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Ashes
Continuing the story from "Once More into the Breach"
by Ethan Jennings |
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WarShip FSS Warspite, Ulan Bator Orbit
Liao Commonality
Capellan Confederation
August 12, 3219
"Well," said Edward, "that was certainly easy."
Shenke nodded. "Indeed it was. Perhaps this war will be over sooner than we expected."
To say that it was an odd situation was a massive understatement. As soon as the task force had challenged the planet the commander of Ulan Bator's defensive force, the single battalion of the Thirtieth Liao Commonality Militia Guard, had surrendered to the SLDF. Only an hour later, they had received a second message from the planet, informing them that the planetary governor of Ulan Bator had resigned, leaving the planet in the hands of an interim government that was already advocating cessation from the Capellan Confederation and annexation by the Tikonov Principality.
"I can't say that I'm sorry we didn't have to fight for it," Edward said, "but I would have liked to get the experience under our people's belts. Ulan Bator was our soft training mission, after all."
"Right." Originally, Edward had intended to hit Liao, but when the news that the Principality Armed Forces had taken control of the planet had reached his armada en route to the Confederation, he'd had to rework his strategy.
"Well, does the government of Ulan Bator request any peacekeeping forces from us?" Edward asked.
"They do not, though the President offers us his hospitality. He'd like us to dine with him tonight." Shenke shrugged. "Hey, sir, it's free food . . ."
"That's what I was thinking. And we need some time to recharge the JumpShips anyway." He nodded. "Sure, why not? While you're at it, try to get shore leave for some of our troops. Pick a regiment randomly; make sure it's not one from the First Crucis."
"Wouldn't want to seem like we're playing favorites, after all," Shenke agreed. The ops officer still thought that Edward had assigned himself a needlessly complicated task force; the Luthien Samurai Guard had deeply ingrained tradition, and that tradition included an age-old feud with the Federated Suns. Shenke would have happily left them with Kanrei Kurita's task force, but Edward had insisted in having them along. To make things better, Yoshi Kurita had issued the strictest of orders to Tai-sa Genimocho, the commander of the Samurai Guard, commanding him to comply with Edward's orders (and secretly informing Edward that he would not mind if, as Commander-in-Chief, Edward found it necessary to relieve Genimocho of his command). However, the fanatical Kuritans were having some trouble with foreign troops, including those from the Second Robinson Rangers, the regiment the Draconis March Federation had contributed to the effort.
Shenke had reamed the idiot whose decision it had been to station the Robinson Rangers aboard the Drac JumpShip Moon Blade, but the damage had been done, namely a massive riot aboard the ship that had seen MechWarriors from the Federation and the Combine killed and wounded. That incident had lasted two days and had finally ended when Edward had threatened to order the Moon Blade's captain to perform an emergency detachment of the offenders' DropShips, to be left in an empty, uninhabited system to fend for themselves until the task force picked them up on the return trip out. Some quick and tactful shuffling by Shenke had avoided another such incident, and the imbecile responsible for the mistake had been scrubbing bulkheads ever since. From what Shenke heard, so had the Samurai Guard, and he was certain that the commander of the Second Robinson had exacted a similar punishment upon his command.
"If you wouldn't mind my saying, sir," said Leftenant-General Allen Kell, idly sprawled out in an acceleration chair, "I think that we ought to let the Odell Regulars head down. They've been the most cooperative, and they really had their stuff together when we, ah, had our relocating incident of the week before last."
Allen Kell's origins were as unique as his abilities in the cockpit of a BattleMech. Descended of the exiled Wolf Clan's Khan Phelan Kell and Ranna Kerensky, both of whom had died fighting in the Word of Blake Jihad, Allen's great-grandfather Ramius had been raised by Morgan Kell and, as legend told, Victor Steiner-Davion on Arc-Royal. Allen's grandfather and father had been loyal servants of the Republic of the Sphere, until the Republic's failed attempt at conquering the Inner Sphere. Grandpa Kell had died in that massive war, but Kyle Kell, Allen's father, and Ulysses Kell, Allen's uncle, had survived. Disheartened by the Republic's betrayal of his trust, they had found themselves in the service of the Davions, and the Federated Suns half of the Kell family had risen to great fame in the AFFS. His son Allen, born on Saginaw, had continued the tradition quite nicely, in Edward's opinion.
"Indeed. Your thoughts, Colonel Shenke?"
"Makes sense to me," he said.
"Well, there you have it, folks," Edward said. "The Odell Regulars it is. Someone give the happy news to Colonel Merewether, and then call up President Wing and tell him we'd be honored to accept his invitation."
Prince's Palace, Tikonov
Tikonov Principality
Prince Zander set aside the last paper, signed with a fresh pen, and leaned back in his chair, taking care not to rumple the expensive black suit he was wearing. He had to make an appearance before the media in a few minutes, and took the time to run through his speech in his head.
