Along Came A Spider

by drakensis

Jaime Wolf is dead. The Wolf Dragoons are in disarray and their mission to prepare the Inner Sphere against the Crusaders seems hopeless. But Natasha Kerensky has a plan...

6. Book 2, Chapter 5

Book Two

Three things never anger, or you will not live for long:

A wolf with cubs, a man with power, and a woman's sense of wrong.

- Threes, Mercedes Lackey

.o0o.

Chapter Five

Reyhavik, Rasalhague

Wolf Occupation Zone

15 September 3050

Ulric Kerensky was about to leave his office after another day's work had run on long into the evening when a chime indicated an incoming transmission. "Can it wait?" he asked the young warrior acting as his aide.

She checked the source of the message and looked up. "It is a request for a real-time HPG contact with our enclave upon Strana Mechty."

"Who?"

"Cyrilla Ward."

Ulric slumped back into the chair. "Put her through and then fetch me a beer," he ordered. "Get yourself something as well. After a day like this fatigue is more likely to affect your judgement than one small drink."

The holodisplay lit up with the white-haired head of the Wards. "Have I caught you at a bad time, Ulric?"

"None of us are getting any younger, Cyrilla." She'd served as junior Khan but semi-retired to focus on managing the business of her Bloodhouse rather than contend for the Khanship with younger warriors – like Ulric himself.

She didn't smile. "I bear bad news. Conal has decided how far he's willing to take the matter of the Dragoons."

"Further than you like, I take it?"

"He's drawing up a petition to the Grand Council. Two petitions, rather, on the grounds of treason against the Clans as a whole."

Ulric rubbed his beard. "He has to know the Clan Council would never support that. It would be far too easy for our enemies to try to extend actions against Clan Wolf as a whole."

"I know that and you know that. Whether Conal knows that or is simply too arrogant to consider it I am no longer sure."

There was a pop as the aide removed the cap from one of the bottles in her hand and she offered it to Ulric before opening her own. He took a long sip and then checked the label appreciatively. "Alright Cyrilla, I am braced for the worst."

"Conal is calling for the reaving of Natasha Kerensky's bloodright and the annihilation of all descendants of the Wolf Dragoons."

The aide choked on her ill-timed sip from her own beer. Ulric glanced her and then grimaced. Ranna was a third generation descendant of Natasha Kerensky herself. If such a measure passed... "And he did not even discuss this with you, Cyrilla?"

The old woman's eyes flashed. "He did not. If the Grand Council agrees to the Reaving of a Kerensky bloodright then as petitioner, Conal's own Bloodhouse will face a Trial of Reaving for the next bloodright to fall vacant. If I was closer I would challenge that fool and kill him for the presumption."

"No one has ever reaved or even retired a bloodright of House Kerensky – either my own house or our brotherhouse descended of Andery Kerensky. I am not sure how the Grand Council would vote - it could be close." Ulric glanced over at Ranna. "The other measure might have more support – the Jade Falcons and Smoke Jaguars are frothing that we are closer to reaching Terra than they are and the Ghost Bears would see it as a chance to take the lead. They would all be delighted to see us purging our own touman."

"Either measure is trouble we do not need. Both together would be a political disaster. I cannot see how Conal expects to prosper by making this petition but if they pass it is certain that the Clan Council will remove you as Khan."

"Another bonus in the eyes of many." The Khan drained the beer, using the time to think. "Ranna, make me a list of all Wolf warriors with the invasion force who are descended from members of the Wolf Dragoons. Cyrilla, I may need to speak to whoever gave you this information. It is possible Conal is trying to mislead us."

She shook her head. "If he was going to do so, he would choose a far more subtle agent. Vlad was quite torn by the matter. He would be delighted if only you were to fall, Ulric. But he is a Wolf before he is a Crusader."

"Conal's own aide." Ulric rubbed his chin. "Good. I can work with that. Thank you for your information, Cyrilla."

.o0o.

Forbidden City, Sian

Capellan Confederation

15 September 3050

The throne room of the Chancellor of the Capellan Confederation was dark stone and wood, covered with glorious green silks and trimmed in gold. The throne itself was on a many-stepped dais and Candace looked down on the assembled leaders of her realm.

Most were uncertain of where they stood with her, she suspected. On the one hand, she had removed her sister sycophants with all the sharpness of the sword of Liao. On the other, she had struck down the onerous decrees used by Romano to force them into compliance with her iron grip on all affairs of state – with a few exceptions.

Even those had been agreed with both the surviving Prefectorate and the House of Scions. The first decree struck down had been Candace's dismissal as Prefect of St Ives Commonality and since that appointment was technically at the House's discretion it legitimised her right to succeed Romano as Chancellor for the law specified that the Chancellor was chosen from among the Prefects. Certainly no Chancellor in centuries had been chosen outside of House Liao, but the form of the law was almost as important – more sometimes – than the reality.

And around the walls of the throne room were armed guards, not the Death Commandos of the past but infantrymen of House Imarra. Candace's iron fist within the velvet glove.

"Sun-Tzu Liao, come forward."

There was a stir as Sun-Tzu entered the room. No one had seen either of Romano's children since Candace took power. Rumours had suggested any number of fates for them.

Now he walked forwards, clearly unrestrained and in good health and dropped to one knee before the dais. "Chancellor."

"Make your report, Ambassador."

There was another stir as that title sank in. He ignored it though. "I have with me a proposed treaty that has been approved and agreed with First Prince Hanse Davion of the Federated Suns and Archon Melissa Steiner of the Lyran Commonwealth. If it meets with your approval, they have provided me with written agreement to sign the treaty into the laws of their two realms and of the Federated Commonwealth immediately upon receipt of your consent."

Candace nodded. "Is this treaty in line with the draft that you most recently communicated to me?"

"It is, your excellency. May I be permitted to summarise the matter for the benefit of the court."

She gestured for him to continue and Sun-Tzu turned, his posture shifting from supplicant to that of a minister speaking for the throne.

"Firstly, the treaty concludes the Fourth Succession War, recognising the border between the Federated Suns and Capellan Confederation as it currently stands, including previous worlds ceded to the St Ives Compact, with the exceptions of Monhegan, Manapire, Velhas, Verlo and Ziliang, which worlds are further ceded by the Federated Suns to the Capellan Confederation. All other claims, whether territorial or monetary between our two realms are hereby voided."

