additional warships would be a good idea, agreed. I'm not sure how we'll check on those two anchorages." He thought about it, then shrugged. "As for the rest, well."

I nodded. Odessa was fairly easy to check out and was being done, New Dallas a pain, as we believed Comstar had a watch, but a plan was underway for that, as well. The rest, not so much Hanse was operating off that we had some time. And he didn't want to steal Odessa, at least until he saw what Huesta and Satarra had to offer.

"So, unless we get lucky again, back by December?" Hanse inquired. I thought about it, and shrugged. To help us along, a temporary modification of a Behemoth had been done, turning it into a fighter carrier, as well as a passenger liner. Sending two out would mean we could acquire any assets and be back reasonably fast, though the command chain we had quietly and hopefully without notice built from Helm to Huesta was on average nine rings in capability. We'd have another chain connecting us to Federated Suns space for the rest.

"That's likely." I sighed. "I do think adding a Aqueduct full of helium and hydrogen is a bit much, Hanse. We'll not get that lucky again." He laughed.

"I don't know, you didn't expect Watchtower did you?" He raised an eyebrow. I conceded the point. "See?"

"I think you're just greedy." I smiled back.

"Of course, I'm a Prince, I think it's in the rulebook somewhere." He leaned forward and smiled. "Then you'll stay on New Avalon for a while. I think we need to see where this is going once and for all."

"Yes, we do." I thought about the time involved. Any heir of Hanse from me, would have to be soon, or a Melissa match would be off the table. "Very soon, in fact."

Hanse smiled. "Good. Hurry home, then, but before you go…"

I stood up. "I'm not leaving here yet. We have some time…"

"I don't plan on talking." Hanse leaned forward, a roguish smirk on his lips as he sought to capture mine.

Before we made our way to my cabin, I thought at least not with words, eh, Hanse?

Nagayan Mountains, Helm, Local Morning, September 29th, 3016

We had arrived at Helm by September the 3rd, and were waiting on Janos himself. My command brigade had spread out, and with the actors we had managed to join us, had hilariously finished shooting all but a few scenes of the movie, and may I say, Uri made an excellent Keeler? And he had a blast doing it.

Now that Janos had finished Sirius, he had arrived, looking grim. He apologized, but the last action before the Capellans had fled Sirius, hurt him, and I empathized with him. Killing your own son…

Janos looked at where we were at, and sighed. "It's a bit cold here. Can we be about this?"

I nodded and Case sent the signal. Shortly the groans and creaks were heard, as the complex's main gates opened up. After the first joint teams went in, we waited thirty minutes as Janos attempted to flirt, and my raised eyebrow answered him. His grin indicated he thought he had to try, or was doing it for other reasons. After a bit of small talk on industry and shipping, and how it affected war, the all clear signal was given, and we walked in.

"Your Grace, M'lady? This way please." A major of the FLWM escorted us.

Janos whistled as he looked at the Field Library terminal. "So?"

"Your Grace, M'lady?" The senior FWL tech looked at both of us. "I'm sorry, but Major Keeler hadn't uploaded his assembled information yet. He was to do it a week after Minoru attacked."

Janos cursed. He cursed again, then settled down. "Well… damn."

I nodded, hoping he believed it, as he was highly likely to ask Alt, who we had spent weeks practicing this with.

"Well, I still want to see it, let's go." Janos strode forward, looking at the cavern we walked through shaking his head at the workmanship. Shortly, we were at the main computer room, where Alt was still combing though.

"Your Grace, M'lady?" Alt nodded from her chair. "The good news is while his full datastore isn't here, he had a preliminary block of information, besides the control files and inventory for the location." Janos' eyes brightened, and mine narrowed. What the hell was Hanse playing at.

"What information?" I asked, keeping a hint of excitement in my voice.

The other Leaguer tech spoke up, her soft soprano answering. "It appears to be information on soil decontamination, how to deal with nuclear fallout, water purification, agricultural information, some primary and secondary educational methods and informational blocks, by and large." Janos seemed torn.

"Part of me is upset there's nothing about weapons or other advanced technologies." He finally answered. "The other part of me, realizes restoring Star League-era farming and water purification is a boon without price, and well, all things equal." Janos tilted his head. "Young Baroness, I recommend that we follow the old adage here."

I look at him, and see his slight smile. "Never look a gift horse in the mouth, I believe."

"Truth." I thought about it, and nodded. "The amount of good this will do alone…" Janos nodded.

"It isn't war winning, but it is quality of life, and I can see why Keeler put this in first. It's also possible he left more, too, I suppose." Alt twirled a lock of hair. "I'd bet on more quality of life items, as he seemed to start with the items the Terrans while trying to keep secret, didn't try very hard to."

Janos nodded. "You said there's an inventory?" He brightened some more. "Let's hear it."

The other tech spoke up again. "At the current count, it seems to be around 644 mechs, 530 Aerospace fighters, nearly fifteen hundred armored fighting vehicles, and over three thousand support units, Your Grace." Janos did a slow whistle at this.

"And spare parts?" I inquired… "And the last generation bays?" Those were what I was interested in.

Alt spoke for them. "It appears to be well over a megaton of spare parts, and enough bays to easily support a Star League Army." Janos whistled again. "Of more interest is the seven dropships."

Janos paused and shrugged slightly, grinning, some clouds dispelled. "Part of me wants to renegotiate the deal. The other part is going, overall? Without your information, we'd not have found it, and as such… And I do suspect the Prince would have words if I tried to adjust the deal." He seemed a bit happier as he finished.

Janos turned around and nodded at me. "I'll go and look around a bit, I think, care to join me, while I see what I can do to adjust my offer?"

I thought about it and nodded. "Of course, Your Grace, I have nothing but time." This was,of course, a lie.

Breakfast Nook, Dropship Xanadu, Nagayan Mountains, Local Morning, Sept 30th, 3016.

