Chapter Fourteen

Gamora, Twycross

Jade Falcon Occupation Zone

11 April 3052

The hologram of Zeta Galaxy's commander was standing facing Timur Malthus across the office that was usually used by Elias Crichell. With the Khans on their way back to the Home Worlds, Malthus saw no reason to let the facility go to waste.

Disgrace or no disgrace, he was one of the Falcon's most experienced commanders in fighting the Inner Sphere and Crichell had not been able to stop his former saKhan from taking command of Sigma Galaxy as attrition thinned the upper ranks of the Jade Falcons.

That, however, had also brought other unlikely individuals to prominence, such as Zeta's Galaxy Commander – a man once considered a veritable heretic against the Way of the Clans and now rising to be effectively Malthus' equal.

"There have been no outside attacks on our garrisons so far," reported Aidan Pryde calmly. "What we have seen is a significant upswing in insurgent activity – sabotage of our infrastructure, assassinations of our warriors if they stray far from our bases, delays in delivering requisitioned goods..."

"Nothing new in those individually. The quantity has risen, quiaff?"

"Aff. We have hundreds of incidents each week. If you have any good news about reinforcements, I will bid for their addition – three Clusters is marginal for controlling so many worlds."

"I have very little good news. The AFFC have limited ability to interdict our dropships and remain hesitant to engage our jumpships. Some units have escaped to regroup on Alyina." Malthus shrugged bitterly. "Clusters have become trinaries, Star Captains lead at best a Star or so... The Jade Falcon, Peregrine and Gyrfalcon Galaxies are out of action. We may be able to consolidate the survivors but I doubt the AFFC will grant us the time."

"Ask me for anything but time..." Pryde's lips quirked at the former Khan's quizzical expression. "The words of a long ago general. And what of the Khans?"

He felt his lips curl back, baring his teeth. "Invective. Demands I resolve this for them. Threats against my lineage if I fail."

"I would be impressed if they could do anything productive, more than a month's travel away from the Occupation Zone." The other man leant forwards slightly. "So to recap, we are in command of two – being generous, three – Galaxies of troops defending thirty-four worlds. Our warships are scattered across a thousand light years of supply lines, with barely any of them here in the Occupation Zone. The nearest reinforcements are the four Galaxies on the Home Worlds – by the time they get here this will be over. And besides the AFFC, we're likely to find ourselves under attack from the Burrocks again."

Malthus grimaced. His Galaxy were the ones who had taken the brunt fighting the scavengers. "That seems to be a fair summary."

"It seems to me that we have two possible courses of action – the easy way and the hard way. Firstly to fight a glorious last stand, winning eternal glory for Clan Jade Falcon but effectively dooming our warriors and the civilian castes we brought with us to death or captivity at the hands of the AFFC."

"And secondly?"

"Bargain with them."

Malthus grimaced. "That is not the Way of the Clans."

"We abhor waste, Malthus. Why else do we have traditions like zellbrigen and hegira? Some might say that dying fighting we would waste everything but honour."

Malthus weighed the options. "I am not your designated commander, Pryde. Will you follow my lead on this?"

"Neg." Then Pryde grinned. "Two leaders, two plans. Why not follow them both? You know some of our warriors would mutiny in the face of any compromise so one of us can lead them in a futile counter-attack while the other bargains for the survival of the rest of our Clan here. We do not need to tell the Khans about the second part of the plan."

"They would certainly not approve. But we cannot keep it a secret from them."

"It is unlikely the Steel Vipers will survive to report the deceit and no one has heard from the Nova Cats since we failed to elect an ilKhan. And even if the other Clans report it, all we need is plausible deniability."

"I am not familiar with that phrase."

"It is a tactic used in politics – Elias Crichell is a master of it. So long as he proclaims loudly and often that our Clan's warriors fought to the last 'Mech and the last bullet, his audience will accept it unless they are faced with absolute evidence – hard to obtain from the Home Worlds. Eventually it will be discovered, but most of us will be dead by then and it will no longer be an issue of concern."

Malthus nodded hesitantly. "I have no superior plan," he admitted. "Which plan do you wish to command?"

"You were our Khan, Timur Malthus, and I do not truly think you led our people poorly. You may bid first."

He hesitated. The first path would be in many ways the fulfilment of his life. But he had still sworn the oaths of a Khan, even if he was relieved of duty. Live first for the Clan and then for yourself.

Was he afraid to die?

"It is not an easy choice," Pryde admitted as he saw Malthus' dilemma.

I do not fear death... he realised. Failure, though.

"Perhaps you will think it cowardly of me, Aidan Pryde, but I will choose the easy way. I will bargain with the Federated Commonwealth."

Pryde raised his hand in salute. "Nay, my Khan. My path is the easy one and I thank you for granting it to me. Dying for the Clan is what we have trained for. Living for them will be far harder."

"I will poll my warriors," Malthus decided. "As the Khans have placed responsibility for the war effort upon me I shall reform the Jade Falcon Galaxy around the survivors of the frontline forces and place it under your command. Send all your fire-eaters to join it and I will do likewise, melding the rest of Zeta with my own Clusters to form..."

"Call it the Jade Phoenix Galaxy for now," suggested Aidan. "We can claim that it is to gather our civilians and supplies into a single defensible perimeter."

"The Jade Phoenix Galaxy. I like it."

"In all practical purposes, it will be a new Clan, the Jade Falcons reborn." Aidan nodded solemnly. "Make it a legacy worthy of that."

.o0o.

Imperial Palace, New Samarkand

Galedon District, Draconis Combine

16 April 3052

Grey had crept up through Theodore Kurita's hair as the Clans consumed the Draconis Combine. Since the death of two of his children – and his father, although no one ever dared mention that – on Luthien, the Coordinator's hair had become as grey as steel.