"Secondly, the treaty confirms the transfer of the titles of Duchess of Liao and putative First Lord of the Star League, currently held by Chancellor Candace Liao, to her daughter Kuan-Yin Liao and any descendants she may have in the future."

"Thirdly, the treaty renders the Capellan Confederation a signatory to the Federated Commonwealth alliance, in the specific union of our foreign and military policies to those of the Federated Suns and Lyran Commonwealth and in the right of equal representation upon the general council (or whatsoever name the body detailed shall eventually receive) of the Federated Commonwealth upon its being convened, that to take place no later than the last day of 3055."

The throne room was dead silent.

"Fourthly, the treaty declares that upon the end of Candace Liao's term of office as Chancellor of the Capellan Confederation that the Capellan Confederation shall thereafter be incorporated into the Federated Commonwealth as the Confederation March or such alternative name as may be agreed at the time. The post of Minister of the Confederation March shall be subject to appointment by the Confederation Prefectorate and the post of Field Marshal of the Confederation March shall be subject to approval by the Confederation House of Scions. In the interim of appointment of suitable officials, the post of pro-tem Minister and Field Marshal shall be held by the Duke or Duchess of St Ives or their regents."

Candace nodded. "Ambassador, these terms are in general acceptable to me. Full copies of the treaty shall be provided to all members of the House of Scions and Prefectorate for debate prior to my final decision."

Sun-Tzu bowed deeply to his aunt and then stepped into the crowd which parted around him, even the boldest courtier unsure of how to react to the bearer of this extraordinary news.

"My people." The Chancellor rose to her feet. "For too long, we have remained mired in the past. In not only the Fourth Succession War, whose conclusion my sister was unwilling to acknowledge but also in the fruitless pursuit of the empty throne on Terra. More than two centuries ago, Ilsa Liao offered that empty office to a Davion in return for peace and today it costs us no more to surrender that claim for more concrete benefits. My goal, my obligation as the Chancellor of the Confederation, is to see the brightest future for our people. That future is not as a conquest to House Davion or as House Liao. It is as their valued ally and equal within a wealthy and powerful Federated Commonwealth."

"In detail, I will consider amendments to the proposed treaty that my nephew has brought us. In principle, this is my policy."

She gestured to the doors. "Kuan-Yin Liao, Victor Steiner come forward."

There was a shrill cry and a woman near the back of the court collapsed. One of the guards moved forward and checked her, then muttered a report into his helmet's comms. Ion Rush, the Master of House Imarra, moved out into the aisle between the throne and the doors. "Please continue, Lady Kuan-Yin, Lord Victor. You need not be concerned by minor hysterics."

The young couple both wore Capellan style clothes – formal robes for Kuan-Yin and a business suit with a mandarin collar for Victor. He'd reluctantly agreed that his AFFC uniform would be too provocative right now.

"Kuan-Yin, you have requested this audience as a daughter of House Liao. What business do you bring before me?"

"Lady Chancellor, I am here to inform you of my intention – when I am of age next year - to take this man as my husband."

Any potential outcry was silenced as the Imarra soldiers snapped to attention, stamping their feet.

Candace ignored them completely. "My daughter, are you sure that this man is worthy of you?"

"My mother, he is of a high and noble ancestry. He is a warrior and a comrade in arms to my brother. Though he chafes at serving his people here while war threatens them elsewhere, he has never been less than courteous and respectful."

"And you, Victor Steiner. Do you accede to my daughter's intentions?"

Victor bowed deeply to the Chancellor. "My lady, your daughter's wishes in this matter are my own."

If even a tenth of the people in the room took those words at face value then Candace would be surprised. Still, they were at least respectful of each other – and fond. There were worse starts for a marriage. (She still shuddered at some of the things she'd learned about her sister's marriage to the late Tsen Sheng).

"Very well, my daughter. You have my permission, upon coming of age, to enter into marriage with Victor Steiner."

Kuan-Yin bowed her head politely. "With my apologies for the presumption," she went off-script. "My intended's name is Victor Steiner-Davion. I will wed him not despite his paternity, but in full acceptance of it."

.o0o.

Reyhavik, Rasalhague

Wolf Occupation Zone

19 September 3050

"The death of Garth Radick cannot be laid upon the head of Ulric Kerensky."

If the leader of the Warden faction could have any less likely champion in the Clan Council then it was Conal Ward. Vlad, seated next to the Delta Galaxy Commander as his aide, found it hard to keep his face straight at the two-faced rhetoric from his mentor.

"Our saKhan was slain by Natasha Kerensky – transmissions from the spheroid public distribution confirm this – and from his final transmissions, it is clear that Garth Radick fell prey to an ambush no less diabolical than that which ended the life of the Founder's brother Andery. Yet Natasha Kerensky left the Clans almost half a century ago. She is of another generation and Ulric has never met her."

Conal spread his hands. "Natasha Kerensky is a serious matter, but she is not the matter we must address today. The ilKhan has summoned the Grand Council and we must elect a new Khan to represent. This is the priority."

Anton Fetladral rose to his feet. "It is rare that I agree with Conal Ward. We can – we will - discuss avenging Garth Radick later. Today we must elect a new leader. I nominate Cyrilla Ward for the position of saKhan. She has experience of the role and we would benefit from having a Khan in the Home Worlds where she can organise the mobilisation of additional resources for our operations here."

Vlad hid a smile as Conal twitched. Many of the more conservative bloodnamed Clan Warriors would be cautious about offering support to someone who stood against his own Bloodhouse leader.

"Ulric Kerensky has led us ably through the Invasion so far as we have swept all before us. We may rely upon him to continue to do so if we only free his hands from administrative matters to do so. This is no time to appoint an inexperienced Khan who will have to grow into the role."

Marielle Radick, another staunch Crusader, burst to her feet. "Cyrilla Ward is sibkin to Natasha Kerensky! We cannot appoint someone so close to the traitor as our Khan!"

You should not have threatened Ranna, Vlad thought as he saw Conal lean forwards as if to stand only to remain glued to his chair. Marielle is correct about the bonds between sibkin – they are what tie our pack together. I might have to kill Ranna or Evantha or Carew myself if they continue to cling to Ulric's flank, but I will never allow you to feed them to the other Clans.

"I nominate Star Colonel Marcos Radick as our new saKhan," Marielle continued. "His command of the 37th Striker Cluster has shown us his skill and decisiveness. As much as we all respect Cyrilla Ward, the greatest trial of the Clans is here in the Inner Sphere. This is no moment to elect a Khan who is unable – even through no personal fault – to lead us in battle."