"Thank you for having me for breakfast, M'lady, I found your coffee quite invigorating." Janos smiled at me across the table. "I'm curious, however, why?"

I smiled at him, and took a sip of the coffee. "I'd like you to know what I'm doing with some of my share. Hanse hasn't updated me on what he wants done with the data, but the materials, at least the bays, I'm thinking a fair bit should be sold to Katrina." Janos' expression turned dark for a moment, and I hurried on. "Your Grace, this isn't just to balance you. You have a five year ceasefire with her. If she feels that at the end of it…"

Janos' eyes narrowed as he shifted to thinking. "A point, a point. Why tempt her into breaking it before the time. Though… a request?" I politely waited. "Don't sell her too much, please, nor any direct military equipment?"

I shook my head. "The 'Mechs are mine. I need those." He laughed. I shrugged. "And to be fair, they'll be used very likely against the Dragon, so…"

"Almost as good as using them herself, eh?" He nodded. "It doesn't hurt that Hanse is trying to at least bring peace between me and her, so he can have his two main enemies boxed, no?"

I looked innocent. "Have you ever considered that he might be thinking more than just the short term edge it gives him against the Federated Sun's true foes?"

Janos barked out a laugh. "Ha. Unless he wanted me as the First Lord… these wars are over that empty seat."

I thought on how to phrase this. "Are they, are they really, anymore?" Janos' eyebrow rose. "Is Terra worth killing people over and over again for? Is a throne that at best allowed you to manage five lords, instead of Parliament worth it? The Star League was an ideal that your ancestor and Ian Cameron founded. But… it didn't even last in that idea ten years from it's true founding before…"

"The Reunification War." Janos nodded. "I will concede your point about the Council does have its drawbacks." He laughed. "Though I'd argue trying to manipulate or politic five people is easier than Parliament. But your point is true." He thought for a long moment while enjoying my cook's efforts. "I will say this. Marik will never bow to anyone else. Much less a Steiner or a Liao, We would die first." He shrugged. "And with your movie, do please release it in the League, m'dear, I think we need reminding of the Dragon… and how fatal it would be to our souls to bow to them."

"That leaves the Davions." Marik laughed at that.

"We won't bow to them, either, my dear." He sobered. "But I will say that they are the least bad of us. If nothing else, honesty compels me to admit they're the least apt to war crimes, and I understand his desire to be short of the special weapons that should have been here. Keeler wanted them gone, and they were."

"Yes, he was hoping for the future, not the end of it." Janos nodded in response to my statement. "What are you going to do with the actual complex?" I was curious.

Janos looked at his plate and thought about it for a moment. "Would you believe I didn't think about that yet?" He grinned. "While it might be tempting to turn it into a defensive work, realistically, it'd only protect Helm… and Helm isn't worth anyone's time." He shrugged.

I thought for a moment, then nodded. "A suggestion then. There is that laboratory setup, as well as some chemical processors, why not use it to start testing the Agricultural chemicals? As well as a monument to the past?"

Janos was clearly thinking, and a sharp laugh. "And of course, since there's enough room, perhaps set up the needed factory to build the water purification equipment. That should do. Of course, that means Helm becomes a target." His smile indicated that wasn't a problem for him.

My smile answered that. "Isn't this the Juggernaut's home?" I also shrugged. "And if Katrina raids… well, the political fury in Parliament…"

"Well said, yes." He grinned. "And it should be interesting to see how she gnashes her teeth at her having to buy items to fix her worlds from Hanse and… me." His booming laugh indicated he was very much amused by the Lyrans having to spend money in his realm.

"While any student of history knows trading partners are not always going to be at peace, after all, sometimes people believe it's easier to take.." I trailed off, pondering. "Sometimes it's a way to make friends. Just sometimes."

Janos shook his head. "Ah, youth. You mentioned the problem with it to begin with, young lady. People, and sometimes good people, not just bad ones, believe as you stated.. It's easier to take." He thought about it, and shrugged. "That in the most simplest way, is the whole issue of the Succession Wars in detail."

I had to admit, he was right. And no one was innocent, just a few less guilty. I finally responded. "If war is easy, shouldn't we try something harder?" I thought about it. "We don't know where the Star League in Exile is, it's a big universe, and the Star League created wonders that aren't possible to be equaled. If we all worked together…"

Janos shook his head. "If it was just that… perhaps. But Liao, at least right now, no. And I'm sure you know about the Dragon." I had to nod at that. "And let's be honest. House Centrella, House Calderon?" His snort indicated the likely possibility.

"We won't know if we don't try…" I trailed off.

"Odd view for a lady who shoots things for money." His smile took the sting out of his words.

I looked him in the eye. "I value not having to write letters more than I do money."

Janos' eyes narrowed, and he for a long moment said nothing. Finally he answered. "That… is not a sentiment I can say is wrong. No father should outlive his children, as well. As it stands… I don't see this changing, though, young lady."

"And if the worlds have shifted?" I challenged him.

"... Then my view may change. But that would have to be a major shift, young General, that would have to be a major shift." Janos took a sip of his coffee. "And one I don't see possible."

I simply looked him in the eye. "I do."

His expression indicated that he didn't, but wasn't going to openly disagree. "Perhaps you're right. Perhaps." He paused for a moment. "Youth does tilt at windmills."

Bridge, Dropship Xanadu, Huesta System, New Avalon Morning, Oct 17th

"... Armstrong, are you kidding me?" I finally responded to his report, and I felt Hanse's delighted and loud laughter here.

"No, m'lady. I am not. Three stations for shipbuilding, at the least." His voice was gleeful.

"... I'm so glad Kath and Case aren't here." I finally stated. Evie was snickering.

"Because they'd be reminding you Hanse told you so?" The smaller redhead laughed.

I nodded. "Yes, I hope Mara's going well for them."

