ComStar Administration Zone
Rasalhague Dominion
April 7, 3219
"Let this emergency conference of the Third Star League come to order," said Archon Donavan Steiner, the tall First Lord of the Star League. When the various lords and ladies had quieted and seated themselves, he continued. "Because this session has been called in response to the recent events in the Capellan Confederation, the chair recognizes Chancellor Liao as its first speaker."
"Thank you, First Lord." Chong-lo Liao was of average height, build, and appearance, but no one who knew of him would mistake him for a typical ruler. Chong-lo had repeatedly demonstrated his cunning and ruthlessness in the past, not least of all during the "recent events" that had taken place in his realm. He was a shrewd politician who most considered one of the most dangerous leaders in the Inner Sphere. "I will be blunt in my presentation, for we have little time. As you all know, the Tikonov Province of the Confederation has rebelled against my lawful rule, led by my own daughter in a blatant ploy for personal power. Lady Janice was supported by her husband Charlemagne Kerensky-Liao, and his elite military force, the Tikonov Regular Guard units. During the opening stages of the revolution, during which the Eighteenth Capellan Heavy Lancers attempted to regain control of Tikonov, my daughter was captured and executed by General Hu Lan-Shu. Why General Hu acted so, I cannot say, but I can say that, contrary to popular belief, I did not order my own daughter's death. Surely you do not hold me in such low regard as to believe the lies of rebels!" Chong-lo shook his head. "However, that is a matter to be sorted out when this is over. In an effort to end the fighting, I appeal to the Star League to pass resolution ordering Tikonov to rejoin the Confederation, and to end the fighting. I also implore you to consider indicting Charlemagne Kerensky-Liao for war crimes, charges for which the Capellan Confederation has amassed substantial proof in the recent weeks." He bowed slightly, and Donavan Steiner turned to the first request to speak.
"The chair recognizes First Prince Davion as its next speaker."
"Thank you, sir," said Anderson Davion. "I am compelled to respond to the statements of my esteemed comrade, Chancellor Liao. While I can appreciate the sentiment from which his demands spring, I cannot support them. The Tikonov Province obviously desires freedom from the Confederation—who are we to deny them that freedom? This is not the age of the Succession Wars, where the Great Houses enforced their will through armed conflict. The pen is finally mightier than the sword. Seeing this situation, I cannot help but think to two similar incidents experienced by both myself and our esteemed First Lord, Archon Steiner. I refer, of course to the secession of the Isle of Skye from the Lyran Alliance in 3206, and the secession of the Draconis March Federation from the Federated Suns in 3209. Both issues were settled peacefully and without incident, and now our realms enjoy healthy, stable relationships with our former territories," he said, nodding to the lords of the Isle of Skye and the DMF. "Let us give Tikonov the same chance. Kerensky-Liao has already expressed an interest in joining the Star League; what better place for the Principality to grow as a nation?"
Donavan Steiner nodded. "The chair recognizes Captain-General Corrigan."
The ruler of the somewhat inaccurately named Free Worlds Republic, one of the most militarist dictatorships the Inner Sphere had ever seen, thanked the First Lord with a brief smile before speaking.
"The concern of the Free Worlds Republic," said David Corrigan, "is that, unlike the Isle of Skye and the Draconis March, the Tikonov Province did not peacefully request independence from the Confederation. Allowing such blatantly illegal behavior to flourish would only contribute to a new age of Succession Wars—something I think none of us want."
"The chair recognizes Coordinator Kurita."
"I would respectfully beg to differ, Captain-General," said Ichiro Kurita. "The late Lady Janice Liao did declare the Province's independence without any threat or use of violence. It was Liao units that landed on Tikonov, Liao units that fired the first shots, and Liao WarShips that destroyed the Tikonov-registered JumpShip Lucien Cortez the first day of the war. Let us not confuse our facts."
"I object to—"
Donavan knocked his gavel twice, cutting off Chong-lo Liao's protest at its birth. "The chair," he said coldly, "has not yet recognized the Capellan Chancellor." He turned to the man who had petitioned to speak. "The chair recognizes Precentor Martial Kurita-Davion."
