@Deathzealot: the chapters are this long because that's my writing style.

ComStar barracks,

Tukayyid,

Free Rasalhague Republic

Cairo had been released from hospital, and had moved into the barracks Clearwater had arranged for the Irregulars. He looked at the computer screen before him: only 5 Mech's where still operational, from a short Battalion of 39. There was a note from the Precenter Martail flashing on the screen. Intrigued, he opened the file:

From: Precenter Martail Victor Davion

To: Major Steven Cairo, CO, Solaris Irregulars

Priority: Urgent

Message reads:

I am sorry to hear of the losses your unit suffered on Callisto V, and more recently, on Tukayyid, but I am afraid that we can not offer you unit an extended period for Rest and Refit.

The situation on Tharkad is reaching critical, and we need every available unit to try and turn back the Word of Blake forces. If we can stop them there, we will be able to rally forces elsewhere. Timing is critical, as the army headed towards New Avalon and Luthien are almost within striking distance. We need to show the people of the Inner Sphere that we can and will stop the Word of Blake advance.

"Hey you." Cairo looked round to see Sinead standing in the doorway. He smiled, "Right back at you: found a new Mech yet?" His wife nodded, taking the seat opposite his, "Yeah, they've gotten me one of those new Mad Cat II's the Diamond Shark's are starting to put out. It's a lot bigger than anything I've ever piloted, but I've got time to get used to it."

Cairo shook his head, turning the computer screen round, "From what I've read so far of this message from the Precenter Martail, it look's like we're going to be sent right back into the meat grinder." Sinead scanned the message, "Steven, how much of this have you read?" Cairo blinked, "Just up to the proving we can stop Word of Blake bit. Why?" Sinead looked at him, "You might want to read the rest." Cairo turned the screen back round.

Due to the unique nature of this conflict, it is necessary to use unusual tactics. You have proven yourself capable of thinking on your feet without the need to defer to your superiors. Due to this, and you willingness to work behind enemy lines, I have singed orders expanding the Solaris Irregulars to a full regiment in strength. Accordingly, you are to be promoted to full Colonel and are instructed to raise your unit to full strength as soon as possible.

Singed,

Victor Ian Steiner-Davion

Cairo shook his head; "They've done it to me again! Every time I think I've gotten used to my rank, the bastards promote me! What the hell am I meant to do with a Regiment?" Sinead shrugged, "Same as you always do: the bet you can. You may not be the best pilot, and we both new I'm the better shot, but you are without a doubt the better commander: you care about the people under your command. Hey, I'm Lyran: most of the command-level officers where I come from got their rank because of who their parents where. There are Colonels and Generals out there who'd think nothing of sacrificing the people under their command for personal gain, and that's weakened the military's of the Inner Sphere to the point where Word of Blake can walk right over them. You're too hard on yourself Steven." Cairo shook is head, "That not the point Sinead: I don't want the responsibility."

"But you're a natural leader lad, I knew it from the moment we first met." Clearwater said from the doorway. Cairo's eyes narrowed, "You've got a lot of nerve, showing your face around here after what you did!" The ROM agent looked at him, "You have no idea, do you? You think that this is all just another little conflict, and that everything will settle down afterwards. People are dieing Steven, dieing by the millions! You think Callisto V was bad? I've got report, information that people gave their lives to get out, that revels evidence of death camps set up on concurred planets, of entire city's being laid waist with nuclear attacks."

Cairo looked at him, "That doesn't excuse what you did: you countermanded my order, redirected the Spirit Sight to attack the Jaguars LZ rather then their Mech's." Clearwater's eyes narrowed "Get with the program Steven! We are all expendable in the end: you, me, Sinead, all of us. We all accepted that risk when we joined the military: you get your money and you take your chances, same as ever. In God's name, I'd be out there in a Mech myself if I could! War is hell Steven, but right now it's the lesser of two evils: I was on Terra when Word of Blake attacked, I've faced them, I know what you're up against, and I wouldn't trust you to get the job done if I didn't think you where capable. You want out, quit!"

Cairo stood, "Where the hell else do I go? I can't go home, they want me dead. You sure as hell know that much! You think you've gotten it all worked out, don't you Simon? Now YOU get with the program: I'm involved with all this because I have no other choice. Word of Blake wants me dead, one way or another: I can't run, because they'll follow. I can't hide, because they'll find me. The only way I can keep my family safe is to hit them before they hit me! I'll raise a Regiment if that's what's wanted of me, and I'll lead them into the very jaws of death himself, but you EVER say that ANYONE under my command is expendable, then god as my witness, I will kill you with my bare hands. Do I make myself clear?"

Clearwater nodded, "Crystal."

To Be Continued…