"Marcos Radick is not here to speak on his own behalf." The 37th Strikers were part of Conal's Delta Galaxy and he had bid them for battle on Radstadt. "Marielle can advocate him strongly, but absence weakens his position," warned Vlad under his breath.

Conal nodded sharply. "Still, he is a good candidate." Ever adaptable, he was counting votes already to try to guess if the chances of electing the Star Colonel would be better than pressing his own nomination.

"I must decline nomination." Cyrilla Ward's hologram was grim. "It is time to bring forward new talent within our Clan. Instead I commend to the Clan Council Star Colonel John Ward of the 11th Wolf Guards."

There was a gasp from Conal. John Ward was not only another of his subordinates and a staunch Warden, he had been tubed with genetic material from Conal. His own gene-son, nominated by his Bloodhouse leader… that killed any chance of Conal's candidacy: he had been passed over publically.

"Shall we nominate Charles Dinour so that all three of Delta Galaxy's Star Colonels can stand as candidates?" offered Erik Kerensky. Although a gene-sibling to Ulric Kerensky and a close friend, the two men were diametrically opposed in politics and appearance.

"Charles Dinour could be an effective saKhan." Heads jerked back towards Ulric Kerensky as he entered the conversation. The Khan nodded thoughtfully. "Yes Erik, I think you have made an excellent nomination. He was inexperienced when we entered the Inner Sphere but his Fourth Strikers have performed well and he is on excellent terms with the Goliath Scorpions so electing him would reassure our allies on the Grand Council that we will not forget them while we are fighting in the Inner Sphere."

Evantha Fetladral rose. "Three candidates is enough, surely. Let us cast our votes."

"At least she did not put Anton Fetladral forward," Vlad offered in consolation to Conal.

Conal shot him a betrayed look.

"We will have a five minute recess so that the Council may consider how to cast their votes," the Loremaster announced.

"Ward and Dinour are both Wardens, they are going to split those votes. Concentrate our votes on Radick and he has a good chance of being elected."

The older man nodded agreement. "Good thinking." He started typing instructions into his comm, directing messages to his allies within the Council.

Vlad sat back and watched as the Council members conferred either electronically or with those in neighbouring seats. Activating his own comms, he checked his messages and gave the appearance of contacting his own contacts within the Clan Council.

The minutes ticked away and Vlad watched Conal put his comm away as the Loremaster stood. He adjusted his own comm one last time before closing it down. "We will now -"

Ulric Kerensky stood sharply and walked to the centre of the chamber. "I must interrupt these proceedings," he said gravely.

"What is he doing?" hissed Conal.

"The name of Marcos Radick is removed from nomination," the Khan announced. "Perhaps Galaxy Commander Conal Ward would like to inform us all of why he did not find it appropriate to advise us that his subordinate was killed in action on Radstadt, almost thirty hours ago? Clan Wolf can hardly elect a dead man to be Khan."

"Marcos, dead?"

Ulric directed a frown at the shocked Conal. "We will elect a Khan now, but it is clear that whoever is elected our next concern will to be address the evident incompetence of Delta Galaxy's commander."

Slumping back into his chair, Conal didn't even cast a vote as the election went forward. Only when more than half the votes had been cast could he bring himself to check his comms to try to trace any messages regarding the status of the 37th Strikers.

Vlad could see the moment that he found the messages that had been screened until now. Conal's head tracked around like a gun turret to point at him. "Do you really want the Clan Council going through your personal mail to prove that you were set up?" the younger man asked, keeping his voice low so that only Conal could hear him. "Think what else they might find."

The draft petitions to the Grand Council would be like a grenade thrown into the middle of the Council. If the petitions were presented and approved the Wolves would have little choice but to accept the outcome – and perhaps even admire his gall. But caught in the act and he'd be turned upon as a traitor to the Clan.

In the middle of the chamber, the votes were tallied. "Charles Dinour is approved as our new saKhan," Ulric announced. "Along with his election, I propose that we should also appoint him commander of Delta Galaxy which is clearly in need of strong leadership rather than an incumbent more interested in fighting political battles."

Vlad rose from his chair and walked around the chamber. There was nothing more to gain by sitting next someone whose star had fallen.

"I move that the appointment of Khan Dinour be by acclaim!" Conal shouted.

Vlad turned in time to see the older man vault over his desk and stalk after him.

"I cannot disclaim responsibility for appointing an incompetent as my aide, but I can prevent him from undermining my successor." He jabbed a finger towards Vlad. "I challenge you to a Trial of Grievance."

"You are out of order."

Vlad turned to Evantha and shook his head before looking back at his former mentor. "I will not take responsibility for your errors, Conal Ward. I accept your challenge. Let the Council set the terms."

"I will not expend valuable resources on this quarrel." Ulric looked over towards Marielle Radick. "Nor will it serve to let this matter fester. I propose immediate and unaugmented combat between the two warriors. Do I hear any objections?"

"Neg." Marielle rose to her feet. "I offer myself as arbiter."

"As the root of this matter lies with the death of one of your House's leaders, I am in agreement."

She entered the floor at the centre of the chamber and gestured for Vlad to move back to one side and Conal the other. "Both of you discard any weapons you may be carrying. Also remove your boots.

Vlad and Conal removed honour daggers from their belts and kicked off their boots. Marielle stood between them and raised her hand. "When I give the signal, the trial will begin. Let this matter be settled so that the Clan may move forward as one pack."

She lowered her hand and then had to jump back as the two MechWarriors lunged at each other. Vlad ducked his head, almost dodging a kick that grazed the side of his temple.

He shook it off, caught Conal's arm and twisted, snapping the older man's forearm.

A leg sweep put Vlad on the floor and Conal came down with the elbow of his broken arm spearing for his betrayer's throat.

Ah, Conal. You have all the right instincts, but not enough wit to use them.

Vlad twisted to one side and when Conal's arm hit the floor the man couldn't help but flinch. The opening let Vlad drive his knee up and into Conal's groin, then twist and fling the deposed Galaxy Commander to the floor.

Pairing his fists, the younger warrior hammered down on Conal's face, breaking his nose and bouncing his skull off the marble floor of the Riksdag chamber. Seeing his prey was stunned, Vlad seized him by shoulder and neck.

