My Father's Friend
Chapter 10: Advanced Warrior
Re-purposed AFC garrison, Eselex, Callone VI,
Outworlds Alliance,
July 26, 3076
Although she could hear the other Liberty Party personnel bustle out of their rooms to prepare for the day's work, Jenna drew up her covers, curled up in her cramped room's bed. It was reasonably comfortable in this simple bunk bed, or at least, the mattress didn't sag and the covers were soft enough. The darkness was nice, too, helping keep Jenna in a wonderfully groggy morning state. Why get up when you can... relax, like this? She made a small smile to herself, berating herself deep down for her typically stubbornness against getting up.
Light flooded into the room as the metal door was slid wide open, banging into the wall from the force. Jenna shielded her eyes with a hand, frowning as she saw someone's dark silhouette standing in the doorway. She made a simple noncommittal noise, which changed into a cry of protest as the person walked into the room and hit the wall switch, flooding the room with light. She bolted upright to see who it was, her blankets falling to her waist. She strained to get her eyes used to the light and see who had come in.
"Come on, Jenna! You can't delay. Hurry and get up, so you can get going with the rest of us," a familiar voice encouraged her cheerily, and James, already dressed in a dark green Liberty Party uniform, sat down on Jenna's bed. He grinned widely at her, slipping a candy wrapper into his pocket. "What d'ya say? Rise and shine now?"
Jenna's stomach lurched with embarrassment, her face going red. "J-James! Get out of here! What are you..." she shooed him away with her hand, clad only in a pink chemise. Startled, James leaped off the bed and onto his feet, gesturing with his hands. "Sorry, but I just wanted to make sure you wouldn't fall behind! Didn't you get the wake-up tone?"
"I must have forgotten to set it," Jenna figured, looking over at the alarm clock that sat there, blinking its LED digits at her. She turned back to James. "Really, James. I'll get ready as fast as I can and make it to the strategy meeting in the city hall. Just hang tight."
"All righty, "James nodded and grinned again, slipping out of the room. "See you!"
"Jeez," Jenna muttered, shaking her head and slipping out of her bed, stretching. Maybe I should invest in long-sleeved sleepwear if James is going to poke in like that. He's as adventurous as ever.
*o*o*o*o*
Meeting room, City Hall, Eselex, Callone VI,
Outworlds Alliance,
July 26, 3076
"It is good to see you all here. What we have to discuss today is of great importance," Colonel Butler informed the gathered officers and warriors of the Liberty Party, pacing up and down at the end of the meeting hall. His crisp uniform, graying hair, and perfectly-controlled movements spoke of his extensive martial awareness and capability, his eyes stern but welcoming at the same time.
Light flooded into the hall through the tall windows on the east wall, removing the need for artificial lights for the hundreds of men and women in here. They sat at wide tables, grouped by Battalion, Company, or intelligence division. Butler, meanwhile, stood near a wide screen that was currently black. His daughter Manami sat a computer nearby, prepared to provide the visuals.
Butler proclaimed, "Three years ago, we thought we had made history, thought we had re-made this crime world for the better! When Freedom's Thunderbolt struck down the Alcatar dynasty, we believed we were ushering in a new era of peace and justice and progress. But! We were wrong. Very wrong."
His voice was strong and carried all across the room, demanding a hushed attentiveness from the assembled officers. Jenna sat next to James at a table along the east wall, a few tables from the front. She tried not to squirm in her seat at the mention of her family, reminded how out-of-place she was here as an Alcatar. James nudged her and she swatted him back, grinning nonetheless from his gesture of comfort.
At her father's request, Manami tossed her long black ponytail and typed a few commands into her computer, and a number of pictures and news videos appeared on the large screen behind the Colonel. He took a few steps to the side, indicating the screen with a hand. "Three years after Richard Marshall took control of this planet, we still have the same underlying problems! He promised us so much, but look at this. Human trafficking, smuggling weapons and drugs and stolen goods, white-collar crime, kidnapping and ransom... Marshall carries on the Alcatars' foul legacy, using the eight crime families to perpetrate this world's diseased underbelly. This planet grew rich from crime, and Marshall seems only to happy to have it all for himself."
