THIRTEEN

Note:Thanks to Callidus and other readers for the kind support. We are halfway to the end, and this story has scored more than two-thousand hits. It's always encouraging to know that people appreciate the time and effort I invested. From this point, everything will get darker, but I hope people still enjoy it.

Thor's Shieldhall, Solaris VII,
Freedom Theater, Lyran Alliance,
March 14, 3064

Another year passed. Two months of living away from the arena finally put my mind to rest. It was hard, thinking that everything I believed in turned out to be a lie. But talking to Kyle, Emi, and drinking a lot of beer helped me get over it. I could accept the fact that I was the middleweight champion, although it was not a perfect match. But I lived in an imperfect world. At least one good thing came out of the medium-weight season: Liao syndicate was broken. Although Morton had never apprehended the rest of the Grey Wolves, they vanished.

Now another season loomed in the horizon. I had been practicing with a brand new mech, the Argus. It was a fine-tuned machine, and I really like the easy handling of the 60-ton mech. The main drawback were the fact that it was at the lower limit of heavyweight class, and its Rotary Autocannon 5 that jammed with each long burst. But the agility and the small profile made up for the lack of armor and annoying gun. Although I had to detour from my initial plan, I felt that fighting another season in heavyweight class would be worth it.

Unfortunately, heavy and assault classes were home of a Solaris biggest crime syndicate, La Cosa Nostra. This syndicate had corrupted almost every aspect of Solaris, especially those at Silesia. Steiner's doctrine of warfare leaned heavily towards heavier mechs and large-bored weapons, so they focused their attention on heavy and assault classes only. With FedCom Civil War heightened up to a full-blown confrontation, I wondered why Captain Morton did not go after La Cosa Nostra, but instead meddled with the pesky Liao partisans. Perhaps the scale of this crime syndicate was far beyond his authority.

Emi gave me a hint of what was waiting for me on the heavy circuit. She caught a conversation between 2 La Cosa Nostra members while serving drinks to them. "Steiner domination is quite significant in the heavyweight, and a bit extreme on the assault," she told me. "La Cosa Nostra is not happy with your collaboration with Kyle Garret and Captain Morton. They see you as a threat to their existence."

"I worked with them, but I never pledged allegiance to the Davions," I replied. "And I knew what these syndicates are able to do. The Grey Wolves tried it, but I survived."

"Grey Wolves are mere bugs compared to La Cosa Nostra," Emi took a chair next to me. "They have networks from the juries to technicians, people that have the authority – and audacity – to sabotage you in any way imaginable. I just don't want you to get hurt."

"What do you suggest?" I played along with her.

"Kyle and Natalie are staunch Davion soldiers," she sighed, her face pouted. "And Morton is the chief of Black Hills District. Perhaps it's for your best interest if you reconsider your relationship with them. I'm not saying that you have to break your friendship with them. I'm just saying… the Steiners have eyes everywhere. If they see you hanging out with them too many times, they'll see you as a Davion."

"Emi, I would be happy to spend less time with them, but not for politics," I stood my ground. "I do not belong to any factions, and I refused to take part in the civil war. Kyle and Natalie are related to me through a mutual acquaintance, and Morton tags along with Kyle. No politics are involved." I paused, curious of where she stood in this war-marred world. "It seems to me that you are swinging me toward the Steiner. Are you a Steiner?"

"I am a server at Thor's Shieldhall," she reclined on her chair, snorting. "Neither Steiner nor Davion care what my allegiance is. But you, Parker, you're the defending champion of medium circuit. You're leading a huge mob that worship you like a god. You're naïve if you think Kyle hasn't tried to drag you to join Davion. And if the Steiners haven't made a move to recruit you, they soon will.

"This stupid civil war had changed the way Solaris games are played in heavy circuit. You're entering a division where the Steiners and Davions use the arenas as replicas of their front-line combats. The Solaris games used to be pure sports. Now they're war. And when you enter a war, you have to take side, whether you like it or not. And taking side means waging war against the other. I know where you stand, Parker, but wouldn't it be better for you to take the safe side, until this war ends?"

