Now making peace with the TC and getting access to its factories is even more important. Fortunately, she has several good bargaining chips.
Davion Heir (BattleTech AU)
- Thread starter Oshha
- Start date
- Sci-Fi
- Location
- Southampton, Great Britain
- Pronouns
- He/Him
The truth is that Hikari was conceived as a character months before Victoria and while it might seem the other way around from a reader prespective, Victoria Davion was the one who intruded on Hikari Yamamato's story rather than the other way around. This is because my original story idea was an insert helping one of the bad guy factions instead of the good guy factions and telling the story from the prespective of the good guys and then shortly before NaNoWriMo, I found the Davion Heir CYOA and created Victoria.
If I thought the three-way alliance was too strong, there are plenty of ways to break it up or if I don't want to do that, have the clans come early and in greater numbers.
Exactly, which is why just handing the Combine a massive pile of equipment and tech without any real conflict or effort on their part feels contrived and undeserved
- Location
- Southampton, Great Britain
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Except I'm not trying to do whatever it is that you think I am doing. I am trying to give one of the bad guy factions in BattleTech a completely successful run on the Helm cache thanks to an insert.
kelgar04
Knight Watcher
- Location
- Here and no were
Hmm this maybe messed up by the internal dynamics of the combine, one of the ways the coordinators of Kurita maintain control is playing the internal factions off against each other, while having to deal with criminal elements like the Yakuza and Black Dragons. However you slice it Taki will have to play a careful game right now.
Yamamoto absolutely just kicked over the hornet's nest and upended the entire power balance of the Combine. Including the careful balancing of who the heir marries to.
Does she deserve marrying him? Irrelevant, actually. What she brought in is valuable enough that no doubt whatsoever can exist that it is the Coordinator's, and nobody else's. If he'd wanted to, she'd have married the Coordinator and/or suffered a terrible, terrible accident while leaving the entirety of her price to the Coordinator, personally. Her personal opinion utterly irrelevant.
Does she deserve marrying him? Irrelevant, actually. What she brought in is valuable enough that no doubt whatsoever can exist that it is the Coordinator's, and nobody else's. If he'd wanted to, she'd have married the Coordinator and/or suffered a terrible, terrible accident while leaving the entirety of her price to the Coordinator, personally. Her personal opinion utterly irrelevant.
- Location
- Southampton, Great Britain
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Hikari has completely unbalanced everything, but considering what she did it with, Takashi considers the benefits to be worth the cost. As for Hikari's future, she has proven herself capable and he wants to see if she keeps the excellence or if it was a fluke.
kelgar04
Knight Watcher
- Location
- Here and no were
True but she has just stuck her hand into the viper pit of drac court politics, it's going to be really interesting to see how she adapts especially given that she has just painted a target on her back for the more hardline elements like the black dragons.
I don't have an issue with Hikari as such, it's a reasonable way to continue to present opposition to Victoria.
However, it does come in rather too suddenly.
It would probably be better to introduce her more gradually - have the reports of her inheritance first, then seed in her finding Helm and the (not at all Comstar arranged) find as later events. Just as the timeline for the Solaris Accords is quite rushed, here it's the pacing of Hikari becoming a threat. Some earlier set-up for this could have worked, and interspersed with the Capellan war, could have built up a threat that readers were aware of but that Victoria wasn't, at first.
However, it does come in rather too suddenly.
It would probably be better to introduce her more gradually - have the reports of her inheritance first, then seed in her finding Helm and the (not at all Comstar arranged) find as later events. Just as the timeline for the Solaris Accords is quite rushed, here it's the pacing of Hikari becoming a threat. Some earlier set-up for this could have worked, and interspersed with the Capellan war, could have built up a threat that readers were aware of but that Victoria wasn't, at first.
- Location
- London
It is true that people can get thrown off with sudden swerves in these stories. Its an interesting kind of swerve though and there are a couple of ways I can see writing this out.
For example, the woman seems to be a bit of a true believer in the combine and writing out that clashing with former memories and getting an actual insider look at what the leadership is like vs the propaganda or getting involved in a "police action" somewhere could be really interesting.
