The Ballard of Cairo
Part forty-eight: The calm before the storm
DropShip Wataru, International Zone
Solaris City, Solaris VII
Lyran Alliance
It had taken many weeks and many fights in the arenas of Solaris VII, but Cairo finally had his match against Cain. The mood aboard the DropShip was like a wake - sombre and reserved. Even the normally jovial McCoy seemed ill at ease. Cairo decided that something needed to be done before the match the next day.
He picked up a knife and walked round the table, cutting the bondcord's of the Clanners one by one. The last one he cut was that of MechWarrior Rebecca. She smiled at O'Brien who nodded knowingly. Cairo called them all to attention. "As you all know, tomorrow I fight Cain in the Coliseum and I fully intend to kill him. You all know why I am doing this and I hope you all understand my reasons, even if you do not agree with them."
He looked over at O'Brien for a moment and her expression made him frown slightly. "There are many things I had hoped to do before now, but I have had very little time. First of all, I want to thank you all for putting up with me while I was a little off my head after Huntress. I did and said some things that I will never forgive myself for." O'Brien went to speak, but Cairo hushed her. "Secondly, I want to say what an honour it has been to serve with all of you. I have never met a more dedicated group of individuals in my entire life. I am proud to call you all my friends."
Cairo rested his hands on the table. "I have been told that the bookmakers are offering even odds on the outcome of tomorrow's match, so I have one final order to give you: If I die, forget about seeking revenge. Hunting Cain almost destroyed me and I do not wish for the same to happen to you. Those of you who have homes to return to: go home and live a full, happy, and long life." He turned to the Clanners. "To the rest of you, there is a whole universe out there full of opportunities...go discover your destinies." He saw the way Rebecca looked at Robert Dancer and knew where she would go.
He pulled a data-disc from his pocked and handed it to Jackson. "Here is my final report for Los Alamos. If I do not survive, make sure it reaches them." He pulled a second disc from another pocket and handed it to O'Brien. "You may need this: it contains the ownership deeds to the Wataru, as well as access codes for a bank account where I have been putting the prize money I have won during the tournament. There is enough for you to start a new life anywhere in the Inner Sphere and then some."
O'Brien smiled and stood. "I have an announcement of my own to make. As you are all aware, Steven and I have been involved for some time now and plan to get married. Well, sometimes things happen faster than people plan." She lifted Cairo's hand from the table and placed it on her stomach. "You're going to be a father Steven."
Cairo's eyes went wide and he stood staring at her, open-mouthed in shock for several moments. As the shock turned to joy, he smiled broadly, pulled her to him and kissed her.
To Be Continued...