Breathing hard, Colonel Butler thundered, "He led us for his own gain! Alexander Taylor and I were his top agents, believing his lies about making Callone VI a better place. All this was so he could have it all. And now, having learned our lesson, we, the people of the Liberty Party, gather to strike down this creature and banish Callone VI's curse of crime for all time!" He clenched a fist. "We will smite Marshall and his crime families, doing what we failed to do in that revolution three years ago. We will do this, not for personal gain, but for the good of our planet. Many call this place the gem of the Outworlds Alliance, and I want it to live up to that name at last!"
At that, the gathered officers raised their fists and roared their agreement, but Jenna focused instead on the screen's contents. The pictures and video were of Marshall's crime exploits, caches of hidden weapons smuggled in crates of food, huddled slaves stored in Callone transport hulls, records of extortion from Federated Suns and Draconis Combine businesses. It was a startling sight and explained the Colonel's strong rant, but...
"Long-winded, isn't he?" James smirked in Jenna's ear, and she couldn't resist a giggle. "But aren't you telling everyone grand tales of what you'll do, too?" she retorted.
James winced. "Hey, I am a paragon of good, but that doesn't mean..."
"Marshall and his AFC and crime families may seem unstoppable, and his bold proclamations and propaganda will lead you to believe that," the Colonel went on, voice lowered again. He was still pacing. "But do not be deceived! Before Alfred Alcatar was struck down, he slipped us a little favor: exposing the crime families' exploits to Houses Davion and Kurita as best he could. Much of the families' power rests in hiding their smuggling and extortion rackets while doing business in Davion and Kurita space, but Alfred exposed much of this to those Houses, crippling the families' power. They are still powerful and have found some new connections, but they have been on a constant decline since the original revolution, and with a little effort, we can possibly convince the FedSuns or Draconis Combine to send a force to aid us in taking down Marshall to finish them off. We shall not deny ourselves this aid."
It's funny to think of the great Federated Suns sending its legions to the Periphery over the fate of just one world, Jenna mused, but was simpler than that. Callone VI would only warrant a battalion or two at most, but it was a crucial link planet between the Outworlds Alliance, FedSuns, and Draconis Combine. It depends on how helpful Yvonne Steiner-Davion feels like being.
"Our world is now drawn into battle lines, and every city and industrial zone is on one side or another," Butler explained, the screen changing to a map of Callone VI's primary continent. "The capital, Bunkieki, is Marshall's stronghold, where his pyramid-like City Hall lies. Several other cities have sworn allegiance to him, primarily the cities of his crime families. The city Char-Shora is a particularly notable one, the stronghold of the most powerful crime family, the Merriam family. The nearby Ghalan family has its city, Keika, where weapons of war are being designed for Marshall's Armed Forces of Callone.
"But don't despair! Eselex here is our capital, but numerous other cities have sworn to aid us, and our numbers come from all over. Many are disgusted by Marshall continuing the Alcatars' legacy of crime, and are behind us all the way. If we can continue to expose the families' activities to the Davions and Kuritans, receive reinforcements from the Inner Sphere, and conquer Bunkieki, we will emerge victorious! What I am asking of you will not be easy, and it will not be a quick, but we can do it. Steel yourselves for war, because we are in this for the long haul."
Over the next hour and a half, Colonel Butler explained the tactical situations of every city and the forces that guarded each one, and how and when each Marshall city would be attacked, which supply lines ambushed, and which friendly choke points would be defended. Jenna paid as close attention as she could, but by the meeting's end, she was pretty sure that she'd need James or someone to explain it all to her again. Everyone was now standing up, chattering amongst themselves as they slowly filtered out of the room. Jenna and James navigated through the crowd to find an empty space in the outside hallway to talk.
"So, overwhelming enough?" James admitted to Jenna with an apologetic grin. "I mean, I didn't understand half of that, really. I need someone to explain it to me again, maybe Ai. I'm sure you got it, though."