I also wonder how much of the worry over the combines fortunes are overblown or an unreliable narrator.
Like they suddenly have a ton of powerful mechs which is bad but are they really able to get so much out of the data cache so fast?? It is my understanding that they are not the kindest to the kind of people who would have expert knowledge and skills to do this kind of thing? Or is it Comstar being blatant?
For example, the woman seems to be a bit of a true believer in the combine and writing out that clashing with former memories and getting an actual insider look at what the leadership is like vs the propaganda or getting involved in a "police action" somewhere could be really interesting.
I also wonder how much of the worry over the combines fortunes are overblown or an unreliable narrator.
Like they suddenly have a ton of powerful mechs which is bad but are they really able to get so much out of the data cache so fast?? It is my understanding that they are not the kindest to the kind of people who would have expert knowledge and skills to do this kind of thing? Or is it Comstar being blatant?
Chapter Sixteen
- Location
- Southampton, Great Britain
- Pronouns
- He/Him
New Olympia, Ares
Capellan March, Federated Suns
24 October 3015
"Chancellor Candace Liao," Victoria greets her fellow Successor Lord.
"First Prince Victoria Davion," replies the eldest daughter of Maximilian Liao and his only surviving offspring.
Victoria isn't sure if Romano Liao suffered a genuine accident or not and neither is MIIO or SAFE, but if she didn't, someone was playing kingmaker between the two sisters and decided to bet on the older and saner one. Hopefully they won't consider Candace deciding to cut a deal with Victoria to be a bad bet on their part.
"To be blunt, the situation with the Combine has deteriorated enough that I am willing to accept the overly generous terms that you are requesting," says Victoria as she looks at the woman, a cold beauty dressed up in the finery of the Capellan Confederation in stark contrast to the dress uniform and medals that Victoria is wearing, "Put simply, the need to secure my flank and remove you as a potential knife in the back is pressing, I am willing to accept you as the ruler of a new march within the Federated Suns with House Liao as its ancestral rulers just as the Haseks rule over the Capellan March and the Sandovals rule over the Draconis March. Just don't mistake this as your cue to start making additional demands. I'm choosing this because it is an easy solution and if you start to make it harder, I will happily back out of it."
"I thank you for your generosity," replies the Chancellor with a slight inclination of her head, "I shall endeavour to live up to your expectations in turn."
"Just so we are on the same page, I'm going to give you a grace period to get your worlds up to the standards of the Federated Suns," continues Victoria, "I don't expect instant results, but I want to see some progress over the next few years. There is no place for slavery in the Federated Suns and as far as I am concerned, that is what the Servitor caste is. I also won't tolerate Mask infringing upon the rights of my citizens. I'm willing to overlook past misdeeds in the name of conciliation, but I will do no such thing for future abuses. We are also more economically liberal, but frankly, you seem close enough in agreement with me that I have no worries there."
"Such changes were expected and both I and my court are aware that they will be coming," says Candace, "May I ask about the status of the worlds taken from the Confederation?"
"All worlds taken in my reign by the AFFS will be given to your new march," answers Victoria, remembering that primary point of contention between her and the Chancellor in their previous talks, "As for the worlds prior to my reign, that is a more difficult matter, especially for the ones whose current inhabitants have no memory of Capellan rule. Even with the more recent ones, I'll have to speak with Duke Hasek-Davion and he won't be happy with it. He isn't going to be happy about giving up the most recent additions to his march let alone any older ones."
"And of other worlds taken?" asks Candace and Victoria lets out a sigh as while it isn't the best decorum, she has the upper hand here and frankly she is too stressed to care.
"I'm not picking a fight with the League, but I'll speak to Janos about Liao, the planet that is," Victoria tells her, "I may need to trade one of your military factories. The League got the short end of the stick in terms of military industries when it came to the invasion and at the moment it is the only leverage that I have on Janos. Especially since any goodwill will be stretched thin by absorbing the remainder of the Confederation as a new march."