Evie scowled. "I don't get why they said I couldn't come along."

"I quote: 'First, this is heavy combat, you're not ready. Second, someone besides Asha has to be able to watch the ferret's back.'" I rolled my eyes. "Like a battalion of armored marines isn't enough. Or the platoon of operators."

"If you want it done right…" Evie caroled at me.

I rolled my eyes. "Yeah, let's go see what the stations have."

Shortly we were walking through the quiet and airless stations. I had to shake my head, as Alt had booted up one, apparently the command one, and was just shaking her head.

"Well, all I can say at this rate, I'll be able to afford your products. And I mean the jumpships." the Computer geek, who looked like she could compete with me in modeling or pure sex appeal in her own way, snickered. "Anyways, the stations can produce jumpships, aerospace fighters, and stations of their own. Will take a bit, but it looks like once we get these home, the FSN's woes, with Castle Watchtower's horde, are solved."

Evie cackled. "I CLAIM THESE STATIONS IN THE NAME OF MY WALL.. ow." She felt the hit on her helmet. "Why?"

"They belong to Challenger, which is owned by Hou-ou Holding, which also owns the Heavy Cav, and you have shares in it, voting shares, remember?"

"Oh.. yeah." Evie sighed. "Still…"

"Ha… Ha… Ha." Alt deadpanned. "Well. As it stands…" She ticked off her fingers. "Not counting the three dropships we brought along, Total rings needed appears to be… one hundred sixty-seven."

Evie whistled. "That's… a lot of transport." She looked at me and nodded. "Quick math shows that'll be… sixteen weeks." I shook my head.

"Not quite that bad, those four Star Lords that the stations completed, once activated can join the lift on the way home. And it's what it is." I shrugged. "We actually are better off on lift, remember? The chain is one Monolith, one Star Lord to Illon, for fifteen rings, then equivalent to Eridani."

Alt nodded. "So, effectively eleven weeks. Actually, given everything…" She thought. "Call it nine, to get everything home, or at least out of here." I and Evie looked at her.

"The Star Lords, Baroness." She grinned. "Everything here is yours, per the agreement."

I smiled innocently. "I can hear Hanse's howls, after he finishes laughing now."

Evie cackled. "So, we're going to wait, or start bringing the units to New Avalon?"

I shook my head. "We'll move the first two immedialy, while we're activating the Star Lords." Everyone nodded. I sighed. "Let's get to work, I want to head to New Avalon, I've not seen my sister for more than a few days at a time for over two years, and even the annoyance for more. That's got to stop."

Evie rolled her eyes. "It'd be nice to stop moving, yes." She brightened. "Do we know what the command council voted on?"

I tilted my head. "I don't know. Out of the thirteen votes, I know… seven. Mine was for the Suns, Uri's was for the Lyrans, Kath's was abstain, Gry voted Suns, Meta Jinks, the Lyrans, and Albert Suns. 3-3, basically, with one not voting. So… the remaining six will determine. If it's the Lyrans…"

Evie made a face. "We pack up and go. Blah!" She shook her head. "Who's left?"

Alt broke in. "The Count, Cook, Rios for Blackhand, though he wants to transfer that, our new chief admin officer, Colonel Jackson and Ahmad."

Evie looked at me. "Count, no idea, Rios likey for the Suns, Jackson for the Suns, Ahmad and Evie senior… not sure, either."

"Blah!" I nodded. "We'll know by December 1st, yes."

Bridge of Dropship Xanadu, Ford System (LC), Midday, Dec 11th, 3016.

We weren't too far wrong from how long it'd take, and already the first station should have arrived in the Suns, with the second station making its way through the chain. The last station had been disassembled, and at least a week ago the last components and the Star Lords had departed Huesta.

"Why are we waiting?" Evie grumbled. "We should be headed to New Avalon. We'd make it for Christmas!"

I shrugged. "Orders. At least we know we're staying in the Suns." Evie brightened at that. The vote had come though, and the Count and Evie Cook had sealed the deal, before the others could vote. Five more years. Oddly enough, Ahmad had not voted, though he pointed out that we were at risk of becoming a Davion pet unit. Though he admitted that the only other nation worth working for was the Lyrans, unless one of the Periphery realms could match their offers.

"Contact. Bearing… 284, by 45, coming from the zenith. Velocity is on match, speed 20 kps. No accel. Two ships, one between eleven and twelve thousand tons, another just below five thousand. Tentative ident, Achilles, Vengeance." The sensor tech reported, as the bridge went quiet. "Distance, eight four zero zero zero kilometers."

"Hold that thought, Evie." I punched a button on the chair. "Butch!" Micte Messana, our command fighter boss rejoiced in the call sign for some odd reason.

"I heard, boss. Detaching the fighters now." We had brought home the two Behemoths, semi configured for fighter carrying, and they had between them seventy two aerospace fighters, and twenty gunboats. Not an insignificant number. I watched as my two Sparrowhawks from Xanadu launched as well.

I looked at Melisa bin Salah al Din, the Captain of Xanadu. "Hail them, please."

It took a fair few seconds, but eventually a picture appeared on the main display. A Japanese phenotype male, looking fierce appeared. I recognized the face. My Lyran half brother, Celestino Fuji.

"Well, sister. We have things to discuss, as well as Takashi wishes you to be his guest. You will cut your ships drives and prepare to be boarded."

I blinked. I blinked again. Evie's cursing wasn't being transmitted but I still made a signal for her to be quiet. She obeyed, though shooting me a glare. Nodding at the communications tech I simply spoke.

"I am afraid that I'm going to have to decline the Coordinator's invitation. As for your discussion, you are a traitor twice over. I have no truck with them, nor should anyone else."

His expression in a second turned ugly. "What would a slut like you know about honor? Our father was working for a Free Skye. While right, we need to restore the Hegemony, and under a proper First lord! Bah! My fighters will solve this." He cut the transmission.