There was no other frailty to him though and he was more often found striding through the ministries and military command centres as they completed the transition to governing House Kurita's empire from New Samarkand.

One division of the government that required no such readjustment was the Internal Security Force. Their headquarters had not left the ancestral home of the House they served when the capital moved to Luthien during the early twenty-seventh century and thus it had no need to relocate now.

"My first question is this," he told Subhash Indrahar. "Do the Wolves bargain in good faith? They are betraying their fellow Clans."

"We do not have a great of information on the internal politics of the Clans," warned the wheelchair-bound spymaster. "However, the information from Hanse Davion indicates that the Wolves were the centre of opposition to the invasion taking place at all, and interrogation of prisoners suggests that they were to an extent strong-armed into participating by their rivals. It is not conclusive, but the possibility exists that the Wolf leaders may wish to be done with the matter."

"They cannot be said to have done badly out of the matter." The Coordinator considered. "If they do continue to advance on Terra they will encounter our garrisons facing the Isle of Skye. I cannot remove those, so deception would not profit them."

"It could be that they intend to focus their efforts against the Federated Commonwealth. Offering you a treaty would simply allow them to focus on that advance with one of their flanks secured."

"Possible," agreed Theodore. "If that is the case then I would offer them the same terms as those they offer with regard to the Smoke Jaguars and the Diamond Sharks: I will not help them, but nor will I hinder them."

"That may bring us into conflict with House Davion."

"When you come down to it, Subhash, I owe them nothing. All help we have offered each other has been paid for in full. If I accept this treaty I will share the details with New Avalon as a courtesy – if they have a similar treaty then I may at least expect them to reciprocate."

"Truly it is said that an honourable adversary is far less of a threat than a dishonourable friend."

"Hai. And while Davion's honour is not that of a samurai, it is nonetheless honour and may be counted on. If his son survives the Capellan courts I must wonder if his own honour will be as steadfast."

"A matter under investigation, my lord. The interdiction of the Federated Commonwealth has slowed our transmission of information but agents are in place."

Theodore nodded thoughtfully. "Most efficient."

"I suspect that you favour this proposed treaty."

"In general, yes. Details are another matter. I would prefer a more favourable number of worlds restored to the Combine." Theodore rubbed his chin. "Perhaps it could be... implied to their emissary that the regiments being massed for operations against the Smoke Jaguars' flanks are in fact positioned to strike at worlds that fell to the Ghost Bears."

"It seems to me, my lord, that were the emissary brought to Benjamin that the impression of significant troop strength could be displayed. It is a suitable world for both military assembly and also diplomatic discussions."

"See to it, Subhash. I will appoint my son to the negotiations."

"Lord Minoru? His youth may make him a less than ideal choice."

"The Clans place less weight that we do on seniority, my old teacher. And while Minoru has trained in the martial arts, he is not seen as a warrior in the image of his brother. To have won worlds from the Wolves in negotiation will elevate my heir's reputation."

"The pen is not always mightier than the sword."

"We must all begin somewhere, smiling one. And besides, I have no heir besides him – unless you count Sakamoto."

Indrahar hid all sign of surprise.

"Yes," the Coordinator confirmed. "I know that you located my bastard son. I do not disapprove – it is always wise to have a reserve. You may prepare him but promise nothing. Minoru is the heir and only if he fails will I acknowledge another."

"All will be as you command, my lord."

Theodore turned sharply at a corner but waited politely for the spymaster to turn his motorised wheelchair. "What news has reached you of the Federated Commonwealth's military position?"

"Unfortunately, very little due to the communication issues. What information we have discusses the Steel Vipers and the Jade Falcons. ComStar is not mentioned as a concern – Hanse Davion has established an organisation named Federated Communications to handle HPGs under his control. It is unknown as yet how secure use of them will be for my agents. Overall, it is most probable that Operation Revelation has ended without serious impact on the Commonwealth's long term prospects."

"And no mention of these Nova Cats?"

"None. In this context I believe we may consider that good news for the Federated Commonwealth."

"True. Your opinion of Demona Aziz's overtures?"

Formally, Indrahar had not been briefed on the matter. Not that that was a significant issue. "She is a fanatic in Waterly's mould and considers herself much more intelligent than she actually is. As Waterly holds similarly presumptuous views of ComStar's importance normally they would be allies, but Aziz has the cunning to see that those views will not prosper openly for now."

"As an alternative to this Federated Communications, an organisation led by Aziz would be no better or worse than ComStar as it stood – perhaps slightly preferable in lacking Terra but there would remain the issue of communicating with the Free Worlds League – the Terran Corridor is somewhat wider than what I understand to be the maximum range of an HPG."

"The technical issues would be easily solved with repeater stations. The matter is political – Hanse Davion would only need to find the stations to have his hand around the throat of such communications." Theodore sighed. "Alas, we lack the technological capacity to support such a network on our own."

"We may lack the capability but the Clans do not." Indrahar clutched the controls of his wheelchair. "We have plans as a matter of course to seize control of all HPG stations and the Clans have expelled ComStar from their worlds, meaning that they now man them themselves. I can arrange teams to accompany your regiments into Bjarred. Once we have their technicians... well. One trains ten, ten train a hundred and that hundred a thousand."

"If it works then the Voice of the Dragon will take control of all our HPGs. And if it fails," the Coordinator shrugged. "Who will know we attempted it, save for some dead Smoke Jaguars and your agents?"

They shared expressions of serene confidence as they walked out into more public and sunlit portions of the palace.

.o0o.

Katani Nature Reserve, Apolakkia

Tamar March, Lyran Commonwealth

9 May 3052

The nature reserve had changed little since Timur Malthus had fought Perigard Zalman here almost a year and a half ago. By all reports Zalman had died bravely on Sudeten, destroying many AFFC 'Mechs as he fought a rear-guard action to let the Vipers extract the Triarch Keshik and a single frontline galaxy formed from the remains of their Alpha and Beta Galaxy from their defeat there.