Jenna laughed. "No, James, I'm in the same boat as you. I learned basic tactics and fighting with Carter's Wolverines, but nothing like full-scale civil war. Looks like we both will have to stumble around until we get a grip on it." She glanced around to find Craig or Carter, but didn't see them among the crowds. Then again, they weren't actually officers of the Liberty Party.
"Yeah. Bold heroes like us can handle anything," James cracked a smile and Jenna shoved his shoulder, but she couldn't resist a chuckle. "Knock it off, James. Is that your Beowulf stuff again?"
"It might be," James said slyly, then snapped into a more formal posture and rubbed his hands together. "Listen, Jenna, our troops have been moved around a little, but I've got a secure Lance together, and you're still assigned as the fourth member. We might go on a mission soon, and you can meet your other Lancemates when we're ready to go."
"Looking forward to it, as long as they don't do Odysseus or Beowulf impersonations like you do," Jenna teased him, and James blushed slightly. They prepared to leave, but James caught sight of someone and confronted him, close enough for Jenna to see and hear. Alexander Taylor strode confidently through the crowds, but stopped when his son tugged on his arm.
"Ah. James," Alex greeted him, looking uncomfortable. He tugged at his uniform's collar.
James took a deep breath. "Listen, dad. I, uh... I still haven't forgiven you yet for just fleeing like that after the fall of the Alcatars, but I chose to stay behind without you, and now we're fighting together for the same cause. So, let's not allow anything else to come between us, okay? When this is all over, we can settle our family issue, but right now, we're comrades. I have your back, and you mine."
He offered his father a hand, and Alex shook it, a smile crossing Alex's lightly bearded face. "Thank you, James. Yes, I'll make sure we both survive this to get a chance to return to our old lives. We have a lot to talk about... and I'm sure you'll listen."
"Yeah," James nodded. "You've still got your merc vigilante band with you, right?"
"My full Company. They will follow me, the Paragon, wherever I go," Alex proclaimed. "I rescued Jenna back in the Combine and brought her here, but she's on your Lance now, okay? Take care of her for me."
"I will, dad," James promised him, then scurried back to Jenna, looking disoriented. She offered a small smile and picked shyly at her uniform. "So, James, are you going to take care of me like you promised?"
"Of course. You're my good friend," James reminded her as they both made their way through the city hall. "My dad rescued you and all, but I'm the one who's here for you."
Jenna raised her eyebrows. "Hey, don't forget that he was my father's friend. He made a terrible mistake back then, James, and has regretted it every day since. Give him a chance."
James looked ashamed of himself, then brightened, clapping Jenna's shoulder. "Your spirit is something else, paper rose."
Jenna stiffened. "I'm not the paper rose! Not that nickname again!"
"Sorry, sorry..."
*o*o*o*o*
Technology Labs, Keika, Callone VI,
Outworlds Alliance,
August 8, 3076
It was a little warm outside, but Francis had been blasted with crisp, air-conditioned breezes as soon as he had entered the famed Technology Labs of Keika, owned by the Ghalan crime family. Its name Japanese for "progress", Keika lived up to that name, being the birthplace of many minor but notable medicinal and technological advancements. The huge Technology Labs building in Keika's downtown was where the Ghalan's new super-weapon was promised to be completed, and now Francis was here to make sure the Ghalans were living up to their promise.
Francis grumbled in his head as he rode an elevator to the top-secret underground levels, his mood foul. I have been by Richard's Marshall all these years, his most trusted and capable agent. And now, he's all eager and excited about the AW-001 model, the first in the Advanced Warrior line. What am I, obsolete? I might be in a few years. AW-001 was promised to be perfect. He shivered during the rattly elevator's ride. What are humans when artifice become superior? Obstacles!
The elevator settled to a halt, and several techs in white coats crowed around to greet the Chairman's top agent, the black-haired assassin striding out of the elevator with all the cool grace he could manage. The lead tech, a blondie with thick glasses and an unshaven chin, bowed his head and led the way. "This way, Francis. I am Robert Descha, head engineer of the AW-001 project." Leading Francis and the others down a concrete hallway, Robert glanced over his shoulder at Francis, a smug expression on his face. "You will be most pleased, Francis. Marshall will be, too."