"I would argue that the Confederation was the worst off in terms of military industry at the end of the invasion, but I understand your point," replies Candace with a smile that could be fake or genuine as Victoria can't tell and really doesn't care, "What of the Periphery? Many groups have been opportunistic down there in regards to my worlds."
That takes Victoria a moment to think about it. Between the Canopians, the Taurians, the Aurigans and McCarron, a decent number of worlds have been conquered by minor powers even before you got into those who had declared independence. One world, Principia, had even peacefully joined the Free Worlds League.
Victoria had no love lost for the Big MAC and its leader despite the man's attempt to legitimise himself, but she had no intention of picking a fight with the Bulls right now and the Aurigan Coalition was an interesting diplomatic opportunity and a way to put some pressure on the Concordat if they rejected a diplomatic solution to the threat they posed. As for the Canopians, Victoria bore no ill-will to the Magistracy, but the MAF was overextended in regard to its conquests and the current Magistrix was too hostile to the League to befriend.
"McCarron is free game right now unless he makes some very convincing offers," says Victoria after a few seconds, "I don't wish for the Federated Suns to fight the Taurian Concordat or Aurigan Coalition right now so leave them me, but feel free to expel the Magistracy. They are grasping beyond their reach and their current leader has been unreasonable and seems like she will continue to be so."
"As you say," replies Candace and Victoria wishes she could tell if the Liao counts her answer as a victory or defeat.
"Great," says Victoria as she spots Tahmina covertly signalling her, "Now if we could take a brief recess to discuss what we have agreed upon already before we attend to the details."
"Of course, First Prince Victoria," replies Candace and Victoria is all too happy to leave the table.
High-stakes diplomacy isn't something that Victoria wants to do right now. Not with all the stress that the Draconis Combine and Hikari Yamamoto have been causing her.
"What is it?" Victoria asks Tahmina in a hushed tone as the two of them walk out of the room.
"Bad news from Marduk," replies Tahmina, "Dracs showed up with five regiments, including the Seventh Sword of Light and three of their new formations, two Bows of Light and the Phantom Legions. Also one of the more inexperienced Benjamin Regulars formation."
A substantial force, especially since the Bows of Light are a limited attempt at a combined arms formation that Yamamoto convinced the Coordinator to go along with. On the other hand, all of the units apart from the Sword of Light are inexperienced and in addition to having a decent militia, Victoria ensured that Marduk is protected by two RCTs, the 8th Deneb Light Cavalry and the 3rd Davion Guards. Victoria has no doubt that it would be a hard-fought battle, but the AFFS garrison should pull through yet Tahmina says that it is bad news and the First Prince suspects that bad news is more than just the attack.
"How bad have things gone?" inquires Victoria and then flinches as she watches Tahmina suppress a wince, "Damn, that bad?"
"That bad," confirms Tahmina glumly, "Long story short, Marduk has fallen to the Combine and the Third Davion Guards were effectively destroyed. Though they didn't go down without putting up a good fight."
"How?" demands Victoria, feeling a little stunned at this very unexpected turn of events as Olivia Fenlon catches up with them.
"What's wrong?" asks the Minister of Foreign Relations as she looks between Victoria and Tahmina.
"Marduk has been conquered and the Third Davion Guards were destroyed in the process," answers Tahmina and Olivia lets out a gasp, "A proper analysis is still pending, but the reports say that both Bows of Light pinned them down at the Norse BattleMech Works factory and then a LosTech-equipped Seventh Sword of Light dealt a death blow before they could break free. They paid a price for it with the Bows of Light losing half of their 'Mechs and the Sword of Light losing some of their precious LosTech machines."
"How many LosTech 'Mechs got destroyed?" demands Victoria and Tahmina lets out a sigh.
"Around a company, some of which might be salvageable," admits Tahmina, "The Deneb Light Cavalry was having it out with the Benjamin Regulars and Phantom Legion and they traded losses with both sides losing about a battalion's worth. Could have gone on longer, but the Eighth called it quits when the Davion Guards were lost."