Evie thought for a moment as I radioed Micte. "Butch, expect combat, do keep our Behemoths out of it?"

"Copy that. Shouldn't be a big problem. Even if they're actually Dracs, we have a two to one edge, and that assault ship isn't going to leave the Vengeance alone." The fighter boss looked relaxed. "We'll launch in twenty for a match intercept about fifteen minutes out, I think."

I didn't argue with those who knew what they were doing, and just said. "Understood. Good hunting."

"Thanks." The line was cut, and I turned to Evie who looked at me.

"Your brother is a cunt." I had to laugh.

The minutes ticked, and about four minutes before Micte was to launch, another tech spoke out. "Sensor report, KF Signal, Star Lord type." I paused and looked at Melissa who simply nodded.

"Detach and prepare to maneuver. It's getting crowded here. Time to emergence?"

"Estimate of one five minutes."

I was beginning to sweat. If this was a DCMS jumpship, and was carrying dropships…

"Reaction from the Achilles and Vengeance, they're accelerating!" another sensor tech called out. "Commodore is launching her birds!"

Evie asked what I was thinking. "Why would they speed up if that's their ship?"

Melissa looked at us both. "Because it isn't?" She had thought it though. "We'll find out in about fourteen minutes, I suppose."

Everyone nodded at that.

Watching space combat from your dropship is both intense and boring, in a weird way. All the holo dramas make for this and that, and as anyone knows, it's not the same. Micte's pilots, including Asha had made mincemeat of the Draconic flyboys who came out to meet them. Only six Slayers and six Eagles competed with her twelve each Rapiers, Stuka, and Vulcans, much less the eight Eagles. The remaining twenty-eight medium and light fighters to the Combine, were torn apart by the lights and gunboats, while the disaster was complete for the heavier birds. This wasn't to say that they went alone. A Corsair was no longer among the living, and all the gunboats and heavy aerospace fighters had some damage, mostly armor, thankfully.

As the last Combine fighter disappeared, I could see the Achilles and Vengeance hesitate, and the Star Lord appear from its jump. Its Sail had the Sun and Sword emblazoned on it, and I felt everyone's, including my relief.

A minute later three ships detached, two Avengers, and one Xanadu's warbook identified as Camelot. This convinced the DCA's crews it was a good time to be elsewhere, as they went to full acceleration, and set course for the Nadir.

God dammit, Hanse! I wanted those ships, but this would make it… difficult.

"Ma'am, I'm calling off Micte, we're done for the day." Melissa simply stated, coming to the same conclusion I did.

"We're being hailed by Camelot." another tech responded.

"Tell her we'll meet her." I looked at Melissa who simply nodded, and set about doing so. "I am not very happy."

Evie snarked as she followed me, once I got up. "I bet. What's this about being a good First Prince and staying home? Or a good general and being off the front lines? Naw, it's not like either of you are good…"

"Argh!"

Docking Port, Dropship Xanadu, Ford System, Early Afternoon

"Federated Suns, Arriving!" was heard over the loudspeakers

My boots clicked slightly as I released and triggered the mag clamps as Hanse swam across. Saluting the flag on the bulkhead and then saluting the captain, he spoke. "Permission to come aboard?'

Melissa, the captain returned his salute, and spoke. "Permission Granted. This way, sir." She escorted him to us, where his eyebrow raised at my expression.

"I think we should discuss this in a more private place, and I do have a few things to tell you, one of which is why I'm here, instead of being a good First Prince." He tried his roguish grin, but I wasn't impressed. A steward escorted us to my office, where he took a couch, and strapped himself in, as the ship wasn't under thrust.

I took mine, and simply looked at him. "Why, praytell, are you not on New Avalon?'

Hanse sighed. "Because a diplomatic opportunity happened. Since I had our ambassador handle the sales you wanted, which still aren't even close to being complete, Katrina invited you to handle the sales." I rolled my eyes at that, I figured her plan.

"I'd bring Kath along. Let her deal with her clone." Hanse snickered at that.

"Well, yes, but the ambassador countered with an offer for me to do it, I believe as a joke, but Katrina agreed. She even extended an invitation to Janos, who indicated he'd consider it."

My eyebrows rose at that. "Well… I see. So you are being a good First Prince." I sighed. "Still… your timing…"

Hanse raised an eyebrow. "Yes, what was that unpleasantness about?"

"My Lyran half-brother decided to deliver an invitation from Takashi." Hanse's expression grew cold. "Quite. He didn't bring enough along for me to even remotely consider it, no."

"First, I'd like to know how he knew where you were, or would be. Second, this is… annoying." Hanse's tone was cold. "Very annoying. I will think of some way to explain to him how his way of delivering invitations could be taken." Hanse blew out a breath.

I tilted my head. "Why wasn't I informed that Celestino Fuji had joined the Combine?" I paused. "That is something I'd need to know."

"MIIO oversight, I suspect, and the fact is, I wasn't informed 'til last month myself. It appears that he sacked Illyira, and when all he got was a few mechs, some automated bays, and the data core, he devastated their capital." I had heard that, at least the devastation bit, though I hadn't heard by whom. Hanse continued on. "It's why they're joining the League, and what he didn't take, they sold to the Lyrans for a bit of mechs and aerospace fighters, but not a lot." Hanse sighed.

I sighed. This was a world that had been moved, but not in a way we wanted. But I didn't have control over that lever to do anything. "A data core, in the Combine's hand?"

Hanse nodded, face grim. "We don't know much more, though Takashi feted him, and rewarded him richly. But, based on the cores we recovered… MIIO is not happy, no."

"I doubt they would be." I drummed my fingers. "... would it be evil of me to suggest that a MIIO agent figure out a way to inform C*?" Hanse laughed at that, then sighed.