Of course, there was the good news that the Principality had defeated the garrison forces on Liao. Actually, Zander had been aware of this for a week, ever since Rain Jeffers' report had come in on the HPG. He was fairly certain that ROM had read the dispatch and informed the Star League Council of the situation, and Jeffers had told him that she'd contacted Edward Davion's task force to let the Commander-in-Chief of the SLDF know that Liao had fallen. Nonetheless, his announcement would be a surprise to the average citizen of the Inner Sphere, and it would do a great deal to improve the Principality's reputation, now that it was scoring victories against one of the established Great Houses.
Zander's reign as Prince of Tikonov had gone relatively well, especially when compared with the tenure of his unfortunate predecessor, the late Charlemagne Kerensky-Liao. Charlemagne had been ill suited for rule of the Principality, as Zander had proven to him before ending his life in this very office. He'd had the wood paneling reworked to get rid of the bloodstains, and was sitting in a new chair, but it was still the same old office. After convincing the people of the Principality-and more importantly, the military-that Charlemagne had been responsible for the death of the beloved Lady Janice, Zander's coup had been complete. The only one who knew the truth was Rain Jeffers, and she would remain quiet as long as work was good and his pocket was deep. Zander knew that she didn't like him, but he also knew that she knew he was the best paying employer in the Inner Sphere, and Jeffers was first and foremost a mercenary, with a mercenary's constant need for hard cash. And hard cash Zander could deliver, with the Principality's economy blooming, selling BattleMech components to the Federated Suns.
"Your Grace," said his aide over the intercom, "we're ready."
"Thank you, David," Zander said. He stood up, straightening his suit, and headed for the door, picking up the Tikonov Starburst pin, the one that honored the members of the TPAF, and fastened it to his coat. The gold and rubies in the badge contrasted sharply with the flat black of his attire, ensuring its notice by the press. It was the only decoration that Zander ever wore.
The pressroom was one of the least impressive chambers in the Palace. Its walls were covered in a pleasant blue, and the various reporters and cameramen were already in their places when Zander entered. He stood at the podium and gave the holoprompter a glance. Zander tried to memorize his speeches whenever possible, but this one had been drafted at such a late date that the time simply hadn't existed for proper memorization.
"Citizens of the Principality, and all peoples of the Inner Sphere," he began, "it is on this day that I announce an event that benefits not only the Principality, but the proponents of freedom and liberty everywhere. Just a week ago, the valiant members of our Armed Forces-" led, he did not add, by a mercenary commander "-took control of the planet Liao, capital of the Capellan Confederation's Liao Commonality. We have scored our first victory against the tyranny of Chancellor Liao, the very man who raped our worlds and ordered the murder of our beloved Lady Janice. Even now, we plan further operations to ensure the sovereignty of the Principality, and the safety and freedom of our people. I wish to commend the brave men and women of the Fourth Tikonov Regular Guard, as well as the equally commendable men and women of Major Jeffers' Lonesome Vanguards Battalion, without whom Tikonov itself would have fallen. My sincerest condolences go out to those who have given loyal sons and daughters to the cause of Tikonov, and I promise that as I live and breath, their sacrifices will not have been in vain. I will take questions now."
"Your Grace," said one reporter, the senior correspondent from INN, before all the others, "what further military action does the Principality plan?"
"In the interest of operational security, I can only answer you vaguely. The Principality, working in concert with the task force from the SLDF, will do anything and everything necessary to maintain the freedom of the people."
"Your Grace, what of the news that Ulan Bator is requesting annexation?"
Zander had hoped not to answer that question until he could figure out what the Principality's official position was. Certainly, he had a definite idea, but the details had yet to be hammered out between him and the Foreign Ministry. "My ministers and I are still discussing that matter. Because of the implications of annexing Ulan Bator, it will most likely be put to the voters to decide. However, I strongly favor bringing more worlds into the Principality, so long as they join willingly."
"Your Grace, what do you mean by 'working in concert' with SLDF units? Will we be launching a joint attack against the Capellans?"
"You might say," Zander said with a smile, "that we have already. Seriously, we haven't yet discussed all the possibilities with the Star League. As you know, our petition for membership is still going through. However, General Davion has expressed a keen interest in working closely with our troops."
"Will there be a-"
"Any further questions you have can be asked through my chief of staff." Zander shrugged. "I'm sorry, ladies and gentlemen, but the business of state requires my attention. That will be all."
New Athens University, Ulan Bator
Liao Commonality
Capellan Confederation
"This lobster," said Allen Kell, "it really is exquisite. Were they grown here?"
"Ha! If only we could be so lucky." The very recently elected President of Ulan Bator laughed heartily at his own joke. "No, no, it was imported. From Sian, nonetheless! We dine on the Chancellor's shellfish tonight, gentlemen!"
Justin Wing was a large man, one of Ulan Bator's wealthiest natives. Despite his high position, he was quite generous, having already donated a great deal of his fortune, most of it within the last ten hours, to the cause of rebuilding Ulan Bator's civilian government. From what Edward had seen, he seemed generally interested in helping his people, and his election had been a landslide, with over eighty percent of the popular vote. Wing's first act as President had been to resurrect the old Constitution of Ulan Bator, which specifically limited his time in office to one term of six years. That decision was what had truly convinced Edward to leave Wing in power, and the President had been only happy to comply with the security precautions he had taken. Capellan POWs and their 'Mechs had been transferred to the DropShips that had been brought along for just that purpose, and the JumpShip RDS Månsdotter was already making its way toward the nadir jump point.