That, at least, was the spin that Natalie Breen put on the matter when she negotiated transit rights for her battered touman. She had led five galaxies into the Inner Sphere and fought for only ten worlds. Despite this and many replacement 'Mechs and personnel, she had less than two Galaxies with her on the retreat. No civilians, of course.

Those were interned on Apolakkia, where the AFFC had found most of them.

And so, Aidan Pryde had brought the Jade Falcon Galaxy there. It suited his intentions to give the warriors something to fight for, not merely against.

"Marshall Zellner, do you stand ready to defend your claim?"

The radio crackled. "Aye," the woman agreed. "A brigade of MechWarriors are between you and the camp. Break them and you can take the prisoners with you. Fail and we get that shiny warship of yours up there."

In truth, the warship – the only one still in the Occupation Zone - was an ancient and repeatedly reconditioned Aegis-class cruiser that might even predate the colonisation of Apolakkia. But if the AFFC over-valued it, then that merely served Aidan's purposes.

"Aff," he agreed. "That is our bargain."

"I don't know if you test-tube warriors believe in God, but it lacks a few minutes to the hour. If you want a moment to commend your souls to him, I suggest we start this on the dot of noon."

"That is acceptable, so long as you spheroids can read the clock accurately." Aidan knew the gibe was petty but his entire Galaxy was listening – as was Timur Malthus and by extension the Khans. And he needed to both raise his force's spirits and make this look convincing.

Zellner cut the channel and he turned his attention back to the Galaxy. They were a mis-matched bunch and he would have preferred a few more weeks to whip them into shape but those were weeks he didn't have. The Steel Vipers had been crushed in a single wave of attacks before the AFFC turned their attention back to the Falcons and they were already closing on Timur Malthus' headquarters on Twycross. There was only a limited amount of time before the other Galaxy Commander had to open negotiations with the Commonwealth and it was up to Aidan to make it clear that the price of defeating even one Jade Falcon Galaxy would be one that the Federated Commonwealth was reluctant to pay.

"Jade Falcons!" he called. "We did not come to the Inner Sphere to run or to stand on the defensive. We came here to crush the Successor Lords and free the people from their tyranny. Before us now are thousands of Steel Viper civilians taken into bondage by House Steiner. Behind us is the legacy of Hazen and of the Star League. Between us are only three regiments."

He paused. "My kinsmen, my fellow Falcons... they are mercenaries. The AFFC weighs us so lightly that they think lucrewarriors are our equals."

The line of 'Mechs and Elementals rippled as warriors involuntarily moved their controls, overcome with the emotion of the moment.

"There is no surrender and there is no defeat for us now," Aidan Pryde declared as the last few seconds ticked away. "There is only the honour road and it leads us forward to victory. Falcons... march!"

He walked his Summoner forwards and his improvised Keshik – the handful of survivors from the Falcon Guards, led by his old falconer Joanna – followed.

Then, like a wave spreading through the ranks, the Talon Cluster – pieced together around warriors from the Fourth, Ninth and Twelfth Talon Clusters – moved out and flanking them on either side the Velite and Regular Clusters moved to join him. He hadn't bothered with numbers for them – like the Talons they were patched together units and after all they weren't going to survive the day. Only the Striker clusters which now moved up onto the flanks retained numbers – the 109th Cluster from his own Zeta Galaxy and the Ninety-Fourth from the Peregrine Galaxy, and that simply to avoid confusion.

"Nice speech," Joanna growled on a private channel as her own Summoner effortlessly matched pace with Aidan's. "You're a disgrace of a warrior but you might have a future as a politician."

"Like Crichell?" asked Aidan wryly. "No thanks. I'd almost rather give up my bloodname."

"Stravag!" she screamed and started to pull ahead.

He laughed, wondering if Joanna would ever guess the truth. Perhaps not even if she survived. She was stubborn, cruel and in her own way brilliant but she was almost completely innocent of any hint of deception. Then he accelerated to keep her from taking the lead. "Come on, you slugs!" he demanded of the Galaxy. "Do you want to live forever?"

More than two hundred 'Mechs pursued him.

.o0o.

Gamora, Twycross

Jade Falcon Occupation Zone

10 May 3052

"We broke them," the warrior on the screen confirmed bluntly. "And the surats kept their word – we have been able to shuttle the civilians up to the Black Talon. But they fought well and our losses are... heavy."

Malthus nodded. "I understand, Star Captain. Matters go much the same here so my orders to you are to take the Black Talon with your command – yes, you are in command now – and the civilians, and make for the Home Worlds. If any of the Jade Phoenix Galaxy can withdraw, we will join you there."

"We can come to your support."

"Neg. We are down to our last resorts." He remembered what Aidan Pryde had said a month before. "Do not trust the Burrocks or the other Clans – make directly for Ironhold and tell the Khans that we fought to the last."

It would not be accurate to say that Star Captain Joanna looked choked up with emotion – she was not that kind of warrior. Instead she saluted crisply before Malthus ended the transmission.

"Is that it?" he asked the technician.

"Aff."

"Good. Then send the signal to all our ships – they are to delete navigational data that could lead the Inner Sphere to the Home Worlds."

He turned to his screen and engaged privacy measures. This was his third time recording the transmission to be sent to Tharkad. Each time it had lacked something.

The camera activated and Timur looked directly into it. "I am Timur Malthus, commander of the Jade Phoenix Galaxy. Greetings to Archon Steiner and First Prince Davion."

"I believe the recent battle on Apolakkia may have reacquainted you with the price that can be demanded of your troops in facing a Galaxy of my Clan's warriors who are not caught off-guard and who are not wearied by unending months of action."