"Did any of the Third Davion Guards make it out?" asks Olivia, sounding low-key horrified at the news.
"Their DropShips made it out with their support personnel and their surviving conventional regiments of which we got around a third or a little more than that remaining," replies Tahmina, "They also got a few MechWarriors and some wrecked 'Mechs that were undergoing repairs. The rest of the Deneb Light Cavalry RCT also made it out so they're still functional as an RCT. As for the overall losses, on paper we took down more of their 'Mechs than they did ours, but the DCMS is holding the field which means they'll be salvaging some machines from both sides."
"I'm going to pull back the Third Davion Guards to New Avalon for rebuilding and transfer the Heavy Davion Guards to the Draconis March as a replacement," says Victoria with a frown while her mind is racing, "I'll also be speaking with Yvonne about putting together a taskforce to retake Marduk. Hopefully Candace will be trustworthy enough to free up some units to send to the Combine front."
"She will be," says Olivia confidently, drawing the attention of both Victoria and Tahmina, "She wants to preserve her own power and the Capellan Confederation and right now, both of those things are better served as part of the Federated Suns than by independence or siding with another power."
"What do you mean?" asks Victoria.
"The Combine or one of the Periphery powers can't protect her and it isn't feasible for her to subordinate to them," explains Olivia, "The Lyrans aren't inclined to try and it is only feasible due to their alliance with us, which could be endangered by annexing the Confederation. The League might be willing, but it would never accept the Confederation as a whole. Even in its reduced state, it is still too large to be accepted as a single province and even if it was, the Chancellor would have no chance of getting back the conquered worlds.
"The same isn't true of the Federated Suns. Our march system allows for the incorporation of a large sub-state like the Capellan Confederation and while it was a contentious request, restoring the newly conquered systems to the Confederation by incorporating them into the new march is something that is on the table. As for independence, it would be the same as the prior status quo of the League and Suns picking off worlds while the Periphery region continues to collapse. So yes, Candace Liao will remain loyal simply because every alternative is worse. Just don't push her too far."
Victoria has to admit that the reasoning makes sense and it is Olivia's job to figure out things like that. At this point, it isn't a question of if the Confederation falls, but when it falls and Victoria can appreciate a surrender on favourable terms as much as she can respect going down fighting.
"There is one last thing about Marduk, Vicky," says Tahmina cautiously and Victoria does not like the sound of that.
"What is it?" asks Victoria, trying not to sound too harsh.
"Hikari Yamamoto was the one leading the invasion," answers Tahmina and once again Victoria is cursing the name of that damn woman.
Liao Summer Palace, Sian
Federal Administered Region, Free Worlds League
11 November 3015
"Neither I nor parliament are pleased with this turn of events," says Janos as the Captain-General and First Prince met in the luxurious summer palace that once belonged to House Liao, "Though I personally understand why it happened. I am not sure if the same can be said of parliament."
"As long as none of the provinces decide to go and invade us, I can live with that," replies Victoria, "Speaking of which, is that likely?"
"Oriente and Orloff will be disappointed, but will understand and the Sirian Concordat has reclaimed its worlds," answers Janos with a thoughtful frown, "The Anduriens will understand, but may make a fuss anyway though I would be surprised if they invade without the support of the rest of the League. It certainly wouldn't work out for them though I would request that in such a case, you limit yourself to merely kicking them off of your worlds."
"That shouldn't be a problem," Victoria assures him, "Provided that you deal with them on your end."
"I would," replies Janos with a grim smile, "I can't afford to let provinces go around invading our allies on their own. In any case, I fear that my troubles will be along the Lyran border. I trust Katrina will be too busy with the Draconians to try anything on our border, but there isn't much love lost up there. A few influential people from over there think I should take advantage of the Combine threat to backstab the Lyrans while they are distracted and busy."
"I trust that won't be happening?" asks Victoria cautiously.
