The Roadhouse, Mesa Region

Tharkad, Donegal Province

Lyran Alliance

The Roadhouse turned out to be a large two story building built to provide food and rest for the drivers of the huge mass-hullers that connected the mired of mines and plantation in the Mesa Region with the regional capital. Several of the fusion and diesel powered vehicles where outside, their trailers the size of barns, their two story cabs more like mobile homes than the workhorses that they where.

Everyone seemed to be dressed in civilian cloths, but Cairo could see sentries standing watch with their rifles slung over their backs, encrypted com-units hanging from their belts like transistor radios.

The main lounge was a hive of activity, with people either sanding around several large maps or clustered around a large field radio in one corner. Cairo grabbed a cup of scalding hot black coffee from a large urn and wondered around, listening to snippets of conversation, trying to work out who wanted to fight, and who wanted to give in.

"It is good to see you up and around Steven Cairo." The unmistakable bulk of Star Colonel Jake Kabrinski looked over one of the tables, "We where worried that you had hit your head once two often."

"Good job I have such a thick skull then." Cairo smiled at the Ghost Bears joke, "Or YOU would be tasked with retaking Costa Mesa."

"You plan to counter attack then?"

"Indeed, but how and where from I do not know: a frontal attack is out of the question, as the only way to move something as big as a OmniMech in this country is by road, and they will have all of them covered." Cairo looked at the map, "How long can your Mechs and Battle-armour operate underwater?"

"It depends: a few hours if they are prepared properly, and do not have any major holes in their armour."

"If I am reading this right then there is a river not far from here that leads down to the sea. Some of our forces could sneak along the cost and attack from the estuary…"

"That is dishonourable." A new voice protested, "An unworthy of a Clan warrior. I can see why a Freebirth would choose it." Cairo turned to see Peter, a Smoke Jaguar MechWarrior taken during the fighting on Tukayyid.

"That is enough Star Captain." Kabrinski turned to the speaker, "You will remember your place…"

"Or what Ghost Bear? Or what?" Peter looked the Elemental in the eye, "OR WHAT?"

"Perhaps you feel we should have a new commander?" Cairo asked, his voice low, "Do you have any suggestions?" The room went quiet, everyone looking at the three warriors.

"Any Trueborn, even a Ghost Bear, would be better than you!"

"Would you like a chance to prove yourself?" Cairo crossed his arm, "A chance to prove your superiority to everyone here?"

"Are you offering me a Trial of Position?"

"Yes, if you wish: you win, you take command, both here and of the Irregulars as a whole." Cairo hushed several people who started to protest, "I win, and I never have my commanded questioned EVER again."

"How do you choose to fight me?"

"Un-argumentum."

"Very well: we will settle this right now."

"Here?"

"No, outside."

"As you wish." Cairo turned and headed for the main doors.

"You are in no position to fight Steven Cairo." Kabrinski appeared at his side, "Clan law allows for you to pick a champion to fight for you."

"I thank you for your concern Jake Kabrinski, but this is something I have to do myself." Cairo pulled of the heavy check shirt he'd been given, "If someone else fights for me then they will always suspect that I was not willing to face him myself."

"You have proven your bravery and honour time and time again: Peter is a hot-head who longs for a past he can never regain."

"That's just the problem: he knows how good I am, and wants to prove he is better. The only way I can keep the Smoke Jaguars in line is to remind them how they ended up here."

"Peter is not Star Colonel Wade Showers…"

"No, and I do not have an 85-ton Mech this time." Cairo looked around the rough circle the spectators to the impending fight had formed, "I personally give myself no better than a 50% chance of winning."

"Then why fight him?"

"It is all I am good for." Cairo turned to the taller man, "If I don not make it out of this, tell Sinead…" He hesitated, "Tell her I am sorry: she deserved better."

"I will not need to: you will live through this, and you are a good man."

"Well shall see." Cairo turned to face Peter, "You ready?"

"Smoke Jaguars are always ready to fight."

"Figured as much…" Cairo sighed, "let us get this over with."

Peter lunged forward, his first blow knocking Cairo sprawling to the ground, driving the wind from his lungs. Cairo recovered enough to kick-out at the Smoke Jaguar as he charged, stopping his in his tracks with a foot in the gut. Peter clenched his fists together and swung them round with all the force he could muster.

Cairo took the sledgehammer like blow to the left ribs, and felt them brake under the onslaught. The force of the blow span him round, allowing Peter to deliver a powerful kick that caught Cairo just to the side of his spine, sending him crashing back to the ground, face down. Peter stood over him, and raised his foot to stamp on the back of Cairo's head.

The combat-boot shod foot descended at high speed, but Cairo was somehow able to twist round and grab it with both hands, twisting it so sharp he heard the bone crack as Peter span round, his other foot connecting with the side of Cairo's head.

Blood and teeth went flying as Cairo felt his head snap to the side with such force that he thought that his neck would snap. The two combatants sprawled around in the dust, each trying to gain the advantage, raining down blow after blow on the other as it descended into a street fight.

A sharp stab of pain caught Cairo in his left side, making him loosen his grip, allowing Peter to gain the upper hand. The Smoke Jaguar rolled them over so Cairo was pinned on his back, a combat knife in his hand, blood from the wound in Cairo's side dripping from the tip. He held the knife high ready to stab down and end the fight.

Cairo's right hand came up fast, his hand a flat right-angle to his arm. The base of his palm connected with Peter's nose, driving the lump of cartilage up into the other mans brain, killing him instantly.

With some difficulty, Cairo managed to topple Peter's corps and shakily stood, his swollen eyes surveying the silent crowd, "Anyone else?" He looked at them, "Huh? Anyone else want to take a shot at me?" He glared at the remaining Smoke Jaguars, "Anyone else think they are better than me?" Silence, "Good: then that is that sorted…"

To Be Continued…