"With Aidan Pryde's example to follow, my warriors will fight all the harder, extracting a final bloody price for you to reclaim the worlds we have taken. Yet such a bloodbath may be avoided for both of us."

"For the sake of the lives that would be lost or ruined in such a campaign – a campaign to be fought amid the homes of people you call your own – I offer an alternative."

"I offer you the conditional surrender of my Galaxy and of all other Jade Falcons still within the Inner Sphere."

"The conditions I speak of are simple. I will not leave my followers leaderless and homeless, to descend into being refugees or forced to become mercenaries. I therefore require that my warriors – suitably reorganised – be permitted to swear fealty to you as units of the AFFC."

"Secondly, for those of my people who are neither warriors nor directly supporting our touman, I propose that we shall create a corporation, under your own laws, and that all improvements wrought upon these worlds shall be considered the assets of that corporation. Thus we will provide employment and security to my people and no further burden upon you."

He paused and then leaned into the camera, the forced conciliatory smile he had worn slipping away. "And if you refuse this offer, then to hell with both of you!"

Malthus cut the camera and replayed the video. Yes, this was better. Not perfect... but like a battle plan, perfect was not worth the wait if good enough was ready. "Maybe just one more try."

His intercom buzzed. "Sir, we have multiple jump signatures. They don't identify as friendly."

On the other hand, perhaps I have no time. "Technician, I'm sending you a file. I want you to transmit this to the Apolakkia HPG with instructions to relay them to Tharkad for the personal attention of Archon Steiner."

"Sir?"

"This might be the most important message ever to pass through your hands." Malthus sent her the data file and also copied it onto a data solid. "I'm on my way down – if that hasn't been sent by the time I get there then heads will roll."

He headed for the door and made his way down the stairs of the tower. The building had once been the home of Twycross' governor, a stylised castle in an ancient style. The upper most level below it broke into multiple towers was a high ceilinged hall now full of computers and communication consoles.

In the middle, anachronistic given the wooden floor and the ceiling timbers, a holographic display showed him the entire Twycross star system. Far out on the fringes of the display was Jonah's Reach, his best token in negotiations – thus far the Federated Commonwealth hadn't managed to duplicate the critical systems for battle armour and the self-sealing capacity was likely one of the biggest stumbling blocks.

Of more concern were the icons at the zenith jump point. An even dozen jumpships.

"Old ships, sir. And not all of them well-maintained. They're carrying heavy dropship loads but they're still too far out to identify them."

Originally Twycross had had a full suite of relay satellites to transmit closer views of ships at either of the main jump points and even some proximity points. They had been destroyed – in retrospect for nothing but target practise by bored crews – during the invasion and not yet replaced.

"Have you challenged them?"

"Yes sir. No reply."

Malthus nodded and then looked over at the technician responsible for interstellar communications. "Well?"

"We've just had confirmation from the HPG, sir," she said in relief. "It's been sent."

"Good."

Malthus looked at the display. Assuming that it was an invasion force and assuming approximately a regiment per jumpship then he was looking at no less than a full Regimental Combat Team incoming – possibly more.

With a full Galaxy at his disposal, there was every chance he could repel such an attack. But the Jade Phoenix Galaxy was spread across six worlds and one Cluster against a Regimental Combat Team would be a long-shot unless they were completely lacking modern weapons and led by an idiot – chances were about even on one or the other but both wasn't at all likely.

One of the technicians looked up. "Sir, they have identified themselves as a task force of the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth. They ask what forces we propose to defend the planet with."

"I thought as much." Timur Malthus lifted a microphone. "Transmit in reply."

"You're live on three, sir. One, two…" The man held up three fingers.

"Inbound AFFC Task Force, this is Timur Malthus of the Jade Phoenix Galaxy. At this time I am the commander of all Jade Falcons remaining in the Inner Sphere. I must inform you that earlier today, an offer of conditional surrender of my command was transmitted to your superiors on Tharkad."

"I gather I should not expect you to take my word for this. It will take several days for you to reach orbit. By then we may have a reply. Until that time, I propose a ceasefire. We will not contest your transit to Twycross or engage you in battle unless you approach within seventy-five thousand kilometres of the surface. If you wish, I can have your messages sent by HPG to any system in range."

"If our terms are not accepted or if you elect to continue your attack… we will engage your forces with all units at my disposal. Malthus out."

When he looked around he saw that every Clansman in the room was looking at him. The technician responsible for HPG communications even seemed to be crying.

"Sir, the Jade Falcon Galaxy fought almost to the last man."

"That's correct." Malthus folded his arms behind his back. "His galaxy was hand-picked to include warriors who would rather die than retreat or surrender. They rescued over two thousand civilians and I salute them for this. The Jade Phoenix Galaxy is protecting over fourteen thousand Jade Falcon civilians – more than we can evacuate – and we cannot withstand the AFFC indefinitely without supplies we do not have. I chose my warriors for those with the moral courage to accept this fate."

He looked around. "Carry on."

Then he walked back towards his office, wondering how long it would be before one of his warriors tried to kill him.

.o0o.

CSJS Streaking Mist

Deep Periphery

21 May 3052

The grand council chamber aboard the warship was empty except for Sarah Weaver, Brandon Howell and the holographic images of thirty other Khans.

"How can you lose an entire Clan?" Dagmar Lahiri, the Loremaster for the current session was hundreds of light years away, in the Hall of Khans on Strana Mechty. "Khan Crichell, your occupation zone is adjacent to theirs."

Elias Crichell sighed reluctantly. "That is… not currently the case."