There was an audible crack as Conal Ward's neck snapped.

.o0o.

ComStar Internal Document

Personal Communication – Precentor Martial A. Focht to Primus M. Waterly

Classified – Eyes Only – Primus

Blake's Blessing upon you Primus.

I enclose the following documentation obtained from Clan Wolf regarding AFFC equipment salvaged during the ongoing fighting on Stanzach.

J. Edgar (Ausf S) Light Hover Tank

Mass: 25 tons

Motive Type: Hovercraft

Production Year: 3045

Power Plant: Leenex 145 Fusion Engine

Cruise Speed: 118.8 km/h

Flanking Speed: 183.6 km/h

Armor: Sudeten Special Ferro-Fibrous

Armament:

- 1 Defiance MkII ER Medium Laser

- 2 Hovertec S2M Streak SRM-2s

- 1 Achernar Ordnance TAG

Manufacturer: Olivetti Weaponry

- Primary Factory: Sudeten

Communications System: Alphard Original Two

Targeting and Tracking System: RCA Instatrac Mk. II

Overview

The light hover tank is on record as having been developed in the early twenty-eighth century by Alphard Trading Corporation. The design was not purchased by the SLDF, however it was adopted by the Taurian Concordat who licensed it for production through Pinard Protectorates Ltd. tanks were employed against the SLDF during the Periphery Uprising. The Lyran Commonwealth construct their more advanced model on Sudeten in the Tamar March, production dating back to at least the mid-3040s. {Olivetti Weaponry put a copy of the original J. Edgar into production on Sudeten in 3006, something the Clans were naturally unaware of. Litigation regarding Olivetti's failure to obtain a license from ATC remains ongoing as of my last information. - Focht}

Capabilities

Equipped with a fusion reactor – something relatively unusual for Inner Sphere combat vehicles – the J. Edgar has a respectable ground speed and over open terrain it has proven able to outrun most OmniMechs and even some helicopters. The endurance provided by the reactor simplifies logistics and renders the design suitable for extended reconnaissance and raiding operations.

Olivetti Weaponry have replaced the original Diverse Optics Type 2 medium laser with an extended range weapon equivalent to a General Systems ER Medium Laser, which is the basis for the mid-weight extended-range lasers used by all of the Clans {In many respects the weapon compares more closely in performance to our own large lasers - Focht}. This is well within the cooling capacity of the original coolant system. Similarly the Harvester SRM launcher has been replaced by Streak technology launchers. Unlike SLDF Streak missile launchers, these use the lightweight materials adopted in the 29th century by Clan weapon designers.

The original J. Edgar hover tank was fitted with six point five tons of conventional armour plating. This has been replaced with a comparable thickness of ferro-fibrous protection, saving almost 17% of the armour tonnage. This has permitted the addition of a target acquisition system in the nose of the tank. It must be stressed that these alterations have no significant effect on the chassis of the tank. As such, it is entirely possible that older J. Edgar tanks in AFFC service can easily be refitted to the same capabilities.

Deployment

This update of the J. Edgar has been observed as in use by Clan Wolf and Clan Jade Falcon with Regimental Combat Teams of the Federated Commonwealth corps and Donegal Guards. They are usually deployed in squadrons of twelve or sixteen, engaging in high speed attack runs where their turrets allow them to effectively engage a target both before and after passing it. Pack tactics similar to those employed by Clan Ice Hellion make these attacks highly dangerous to isolated OmniMechs or to Elementals caught in the open. The target acquisition system, having been located in the turret is usually only a threat when the hover tanks are incoming, however, crews have been known to use less sophisticated means to call in high-explosive warhead artillery on pursuers.

Clan Smoke Jaguar reported that the original version is in use by some elements of the Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery, as well as more improvisational variations in the weapons payload or engine. It is unknown at this time if the Taurian Concordat still make use of the J. Edgar. {They do, as do the ComGuards. – Focht}.

.o0o.

CSJS Streaking Mist, Kempten System

Ghost Bear Occupation Zone

11 October 3050

Bjorn Jorgenssen and Aletha Kabrinski, the two newly appointed Khans of Clan Ghost Bear, were quietly smug that it was their Clan that was closest to Terra at this point.

Ulric felt it might be less to do with any excellence by the Ghost Bears and more to do with the lack of any major resistance so far and the relatively narrow invasion corridor. The sixth wave of attacks, due to begin next month, would have the Smoke Jaguars and the Ghost Bears each striking at regional capitals of the Draconis Combine. Overall, it seemed likely that resistance would be quite heavy on Pesht and Alshain.

"How are your warriors finding Tamar?" Jorgenssen asked pleasantly.

"I think I can safely say it will be more of a challenge than Rasalhague." Ulric waved Charles Dinour forwards. "Have you met our new Khan? The invasion appears to taking its toll upon our leaders."

Jorgenssen offered his hand to Dinour. "It is an honour," he said, as if the exchange of jibes hadn't taken place. "I think much of the invasion has not gone as planned. Perhaps the ilKhan will present a new plan for us."

"Perhaps."

"Breen and Zalman are in good spirits." Dinour nodded over to where the two Steel Vipers sat deep in conversation. "Activating a reserve clan would be a step in the right direction, even if it was just to bolster garrisons."

"I doubt the Vipers would be pleased to be treated as if their forces were secondline forces." Kabrinski straightened slightly as Natalie Breen looked up for a moment. "I doubt sharing an invasion corridor with them would be comfortable. Fortunately we are unlikely to find out first hand."

"If the Steel Vipers wish to join us in fighting through the Federated Commonwealth's defensive line, they will be entirely welcome to do so. I doubt they would find it a comfortable experience though."

The junior Wolf Khan nodded in agreement with Ulric. "It surprises me that they did not establish defences of this calibre closer to the Periphery."

Kabrinski gave Jorgenssen a thoughtful look. "Our attack on Courcheval captured a DCMS command post largely intact," she admitted. "We found a significant quantity of data about the Clans, apparently provided by the Federated Commonwealth."

"It appears that the Wolf Dragoons were compromised and have entered the service of the Federated Commonwealth."

The Ghost Bear Khans recoiled and Ulric smirked slightly at their expressions. "It takes a Wolf to fight a Wolf, quineg? I am flattered that Davion has deployed the Dragoons only against our own invasion corridor so far."

"The Dragoons could lead the Inner Sphere back to the Home Worlds then!"