"You can," answers Janos bluntly, "Thankfully myself and smarter individuals realise that the threat posed by House Kurita isn't limited to its current neighbours and more than a few people are smarting about the Combine getting their precious memory core from raiding the League, viewing it as being rightfully ours. While the Kuritans are reversing the existence of LosTech over while the rest of us are still stuck working with the scraps of the Star League, too many people will be too wary of House Kurita's desire to conquer everyone to break the Solaris Accords."
"That is a great relief to me," says Victoria, "Amongst everything else, MIIO is predicting that we'll be looking at eight new BattleMech production lines being brought online in the Draconis Combine. Well, new is a relative term since most of them will be the restoration of damaged factories. The only truly new factories will be a couple of Panther factories, which is bearable, but still a poor sign of things to come. I can only hope that the Combine continues to hobble its own economy with its terrible treatment of it."
"As do I," agrees Janos, "I respect the Coordinator as a person and how he is able to manage things so deftly, but he'll conquer the League alongside the Commonwealth and the Suns if given a chance."
"Since we are in agreement with the Kuritan threat, could I ask what your plans for the Periphery are?" inquires Victoria.
"I have the Wolf's Dragoons on my payroll for another few years so I'm planning to use them to conquer the Circinus Federation," answers Janos as he leans back, "The Lyrans will be too busy to complain about us conquering those glorified pirates instead of them and another victory will help shut up more of parliament. After that, I'm thinking of sending them after those Roman wannabes out past the Rim Commonality. They're the other big group of pirates threatening the League who are also conveniently located on a planet even if they are a bit too far out to conquer. Any particular reason that you asked?"
"I would rather that the League doesn't invade the Magistracy right now," Victoria tells him, "I understand that the current Magestrix harbours a hatred of the League, but Canopus is still a legitimate state and I'm worried that if it was invaded, the Taurians would view it as being the start of a second Reunification War. Given the trouble that the DCMS is giving me right now, I don't need a bunch of nuke-happy Bulls causing trouble in my rear."
"I can see the concern and I can assure you I have no intentions of picking a fight with anyone who isn't a pirate right now," replies Janos, "I am quite happy to count my victories and let the League do some rebuilding and enjoy some peace."
"I am happy to hear that," says Victoria, "And going back to our original topic, Candace Liao has accepted that she won't be getting back the worlds conquered by the League anytime soon. That said, she has raised the subject of getting the world of Liao back for a variety of cultural and political reasons and I promised her that I would at least raise the matter with you."
"I had wondered if you were going to bring that up," muses Janos, "I am not willing to just part with Liao given its political significance, but at the same time, it isn't a traditional League world and it lacks any practical strategic value. Would you be willing to trade a BattleMech factory for it?"
"Do you have one in mind?" asks Victoria.
"The Thunderbolt line on Tikonov or the Vindicator line on St. Ives," answers Janos promptly, clearly having thought about it ahead of time, "Either of those would be valuable to the League to trade for Liao and I'll even be generous by letting you pick which one."
"Take the Vindicators from St. Ives," answers Victoria after a moment, "Even if they aren't as productive, I have other sources of Vindicators. I will pass the matter off to Minister Fenlon to handle the details since I have enough on my plate."
"Of course," replies Jano.
Things are starting to pick up. What's left of CapCon joins the FedSuns while the League turns its attention to pirate-smashing. Marduk falls and with it, one of the Davion Guard formations, which is going to be a big gut punch for the AFFS.
The next chapter will be Victoria organising the liberation of Marduk and dealing with the Taurian front while Hikari continues to run about causing trouble for the First Prince.
Please point out any spelling or grammar mistakes that you spot. Please quote them in the thread and explain what you think is wrong so I know what you are referring to.
Capellan March, Federated Suns
24 October 3015
"Chancellor Candace Liao," Victoria greets her fellow Successor Lord.
"First Prince Victoria Davion," replies the eldest daughter of Maximilian Liao and his only surviving offspring.
Victoria isn't sure if Romano Liao suffered a genuine accident or not and neither is MIIO or SAFE, but if she didn't, someone was playing kingmaker between the two sisters and decided to bet on the older and saner one. Hopefully they won't consider Candace deciding to cut a deal with Victoria to be a bad bet on their part.