"And is Steiner the safe side, considering their influence on the heavy circuit?" I understood her concern, and I greatly appreciated it. But I did not want to do something based on politics. I squeezed her hand, shooting a soothing smile, "Thank you for your apprehension, but if I swung toward Steiner, I would be a political player. I am not, and I have no desire to be one. I will remain neutral, and I will do it no matter what happen to me in the arena. Rest your worry. I can take care of myself."

Emi looked at me, her eyes originating anxiety. But she knew I would not budge from my standpoint. She nodded, tapping my hand with both hands, and smiled, "Then promise me you'll behave like a neutral warrior. No hanging out with the Davions too much. And watch who you kill in the arena. You're my best customer, and I hate to lose you because of some stupid ideologies."

"I will keep that in mind," I concurred. "Now get me another beer. This political talk makes me thirsty."

She winked and got off the table, walking behind the counter. The bar was sparse, and the TV hanging above the bartender showed Duncan Fisher, a self-proclaimed Solaris legend turned TV host, interviewing a mechwarrior. I heard he was a big player in heavy circuit, so I was attracted to see what the interview was all about.

"Mr. Maxwell, you had amazing years in the heavy circuit," Duncan said in a casual tone, trying to make the mechwarrior relax without sucking up too much. "You have been the heavyweight champion for 5 years in a row, and nobody seems to be able to keep up with your style. What's your secret?"

"You know Duncan, from my experience there are 3 components for winning recipe in Solaris," the mechwarrior replied, his voice was throaty with conceit. "Strategy, weaponries, and determination. The Lyran Alliance has the best weaponries and tacticians in the Inner Sphere. I only give them my determination to win."

Well, there it was: Steiner's propaganda, just like Emi mentioned.

"This season we have two Davion-supported players moving up from the medium circuit: Kyle Garret and Parker. Kyle was the champion and Parker was the runner up of lightweight circuit in 3063, and they switched position in medium championship last season. Some predict that these two will give you real matches this season; many even went farther: they will dethrone you. What is your view on that?"

"You can tell the naysayer's that I have been in this circuit for almost a decade, and I am the champion for 5 straight years. The heavy circuit is my home, my turf, my battlefield. We never heard about the Davions before 3062, and they've never fought in heavy circuit. I heard their exploits in light and medium circuits, but I believe it was only Davion propaganda. Heavy mechs are different than tin cans they used to drive. They need some time to adjust. I'd be surprised if they reach midseason."

"You sound pretty comfortable."

"Well, you know Davions. They're all talk. Just like their leader, Victor. There's nothing to worry about. They might make a break on initial rounds, but they won't be able to keep up with heavyweight pressure, even with their fancy Clan moves."

If his record did not speak for his ferocity in the arenas, I would have neglected his gloating. But he was the champion for 5 years. Gloating was common among low-rank players, but it became scarcer and scarcer with the increasing skill. Thrash talking, that might happen, but not gloating. So why did a player his caliber gloat like a zombie? Insulting Victor Davion, no less? It could be his personality. Or perhaps he was not great, but La Cosa Nostra – or Steiners, for that matter – always found a way to put him ahead of everybody. He was young and handsome, a perfect combination to be the spear tip of Steiner's propaganda.

I was not worried about his skill. I knew I could beat him in one-on-one combat. I was a bit nervous about what could happen after I beat him. I had not forgotten how the Grey Wolves made me miserable, and according to Emi, La Cosa Nostra were far more ruthless than the Grey Wolves. I had a feeling that, sooner or later, I would cross path with this Maxwell guy, and it was too late to turn around. I had to start planning my strategy.

"Getting nervous about your next battle, I see," a familiar voice greeted me.