"It's unclear how much navigational data they retain." Dinour shrugged at their looks. "My gene-sire Vlad Dinour helped to train the Dragoons originally. I pay attention to my heritage. If they have our location then they could have led an army there at any time in the last twenty years."

The door opened to admit the ilKhan and the assembled Khans moved to take their seats, holoprojectors filling the gaps in their ranks.

Leo Showers scanned the room before speaking. "An ancient war leader was quoted once by the Great Father, counselling that the first victim of war is the plan for battle. The recent reports from some of you make it clear that our initial plan for the invasion, while it has led to the fall of scores of worlds and carried us deep into the Inner Sphere, has reached the extent of its usefulness."

"The Inner Sphere has begun to redeploy their forces to halt us, as demonstrated by the increasingly heavy resistance that some of our forces have encountered. There have also been some unfortunate and shameful displays of overconfidence. I will not spare my own Clan in this. By now you all will have heard of the loss of one of our warships over the planet of Albiero. Khan Osis was absolutely correct to execute Dieter Osis for his poor bargaining and his progeny have been removed from our breeding programme."

"We have heard of your first attempt on Albiero." Sevren Leroux spoke firmly. "But not of your second."

"Albiero is in my Clan's possession," Lincoln Osis rumbled. "Hohiro Kurita escaped us once more – he seems to have great talent for fleeing us. My Clan now hold worlds within the central regions of the Draconis Combine and we are gathering our strength to pounce at Pesht. Once that is within our claws, we shall be only a few short jumps from Luthien."

The ilKhan leant forwards. "Since Lincoln Osis has summarized his Clan's position, let all the Invading Clans report upon their status and how they intend to continue the Invasion. Khan Crichell, how fly the Jade Falcons?"

"As described in our earlier reports, the Federated Commonwealth have fortified a number of worlds in our path and garrisoned them with multiple regiments. I believe Clan Wolf may have encountered similar circumstances. My saKhan, Timur Malthus, has committed our reserves to taking these worlds. Many glorious victories have been reported by our warriors yet I have yet to hear that one of these five worlds has been secured for our Clan. I can blame only their leadership for this."

Timur Malthus, present once again only by holo-display, reared up in outrage but before he could speak, Crichell coursed on. "As one of their leaders, it is my responsibility to address these facts. Long ago, in the liberation of the Pentagon Worlds, when the campaigns on Dagda where slowed by heavy losses, the Founder called on Clans from other worlds to join the fighting. I request the same of our current ilKhan. Rather than see the invasion deadlocked, it is time to call on the first of our reserve Clans."

"The Steel Vipers stand ready," Natalie Breen asserted immediately. "We require only a staging ground in your corridor."

"Wait!" Clan Coyote's senior Khan stood. "There has been no vote on this matter."

"No vote is required," asserted Showers. "The invasion plan, including the activation of reserve forces as required has already been approved by the Council. As your leader the decision is mine and mine alone." He glared at Robin Steele until she collapsed back into her chair. "And as your leader I say aye. Khan Breen, you may bid forces against Clan Jade Falcon for possession of one of the worlds they captured in the fourth wave to use as your staging ground."

"Let them make their own conquests from the Inner Sphere," shouted Malthus.

"You may defend the world yourself, Timur." Crichell turned to his saKhan. "If you triumph, then the Steel Vipers will be granted the right only to stage from the world and you will have redeemed yourself in the eyes of the Clan Council. If you fail, then the world will be theirs and Clan Jade Falcon will find a new saKhan!"

"Seyla!" murmured Breen. "Bargained well and done, Khan Crichell. I shall contact you tomorrow with our choice of world."

Malthus' abruptly shut off his holoprojector, vanishing from the Council Chambers.

"Khan Kerensky." Showers shifted his gaze. "Have you also encountered these fortress worlds?"

"We have and there has indeed been fierce fighting there. The Federated Commonwealth has sent their best to face us. As you yourself declared, ilKhan, this is the time to use a new strategy. Rather than press the attack on these defences, we have delayed our attack on Tamar and will use our reserves to pin down the regiments on these worlds and to permit younger, less experienced warriors a taste of battle against the Inner Sphere."

"Meanwhile, Khan Dinour and I will bypass these worlds and striker deeper into the Inner Sphere. Either the Federated Commonwealth will withdraw the units to face us or they will be cut off and their logistics will eventually fail them. Either way, the worlds will fall to Clan Wolf."

Natalie Breen's lips curled back in what Ulric concluded with some distaste was admiration and perhaps even desire. "A masterful strategy," she congratulated him.

On the Jade Falcon bench, Crichell's eyes narrowed in concern.

"That brings us to Clan Ghost Bear, who are our hosts here at the spear point of the Invasion."

"Thank you, ilKhan." Jorgenssen stood. "Before I summarize our position, I have a question for Khan Kerensky."

Ulric nodded. He wouldn't have fed Bjorn Jorgenssen the information if he didn't want it to be used in the Council. It would be far more plausible provided by a rival of his than if he presented it himself.

"You said that the Federated Commonwealth sent their best to face you – by that do you mean regular AFFC regiments, or the Wolf Dragoons?"

"There may no longer be a difference. Hanse Davion has sent elements of the Davion Brigade of Guards to fight on Radstadt and Melissa Steiner-Davion has dispatched two regiments of her Royal Guards to defend Tamar, but Khan Garth Radick fell in battle facing the Beta Regiment of the Wolf Dragoons."

"Then the Wolf Dragoons, created by Kerlin Ward to be our eyes and ears within the Inner Sphere, have betrayed us."

Charles Dinour laughed out loud. "IlKhan, the Wolf Dragoons were sent to the Inner Sphere more than five decades ago. How many of Khans here had even taken their first Trial of Positions when they departed? Few indeed. How many fewer do you think remain of the Dragoons we once sent here? I have studied records from the Dragoon's own reports and also the records kept by the Inner Sphere of their exploits. The capture of Rasalhague gave us access to the data held by a national military headquarters."

"For a quarter of a century the Wolf Dragoons were the most in demand regiments in the Inner Sphere. Their battles were so legendary that by start the Fourth Succession War – more than a generation after their departure from the Clans – the DCMS felt the necessary numbers to face them in battle were not less than double the Dragoon's strength, and by the final battle not less than quadruple their numbers. Do you imagine such battles were bloodless? By the end of the Battle of Crossing the Wolf Dragoons are reported as having one – and only one – MechWarrior fit for battle in her 'Mech."