"We thought of it, but Takashi was at least smart enough to make at least one copy to our knowledge. And if he made one…" He trailed off suggestively.

"He made more." I tilted my head. "Okay, why are we waiting still? If we're going to Tharkad…"

"First, you need to send Xanadu to a pirate point in company with Camelot. The Argo will meet us there, and so will a Lyran jumpship. I'd leave the Behemoths behind, and let them finish ferrying the equipment to the Suns." I nodded, and sent the appropriate orders to Melissa who should be on the bridge.

His eyebrow rose but he continued. "Second, there's no real reason to rush, she's not expecting us 'til the twenty-third. With the command chain she has in place…"

I leaned back. "I see. Are you going to transfer to Camelot?"

Hanse grinned. "I rather lounge on your couch and watch you do paperwork for a change, it might be amusing." Before I could make a rejoinder, the acceleration alarm went off, and shortly we were en route to Tharkad.

Docking Port, Dropship Argo, Ford System, Late evening, Dec 12th, 3016.

As I swam after Alt Cunningham, I shook my head. Finally I'd get a tour of the Argo. As I swung my boots to latch to the floor, I blinked. Blinked again. Alt was in serious facelock with a somewhat scruffy guy wearing a wifebeater, and having a silver cybernetic arm. Turning to Case, who was grinning, and Kath who was shaking her head, I simply raised an eyebrow.

"Eh." Kath had walked over to me, and shrugged. "Our little find the body mission ended up being find the living guy. He had lost his arm, but it wasn't too difficult to put a decent cyberarm on him. He didn't want a cloned one." Kath shook her head at that foolishness.

"... I'm glad for Case?" I finally managed, shocked at the perversity of the universe. Some things were meant to be. "Anyways, I need you aboard Xanadu, before we jump."

"Why?" Kath's golden eyebrow rose.

I looked at her. "Our station in Panpour?"

Kath blinked. "Oohhh… Time to decide what it makes, I take it?"

"Exactly." I shrugged. "The arguments about it producing royal tech or not are getting extreme." I had grabbed the swing handle, and released my boots, to lead Kath to Xanadu.

"I bet." Kath snickered. "Truth be told, we shouldn't. Let ComStar think we don't have the plans to program the computers." I raised my eyebrow as I looked back at her as we swam down the connecting conduit.

"Oh?"

Kath just shook her head. "It's simple, Ferret. The longer C* doesn't' realize what we have and can do, the better. Some tech, yeah, to keep us and the core Guards up and running, not a problem. Build up a stock, big enough, so we can convert all the Guards, as well as have more capability to produce the technology."

I tilted my head. "The fact that we only have three entities to produce the equipment, is part of it."

"Ayup." We swung into Xanadu, and the hatch closed behind us. Saluting the Flag, and asking permission, we were shortly on our way to my office. Kath countined. "Let's also be honest, until Satarra and Watchtower's ships are on line?" She shook her head. "Orbital installations are always at risk, and I seem to recall that Comstar at least took into account that at times you wouldn't have fighter cover."

"True that." I paused. "Well, okay. We'll decide on what specifically." Kath snorted.

"Pick what you want and can get licensed, pretty much, AFFS will buy. As for the machine shops, and like? Same basic story." She paused. "I'd set up stuff on Panpour IV, and Argyle, as well, lines and other things. If I recall right, only Endo steel out of Inner sphere technology needs orbital factories."

I thought about it. "Electronics, the highest end of the holographics and of course, the best resistant binary IC as well." I waggled my hand. "Processing some of the armor and heat sinks, plus shielding for the engines is easier in orbit, too, come to think of it, if I remember right."

Kathrine nodded. "Makes sense, and a lot of that can be converted when the time's right…" We both grinned.

"Okay, sounds like a plan. Let's go beard the Fox, with the plan." I smirked.

"Bet you'll have to twist him to agree. He'd want that technology out as soon as possible." Kath snickered again.

"I like my paycheck in my bank account."

Main Conference Room, Hilton's Head, Terra, Evening, Dec 19th, 3016

Julian Tiepolo, the most powerful man in the Inner sphere, or so he believed, looked at the worried faces of the five people in front of him. The fury on Precentor Dieron's face amused him.

"Precentors. I take it you've read Precentor ROM's report?"

He saw three nods and Kenji Arasaka, Precentor Dieron spoke. "Yes, we have Primus. How could this happen?"

Precentor Tharkad, Ulthan Everson, spoke mildly. "We can only control what we know about. Katrina's seizing on a joke, and Hanse Davion running with it, was … unexpected."

Julian nodded. "No matter. This will fail like other attempts have before. Even a short term truce between the three serves our purposes." Two looks of incredulousness and three questioning looks answered his statement.

"First, it's possible, I suppose…" His smile indicated how likely this would be. "That this might lead to something lasting. Stranger things have happened." He waited a moment. "But I doubt it, not under the stresses we will put upon this. I've already directed Comstar News Bureau to… slant how this will be taken." He smiled at that. "As well as directed Jarlath to continue our policy of limited interdictions to aid one side."

Several nods answered him. Ulthan didn't look pleased, but didn't say anything, while Huthrin Vandel, Precentor New Avalon just looked at him.

"Second, thanks to a brilliant Comguard adept, who will be finding her new posting as my military aide to her satisfaction I hope; we know what the Combine has, and have taken steps to ah… alter it enough. We of course, gained a copy, as we will gain a copy of what Janos and Hanse found." More nods. Several relieved smiles there as well. "As part of Operation Marshall, which should be in front of you, the Confederation will recover a copy in the manner we desire."

Two eyebrows rose. "Don't be too worried, my precentors, it will be altered… enough." Several snickers answered him.

"Operation Marshall, hm?" Precentor Atreus, Pedrigor Aliz, looked through it, his eyebrows raising. "So, this is to counter Davion's and Marik's growth. Build up the Confederation's and Combine's industry?"

