The Cairo Saga, Book 2: The Solaris Irregulars
Part 21: Out
Precenter Martail's office
ComStar compound
Tukayyid
Free Rasalhague Republic
Cairo sat wearily in a chair outside the Precenter Martail's office: he had spent the last weak arranging billets for crew of the Nature's Wrath, the Lola-III class Destroyer he had taken as Isorla from Clan Wolf. The problems had started as soon as the ship jumped into the Tukayyid system, setting-off alarms with the defensive systems.
The office door opened, and Simon Clearwater stepped out "The Precenter Martail will see you know."
Cairo got up and walked between the massive oak doors. Victor Davion sat behind a cluttered desk at the far end of the room. His Elemental bodyguard, Tiaret Nevversan, gave him the once over, her hand resting on her pistol holster. He stood and extended his hand "So you must be Steven Cairo. I'm glad to finally meet you in person."
Cairo shook the offered hand, then pulled a small package from his pocket "Hohiro Kurita entrusted this to me on the Luthien recharge station."
Victor opened the package and pulled-out sheet of paper that he quickly read. His expression changed to one of wonder as he pulled a simple photo-frame from the box. Cairo could see tires form in the Precenter Martail's eyes, but Victor put the photo into a draw and turned back to his guest "What news do you bring from Alshain?" he said, offering a chair.
Cairo sat down and drew a deep breath "Khan Jorgensson has offered to help fight Word of Blake, but only if you ask: he will not send troops into Lyran or Combine territory without permission."
Victor turned to Clearwater "Send an immediate message to Alshain: the Lyran Alliance, Federated Suns, Draconis Combine, Free Rasalhague Republic and ComStar officially request the help of Clan Ghost Bear in fighting Word of Blake. Send a message to Peter, Yvonne, Theodore and Christian Mansdotter letting them know what's happening. And see if Phalen can come here to coordinate."
Cairo stirred uncomfortably "Sir, I also wish to resign my commission. I am no longer needed, and I want to go home."
Victor looked like he had been slapped "You can't be serious!"
Cairo shook his head "I am completely serious: I entered the Inner Sphere five years ago to hunt-down Sebastian Cain. I did that, and killed him. I agreed to stay on to help deal with Word of Blake while ComStar arranged a counter-attack. Well, you now have the Ghost Bears, so you don't need me. Good day." Cairo stood and left the room.
Jackson was waiting for Cairo back at the barracks that had been assigned to the Solaris Irregulars, "So, you told them you quit?"
"Yep." Cairo nodded "If you want to stay, you can: I'll higher someone to pilot the Wataru back home." He walked to the room that he shared with Sinead, who sat reading a book.
She looked at him as he took his LADF uniform from the closet "So, I finally get to see my new home?"
Steven Clark nodded as he changed "And Jane gets to grow up on a planet rather than a WarShip." He sat down on the bed next to his wife "I'm tired of war Sinead: I just want it to end."
To Be Continued...