Porrima
Skye March, Lyran Commonwealth
July 3rd 3051
Ryan Steiner, Duke of Porrima, was angry. It was not a volatile emotion; for him, it was always something else. It was a cold clarity that sharpened his wits and ensured he stayed properly focused. What had happened on his world was unacceptable.
"Explain to me again why you used the Porrima Militia to assault the ComStar facility without even informing me – me, your rightful ruler and the one who has poured millions upon millions into your unit, Colonel Richards?"
Colonel Eren Richards had served a stint in the AFFC before separating as a mid-level officer. He was a skilled MechWarrior who had been drummed out for potential disloyalty. Nothing had been proven, but it was enough for Lyran State Command to decide they couldn't take any chances. Promotion beyond Hauptmann meant access to a wealth of military and state secrets, and those with questionable loyalties were not to be privy to them. Having been passed over twice and learning the reason, he did not re-up when his term of service ended.
The Porrima Militia was not part of the AFFC; instead, it was Porrima's own private force, meant to serve Ryan's purposes. He had invested considerable resources to ensure it could become the cornerstone of an eventual true 'Mech regiment, though it still had a long way to go. Two companies of 'Mechs, mostly light and medium, were integrated with a regiment of armor and infantry. Porrima was not a border world and, as such, was not considered important enough to warrant protection by a line regiment. For Hanse Davion to usurp the rightful authority of the planet's militia without his knowledge was both galling and troubling.
"I am sorry, sir. But when Loki agents visited me a week ago – at my home, with my wife and child – and instructed me to tell no one, specifically not you, until the day of the assault, I did not argue."
The battle had been a sharp and brutal affair that could have gone far worse. The Com Guards had been caught napping, and only half of their company of 'Mechs had managed to start up and fight before the Porrima Militia won the day.
If they had been prepared or warned in advance, this could have been a disaster. My world could have been cut off from HPG traffic if ComStar had known. I understand why it was need-to-know, but I expect more loyalty from the officers I pay.
"You are the commander of a near-battalion-strength 'Mech unit. I expect you to take better care of your personal security."
"Duke Steiner, I have security – both electronic and physical. This was Loki."
The man had lost his nerve. He might need to be replaced. A Free Skye movement cannot afford to harbor cowards.
Ryan was unsure how to play the hand he had been dealt. ComStar had, almost overnight, become reviled across the realm. Even on his own world, an anti-ComStar rally was underway – a rally he had not approved. He didn't care about ComStar, but the thought of Hanse Davion controlling the HPG facilities troubled him. Unless he learned how to operate those facilities himself, no Free Skye movement could ever hope to win its independence.
I will need to push for local control of these facilities, as opposed to FCIS control, but that may prove difficult. There must be some way to take advantage of this situation, but I just can't see it at the moment.
***
Tharkad City, Tharkad
District of Donegal, Lyran Commonwealth
July 5th 3051
Hanse Davion was pleased to be back on Tharkad. It was not the Fox's Den, but it was currently the central nervous system of the Federated Commonwealth. Of late, many things were going well. His incredibly talented daughter had survived the most harrowing of situations and had triumphed over long odds. Her military achievements were the crowning glory of the defense of the Lyran Commonwealth.
Beyond just her incredible survival, she had also won the Federated Commonwealth a WarShip. It would soon arrive on Tharkad, though an advance team of Lyran scientists had immediately taken a JumpShip and gone to meet it halfway so they could begin studying it and learning more about it.
Operation: TERMINUS had proven an immense success. Only around thirty planets were still 'dark,' but on some of them, he knew the forces he had on the planet were overwhelming, meaning that ComStar had simply sabotaged the HPG systems. After his broadcast was seen by elements of ComStar, facilities they had originally successfully held on worlds like Kentwood and Macintosh had surrendered, preferring that to facing an eventual death penalty.