Julian nodded. "And when they feel secure enough, they will of course launch raids to deny Davion his industry, and Davion will respond…"

Vandel spoke. "Slim reed that, but possible. Combined with another Holy Shroud?" He shook his head. "Using Terran 'dissidents' to help them 'use' the core and industrial aid?"

Ulthan spoke. "I feel that is a bit… too clever, Primus. Blake spoke of regrowth and regression, this is just what he spoke of. Patience, not tricks will win the day."

Julian nodded. "I agree, it is clever, but it is also being patient. We will slowly infiltrate the two nations we aid, without them suspecting. We can either spark the destruction ourselves… or take advantage of it."

Arasaka nodded, a gleam in his eye. "Excellent." The Precentor of Sian, Vilnius Tejh, looked conflicted.

Vandel steepled his fingers. "I have a suggestion, Primus. Canopus and Taurus have no great love for the Great Houses closest to them, and both nations at this time…"

Julian paused and thought about it. "... Well. I am sure some adepts will enjoy Canopian gratitude, though I don't know if our ploy will work with Taurus. But an excellent suggestion." He paused. "And Taurus never got touched severely by us, it is time to correct that. Well thought. We might as well extend this to the Outworlds, who knows, maybe the Davions and Kuritas will fight over them."

Vandel's face was still, while Ulthan shifted slightly, but still said nothing.

"As for the issue of this Praetorian, which no search has revealed, so we're tentatively assuming and yes, I know…" He answered the looks he got for that statement, "That she is a SLN exile. But, in case her existence does indicate Kerensky's people are returning, a few prudent steps will be taken. First, we will reactivate both our battleships, seven cruisers, and six destroyers to form six ship squadrons to defend each of our anchorages, as the exiles know about them." Nods were received. "Just in case, mind you. During which, we will build six Dantes, to replace the reactivated destroyers. Less crew, more familiarity, and the SLDF does not know about them."

"An extra bit of coverage, eh?"

Julian nodded at Aliz's soft words. "Indeed. We will also go ahead and build six of the proposed Infernos, to replace the cruisers, and a Dreadnaught, to give us a third battleship. And perhaps two more of her class to replace the others. It all depends. We will also finish the research that Illyira was doing, and that too will help with our personnel needs." He received more nods at this.

Julian thought for a moment, and added. "As you might not have known, Illyira was where third-generation Caspar research was being undertaken, at least hardware wise. We are very lucky Davion did not recover Artru's core, for that was where software research was being done, as well as a short term anti-Caspar project."

"All well and good, Primus." Vandel spoke. "But this will cost, and we will need manpower."

Julian smiled. "How fortunate a survey of your three circuits…" He looked at Vandel, Ulthan and Aliz . "Has discovered that they have been shorted maintenance and needed repairs, much less expansion that will be needed as our economists project. It's only right that they pay for it, say a three to four percent increase?"

Vandel winced. Aliz looked thoughtful, while Tejh nodded eagerly.

"Having the extra benefit of slowing the exploitation of their gains, too, I suppose." Ulthan nodded. "Clever. More mechs sold to militias and nobles, instead of the federal governments, as well."

"And while it wasn't as successful as we hoped, in the Free Worlds League, Lestrade and Hasek-Davion aren't the most loyal, are they? Blake predicted such fools." Julian smiled.

"And we'll use them!" Arasaka nodded.

"That is a plan, yes, when we think the time is right." He paused and nodded once. "However, it is always possible that Katrina's effort here may pan out. If so… we back it, once we are sure." Five stares answered him, as Tojo passed out a folder.

"We've recently come into a plan, from your area, Vilnius…" Julian trailed off as all read.

Ulthan spoke for the moderates. "This is madness. It will not work, Primus."

"Replacing the House lords… Ambitious." He thought about it for a moment. "I have a suggestion. Two, actually. I agree with Ulthan that as it stands, at least the Lyrans and the Leaguers would be ill inclined to go along, and even the Davions, one would likely suspect would be hesitant. However…" Julian appeared interested.

"Yes, Vandel?"

He stood. "We need to shape opinion. Increase the good will that people feel to us. We have plenty of universities and schools on Terra that are barely used. Why not use them? Say, ten students from each world?"

Julian thought for a moment. "And with subtle work, we can make them Comstar Loyalists as well as gathering a few of the more talented, yes." He smiled. "As well as those parents and family who see their children come back with Terra's skills… Well thought, well thought, they'd provide a nucleus of support and future administration. It will be added."

Vandel nodded. "And I suppose for the Doppleganger, we would 'invite' them to Terra to finalize the New Star League?"

Julian blinked. Tojo interrupted "Well thought, while we can do much to train our replacements, having the originals at hand … well thought. Primus, I agree with his suggestion."

Julian nodded. "Excellent. It will be longer, but well."

"Needs must, Primus, needs must." Vandel looked around. "And as for the young baroness?"

"There are two schools of thought on her. That she has done all she can to aid her realm, another that she has put deadman triggers on her information she still has. But, Sian and Luthien would like her gone, for various reasons. Why not aid those?"

Ulthan seemed to want to speak for a moment, but stood up. Finally he spoke, voice tight. "I'll go on record as opposing the Doppelganger plot, as well as trying what's failed on the young lady. Increasing our defenses, and the rest, approved. I'm needed back on Tharkad." He shook his head as he walked out.

Vandel shook his head, as he stood. "I agree with what Ulthan has stated. I think you underestimate how good MIIO is, and how little they brought the spiel that is common about our last attempt, nor the one before that, Primus. But, I'm sure the others will approve, so I too must take my leave. Ballistics waits for no man." He walked out, and Julian looked at the others.

"Any other objections?" Three shakes of heads answered him.