"I must agree, Mr. President, it is wonderful lobster. But where did the brandy come from?" Shenke asked, swirling the rusty brown liquid in his glass.
"Now that I can claim credit for. Brewed and bottled right here in New Athens, actually."
"It's very good," Shenke said. Edward made a mental note to tell his chief operations officer to stop drinking the next time he caught him somewhat alone.
"When will you be embarking for your next target?" Wing asked. Edward grimaced.
"As soon as the JumpShips' batteries are recharged," he said, answering the question without giving a specific date. "As much as I'd like to stay and have more of this lobster-and brandy-we really do have our jobs to be getting back to."
"I hope I haven't delayed you at all . . ."
"Oh, of course not, Mr. President." Edward drained the rest of his glass, setting it aside. "As I said, we do have to recharge the JumpShips' batteries. That always takes some time."
"Hmm." Wing looked around sheepishly. "I must say, General, your reputation certainly precedes you. I understand that you even fought in the Republic War. That you were at the Battle of Terra."
"Well, to be specific, I was at the Third Battle of Terra, which just happened to be the largest." He shrugged. "Fourth Terra was more of an afterthought that anything else; the war was over by then. But yes, I was on Terra during the Winter Campaign."
"Did you see any combat?"
"Ah, yes, quite a bit, in fact." Edward shifted, feeling the heat spreading across his face. "It wasn't fun, but we had to do it. The Republic had to be stopped." He shrugged. "Oh, what the hell. So we-Company C, Second Battalion, Davion Heavy Guards-were patrolling at the base of the Cascade Mountains, on the North American continent, over by a city called Seattle. We were hunting down this Paladin, Jeremy White. White had a lance of heavies with him, and was moving toward the city. Command wanted us to nail him before he got there, because the city hadn't been evacuated yet. I was in command of the second lance, Hound Lance." Kell snickered at the name, prompting Edward to shoot a glare his direction. "Anyhow, the Hounds were on the company's western flank, and my forward scout reported sighting White's 'Mech, a big bruiser of a Daemon. We were all in medium to lights, so I called in the sighting to my boss, Captain Turgesson. Turgesson knew we were outgunned, so he ordered me to stay back-and I did. But the next thing I knew, three of White's escorts had doubled back and were behind us. They must have picked up the transmission or something. I lost two of my lance while we tried to break contact, and debris from an autocannon shot that went through my cockpit broke my leg." He grimaced, remembering that day, remembering while the Atlas and the Mad Cat II blasted at his lance, remembered as the Legacy circled around to ambush them when they retreated. He remembered how ammunition explosions had blown Jake's Legionnaire apart, and how little Tina in her Raven had taken a gauss round in the cockpit.
"I'm sorry," Wing said. "What happened to White?"
"While he and his cronies were pounding the hell out of my Hounds, the rest of the company came in." Edward allowed himself a small smile. "Jeremy White, unfortunately, did not make it out of his cockpit."
Kell raised his glass. "To absent comrades."
Edward joined the toast with a newly refilled glass, as did Shenke, who missed the clink in the middle. Wing gave them a solemn nod, not trying to join in the soldiers' ritual. The brandy was smooth going down Edward's throat, the hearty taste reminding him very much of his dead.
"That was my first combat experience," Edward said. "I plaid a minor role in the assault on Hilton Head, though I am proud to say that I fought beside the Ninth RCT at New Manhattan."
Shenke blinked. "Hell, boss, I didn't know you were at New Manhattan."
The Battle of New Manhattan, fought during the closing days of the Third Terran Campaign, was one of those battles that was talked about in the halls of the Nagelring and the New Avalon Military Academy, there with the likes of the defense of Luthien against the Clans and the Battles of New Avalon. Twelve BattleMech regiments, seven from the Star League Defense Forces and six from the Republic Army, had been engaged at New Manhattan, fighting to capture the Exarch. In the end, only three and a half 'Mech regiments had emerged, and the Exarch had been killed in the fighting. The war, however, was over.
"I don't talk about it a lot," Edward said. "It was a hard battle, but it had to be fought. And fight it we did."
The door of to one side of the dining room opened, and a man in the uniform of an LAAF leutnant entered to whisper in Edward's ear. The general listened, slowly placing his utensils on the table.
"Oh my God," he said when the leutnant had finished. "Call a meeting of my staff. I'm sorry, Mr. President, but recent developments must pull me away from this meal." He gave a short bow as he stood to leave, Kell and Shenke right behind him. Once they were out in the hallway, Shenke, who had sobered considerably in a matter of seconds, was the first to voice the two officers' concerns.
"Eddie," he said, "what's going on?"
Edward Davion grimaced. "The Free Worlds Republic has attacked Tharkad," he said, as they walked out the door. |
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