Beyond those heady successes, he knew his nation was still under siege. Tamar had finally fallen after a heroic resistance, and the reverberations of that event would soon be felt throughout the Lyran Commonwealth. Bringing in a Davion RCT would blunt much of the antagonism from Tamar March worlds, but already, some had loudly questioned why resources had been spent defending the FRR rather than Tamar.
It was a bloody affair; the death toll may have even gotten close to seven figures. None of our DropShips made it out either.
Even a meeting including Nondi Steiner could not derail his buoyant mood. He looked around t he room before he began to speak. At his side was his wife, and then Nondi Steiner. Further along that side of the table was Nondi's daughter and logistical genius, Field Marshal Lisa Steiner. Field Marshal Michele Bjuti, commander of Strategy of Tactics, as well as Marshal Regis of the 2nd Royal Guards RCT, and Field Marshal Dean Forney brought the members back around to his own right where Justin Allard, Alex Mallory, and Morgan Kell were seated.
"The purpose of this meeting is to determine the next steps following our counter-offensive by Hauptmann-General Steiner-Davion and the successful conclusion of Operation: TERMINUS. Secretary Allard, please brief us on the current areas of interest."
Justin activated the holographic display and zoomed in on various worlds as he spoke.
"Sudeten is where Marshal of Armies Hasek-Davion is based. The Grey Death Legion launched an offensive on Colmar and easily destroyed the defending Trinary left on the planet. They were also able to complete Operation: TERMINUS. Losses were minimal. Unfortunately, the hoped-for prisoners from the Eridani Light Horse were not on the planet. It appears that potentially competent POWs, or bondsmen as they call them, are moved deeper into the OZ or back to their home worlds; we just don't know at this moment."
"Bastards," muttered Marshal Regis.
"On Sudeten itself, we have a full-strength RCT of the 24th Lyran Guards. Both the non-'Mech elements of the 20th Arcturan RCT and the Davion Heavy Guards RCT remain on Sudeten, for now. The Kell Hounds were badly battered but remain under contract and are on the world as well. Arrangements have been made, and within the month, they will have a single full-sized regiment fit for duty. Their 2nd regiment cannot be rebuilt until 3052, as everything available is being bought up quickly by other units. Finally, what is left of the 10th Lyran Guards RCT is also there, but they are in no condition to fight."
Nondi made a sound in her throat that almost sounded like a growl. "A prestigious unit like that should be reassembled quickly. It is shameful that it is in this state, and morale must be lower than dirt with Victor's abandonment."
There goes my good mood.
He was not going to rise to the bait and subtly motioned for Justin to continue with his presentation.
"The Sudeten Militia has also been expanded locally to include several infantry regiments and a battalion of Spitfire Cannons. Morgan Hasek-Davion believes the Jade Falcons are stretched incredibly thin and that we could rapidly retake the worlds they hold, which, by all appearances, seem more lightly defended than we could hope for. His concern, however, is that the Steel Vipers are only two jumps away from Sudeten, which means that with their far more common lithium battery-equipped vessels, they could, at any point, make a play for the world."
Field Marshal Forney nodded sagely. "Yes, I see. This creates many difficulties."
Hanse saw Justin's eye give a micro twitch before he continued.
"Beyond the problem with the Steel Vipers, we are now facing the Diamond Sharks, who have taken Dustball and Graceland and are now bordering Pandora, another critical industrial world. Defending it are the Pandora Training Battalion, Needgate Militia, and the Wild Geese mercenary unit. The Delta and Epsilon Wolf's Dragoons Regiments are now in-system and have provided much-needed strength to this important world."
Justin continued and highlighted the units on Blackjack.
"Princess Katherine's task force includes the 1st Royal FedCom Guards, 39th Avalon Hussars, Chahar PMM, 4th Davion Guards, 1st Kathil Uhlans, and the 2nd Crucis Lancers RCT. They are badly damaged from the heavy action they saw on multiple worlds. I would not recommend they be used for anything beyond limited raiding, while they recover. Replacements are not scheduled for them until 3052, but in a pinch, they could cobble together two 'Mech regiments and multiple armor and infantry regiments, bringing them close to two full-strength RCTs."