There were baffled looks and Ulric Kerensky chuckled. "To spare Khan Crichell's embarrassment, I must make the Grand Council aware that the Federated Commonwealth has launched a major counter-offensive. My last information was that Clan Steel Viper was in full retreat and the Falcon garrisons had consolidated their forces into two Galaxies and were launching a vigorous attack to recover captive Clan civilians. It's likely that Clan Nova Cat are also under heavy pressure and the HPG relays between them and the Home Worlds could well be out of action."

"Thank you, Khan Kerensky." Lahiri touched his screen. "I find it interesting that you are transmitting from your Occupation Zone while most of the other Khans have already departed from the Inner Sphere. You are aware that the Grand Council is to assemble in the Hall of Khans to elect a new ilKhan, quiaff? The penalties for refusing a summons to the Grand Council is severe."

"I don't appear to have received a formal summons, actually. An oversight by the previous Loremaster, I'm sure." Ulric didn't need to look over at Brandon Howell – there were plenty of accusing looks. "And while Khan Breen and – has some misfortune occurred to Khan Zalman?"

The stocky, balding man next to Natalie Breen stood. "I am Christopher Ahmed, Clan Steel Viper's saKhan. As Khan Kerensky is no doubt aware, our departure was delayed by operational demands. In the interim, Khan Zalman fell in battle."

"Your Clan and the Jade Falcons appear to have taken the brunt of the attacks." Lahiri touched a control. "With the approval of the Khans, perhaps we should discuss the matter."

"I have no objection," agreed Ulric before the other Khans could speak. "After all, while the leaders of the Nova Cats may be absent, surely their Home world enclaves are easily contactable."

"Not so much as you might think. Would you like to begin with your own status report?"

A map lit up in the middle of the Chamber as data was relayed from Rasalhague, through dozens of relays to the Hall of Khans and then back across the light years to each individual Khan. It was a remarkable feat of data management and transmission – although the Khans usually only remarked on it when it failed.

"As you can see, our original Occupation Zone remains intact. However, the counter-attacks which Khan Tseng advised us of at the time Clan Ghost Bear withdrew from the Inner Sphere have continued and with dozens of worlds to occupy and bring under our control, the frontline was been pushed back more than thirty light years before we could stabilize the situation."

There was a certain smugness about the expressions on the faces of Laurie Tseng and Karl Bourjon at the admission.

"Given the dense concentration of inhabited systems in this part of the Inner Sphere, the DCMS was able to bypass strongpoints and Clan Ghost Bear had had little time to indoctrinate their new population." Ulric shrugged dismissively. "Pending decisions regarding the future of the Invasion, we have suspended offensive operations and are concentrating on integrating our population into Clan Wolf."

"And how long do you expect that to take?"

"Our occupation zone includes ninety-two worlds and the total population is approximately one hundred and seventy-eight billion. It is not a small job, but we are quite determined. Based on the history of the Pentagon campaign, I would expect twenty to thirty years."

"How many billions?" asked Malavai Fletcher in a strangled voice. His own Clan, despite having dramatically expanded their holdings at the expense of the invaders, could boast no more than a hundred and thirty million civilians.

"One hundred and seventy-eight. It is just an estimate," Ulric added. "Not all of the worlds we control had good records."

"Perhaps we should move on to the reports of the other Clans?"

"We have not come under counter-attack," Barbara Sennet advised. "We suspended operations upon the death of the ilKhan and like Clan Wolf we are consolidating our hold on our Occupation Zone. We control thirteen worlds – mostly disappointingly undeveloped for worlds near the heart of the Draconis Combine. The total population is perhaps twenty-five billion."

She held up her hand to prevent any other Khan from beginning their report. "Also we have received HPG transmissions from worlds still part of the Draconis Combine, reporting the collapse of several other Clans' occupation zones and suggesting that we can avoid being subjected to such counter-attacks if we swear fealty to House Kurita. Until Khan Kerensky's remarks I had intended to ignore this as propaganda."

"There have been counter-attacks on our Occupation Zone," admitted Khan Weaver grimly. "With our frontline forces engaged in operations near Benjamin, the DCMS has landed regiments on several worlds near to the Periphery. Combined with insurgent activities, our garrison units have been overwhelmed in some cases."

Which was putting a brave face on the loss of worlds as deep inside the Occupation Zone as Bjarred and McAlister, Howell mused. It wasn't clear how Theodore Kurita had found the troops and shipping for this operation as well as seizing back dozens of worlds from the Ghost Bears and Wolves, but almost a third of the Smoke Jaguar worlds were at best contested at this time.

"We control more than fifty worlds and I have no specific data on their populations," Weaver finished.

"Approximately a hundred and twenty billion, before the counter-attack – I would estimate perhaps one hundred billion on worlds we hold securely," offered Howell. For a given value of securely.

"Well that deals with three of the invasion corridors." Lahiri turned his gaze to the Jade Falcon and Steel Viper Khans. "And your corridor?"

Breen pursed her lips but said nothing. Her saKhan shot her a look and when it was evident she would not speak, he placed his hands flat on the desk before him. "Clan Steel Viper has withdrawn from the Inner Sphere. Losses among our forces have been unsupportable."

He raised his voice over the other Khans. "If any of you feel you can do better, we will gladly cede our rights as an invading Clan to whoever wishes to try. This entire matter was ill-conceived. IlKhan Showers and his advisors grossly underestimated both the Inner Sphere's resolve and the forces and preparations needed for Operation Revival to succeed."

"Before any Khan takes Khan Ahmed up on his offer, I would like to hear from Clan Jade Falcon. Your report?"

Both Khans spoke at once, rendering them indecipherable until Elias Crichell stabbed at a control and Chistu's voice was cut off. "Our last report -"

"Loremaster!" shouted Cassius N'Buta. "I call for censure of Khan Crichell."

"What!?"

"State your case, Khan N'Buta."

"The Martial Code states that all Khans are equal in the Grand Council. For one Khan to silence another by sabotaging their transmission is unbefitting one of our number."