Nicholas Kurita-Davion bowed his head respectfully toward the First Lord. The commander of ComStar's military arm, the Com Guards, stood, bringing himself up to his full height. He was tall and powerfully built, a much more intimidating presence than had been his great-grandfather, the legendary Victor Steiner-Davion. After the Word of Blake Jihad and subsequent formation of the Republic of the Sphere, Victor had survived yet another bid for the power that was rightly his when Gavin Dow had petitioned for his removal. After the power plays had nearly destroyed ComStar, Victor had essentially forced the First Circuit to reform the office of Precentor Martial, leaving it ComStar's only inherited posting, forever destined for Victor's heirs.
"The position of ComStar," said Nicholas, "is that Tikonov be allowed its freedom. You cannot hold it forever, Chancellor Liao, and if your worlds see how reasonable you are in letting Tikonov go, they may be more inclined to stay with the Confederation. Certainly, you will lose a few, but most Capellans are loyal subjects to your Celestial Throne." Because, he did not add, it would be suicide not to be.
"The chair recognizes Chancellor Liao."
"I call for a vote," Chong-lo said. "We gain nothing through inaction. Let us get down to the issue."
"That motion is seconded," said Anderson Davion. Steiner nodded.
"The conference will now vote on the Tikonov issue. A vote of yes will grant the Tikonov Province freedom from the Capellan Confederation; a vote of nay will grant the Confederation complete control of the Tikonov Province. How votes the Federated Suns?"
"Yes," said Davion crisply. The First Lord nodded.
"How votes the Draconis Combine?"
"Yes," agreed Ichiro Kurita.
"How votes the Capellan Confederation?"
"Nay!"
"How votes the Free Worlds Republic?"
Corrigan hesitated as if he had lost his nerve at the last minute. Stealing a glance at the Wolf Clan delegation, he answered: "Nay."
"How votes the Rasalhague Dominion?"
Khan Prince Månsdotter grinned. "Nay."
"How votes the Raven Alliance?"
"Yes," said President Marcos.
"How votes Clan Wolf?"
Elijah Kerensky, the clan's senior khan, glared daggers at the Free Worlds Republic. "Aff."
"How votes Clan Jade Falcon?"
"Neg," asserted Khan Jacob Pryde.
"How votes Clan Sea Fox?"
"Neg," said Drovina Critchell.
"How votes Clan Nova Cat?"
"Neg," Khan Kerensky said.
"How votes the Isle of Skye?"
Duke Marik-Steiner shrugged. "Nay."
"How votes the Draconis March Federation?"
"Yes!" said Leann Sandoval emphatically, horrified by Skye's decision.
"How votes ComStar?"
"Yes," Nicholas said smoothly.
"And the Lyran Alliance," said Donavan Steiner quietly, fully aware that his vote was the tie-breaker, "votes yes. This Conference of the Star League has voted for the freedom of the Tikonov Province. Chancellor Liao, you are compelled by treaty agreements to comply."
"Clan Jade Falcon wishes to lodge a formal complaint!"
"So noted," said Steiner without a hitch. "The chair recognizes Chancellor Liao."
"I am disgusted with this board. Once again, the Davion-Kurita-Steiner triumvirate conspires to rob the Liao of what is rightfully theirs—"
"Chancellor Liao, may I respectfully remind you to refrain from personal insult during this conference?"
"Damn you! Damn your formalities!" Liao threw his chair back, storming out of the room in a rage, his startled entourage running to catch up. Steiner blinked.
"It seems," he said, "that the Chancellor has chosen to withdraw from this session. The chair recognizes Prince Davion."
The First Prince gathered himself before proceeding. "In light of Chancellor Liao's seeming rejection of this conference's ruling, I submit to the chair that peacekeeping forces be dispatched to the region under the Star League flag."
"ComStar seconds that motion," Nicholas said, "but only on the condition that the Commander of the Star League Army retain authority over any forces we send."
Anderson nodded his approval.
Steiner grimaced. "The conference will now vote on the issue of peacekeepers. A vote for yes will send peacekeepers to the Confederation, and a vote for nay will stop such an action."
The vote was almost unanimous for peacekeepers, only the Raven Alliance and Clan Nova Cat voting against, though Clan Wolf did abstain from the proceedings. Donavan nodded contentedly.
"This conference is at an end. I will be hosting a private meeting with the Defense Council this afternoon. Thank you."