He moved over to the Periphery and Donegal Marches.
"The new Clan participating, the Snow Ravens, have moved in cautiously. From our interrogations, this Clan is known for their Aerospace and WarShip power, not their ground game. That has not stopped them from taking over several planets, including most recently Winter. The last transmission from Leftenant General Zibler's black box stated that his command had been defeated and that he would soon be dead or captured. The Snow Ravens attacked with three Clusters and a massive amount of Aerospace support."
Nondi looked troubled. "They have taken six worlds and are now near the industrial centers of Coventry and Loxley. Given their rate of advance, we have perhaps three months to prepare, but nothing stops them from potentially accelerating."
Justin nodded. "Indeed, both worlds must be defended. Coventry has the Coventry Donegal March Militia, which is not quite as strong as a proper RCT. In addition, Prince Victor is reforming the Davion Heavy Guards 'Mech formation on Coventry. Loxley, with its fresh factory that constructs the new Devastator assault 'Mech, is even less well off. The mercenary unit, Storm's Metal Thunder, is a 'Mech regiment with its own infantry and aerospace support and is the primary defender of the world. The Loxley Militia has armor and infantry regiments, as well as a battalion of Spitfire Cannons, but the local commander says his troops would fall apart if they tried fighting against the Clans."
Marshal Regis grimaced. "The Devastator is a phenomenal 'Mech. We cannot lose Loxley; we get more production out of Coventry, but I'd prefer to keep Loxley if we had a choice."
Field Marshal Forney shook his head in disagreement. "Marshal Regis, I understand your view, but Coventry is perilously close to Tharkad. We must be certain to keep the invaders far away from our capital!"
Hanse took control before the two could start arguing the merits of each side. "Gentlemen, let Allard and Mallory review our current situation in full before we go too far down this discussion."
They, as well as the others in the room, nodded and Alex Mallory took over from there.
"The question before us today is how we should allocate the 3rd Lyran Regulars, 12th Deneb Light Cavalry, and 5th Donegal Guards. They arrive in August, which will coincide with the likely next wave of attacks by the Clans. Two months after that, in October, the 11th Lyran Guards and the 12th FedCom RCT arrive. Probably in November, the 13th Marik Militia will also arrive. The four other Marik regiments will be assisting the FRR and the Draconis Combine. It should be noted that the Marik Militia is only a single 'Mech regiment with one wing of Aerospace support, not an RCT."
He paused and then pointed out some of the other systems near the Snow Ravens.
"We have units on worlds near enough to where the Snow Ravens are. The problem is they lack transport, and the units in question are not RCTs. We have the Fifteenth Lyran Regulars on Hood, but they are only a single 'Mech regiment with lone battalions of infantry and armor. On Engadine, we have the 22nd Skye Rangers with one 'Mech regiment and a wing of Aerospace. Mainstreet is similar, though they have two wings of Aerospace instead of just one. Lost, Kwangjong-ni, and Issaba each have a regiment of 'Mechs that are part of the mercenary unit, Dismal Disinherited. Most of these worlds have faced Periphery raids in the last year as pirates and opportunists seek easy pickings. Our lack of JumpShips meant we never had the opportunity to move them off-world, but they are potential sources of help to deal with the Snow Ravens. Just keep in mind those worlds will likely be ravaged by pirates if we move their protection away."
"Transport is less of an issue now," Field Marshal Lisa Steiner advised. "Especially depending on where we wish to freeze units as garrison duty on worlds. Hasek-Davion has enough lift to move two RCTs. So does Princess Katherine. We are bringing in three RCTs and the fleet capacity to move them all. The latest resupply to Katherine has several JumpShips free, and within the Donegal March, we can move around units nearly at will. The FRR JumpShips are also assisting in this effort. I could even send them all the way to Langhorne and have the Sixth Crucis Lancers RCT be on Coventry by Christmas."