Crichell's eyes went wide as he realised his gaffe. "I acted solely to present information clearly." He restored Chistu's full access immediately but the damage had evidently been done.

Rather than speaking, Chistu stroked his beard and eyed his fellow Jade Falcon speculatively.

"Khan N'Buta's argument is in line with Grand Council regulations," confirmed Lahiri reluctantly. "Does any Khan disagree?"

Natalie Breen looked up. "I confirm the Loremaster's finding," she declared. "Who amongst us would be muzzled? I call for a vote of censure on Elias Crichell."

Unsurprisingly, the vote was one-sided – every junior Khan voted in favour of censure of course and of their seniors only Lynn McKenna and Malavai Fletcher voted with Crichell against the measure, with the Nova Cats logged as abstaining.

"The vote is twenty-nine to three. Khan Crichell, it is the right of each Clan to choose its own Khans. It is the right of this Council to declare a Khan unfit and deprive them of their authority and vote. If you wish to call for a Trial of Refusal at ten to one odds…"

Crichell was slumped into his seat. With none of his usual vigour he reached out and wordlessly cut off his camera.

The remaining Jade Falcon Khan inclined his head. "My understanding of our Martial Code is that my Clan's Loremaster will substitute for Khan Crichell while he stands censured."

"That is correct, Khan Chistu."

He started typing on a keyboard that was just out of view of the holo-camera. "I am summoning Kael Pershaw to attend upon the Grand Council. In the meantime, do you wish me to deliver our report? Our Loremaster is fully informed as to our status."

"You may proceed."

"Khan Ulric is correct that our invasion force consolidated into two Galaxies. The Jade Phoenix Galaxy, under the command of Timur Malthus, took a defensive position around our civilian population within the Invasion Corridor. The Jade Falcon Galaxy launched a counterattack on the Federated Commonwealth in order to recover thousands of Steel Viper civilians abandoned by their Clan's warriors."

"I am proud to report that the Jade Falcon Galaxy was victorious and that we are escorting your civilians home, Khan Breen. Regrettably, just as Khan Zalman died defending your retreat, Galaxy Commander Pryde and all his senior officers died rescuing your personnel. Our last report from the Inner Sphere was that the Jade Phoenix Galaxy was being over-run and a single warship carrying civilians and less than a Cluster of our touman has made erratic reports since that time as it follows our supply chains back towards the Home Worlds."

"There were no abandoned Steel Vipers."

Eyes turned to Khan Breen, even her saKhan directing incredulous expressions towards her.

"All Steel Vipers were escorted from the Inner Sphere or died there. I do not know who it is you claim to have rescued, Chistu, but we disclaim them."

Chistu arched an eyebrow but before he could respond, a new figure appeared next to them – as much machine as man. "Honoured Khans, I am informed you summoned me?"

"Ah… yes." Lahiri tried to avoid looking at the man. "Khan Crichell has earned the censure of the Grand Council and stands relieved of his responsibilities. Until such time as a new Khan is chosen by the Jade Falcons or the censure is lifted, you must exercise his vote here and his authority within the Clan."

"I see." Pershaw gave them no other reaction.

"I have little else to report," Chistu continued. "Although since Khan Breen tells me that no Steel Vipers were left behind in the Inner Sphere and I would not presume to question her knowledge of her Clan's affairs, I suppose that I must now identify who these civilians we have on-board are. If no one else claims them, we Jade Falcons will certainly welcome them."

Lahiri looked around the chamber. "My Khans, it is not easy to summarize such divergent reports. However, I will do my best. Seven Clans were committed to invade the Inner Sphere under the banner of Operation Revival. Of these, three Clans have been forced to withdraw with severe casualties to their touman. Three Clans report themselves to have strong footholds but it seems that for the most part they are not in a position to press on. And finally, one Clan's forces have disappeared and their status is uncertain."

Silence filled the chamber and then Khan N'Buta rose to his feet. "In the face of these reversals it is clear that we must defer further invasion of the Inner Sphere at this time."

There were weak murmurs of protest, quickly hushed by the approval of several Khans.

Ulric Kerensky rose. "I must concur. I propose that the remaining invading Clans should focus upon holding their current occupation zones, insofar as that is possible. Three other Clans have taken worlds on the fringes of the Inner Sphere and will share in that burden. The remaining eleven – or perhaps ten Clans, we really must find out what is going on with the Nova Cats – must rebuild and prepare if they wish to join us in the Inner Sphere – something that will take at least ten years."

The room exploded in shouts. While Sarah Weaver rose to her feet and added her voice to the cacophony, Howell looked around the room. Vandervahn Chistu was sitting back and watching without comment – probably hoping to avoid similar predation. Simple mathematics suggested that Clan Jade Falcon's touman was probably in no stronger state than that of the Vipers.

And Ulric Kerensky and Charles Dinour were also remaining silent, their faces calm.

Our oldest rivals, Howell thought. And we have a long shared border now in the Inner Sphere. I think I might be better off returning there – what most of the Council seem to have missed is that with the Invasion dead we have little need to elect an ilKhan. And even if we do, it will not be a Smoke Jaguar.

.o0o.

Clan Nova Cat Headquarters, Chara III (Pacifica)

Skye March, Lyran Commonwealth

31 May 3052

Chara III was small, wet and made Sevren Leroux's joints hurt. The only real advantages the world had were obscurity and proximity to Terra. If anyone looked for a military concentration in this area then worlds like Thorin, New Earth or Denebola looked much more likely.

Despite being five years his elder, Natasha Kerensky looked a decade younger. He wondered if she felt the years at all. Perhaps, like so many others, age was simply too intimidated to try to obstruct her.

"General. What brings you here?"

"Terra. And ComStar."

"I realise you hold the Clans in low esteem but I can cope with words of three or more syllables, General Kerensky."