I looked up and saw John Daniels, followed by a young male who seemed to be barely out of his puberty. I saw a glint of confusion and fear in his eyes, but they soon disappeared, replaced by an array of wonder. I would guess he was a newbie who was trying to rise to fame, and Daniels grabbed him at the first opportunity. I did not know what Daniels planned for the kid, but I had a feeling that it had something to do with my next battle. Otherwise he would not bring the kid to my attention.

"This is Joey," Daniels stated. "He's new and just joining our stable."

"Mr. Parker, it's an honor to fight with you," Joey the kid shook my hand with enthusiasm. "I've been following your game, and I am anxious to be fighting with you in the arena."

"Be careful what you wish for," Daniels grabbed a seat. "It'll happen sooner that you expected."

"Sooner?" I shifted in my seat, shooting a demanding stare at my stable master. Something was not right. The kid seemed too eager to jump into the arena, and judging by what he said, I would be fighting with him. "What is going on here?"

"Our shift to heavy circuit drew a lot of attention, especially Steiner loyalists," Daniels hushed as if he was afraid of eavesdroppers. "They set us up with 'Mad' Maxwell, the guy you've been watching on TV. He's the reigning champion of heavyweight class for 5 straight years. He's ruthless and cold, and he's in a Clan Vulture. Nobody had ever touched him the last 5 years. Nobody."

"I know that fact," I watched the TV again, showing Maxwell talking more and more about how great it was to liaise with Lyran Alliance. "So I will fight him in my first match in heavy arena. I just thought about this. I did not realize it would happen this fast."

"He's scared," Daniels responded in disgust. "That creep is scared. I can tell you that. That's why he wants to fight you as early as possible. He said it himself: you're not fully familiar fighting in a heavy mech. He's taking advantage of your adjustment period by fighting you before you get full flow. So he arranges the match at the Coliseum three weeks from now."

I could not help but smile at Daniels. I doubt he came up with this rationalization himself. If he had the ability to deduct such an eloquent strategy, he would have owned a great stable. He must have overheard somebody talking about it, and was provoked. Nevertheless, it made perfect sense. My demise in heavy circuit (and perhaps subsequently Kyle's) was twofold: smoothening up Maxwell's path to his sixth straight championship and sending a message that Steiner was superior to Davion. It was only natural that they wanted me (and Kyle) out of the competition as soon as possible.

"Thank you for this information," I nodded my gratitude. "Three weeks is enough for me to get a grip on the Argus. I will be ready for him."

"You don't know this guy," Daniels grunted. "He's a nightmare! You can't fight him alone!"

"You seem to undermine me," I coined disappointment. "Have I done anything but bringing you money and fame, Mr. Daniels? Trust me, I know I can beat him."

"Listen to me Parker," Daniels' voice turned grief. "People are rooting for you, but the betting stands still favor Maxwell. Currently you are 3-to-1 odd, and it'll increase as you're getting close to the match. This is a perfect chance to score some big c-bills. I know this is a contest of virility for you mechwarriors, but try to look at it from my perspective. If we can win a 5-to-1 odd, we'll be rich! You know what it means, Parker. You can't lose!"

I was taken aback by his last comment. I cannot lose? This was the first time Daniels ever said it to me. I had been an underdog several times, but he had never been this jittery about winning a match. This betting binge started to make me confused, and I suspected there was more to this from Daniels. "If Maxwell plays it fair, I will win the match. This much I can guarantee."

"I've been in this business for a long time, and I can tell there is no such guarantee. We have to make it happen. That's where Joey comes into play," he shot a glance at the young mechwarrior. "I induced some juries to include Joey on the match. When the match starts, you shut down your mech. Let Maxwell go after Joey. When he turned your back against you, power up and nail him from behind. Bam! He's gone! You win!"

It took me half a minute to realize what Daniels was implying. He was sacrificing this young mechwarrior, and revealing it right in front of his face! I could not believe he did that. And even though this plan went perfectly well, the Steiners and La Cosa Nostras would not let it go. They would come after us in any possible way to avenge their star.