"Good," Morgan Kell spoke firmly, "because Katherine has proven that going offensively keeps them off balance. I suggest we continue this. Put the 3rd Lyran Regulars on Pandora, leaving the Dragoons free to counterattack Graceland. Have the 12th Deneb Light Cavalry and 5th Donegal Guards smash Koniz. On Sudeten, my Kell Hounds regiment can join the Davion Heavy Guards' non-'Mech elements and take back Blair Atholl. Afterwards, the Davion Heavy Guards can move into the interior and join up with Prince Victor's 'Mech regiment, and they can reunite as a proper combined arms unit.
Nondi immediately disagreed. "We cannot leave Coventry vulnerable. The planned elements of the Davion Heavy Guards sent there first must survive the battle. We should divert at a minimum one of the RCTs to Coventry."
"No, the Snow Ravens are moving slow, and the Jade Falcons and Diamond Sharks are reeling from the drubbing the princess gave them," Morgan countered.
Hanse nodded, "The two RCTs from the Marik border can be redirected there; we can also pull two battalions each from each of the Dismal Disinherited regiments on the border with the Rim Collection. That's an additional two 'Mech regiments for Loxley. We can give command of the broader theater facing the Snow Ravens to Marshal Adelmana."
"No!" Nondi raised her voice impertinently. "She is FedSuns from New Avalon. Such an important task should be given to a Lyran commander."
His wife chided Nondi, "We should assign it to the best commander available. If you have another suggestion, we would be happy to listen, but Marshal Adelmana is highly qualified and talented."
"She has already lost to the Clans once," Nondi countered. "Marshal John Zenger commands the Donegal March. He should be in command, as the Coventry Military District falls within his domain. His record at the Nagelring was in the top 5% of his class, and he has served the Lyran Commonwealth well for over two decades!"
He isn't the worst pick; he at least is less of a social general than most.
"So be it," Hanse agreed, and the Lyran officers in the room smiled. "May I also remind everyone that our plans are in flux depending on what the enemy does. We have lost Tamar, and the units we've sent into the FRR have been mauled badly. The 10th FedCom RCT managed to hold Wheel against the Steel Vipers, but they are almost entirely spent. I will seek to move additional units when we can be certain ComStar won't unleash their Com Guards in the Sarna March."
"What units?" Nondi asked.
"One of the Northwind Highlander regiments, the 4th Republican Guards, 8th FedCom RCT, and the 15th Arcturan Guards. I trust Thomas Marik to an extent, despite his history with ComStar, but I dare not move anything else. The Capellan March will remain on high alert. I do not trust Romano Liao, and it would be just like her to launch a suicidal attack while she thinks we are busy with ComStar."
Hanse Davion knew he had pulled off a brilliant coup against ComStar. They would not only save an incredible amount of money by no longer paying fees to ComStar. They had also effectively blinded the Clans.
Now, if only my factories could churn out replacement 'Mechs, Aerospace fighters, and tanks faster. I want to utilize my greatest weapon before 3052, but I simply won't have reinforcements for her this year.
***
Biota
Tamar March, Steel Vipers OZ
July 7th 3051
Khan Natalie Breen was alone with her new saKhan, Christopher Ahmed. They had just finished discussing the disastrous campaign to conquer the world of Wheel. Star Colonel Tanya Mercer had bid two Clusters, and the combined strength of one of the Federated Commonwealth's RCTs and the local FRR militia had been enough to see her defeated and killed. A single Trinary of 'Mechs and a Star of Aerospace were all that remained of two whole Clusters.
The world itself was less important than the losses. Between the conflict with the Wolves and the capture of several worlds, each of their Galaxies was badly understrength. Worse still, they had no easy means of obtaining more 'Mechs. None of the planets they had taken housed a 'Mech factory, and losing the New Oslo Trial of Possession had dealt her a double blow. The world of Rasalhague had the capacity to replace their Aerospace fighters, but active resistance against the garrison Cluster there had delayed the retooling of the factory.
Filthy surats – their cowardly use of bombs, snipers, and sabotage proves just how far the Inner Sphere has fallen.