"The Wolf Dragoons rebuilt after that day, but they are no longer the warriors we knew. Their ranks were filled out by a new generation, one who knew nothing of the Clans or of our ways, one that was raised entirely in the Inner Sphere. Of all the warriors once part of their roster, we have identified only one – Natasha Kerensky – who is still among their Dragoons."

"It should surprise no one that she has brought her command to face us in battle." Dinour glared up at the ilKhan. "For almost sixty years no one has been able to defeat her. She is a trueborn heir of Kerensky and she has come before the Clans seeking one glorious final battle to secure her legacy. Where else can she find a suitable challenge?"

"But the security of the Home Worlds…"

"We did not return to the Inner Sphere, Khan Steele, to cower away from the armies of the Inner Sphere," Leo Showers declared – conveniently ignoring the minor detail that it was the arrival of an Inner Sphere jumpship over the Smoke Jaguar home world of Huntress, and the implicit possibility of future and hostile contact, which had allowed him to unite the Crusader faction behind him.

"Khan Kerensky, if this aged renegade wishes a death in battle then I will leave it to Clan Wolf to accomplish this. But I remind you that Dieter Osis was killed and his progeny eradicated merely for failure. Clan Wolf would be ill-advised to allow the taint of this Natasha's offspring to survive within your Clan's breeding programme."

"We can police our own gene stock, ilKhan. Khan Dinour will be forming a special unit to handle the matter of Natasha Kerensky's progeny. I trust, Khan Jorgenssen, that you are satisfied with my explanation?"

"Indeed. I assure you, that should Natasha Kerensky be encountered within our invasion corridor, that she will receive the death that she deserves."

"Moving on to our actual status," the junior Ghost Bear Khan broke in impatiently, "We have previously operated with limited supplies, as our consumables have been used up far more rapidly than projections suggested. Larger shipments have been organised and are now beginning to arrive. This will allow us to seize Alshain, and then to fight our way into the densely populated region of space between Rubigen and Baldur."

"You do not expect to need a reserve Clan, I hope?" asked Sarah Weaver sourly.

"Since the remaining reserve Clans have no available forces – something I hope they will be addressing – fortunately not," Kabrinski confirmed.

"We will be moving our Galaxies forwards," confirmed Lucien Carns. "Since the last Grand Council meeting, we have prepared ships and supplies to ensure that Clan Nova Cats' clusters will arrive as soon as possible. If we have the blessings of the Grand Council, I can give the order to begin the shipments before the start of the next Wave."

"Your efficiency is appreciated and I am sure that Clan Diamond Shark will be equally diligent in bringing their forces forwards." Jorgenssen looked around the Council Chamber. "I regret that I feel this is not sufficient. By the time that your Clusters arrive, I feel that further reserves will be called for. I have discussed this matter with some of you already."

Ulric hid a scowl. Widening the invasion further would be far from ideal. "What are you proposing, Khan Jorgenssen?"

"I am requesting terms from those Clans not participating in the invasion, for our Clans to bring our invasion forces up to the levels we proposed in the second round of bidding. This would hold true for all seven of the invading Clans – as Clan Wolf did not bid, you would be free to use forces equal to the largest bid made in the second round."

Robin Steele found some reserve of spirit left from her earlier confrontation with the ilKhan. "You made your beds with your final bids. What concessions can you offer us in exchange for your Clans' poor bidding?"

"It has been somewhat implicit that the worlds occupied here in the Inner Sphere would be uncontested by the Clans not participating in the Inner Sphere. However, these are now Clan Worlds. I see no reason that their enclaves and resources should not be open to Trials of Possession for any Clans." Jorgenssen took his eyes off Steele – a Warden, if a lukewarm one – and instead looked to the Khans of the Ice Hellions, the Star Adders and the Hells Horses. "I propose a measure confirming this to the Grand Council and urge all the Khans of the invading Clans to support it."

"Stravag!" hissed Dinour from beside Ulric.

Simply loosening the terms of the bids as Jorgenssen suggested would almost double the forces available to the invaders, significantly easing their current garrison shortages and making up for casualties taken so far. But with essentially free license to scavenge at the heels of the invaders, none of the other Clans counted among the Crusader faction would want to be left out – and since any worlds they took wouldn't need to be garrisoned by the invaders…

The ilKhan looked almost physically ill at the idea of the other Clans clawing like vultures at the worlds taken by Clan Smoke Jaguar. Then his eyes narrowed. "And I suppose there is no reason that invading Clans could not launch Trials of Possession for personnel and equipment brought into the Inner Sphere by the other Clans, quineg?"

"Neg," confirmed Crichell. "No reason whatsoever. The Founder's laws are perfectly clear on the matter. I would support this measure."

"I would not."

"You may vote as you will, Khan Dinour." Aletha Kabrinski glared at him. "But as Clan Wolf did not bid for a place in the invasion, you have no say in negotiations between those who did."

Ulric shook his head. "Khan Kabrinski is quite correct," he agreed. "However, speaking solely of the proposal being put before the Grand Council, would this also open up the holdings of the Invading Clans in the Home Worlds to trials? That has thus far been blocked in order to prevent us from being distracted but since we can now face challenges here in the Inner Sphere, that logic no longer holds true."

It wasn't ideal, but the threat there might swing a few votes against the measure.

"That is a reasonable point," agreed Jorgenssen firmly. "I believe that it should."

"Perhaps a short recess is in order," proposed Elias Crichell. "Fifteen minutes for Clan Ghost Bear to draw up a formal statement and for us all to consider our position on this matter."

"Agreed." Leo Showers rose from his chair. "Khan Crichell, I wish to discuss your junior Khan's absenting himself from the middle of this council."

"I will be glad to." Crichell held up his hand. "However, I must also speak briefly with Khan Kerensky on the matter of the Federated Commonwealth's deployments. So that I may give you my undivided attention, may I join you outside in a moment?"

Showers purpled. "Very well," he said with threadbare dignity.

Ulric folded his arms. "You are playing with fire there," he warned as he watched the ilKhan stalk away.

The Jade Falcon smiled thinly. "That is politics," he observed. Making sure the other Khans were out of hearing he leant forwards slightly. "We both know where the Federated Commonwealth must have received their most advanced technology. However, it could be argued that the mysterious Helm Data Core could have contained data on the very confidential SLDF weapons development programmes that were taken with our ancestors to the Home Worlds. It is just barely plausible that this could explain the matter."