"You heard what ComStar did to Outreach?"

"Not in detail, no."

"We had two regiments there – and our dependants. Everyone who could carry a weapon fought to get the non-combatants out. And only ten percent of them made it. ComStar are on Terra and you're going after them." She gestured towards herself. "I want in."

"I appreciate the decision by the Federated Commonwealth to allow us sole domain over Terra, but bringing an AFFC unit with us would suggest we are somewhat partial to your rulers."

"Then we go in under Nova Cat banners. I have what's left of us formed into two Clusters. We have enough captured Elemental suits to be properly balanced... hell, half our armoured infantry were Nova Cat abtakha to begin with."

Leroux drummed his fingers on the desk. It would be a long time before the remaining Nova Cat fighting forces arrived and it would be important to take Mars and Venus with minimal losses to preserve his forces for the main operation on Terra. Adding another two Clusters was tempting...

"It could not be a deception," he observed. "You would be absorbed into the Nova Cats and there would be no going back."

She nodded. "Anyone who isn't willing to do that, I let go. The AFFC will find them places in other units."

"I take it then you have the approval of your current superiors."

"I have written permission from Marshal of the Armies Morgan Hasek-Davion. Given ComStar killed most of his family, he'd be here too if Hanse would let him."

"That would definitely be a step too far." The Khan considered the prospect. "I will not deny that another two Clusters could be useful, although despite the fact you tested for Galaxy Commander among the Wolves and are a General of the Federated Commonwealth, you will only have the rank of Star Colonel unless you earn further promotion." He snorted. "Which would be hard for any abtakha, but particularly for you. You won't be a very good Nova Cat, I suspect."

"You might need the shaking up."

"Perhaps." He eyed her for a moment and then summoned his aide.

"My Khan?"

"Yes." Sevren pointed at Natasha Kerensky. "Santin, I would like you to take possession of her for the Clan."

"Whoa!" Kerensky called out, diving out of her chair just ahead of a tackle by the stocky Elemental. "I didn't know you Nova Cats were – dammit -" the young man had sprung up and was boxing her into a corner of the room. "- so forward." She followed the remark up with a kick to Santin's groin, which missed as he twisted and took the blow unflinchingly to his upper thigh, catching her ankle and yanking her off her feet. "Sonofabitch!"

"I have no Wolf ancestry I am aware of," Santin replied, catching her other ankle and twisting.

She jack-knifed, going for his solar plexus with one hand. Spinning, the young man threw her against the double doors of the room – which broke.

From Natasha's groan as she struggled upright, she was definitely feeling her age. Santin pounced on her, grabbed both arms and forced them into a lock, securing both wrists with one hand and locking the other on her collar when she tried to twist and bite him.

With a not inconsiderable effort, the Elemental marched Kerensky back into the office and forced her to bend over the desk, face down. "My Khan, she is the Clan's."

Leroux waited a long minute, looking into the Black Widow's angry eyes.

"Yes, I believe you are correct. You can release her now."

The Elemental let go and prudently took several paces back.

Natasha took several deep breathes. "I suppose that was necessary?"

"A Trial of Possession can hardly be disputed by the Clan Council. Besides, Santin is due his chance at a Bloodname soon. Defeating the legendary Black Widow in single combat will only enhance his reputation."

"Which Bloodhouse?"

"West."

She nodded. "Figures. They always were tough bastards."

"I assume the... First and Second Nova Cat Dragoons will arrive promptly, quiaff?" enquired Leroux.

"They're on Outreach, waiting for my signal."

The Khan nodded. "Give them the signal, Star Colonel. Santin, arrange new doors for me and new quarters for Star Colonel Kerensky."

"Of course, Khan Leroux."

"Oh, and Star Captain?" Natasha Kerensky smiled and it wasn't sweetly. "Given how you bent me over there, be in my quarters at 22:00 today."

"Uh..."

Leroux cracked a smile of satisfaction. So the boy did have a sense of self-preservation. Not that he should overindulge it. "You heard the Star Colonel, Star Captain. I release you from your other duties this evening. Although I do suggest you visit the medical bay first, Kerensky. Going through the doors like that probably did your ribs no favours..."

.o0o.

Warlord's Palace, Enzo

Pesht, Smoke Jaguar Occupation Zone

12 June 3052

The Combine's envoy was a very young man, Howell thought. He didn't move like a Smoke Jaguar warrior, but in the three days he had been here, observers had reported that he had spent hours in dojo, practising a variety of martial arts.

And his brother, after all, had shamed the Smoke Jaguars more than once. This was not a bloodline to be trifled with. Then again, perhaps that was the least of lessons to be learned from the Invasion.

"Khan Howell."

Howell returned the bow, something he had practised, and gestured to the low table. Sitting Combine style wasn't something he enjoyed, but as with the bow giving small concessions to their ways was a small price to pay if the Clan came out on top in the end. "Lord Kurita." The title was non-specific and the use of a family name... another compromise and one Khan Weaver would likely not have made. It was as well she would be continuing to the Home Worlds to defend the Smoke Jaguars holdings there. "I trust that you have been made welcome."

"Your officers have been entirely hospitable." Minoru sat opposite him. "I have not had the opportunity to visit Pesht before, although my parents' visit was memorable, I understand."

The attempt at provocation was obvious and the Khan elected not to pounce on it. "I am surprised you had not come here. Pesht was an important world of the Draconis Combine, was it not?"

"It was largely eclipsed by Luthien, where I grew up." Minoru accepted the reminder that Pesht was a Jaguar conquest equably. "And in accompanying my father on visits to the other significant worlds, I have visited Galedon, Benjamin and Dieron." Worlds that lay beyond the Jaguar's reach, at least for now.