Francis waved an impatient hand. "Oui, oui. Just show it to me already."
At that, Robert threw open a pair of doors at the end of the hall, leading the grumpy Francis into a huge six-story square room, with enormous machinery and platforms all over the place. Techs scurried here and there but assembled when their leader came striding into the room, his face radiating wicked glee.
"This is it, Francis. Behold!" Robert gestured to a white curtain held up on a round metal platform. Several techs whisked away the curtain, and Francis' gut clenched at the sight before him. A towering, brawny bald man stood stock-still, his eyes closed and arms at his sides, clad only in gray underpants. The lack of clothing revealed the smooth silver metal enhancements on his body, the machinery glowing with blue lights and clicking with outer mechanisms. Both forearms and hands were artifice, as was the top of his head. Tubes poked out of his shoulders and connected into his neck, liquid coursing through them. The man's breathing was slow and steady, his skin pale gray and smooth.
"This... is AW-001, in the flesh. And machine, if you will," Robert smirked as the cyborg's eyes snapped open, the dark eyes cold and calculating. Flicking his gaze down at Francis, AW-001 took a heavy, shaky step forward, then another and another. He sounded very heavy.
"The product of experimentation with captured Manei Domini technology," Robert explained like a child admiring a new, prized toy. "All of the combat efficiency and brutality, but none of the needless fanaticism or mysticism. His 'mech reflects that, too."
"Yes, yes," Francis grumbled. A few years ago, a number of renegade NAIS scientists had captured a few Manei Domini and strove to reproduce the technology, making new cyborgs that were loyal to their creators rather than the Master. The Davions had not accepted such a thing, but the Ghalans of Callone VI had been more than happy to adopt the project, and now Marshall's newest toy was complete, if still untested.
Francis looked up at the silver-gray Battlemech standing at the back of the room. Robert eagerly said that it was called the Cleaver, a 60-tonner designed solely for AW-001 to kill anything it pleased. The man-walker held two 'mech-scale swords, one in each hand. On the left torso was the muzzle of an Autocannon 10, and the right shoulder contained a large laser barrel. Francis suspected that the 'mech carried only a small number of heat sinks to make room for the heavy weaponry.
"Only AW-001 can pilot this," Robert went on as the cyborg stood there silently. "It has experimental new myomer fibers to let it run at a top speed of 90 kilometers per hour, plus a MASC to boost that speed even further. The swords swing fast and hard with those muscles at work, and with AW-001's projected aim capabilities with the Autocannon and laser, nothing will survive it, close-range or long-range."
"It sounds perfect," Francis frowned.
Robert hesitated. "Well... not quite," he admitted. "There are a few bugs in the brain-computer interface in his head. Cyborg technology is very difficult to handle, you know, but Marshall wants AW-001 and his 'mech to be used very soon in simple missions to smooth out his problems. The Liberty Party is in for one hell of a surprise! If AW-001 works well enough, then we can make more of him and continue work with our in-development AW-002 line."
Francis whipped his gaze back to Robert, his shoulder-length black hair whipping across his face. "Quoi? More cyborgs?"
"We started the AW-002 line at about the same time as AW-001, but the 001 model will be used first. If it wind up being too flawed after all, then the 002 line will be canceled," Robert shrugged, then pushed up his glasses and grinned toothily. "But don't worry. We know what we're doing. AW-001 will pave the way for many great successes in the future. We'll make up for the losses the Ghalans had suffered over the past few years. They're in serious debt and are running out of resources... but AW-001 will help change that."
"I exist only to serve," AW-001 recited, his voice flat and strong, chilling Francis to the bone.
Francis nodded. "Very well. I'll report its readiness to Marshall."
"Splendid." Robert gave Francis a calculating look as AW-001 gazed at the distant wall. "If you don't mind my asking, why did you come to check on us? Why you, and not one of Marshall's lesser officers?"
Francis shrugged. "Just felt like it." To prove that I am Marshall's right hand, not this robot-man! He didn't let his resentment spill into his tone, though, and he departed the Technology Labs without another word.