Dinour frowned. "What are you getting at?"

"No one would believe that you would vote for Jorgenssen's measure. But a Trial of Refusal could draw troops you sorely need from the frontlines. It would be almost as disruptive as a scandal of Natasha Kerensky actively betraying the Clans to the Inner Sphere." Crichell's eyes glittered. "Neither of us need that sort of disruption, Ulric. So let the vote fall where it does. If you win your point, neither I nor any of my allies will offer a Trial of Refusal. But if the vote goes against you…"

"Which you are confident of."

"One can never quite tell, when playing with fire. But yes. If the majority of the Khans support Jorgenssen then let it pass. The ilKhan will be entirely supportive of suggestions that the Federated Commonwealth has independently reduced our technological lead to a razor's edge."

Ulric raised one eyebrow. "He would prefer that to seeking the humiliation of my Clan?"

"Why confuse the issue? The ilKhan is a very busy man and I would not wish to take up more of his time than I must." Crichell tipped his head slightly, "And I should not keep him waiting."

"I despise that man," Dinour observed as he watched the Jade Falcon Khan leave. "Are you going to let him threaten us like that?"

"For now, yes." Ulric cupped his chin. "In the longer term… Perhaps we should make sure Khan Breen is fully informed of potential targets in the Jade Falcon's invasion corridor. She may wish to commit her forces to more profitable objectives than digging the Falcons out of their own hole."

.o0o.

East Jinga, Baker 3

Tamar March, Lyran Commonwealth

4 November 3050

Kommandant Caradoc Trevana reached forward and clinked his water glass off Kai's. "Here's to a well-deserved promotion, Hauptmann."

Kai raised his glass. "Here's to yours."

"Which did you think I meant?" Trevana replied impishly and they both threw back the contents of the glasses – which was clear but certainly not water. "What is this made of again?"

"Fermented potatoes, I'm told."

"It tastes like it." The older man refilled his glass. "Seriously, Kai. If you ever want to throw over this whole ducal heir business and make the AFFC a lifetime career, you'll do well. I wouldn't have recommended you for promotion if I wasn't sure you had what it took."

"I don't really have a choice in the matter." Kai declined the offered refill. "Once my five years are up – fighting against the Clans permitting, I'll have to fulfil my family obligations as heir to St Ives. At least I won't be heir to a sovereignty anymore."

"You know there are people in the Inner Sphere who never even had that as an opportunity. I rather fancy myself as a Duke one day, or at least a Margrave."

"All you need to do is get promoted to Marshal, which shouldn't take you more than ten or twenty years, sir."

"I like that plan – if nothing else, it's based on the Federated Commonwealth still being around in a decade or two which is the sort of positive attitude that I look for in a junior officer."

Helen opened the door. "Before you get too deep in that bottle, there's a message from HQ about our replacements."

"We're getting replacements? That's unexpectedly good news."

"Two or three should be arriving any minute on the transport they're sending to collect Dave."

Trevana looked at his glass. "I haven't touched this, unlike our sot of a new Hauptmann here," he lied, "but that seems unusually vague of HQ. Are we getting two replacement 'MechWarriors or three?"

"I'm not entirely sure." Helen handed over the documentation. "Two transfers from the Coventry DMM, along with their 'Mechs, plus one extra who's…"

"'Subject to the approval of Hauptmann Kai Allard-Liao', so I see. Well they got your name right, Kai. That's a start."

"Why would they need my approval?" Kai rubbed his head and made a mental note that he needed to cut his hair again. If it got much longer it might start to interfere with his neurohelmet's signals. "And do we even have a spare 'Mech if I do give it?"

"We've got that salvaged Kit Fox. Right now the techs are mostly using it as a glorified crane, but if we have them patch up the cockpit there's no reason we can't re-arm it." Trevana shrugged. "And that would bring us to twenty-four 'Mechs in the battalion – nice and orderly. Why don't you go bid a fond adieu to our favourite Feldwebel and see what you make of this stray 'MechWarrior command have sent us? Apparently I don't get any say if we keep her."

Helen picked up the bottle. "Probably better than drinking this Tikonov rotgut."

"We have a spare glass now that Kai's leaving."

"Oh well, in that case." She started unscrewing the cap as Kai left the room.

Outside the roar of heavy machinery was no longer muted. The Jade Falcons had pushed the Tenth Lyran Guards back over a thousand kilometres of Baker 3 but under General Kimmel's sure hand, the Guards had held together and made the Falcons pay a price in men and machinery that Headquarters were sure they couldn't pay forever. East Jinga, an otherwise fairly unremarkable small town, was just one more temporary base although at least it had reinforced bunkers buried beneath it that could accommodate the civilian population.

Kai waited for a truck to pass and then crossed the road and followed the block down to what was normally a vetinarian surgery and was now being operated by the medical corps as part of the field hospital. With their usual efficiency the AFFC personnel department had sent him new rank pins but not a new ID card so he had to explain to the guards at the gates why he was wearing a Hauptmann's insignia when according to his identification he was an Ober-Leutenant.

"Hey, congratulations." Dave was lying on a field cot, a handheld computer game bleeping in one hand.

"Sorry?"

"The promotion." He fiddled with the device and eventually got it to shut down. "I heard you explaining outside. If you keep it up, you'll be a Field Marshal one day."

Kai took a chair and reversed it, leaning over the back to look down at Dave. One thing about commandeered civilian facilities – they had much better institutional furniture. "I've put a recommendation in for you too, Dave. I don't know how much weight they'll give it, but if they do then along with a new leg, you'll be getting assignment to a command school."

"You're putting me in for a commission? I thought we were friends!"

"Needs of the service, Dave." Kai offered his hand. "You stuck by me from Maxie's Planet this far, I figure anyone who does that deserves the extra salary and pensions."

"…Kathy would kill me if I turned those down, wouldn't she." Dave reached up and shook Kai's hand. "I appreciate it, LT."

"Same here."

The door opened. "Okay, Feldwebel – your ride's here and -" The nurse paused. "Sorry, Hauptmann, are we interrupting?"

"Just here to see Dave to the air strip. Unless that's a problem."

"One less wheelchair for me to push, sir."

"Wheelchair!" Dave protested. "Just get me a pair of crutches, I'll be fine."