En route to Hilton Head Dropship Port, Terra

Shortly, the two precentors were in a car that they knew - or at least hoped - wasn't bugged. "I don't like this, at all. Too many things can go wrong." Ulthan growled.

Vandel sipped from a water bottle. "I do think you're right. But, to be honest, Julian isn't as moderate as we thought he'd be, and well, I don't think he or Jarlath have thought it all through. I severely doubt that Hanse Davion is stupid enough to boast of all his prizes. And that young lady is even less likely to." He shook his head. "We'll have to pick up the pieces."

"You think Katrina's little invite has any potential?" Ulthan raised an eyebrow.

"If it was just her and Davion? Slim to none. Janos going - and that speech he made in Parliament, condemning his brother? I will say this. I wonder. His son… Thomas, I recall, is in your area, what does he think?"

"I'll ask." A pause. "You think that Blake was wrong?" a slightly shocked tone entered his voice.

"No. I do think however, the times shaped his visions. And sometimes, like all prophecy, you need to read between the lines." Vandel smiled. "And I have a feeling we're all missing things… Major things."

"Gods, I can't take more of these last three years. I hope you're wrong." The older man sighed and looked at his counterpart. "I really do."

"So do I. Otherwise, Julian will let the firebrands do something stupid."

Information on exactly what has been found to date:

Actual industrial units found by the Heavy Cavalry to date:

Each Hughes station starts with 37 modules (1 command, 6 fuel, 6 processing (ore/chemical), 6 habitat, 6 cargo, 6 fighter/small craft storage bays, 2 entertainment modules, 4 general fabrication ones)
Subunit ones:
ASF/Mech/Vee/Exo: One unit of appros, 2 General Fabrication
Droships, All: 1 General Fab, 1 Sub Capital Fab, the appros unit
Jumpships: 100-450: Appros Unit, Jumpship Core Fab, Capitol Drive General Fab, General Fab (120, 160: Small, 300: medium 450 Large Core units)
Warships 1 of each capital weapon unit, 1 slip unit, 1 general fab, 1 cap. Drive fab, 1 general fab, extra command center, extra habitat, <=600kt medium military core, 1mt, large military core, 2mt, very large, 2.5mt, 2 very large
Tooling: 1 Processing, one Science, 1 Tooling, 1 extra command

Castle Watchtower:
Station Alpha: 2 2.5mt, 2 2 mt, 2 100 kt Slips(DS)
Station Bravo: 2 1 mt, 2 600kt, 2 100 kt slips (DS)
Station Charlie, Delta: 2 450kt, 2 300kt, 2 60kt (DS)
Station Echo, Foxtrot: 2 160kt, 2 120kt, 2 60kt (DS)
Station Golf, Hotel: 2 Exoskeleton units, 2 ASF/Mech Units, 2 20kt units
Station India, Juliet: 2 heavy Vee, 2 Superheavy, 2 20kt units
Station Kilo, Lima: 2 Science Unit, 2 Tooling Units, 2 20kt units
Station Mike, November: 2 Light Vee, 2 Tooling, 2 60kt units
Station Oscar: 2 100kt, 10 additional Habitat
Station Papa: 2 60kt, 4 additional habitat, 6 additional processing
Station Romeo: 2 20kt, 6 additional habitat, 2 Mech, 2 ASF
Station Sierra: 6 5kt unit, 6 additional habitat
7 Snowdens

Location Huesta:
Station Alpha: 4 300kt slips, 2 ASF modules (67)
Station Bravo: 2 20kt slips, 2 60kt Slips, 2 100kt slips (49)
Station Charlie: 2 tooling modules, 4 5kt DS (51)
6 Snowdens

What the OHC Has acquired to date in non stations, still useful industrial gear:
Planet Based Fabrication Units (read factories);
8 general part making, 4 electronic parts, 4 laser, 4 PPC, 4 frame (asf/sc/mech), 4 myomer, 4 heatsink, 4 autocannon, 4 missile, 4 armor presser, 4 sets of ammo for all of the previous

The equivalent of 3404 mech/asf bays, 86 dropship bays, (all advanced computer driven/automated)

Datacores:
Complete SLDF Army field Library as standard, with computer science/engineering additions
Complete SLN Navy field library as standard, with shipyard additions
Project Star Files, Project Locura files
Helm Data core, unencrypted.

What the OHC has acquired non industrial gear: (plus warships):

Warships:
2 Newgranges (1 needing repairs and new computer core load), 1 Belknap
2 McKennas, 2 Texas (3, technically, if you count Praetorian), 1 Monsoon
2 New Syrtis (FSN Pleiades with a New Grange is being recovered)
1 Kimagure, 2 Avatar, 2 Black Lion, 3 Cameron, 1 Congress, 2 Sov. Soyuz
4 Volga, 4 Carracks, 2 Potemkin
4 Essex, 3 Lola III, 2 Naga, 1 Whirlwind, 3 Carson
1 Samarkand b. II, 4 Vincent, 2 Vigilant

Jumpships to date:
6 Monoliths, 14 Star Lords, 14 Invaders, 15 Merchants, 4 Scouts

Dropships to Date:
Argo, 11 Behemoth, 3 Vengeance, 5 Colossus, 4 Titan, 4 Achilles, 4 Fortress, 7 Avengers, 9 Overlords, 8 Unions, 13 Mules, 2 Aqueduct, 3 Mammoths, 9 Elephants
1 Lee Vehicle,

Mechs:
220 Royal Mechs, 640 SLDF mechs

ASF: 162 Royal, 394 SLDF ASF, 48 Vulcan 6N, 48 Rogue ASF

Vees:
Combat: 342 Royal, 1543 SLDF
VTOL: 432 Royals (mostly Cobras), 248 SLDF
Support: 4324 10 ton or smaller/J-series
455 Royal Auxiliary Support Vehicles (Various types)
170 Bradley Superheavy Support Vees (various types)

Uh, What: 12 Yamaha Ninja 2750 model sport motorcycles, 2 Ferrari Wolf Spider super convertibles.