"No! I will not proceed!" I protested. "How could you ask me to consciously defile the rules of the arena? You will ruin everybody's career!"

"I will be happy to die for your, Mr. Parker!" Joey suddenly tuned in.

"Nobody is going to die because we are not doing this!" I snarled.

"Why? Do you think you can get the championship with full homage for the rules?" Daniels fumed.

"I am the medium circuit champion, am I not?"

"Then you haven't seen Solaris yet!" he nudged the table with his fist. "Open your eyes, Parker! Who cares about honor and rules of engagement? As long as we have c-bills, we make our own rules! And this is the perfect opportunity to cash in! Solaris is about money and fame, Parker. Nothing more, nothing less, nothing else!"

"Then," I drank the last drop in my bottle, "I am afraid you will have to do it without me. I do not want to sell my soul for money and fame. If you ask me to cheat, you ask me to do something that I am not. I am sorry, but I will not do as you told."

"You just don't get it, do you?" Daniels raised his voice. "There is no cheating in Solaris! Truth is relative, rule is supple! And the heart of the life in Solaris is c-bills. You can do anything you want if you have money. I can't imagine you can't grip this concept after living here for almost 3 years."

"I am sorry to disappoint you, Mr. Daniels, but I will not do it," I got up, putting money on the table for Emi. "Perhaps Joey will be a better fighter for you."

Before I could walk out of the bar, Daniels grabbed my arm, yanking my shirt to get close to my face. "You promised, Parker! You promised to fight for me one more year before I take care of all your expenses. You expected that I honor my words. How dare you tarnish your own words?"

"I did not promise to cheat!"

"For God sake, there is no cheating in Solaris! And who cares if we cheat or not? I'm no Clanner, Parker, and neither are you! So stop talking about honor! The only honor you'll know is your own words!"

That was as far as I would tolerate him. I cocked my right arm, ready to deck him in the face. But then, I knew his words held the truth. I did promise to fight for another season under his stable. I did not promise to cheat, nor I promised to do otherwise. I never thought about it because I never suspected that Daniels would take it to this level. This had gone too far for me, but I realized that my hands were bound by my own words.

Slowly I lowered my arm, then went back to my chair. My head throbbed, knowing that I could not do anything but to proceed with this heinous act. Daniels certainly got me on my weakest point: my pride to keep my words. Had I known that he would use it for his advantage, I would have never promised him anything.

"What if he spots me when I am shutting down?" I tried to cancel his plan by reasoning.

"The match coordinator will place Maxwell right in front of Joey. As soon as the horn blare, Joey will smack the hell out of Maxwell. It'll rob his focus out of you. You wait a moment until he fully concentrates in Joey, then spring up and cross-fire him from the back."

"The Steiners will not let this one go easily."

"But with the money we get from the match, we can buy an entire army to keep the Steiners at bay."

I would have smashed his head with a beer bottle if I could. "Do you realize that you are putting Joey on Maxwell's crosshair? You deliberately use him as my shield. How could a person in his right mind do that?"

"Don't worry, Mr. Parker," Joey chimed. "I've got you covered. It's an honor to fight with you."

At this point, I could not think anymore. These two scoundrels had just undone everything I believed to be Spheroid's rectitude. I did not, could not, and would not understand what they were thinking, and for a second I cursed my decision to leave the Wolf in Exile 5 years ago. But there was nothing I could do. I just reclined in my chair, rubbing my head, and asked them to leave. "I want to be alone, please."

"Don't get too cocky with the plan," Daniels tapped my shoulder before he got up. "You still had to practice with the Argus."

Dear Alexander Kerensky, my head hurt.

"Is everything alright with you?" Emi came by my table. "Do you want another beer?"

"No Emi, I need something stronger than a beer," I sighed. "Much stronger."