"Doctor's orders, Feldwebel. You need to keep weight off what's left of that leg if you want it to be in shape for a prosthesis." The nurse unfolded the wheelchair, a heavy military model, and Kai helped lift Dave into it, then wheeled him out to the APC serving as a personnel transport.

"Where did you get that?" he asked as Dave pulled out the little computer game.

"It's Dave Junior's – he must have forgotten to pack it." The Feldwebel looked embarrassed. "I figure… got to get it back to him, right?"

"Yeah. Well, once they pick a command school for you, I guess your family will be joining you there."

"Eh, it's just six months, right? Might be easier for them to stay on Coventry. Besides, with a metal leg they won't want me in a frontline regiment so I might be best putting in an application for the Coventry DMM."

"We're getting a couple of MechWarriors from there, actually."

"No shit?"

"Coming in on the same flight that's taking you out."

"Small universe. Well, if they're tapping those for replacements then they must have room for an experienced Feldwebel."

"Leutenant."

"Right, I was forgetting."

As the APC pulled up next to the dirt strip Kai could hear aircraft engines. It wasn't until he'd helped Dave out though that he saw what was approaching.

"I don't believe it."

"And I thought ground support pilots came with big balls," agreed Dave. "Are you sure I have to fly out of here with those lunatics?"

Clearly labouring heavily to stay in the air, a variable thrust Planetlifter transport was slowly edging its way downwards, a pair of Commando light BattleMechs suspended beneath it with heavy chains and very little else in the way of support.

"Can I at least leave inside the plane?"

"I don't know, Dave." Kai hid a smile. "It's a very large wheelchair."

The crunch of the Commandos making contact with the airstrip wasn't quite loud enough to suggest damage, although Kai would have wanted to check the ankles out before he tried to pilot either of them. With that done, the Planetlifter released the chains and shifted further up the runway to land. To the fascinated gaze of onlookers, the almost the entire ventral fuselage lowered to the ground to reveal a third Commando, this one laid on its back in the cargo hold.

"Isn't the Planetlifter only rated for seventy tons of cargo?"

"Sounds about right."

"And those Commandos are twenty-five tons each, right?"

"I think they may have been a little overloaded," Kai agreed. "Still, you know what they say about safety margins."

"To never ever exceed them? On pain of being beaten to death with a crutch by an angry Feldwebel?"

"Leutenant."

"Not unless I get to command school I'm not!"

There weren't many passengers aboard – probably a good thing since Kai suspected the Planetlifter might have had trouble getting off the ground if any of them had so much as eaten a heavy breakfast. Three were obvious 'MechWarriors, two were military police and the third…

"Diana?"

"Leutenant Kai." She managed a serviceable salute. Despite the AFFC coverall she was wearing, he saw she still had the two intact cords around her wrist where he'd put them months ago. (Helen had advised back on the Raptor's Wing that Diana didn't remove them even to shower. Kai could have lived without knowing that).

"Hauptmann Allard?" asked the senior of the military police.

"That's me, what's this about?"

"We were told to give you this, sir." He offered an envelope.

Kai tore it open and pulled out the contents.

Hauptmann Allard, it read.

Congratulations on your promotion. I'm sure your family are very proud.

The Ministry of Intelligence have advised me that Bondswoman Diana has been fully debriefed and they have no further questions for her at this time. Normally we'd ship her off world to one of the internment camps, but she does seem to hold you in high regard and we're not exactly spoiled for spare 'MechWarriors.

So it's up to you. If you trust her on your wing, you can cut the bonds cord and swear her into the AFFC. Or have the MPs bring her back and we'll send her to the internment camp.

Yrs.

Alvin Kimmel, Gen. AFFC.

"What's it say?" asked Dave.

Kai passed him the letter.

"The general's giving you a…"

"Don't. Just… don't."

The one-legged Feldwebel shrugged. "Hey, Diana."

"Feldwebel Dave!" She stared at him in shock. "Your leg! Will they be able to replace it?"

"Yeah, sure. Look, I've gotta go get that looked at so keep an eye on Kai for me. You know he needs someone to keep him out of trouble."

She nodded solemnly. "I will do my best."

"Dammit, Dave."

The older man gestured for him to move closer. "You got the same briefings, right. You beat her, so you have her loyalty. Besides, I showed her all your dad's old fights and…"

"I really wish you hadn't."

"Respectfully, LT, you need someone's problems to think about instead of whatever ones you think you have yourself. Keeping her out of trouble will be a full time job. Just think if it as being a Dad."

"Keep digging that hole, Dave. I have Kathy's address, you know." Kai rubbed his face and then folded up the letter. "Okay. Diana, do you want to get back in a 'Mech? It means fighting your old Clan."

"You are offering me a place in your Clan, quiaff?"

Kai swore that if Dave laughed once, he'd kick him out of the wheelchair. "You'll need to swear allegiance to the Federated Commonwealth, Diana. And we take that seriously. If you take the oath and then try to rejoin the Jade Falcons, I'll kill you myself."

She frowned. "I think I understand. I would still be a warrior?"

"A MechWarrior and a soldier."

"You do not have bloodnames in the Inner Sphere, do you?"

Kai shook his head.

"So if I am a soldier, I could one day become an officer?"

"If you qualify – there's special training, I've nominated Dave for it."

Diana considered and then looked up at Kai. "My gene-sire is a Jade Falcon officer. A trueborn. I have not met him but I am not sure I could fight him. But otherwise I will fight for you."

"Close enough." Kai pulled out the survival knife he was keeping in his boot these days. "Hold still while I take the cord off. And then we'll swear you in."

"We're not taking her back then?" asked the military policeman.

"No, but I'd take it as a personal favour if you'd keep an eye on Feldwebel Jewell here on the flight back. He's scared of heights and between that and the painkillers…"

"Once I pass that command course, I'll be allowed to swear at you in public, won't I?" Dave groaned. He looked up at the military policemen. "Tell me straight up, was the flight in as bad as it looked from here."

"They told me before we boarded that without the ammunition, the 'Mechs were just light enough to be inside their weight limits. The pilots swore they must be over though. It was… kind of rocky, but I don't think there's going to be as much going the other way."

Kai and Dave exchanged looks. The older Commando models carried two tons of SRM ammo but both the Ausf R and the Ausf S models had only one ton.

"Yeah, one of you guys push me over to the loadmaster," Dave grumbled. "If he overloads us this time, I won't be getting on the plane – not if I have to wheel this thing all the way back to the drop port myself."