"The situation is poor, my Khan," Ahmed rumbled. "And now, with ComStar unable to provide precise information on the forces the defenders have arrayed against us, we must proceed with caution."
She was well aware of that. More Garrison Clusters had been summoned, bringing with them fresh OmniMechs and worthy frontline warriors. The Watch had fed her tidbits about the Falcons' movements, and the shuffling of warriors – some already crippled or dead – was a foul trick. Still, she would not bring it before the Grand Council, not when her own Steel Vipers needed to employ the same tactic. But they would not arrive in time for the Eighth Wave.
"Cautious, yes. The Wolves plan to attack Rastaban, Suk, Domain, Carse, and Diosd, and they intend to move as early as August. Ulric is amenable to forgoing the bidding games, which they could easily use to thwart us, thanks to their Nova Cat lackeys. We will move slowly and take the more poorly defended worlds of La Grave and Orkney."
Ahmed frowned. "There will be little honor in it – La Grave is guarded only by lucrewarriors and a weak planetary militia."
"But you will take it anyway. We do not know if it will be reinforced. We will launch in September and then proceed to Orkney. By the time the Ninth Wave begins, it will be December, and we will have proper reinforcements."
"The Clan will not be happy," her bearded saKhan said. "You are already pushing tradition with the alterations to the Trial of Bloodright."
"Aff, but what choice do we have? I will not waste 'Mechs in a grand melee when our numbers are already limited. What matters most is that we will be ahead of the Jade Falcons in the race to Terra."
He nodded. "But behind Wolf, Smoke Jaguar, and the Ghost Bears. Have the other Clans released their invasion plans?"
"Neg, only the Wolves and Nova Cats. The Nova Cats will be taking Wheel, which will be simple for them given how damaged we left our foes. They took losses on Tamar despite the pathetic display of over-bidding. Three Galaxies between Wolf and Nova Cat for one world? Ridiculous – both of those Clans have no shame."
Neither of the two enjoyed sharing their corridor with two other Clans. Any honor they might win could easily be tainted by the embarrassment of having those Clans in their wedge of space. Despite that, they would only take two worlds.
The Star Adders were wise in their assessment, yet this unexpected challenge from the Inner Sphere will only make our eventual victory that much sweeter.
***
Blackjack
Tamar March, Lyran Commonwealth
July 10th 3051
Ainsworth observed Cadet Estelle Harris closely as she answered the questions. She was hooked up to half a dozen monitors tracking her heart rate, brain activity, eye focus, and more. All readings indicated that she was telling the truth and spoke passionately on the subject.
"I would gladly die to save Princess Katherine! She is the future of the Federated Commonwealth—the only reason we haven't completely crumbled!"
"When you say she is the future of the Federated Commonwealth, what do you mean?"
Estelle's gaze shifted away. "Rumor has it that Archon Steiner will choose her to rule the Lyran Commonwealth instead of the Prince-Archon."
Ainsworth had heard those same rumors herself and knew they were false—or at least not entirely accurate. The plan, as devised by the First Prince and the Archon, was to make Victor the Prince-Archon, with authority over both Tharkad and New Avalon. While he was away from Tharkad, Katherine could govern in his stead, and while he was absent from New Avalon, his brother Peter would rule there. Ultimately, all power would flow through Victor. However, Ainsworth also knew from Secretary Allard that the plan remained rather nebulous.
"If she were not ruling the Lyran Commonwealth, would you still sacrifice your life to save her, if necessary?"
"Yes, of course. She saved Blackjack. She saved my home."
Zero hesitation.
"Very well then, Cadet Harris. I would like to make you an offer. I am creating a brand-new protective unit for Princess Katherine. If you can make it through our training, and upon your graduation from the Blackjack School of Conflict, you will serve as her personal protection – both on and off the battlefield."
She held up a hand. "Before you agree, understand that this will involve more than just protecting her person; you will also be guarding her secrets. You will not be permitted to tell anyone about your unique role or the specialized training you will undergo with me and Gustav. This training will push you beyond what you believe possible, and, frankly, it may change you in ways you don't expect – or even break you."