"To be blunt, the situation with the Combine has deteriorated enough that I am willing to accept the overly generous terms that you are requesting," says Victoria as she looks at the woman, a cold beauty dressed up in the finery of the Capellan Confederation in stark contrast to the dress uniform and medals that Victoria is wearing, "Put simply, the need to secure my flank and remove you as a potential knife in the back is pressing, I am willing to accept you as the ruler of a new march within the Federated Suns with House Liao as its ancestral rulers just as the Haseks rule over the Capellan March and the Sandovals rule over the Draconis March. Just don't mistake this as your cue to start making additional demands. I'm choosing this because it is an easy solution and if you start to make it harder, I will happily back out of it."
"I thank you for your generosity," replies the Chancellor with a slight inclination of her head, "I shall endeavour to live up to your expectations in turn."
"Just so we are on the same page, I'm going to give you a grace period to get your worlds up to the standards of the Federated Suns," continues Victoria, "I don't expect instant results, but I want to see some progress over the next few years. There is no place for slavery in the Federated Suns and as far as I am concerned, that is what the Servitor caste is. I also won't tolerate Mask infringing upon the rights of my citizens. I'm willing to overlook past misdeeds in the name of conciliation, but I will do no such thing for future abuses. We are also more economically liberal, but frankly, you seem close enough in agreement with me that I have no worries there."
"Such changes were expected and both I and my court are aware that they will be coming," says Candace, "May I ask about the status of the worlds taken from the Confederation?"
"All worlds taken in my reign by the AFFS will be given to your new march," answers Victoria, remembering that primary point of contention between her and the Chancellor in their previous talks, "As for the worlds prior to my reign, that is a more difficult matter, especially for the ones whose current inhabitants have no memory of Capellan rule. Even with the more recent ones, I'll have to speak with Duke Hasek-Davion and he won't be happy with it. He isn't going to be happy about giving up the most recent additions to his march let alone any older ones."
"And of other worlds taken?" asks Candace and Victoria lets out a sigh as while it isn't the best decorum, she has the upper hand here and frankly she is too stressed to care.
"I'm not picking a fight with the League, but I'll speak to Janos about Liao, the planet that is," Victoria tells her, "I may need to trade one of your military factories. The League got the short end of the stick in terms of military industries when it came to the invasion and at the moment it is the only leverage that I have on Janos. Especially since any goodwill will be stretched thin by absorbing the remainder of the Confederation as a new march."
"I would argue that the Confederation was the worst off in terms of military industry at the end of the invasion, but I understand your point," replies Candace with a smile that could be fake or genuine as Victoria can't tell and really doesn't care, "What of the Periphery? Many groups have been opportunistic down there in regards to my worlds."
That takes Victoria a moment to think about it. Between the Canopians, the Taurians, the Aurigans and McCarron, a decent number of worlds have been conquered by minor powers even before you got into those who had declared independence. One world, Principia, had even peacefully joined the Free Worlds League.
Victoria had no love lost for the Big MAC and its leader despite the man's attempt to legitimise himself, but she had no intention of picking a fight with the Bulls right now and the Aurigan Coalition was an interesting diplomatic opportunity and a way to put some pressure on the Concordat if they rejected a diplomatic solution to the threat they posed. As for the Canopians, Victoria bore no ill-will to the Magistracy, but the MAF was overextended in regard to its conquests and the current Magistrix was too hostile to the League to befriend.
"McCarron is free game right now unless he makes some very convincing offers," says Victoria after a few seconds, "I don't wish for the Federated Suns to fight the Taurian Concordat or Aurigan Coalition right now so leave them me, but feel free to expel the Magistracy. They are grasping beyond their reach and their current leader has been unreasonable and seems like she will continue to be so."
"As you say," replies Candace and Victoria wishes she could tell if the Liao counts her answer as a victory or defeat.
"Great," says Victoria as she spots Tahmina covertly signalling her, "Now if we could take a brief recess to discuss what we have agreed upon already before we attend to the details."