"I understand that by Combine custom we should discuss inconsequentialities for some time," Howell observed. "However, not being an expert on your etiquette, perhaps you could advise me as to how much time we are expected to waste?"

"Star Captain Fetladral and I spent an hour discussing Go, before bringing up matters of state," Minoru replied. "Do you play?"

So the Wolves have come to terms with the Combine. Damn. "I am not familiar with the game. I understand you practise kendo – the sword remains in use amongst us."

"That would please my instructors," the younger man responded and the two allowed the discussion to diverge into such matters for some time until, as if by some internal clock, Minoru brought up the subject that had brought them here.

"I understand that you have been appointed by the Khans of Clan Diamond Shark to speak for them."

"In order to simplify matters, it has been agreed I will negotiate for all Clan forces in this invasion corridor." His being the only Khan present in the corridor made that simpler to agree upon. "If we come to an agreement then it will only be confirmed if both Clan Councils assent."

"Just it must be ratified by the Coordinator." Minoru drew himself up. "My initial offer is thus – withdraw in peace from all worlds held by the Draconis Combine as of the start of 3050. In exchange, we will permit freedom of passage for your shipping to carry this out, demand no further indemnity of you and provide reasonable logistical assistance in your departure."

Howell coughed and then recovered himself. Kurita could not be serious! He looked at the younger man and then realised that he had simply opened with the highest possible bid. Very well then. "I must decline your proposal, Lord Kurita. My own initial offer is that the Combine surrender to our two Clans, with its worlds and warriors to be divided between us. In honour of your house's long history and valiant conduct, we will petition the Grand Council to create the Bloodname of Kurita so that your descendants may continue to rule over these worlds."

Minoru bowed deeply from his kneeling position. "You do us much honour, Khan Howell. However, I must decline your offer. Perhaps we may find some middle ground between these positions on which we can come to agreement."

"I would not rule out such a possibility, Lord Kurita." His legs were going to sleep, Howell realised. This was going to be purest hell. "The complete withdrawal of either my own Clan or Clan Diamond Shark from the Inner Sphere is beyond my power to promise. I can, however, offer to refrain from further conquests for five years, so long as the DCMS withdraws from those worlds of our Occupation they have recently moved to contest."

"I do not believe five years is a particularly generous period of truce and I see no reason to believe that the DCMS cannot hold or even extend the number of worlds reclaimed from your clutches. Inasmuch as Clan Diamond Shark has taken few of our worlds, we could cede their current occupation zone in perpetuity and open trade routes with them so they are not cut off from their home worlds. Your Clan, however, must withdraw to those worlds you currently hold of Garstedt and Albiero Prefectures and both Clans will swear never to ever wage war upon the Combine again, no matter the circumstances."

Howell laughed. "Khan Sennet might convince her Council to accept those terms except for the last. Let us be realistic, Lord Kurita. No pact can truly bind either of our peoples for all time. Nor would my own Clan accept that we alone should sacrifice to bring our conflict to an end."

He shifted slightly. "In principle, for the Diamond Sharks to retain their worlds and pay some form of – what did you call it, an indemnity? - while Clan Smoke Jaguar releases some of the worlds we have taken would be feasible. Withdrawing to barely a dozen worlds is ridiculous though."

Minoru Kurita looked him in the eye and Howell hid a shiver. There was something of the uncanny about this man – and he will likely follow his father in command of the Combine. Perhaps we should have spared his brother.

"My father might be persuaded to be more generous in the matter of relinquishing worlds were you to surrender three points," he said at last.

"You have my attention."

"The warship Saber Cat, in recompense for the bombardment of Turtle Bay."

Howell considered. While a warship was a substantial investment there were more vessels in naval caches located in the Home Worlds. Reactivating one as a replacement would not be impossible. "That I can agree to."

"Pesht." Minoru paused and when there was no reply he finished the list: "And Luthien."

"If you withdraw from the other contested worlds then I may..."

"No." Without moving, Minoru's presence dominated the room. "You need this agreement more than we do, Khan Howell. We can reach a private peace with Clan Diamond Shark if need be. The DCMS can press on against your flanks and we can repeat this conversation when we hold every world from Richmond to Cyrenaica. Or we can come to terms now."

"And can you maintain that pressure?" challenged Howell. "The Federated Commonwealth is no longer faced with active war. How long can your father keep his armies facing us when the Draconis March presses him to drive at your soft underbelly?"

"If he tried, he would find that there is little soft about the belly of a Dragon. We are scaled both above and below." Minoru smiled at some joke that slipped past Howell. "And for all your talk of contested worlds, most of the worlds have fallen back into our hands and your garrisons pose no further resistance. The subservience of your conquests was never more than skin-deep."

Is he bluffing? We have never managed to precisely assess the DCMS' strength and they have suffered significant losses. They cannot truly fight both us and the Federated Commonwealth – but Hanse Davion is an old man and his wife is said to be no warrior.

"I think your people need this truce as much as we do. However, I believe we may find some compromise: I will cede all three of your specific requests and withdraw from a region of worlds approximating to the region I consider contested. In addition, I will agree to the payment of an indemnity to be paid by the Diamond Sharks. In exchange however I will require that you cede all claim to the remaining worlds held by both Clans and that the Combine will pay an indemnity to the Smoke Jaguars."

Minoru nodded slowly. "In principle, that is acceptable. Shall we discuss this in more detail?"

"Later." Howell braced himself to hide any sign of discomfort and then forced himself to his feet. "I should acquaint Khan Sennet with the progress of negotiations and discuss what to request as an indemnity with my advisors."

"Of course." Minoru came smoothly to his feet. "And Khan Howell?"

"Yes?"

"I appreciate your courtesy, but if you find chairs easier then I really do not mind."

Howell wasn't sure if he was more annoyed at his discomfort being noticed or that he could have avoided sitting in seiza.