Estelle met her gaze. "I'm ready for whatever it takes, but what do you mean by personalized training?"
"As I said, you will guard her secrets. You will be trained to resist narco-interrogation and endure torture. You will learn to disassemble and master highly secret cryptography, among other skills. In the end, you will become a combination of me and a warrior like Kommandant LeBeau."
Estelle steeled her features. "I won't let you down."
Amazing. All the readings align. Tests can be fooled, but she wouldn't have the training for that. She's as dedicated – or perhaps fanatical is the right term – as they come.
"Very well. Welcome to the Black Watch. You will speak to no one about your additional assignment. As you progress and I know you will not reveal our secrets if ever faced with interrogation, you will learn more about the steps we'll take to ensure Princess Katherine remains free from threat."
"I look forward to it, ma'am."
After she left, Ainsworth turned to Gustav. "I saw your expression, you don't approve?"
"She's a bit young to go through interrogation-resistance training," he replied.
"True, but I'm not going to share with her the ultimate purpose of the Black Watch until she isn't a liability. How is it looking on your end?"
"I have a dozen likely candidates who volunteered for the infantry. The psych profiles came up clean, and I've weeded out anyone we have any hesitation about. Beyond that, I have some trusted friends in MI6 who can join this too."
She shook her head. "Perhaps, but not yet. I wouldn't call what we're doing treason, as we're taking no action against our country, but on the surface, it doesn't look good. Send me their dossiers, though."
Gustav nodded and then gave a small smirk. "You know… we have another resource as well. Drack seems eager to become a warrior again, and we have plenty of Diamond Shark bondsmen."
Ainsworth's first reaction was to point out the flaws, but she thought better of it. The Clans were obsessive about their honor, and Drack had still refused to share any specific secrets of the Jade Falcons' military. If she added him to the Black Watch, he would be someone no one would ever suspect of being part of a clandestine agency.
"That… isn't the worst idea, Gustav. I'll talk to the princess about it. She wanted to bring him along in future encounters with the Clans anyway, so, if nothing else, another trained protective asset would be useful."
He laughed. "Always happy to help. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got to get back to training the next group of Elemental hunters."
Things are beginning to shape up. Now, if only I could convince her not to go gallivanting off again. She has plenty of people to do that for her; she doesn't have to participate in every military operation under her command!
***
Sian
Sian Commonality, Capellan Confederation
July 20th 3051
What fresh madness is this?
Sun-Tzu Liao took in the scene before him. His mother, Romano Liao, sat on her throne with a too-broad smile that revealed the psychosis within her. Sun-Tzu's sister, Kali Liao, had her head in their mother's lap and only lifted it to hiss at Sun-Tzu before settling back down.
His father, at least by rearing and probably biologically as well, Lord Tsen Shang, stood next to a ComStar Precentor in the robes of her office. He knew her to be Precentor Sian, once a childhood friend of his mother, Jen Li. "Ah, my darling son, today is an auspicious day! We were just discussing the destruction of the Federated Suns."
He let an easy, confident smile appear on his face, despite his inner turmoil. A small table with a holographic display showed troop movements. His mad mother was planning an attack on the Federated Commonwealth.
"Their destruction is long overdue!" Sun-Tzu said. "Please enlighten me as to how this will be possible; I cannot bear to stand the suspense."
"Come, my friend," Romano gestured to the ComStar Precentor. "Explain what joyous news you have brought to the Celestial Throne."
"Prince Sun-Tzu, it is a joy to see you again. I have recently arrived from Terra via Command Circuit and bring greetings from the Primus. We have not shared the details with the people of the Capellan Confederation, but the Fox has stormed our HPG facilities across the Federated Commonwealth. We have issued an interdiction, of course, but his treacherous attack caught many of our brave Com Guards by surprise. We are gathering an alliance to punish him for his arrogance, and House Liao has more cause than most to seek vengeance."
While the Clans invade? That is the only reason this might work, but if it fails, Hanse Davion will kill us all.