Industrial Mechs: 892

Exoskeleton 96 (6 Man) Squads of STAR/RICO Powered Armor (Space Marine)
4 (6 Man) squads Nighthawk,
1011 squads of SLDF support exoskeletons

Small Craft: 418

Spare Parts:
420.25 kilotons normal, 535.75 kilotons advanced technology
380.5 kilotons of naval spare parts
Other oddball gear:
12 SLDF Blackheart Sensor Disruptors
7200 personnel SLDF INfantry kit (armor, Mauser 960)
480 Support Pulse Lasers, 480 Support PPCs, 240 SRM man pack
Launchers, 240 HMG's

OHC Share:
2.4 billion cbills a year for 20 years to the OHC, 3.6 billion a year for 20 years divided between various people in the OHC
Titles of Nobility for: Kathrine Steiner, E. Kessler (Evie), Mark Winter (Case), Asha Blackwing, Praetorian (Hanse's working on it… somehow), Gry Sved, Cummin Ahmad, Uri Ferro, Evie Cook, Natalia Kirkup, Micte Messana, Albert Sheldon, Tim Nicols, Meheitavel Mari, Morgan Blackhand, Sofia Rios, and a fair number others.

For 22 Months (March 3016 til end of 3016): Receive: 2 Marauder II, 2 Altas, 2 Victor, 2 Marauder, 2 Archer, 2 Rifleman, 2 Merlin, 2 Griffin, 2 Shadowhawk, 2 Hunchback, 2 Centurion, 2 Enforcer, 2 Phoenix Hawk, 2 Valkyrie, and 4 Locust Mechs, 2 Stuka, 2 Vulcan (by piecing together bits and pieces here and there, it's hilariously a win for Hanse, he get those bits out of his warehouses), 4 Eagles, 4 Hellcats, 4 Lightnings, 4 Tomahawk, 4 Sparrowhawk ASF, 2 Behemoth, 2 Devastator, 4 Partisan, 4 Manticore, 4 Bulldog Variants, 4 Vedette, 4 Condors, 4 Pegasus, 4 J-Edgar combat vees.
4 Kestrel and 4 Peregrine variant VTOL

Huesta Stations, all
Castle Watchtower stations: Sierra, Romeo, Papa, Oscar, Mike, Kilo, India, Golf, Echo, Charlie, promise of a copy of Bravo and Alpha, 13 Snowdens

Industrial equipment:
Planet Based Fabrication Units (read factories);
2 general part making, 1 electronic part, 1 laser, 1 PPC, 1 frame (asf/sc/mech), 1 myomer, 1 heatsink, 1 autocannon, 1 missile, 1 armor presser, ammo for all of the previous
The equivalent of 1601 mech/asf bays, 28 dropship bays, (all advanced computer driven/automated)

Warships:
Technically Praetorian (Kikyo considers him part of the Command Council and he owns shares of the holding company, so… if you squint?)
4 Carracks, 2 Vigilant

Jumpships to date:
3 Monoliths, 9 Star Lords, 7 Invaders, 7 Merchants, 2 Scouts

Dropships to Date:
Argo, 5 Behemoth, 2 Vengeance, 4 Colossus, 2 Titan, 2 Achilles, 2 Fortress, 3 Avengers, 3 Overlords, 3 Unions, 6 Mules, 1 Aqueduct, 2 Mammoths, 4 Elephants

Mechs:
93 Royal Mechs, 313 SLDF mechs

ASF: 52 Royal, 77 SLDF ASF 48 Vulcan 6N, 48 Rogue ASF

Vees:
Combat: 160 Royal, 773 SLDF
VTOL: 136 Royals (mostly Cobras), 88 SLDF
Support: 785 10 ton or smaller/J-series
309 Royal Auxiliary Support Vehicles (Various types)
97 Bradley Superheavy Support Vees (various types)

Uh, What: 12 Yamaha Ninja 2750 model sport motorcycles, 2 Ferrari Wolf Spider super convertibles.

Industrial Mechs: 446

Exoskeleton 48 (6 Man) Squads of STAR/RICO Powered Armor (Space Marine)
2 (6 Man) squads Nighthawk,
535 squads of SLDF support exoskeletons

Small Craft: 167

Spare Parts:
160 kilotons normal, 160 kilotons advanced technology, 80 kilotons of
Naval spare parts.

Janos' Share of Helm: (Not counted in the totals above)
322 Mechs (20%) royal 3/2/1/1 split (assault/heavy/medium/light)
734 combat vehicles (20% royal, half are APC's, rest as mech weight)
265 ASF (20% royal, equal split between weight)
351 industrial mechs
506 industrial exoskeleton squads
217 Small Craft
200 RASV, 100 Bradley, 1334 other support vehicles
Non avadanced Spare Parts: 165,250 tons
Avadanced Spare Parts: 275,250 tons
Naval spare parts: 180,500 tons
At least 20 regimental sets of infantry gear

Last Generation Bay equivalents (Mech): 3,000, 24 Dropship Bays

What Katrina buys from Kikyo's share of Helm:
12 Dropship Bays, 1000 mech bay equivalents, 60kt Naval spare parts, 60kt advanced Tech spare parts, 60kt normal spare parts, plus additional mechs, asf and afv.

Hanse gets what's left from the "What the OHC has found."-OHC Share You hear his laughing, don't you?

(Team Banzai by 3019 has a Star Lord, 2 Invaders, and 2 Merchants, plus 2 Colossus, 2 Excalibur, 2 Fortress, 2 Titans and 4 Overlord Dropships, plus 2 Monarchs and 4 Mules. They are also fully advanced tech, and 2 Regiments with attached armor battalion and infantry battalion plus other assets)

With a lever big enough I can move the world{BattleTech CYOA]

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