Sun-Tzu looked over at Shang. Lord Shang was someone who could occasionally distract Romano from her wilder schemes, but the man now studied the map with a predatory gleam.
What am I missing? Our regiments cannot contend with the Davion's superior technology and full Regimental Combat Teams.
He approached the table. "What are these other unit sigils? They don't correspond to our own troops. Mercenaries?"
"No," Precentor Sian replied, "they are our Com Guards. Four divisions stand ready to help your regiments retake worlds Davion took from you in the 4th Succession war. Additionally, six more divisions will launch from Terra and work the other way, we will squeeze those worlds between us."
Will that be enough? According to the Maskirovka, a Com Guard division typically consists of two battalions of 'Mechs, two wings of Aerospace fighters, and a smattering of armored and infantry units. I do not like these odds overmuch.
"Will our allies in the Kapteyn Accords assist as well?" he asked. If House Marik and the Draconis Combine participated, this could succeed.
Jen Li hesitated. "We hope so. Thomas Marik has been hesitant, fearing the Clans more than the Fox's perfidy. We still hope to convince him of the wisdom in our plan. We also suspect that he cares for his son, who is being treated by the NAIS oncology team on Atreus. The Draconis Combine is almost as eager as you to confront their hated enemy, but their regiments are out of position due to their conflict with the Clans. It will take time, but they too will be part of this."
Is that doubt I hear in your voice? How can ComStar not know? And why would Theodore Kurita send even one battalion against Hanse Davion when the Clans are breathing down the neck of Luthien?
Feeling increasingly discomforted as the discussion continued, he motioned toward the map.
"May I know the specifics?"
His mother cackled.
"Oh yes, my darling son, you shall. My treacherous sister's realm will be where we start. My dear one has a highly placed Maskirovka agent on the world and the defending regiment will have a hard time piloting 'Mechs when they all succumb to our little present!"
Sun-Tzu kept a grimace off his face with effort. No doubt she meant some sort of poison or perhaps even a chemical attack.
"Meanwhile," the Precentor indicated, "the worlds of Campertown, Tsinghai, Sarmaxa, and Sarna will fall. Our ROM agents believe the Grim Determination mercenary unit on Sarmaxa will change sides when confronted with a strong opponent. The highlight of this will be the assault on Sarna, which is protected by the Third FedCom RCT."
Lord Shang indicated several unit markers. "Along with three divisions of Com Guards, Warrior House Imarra, one of McCarron's Armored Cavalry regiments, and the Holdfast Guard will utterly crush the Davions on Sarna."
Yes, you will win there, but what happens when the Davions counterattack?
"Won't that leave several worlds nearly unguarded?"
Shang inclined his head. "It will, but our strike will be so ferocious, the Fox will have no choice but to hunker down and try to hold what he can. This is our greatest opportunity. While his forces are focused on the Clans, less than 100% after fighting with ComStar, and dealing with an Interdiction, we can at long last take revenge for the Fourth Succession War."
"But that is not all, my pillar! Tell him the rest!" Romano crowed.
"The Maskirovka has long gathered loyalists on conquered worlds. Throughout the region, rebellions and attacks on Davion troops will begin. I have been given permission to target key figures in the Davion government. Many of the most important figures are on the Lyran side, but that means security is laxer than it otherwise would be in the Federated Suns. Dozens of attacks will occur, most yielding minimal results. But as the saying goes, they have to be lucky every time; we need only be lucky once."
Sun-Tzu grinned, laughed, and praised the efforts of all involved, as he needed to do. But he could not shake the feeling that this was a terrible mistake. Figures like the Fox and Justin Allard were terrifying, and they were not easy men to defeat. The next generation, including Kai Allard and Katherine Steiner-Davion, filled him with just as much dread. Early on, he had noted the way Katherine looked at him; it was not with the disdain and contempt the others had. He was confident he had fooled everyone at Outreach, save for her.
Please get yourself killed by the Clans, Katherine. I do not wish to have to face you in the future.