"Of course, First Prince Victoria," replies Candace and Victoria is all too happy to leave the table.
High-stakes diplomacy isn't something that Victoria wants to do right now. Not with all the stress that the Draconis Combine and Hikari Yamamoto have been causing her.
"What is it?" Victoria asks Tahmina in a hushed tone as the two of them walk out of the room.
"Bad news from Marduk," replies Tahmina, "Dracs showed up with five regiments, including the Seventh Sword of Light and three of their new formations, two Bows of Light and the Phantom Legions. Also one of the more inexperienced Benjamin Regulars formation."
A substantial force, especially since the Bows of Light are a limited attempt at a combined arms formation that Yamamoto convinced the Coordinator to go along with. On the other hand, all of the units apart from the Sword of Light are inexperienced and in addition to having a decent militia, Victoria ensured that Marduk is protected by two RCTs, the 8th Deneb Light Cavalry and the 3rd Davion Guards. Victoria has no doubt that it would be a hard-fought battle, but the AFFS garrison should pull through yet Tahmina says that it is bad news and the First Prince suspects that bad news is more than just the attack.
"How bad have things gone?" inquires Victoria and then flinches as she watches Tahmina suppress a wince, "Damn, that bad?"
"That bad," confirms Tahmina glumly, "Long story short, Marduk has fallen to the Combine and the Third Davion Guards were effectively destroyed. Though they didn't go down without putting up a good fight."
"How?" demands Victoria, feeling a little stunned at this very unexpected turn of events as Olivia Fenlon catches up with them.
"What's wrong?" asks the Minister of Foreign Relations as she looks between Victoria and Tahmina.
"Marduk has been conquered and the Third Davion Guards were destroyed in the process," answers Tahmina and Olivia lets out a gasp, "A proper analysis is still pending, but the reports say that both Bows of Light pinned them down at the Norse BattleMech Works factory and then a LosTech-equipped Seventh Sword of Light dealt a death blow before they could break free. They paid a price for it with the Bows of Light losing half of their 'Mechs and the Sword of Light losing some of their precious LosTech machines."
"How many LosTech 'Mechs got destroyed?" demands Victoria and Tahmina lets out a sigh.
"Around a company, some of which might be salvageable," admits Tahmina, "The Deneb Light Cavalry was having it out with the Benjamin Regulars and Phantom Legion and they traded losses with both sides losing about a battalion's worth. Could have gone on longer, but the Eighth called it quits when the Davion Guards were lost."
"Did any of the Third Davion Guards make it out?" asks Olivia, sounding low-key horrified at the news.
"Their DropShips made it out with their support personnel and their surviving conventional regiments of which we got around a third or a little more than that remaining," replies Tahmina, "They also got a few MechWarriors and some wrecked 'Mechs that were undergoing repairs. The rest of the Deneb Light Cavalry RCT also made it out so they're still functional as an RCT. As for the overall losses, on paper we took down more of their 'Mechs than they did ours, but the DCMS is holding the field which means they'll be salvaging some machines from both sides."
"I'm going to pull back the Third Davion Guards to New Avalon for rebuilding and transfer the Heavy Davion Guards to the Draconis March as a replacement," says Victoria with a frown while her mind is racing, "I'll also be speaking with Yvonne about putting together a taskforce to retake Marduk. Hopefully Candace will be trustworthy enough to free up some units to send to the Combine front."
"She will be," says Olivia confidently, drawing the attention of both Victoria and Tahmina, "She wants to preserve her own power and the Capellan Confederation and right now, both of those things are better served as part of the Federated Suns than by independence or siding with another power."
"What do you mean?" asks Victoria.
"The Combine or one of the Periphery powers can't protect her and it isn't feasible for her to subordinate to them," explains Olivia, "The Lyrans aren't inclined to try and it is only feasible due to their alliance with us, which could be endangered by annexing the Confederation. The League might be willing, but it would never accept the Confederation as a whole. Even in its reduced state, it is still too large to be accepted as a single province and even if it was, the Chancellor would have no chance of getting back the conquered worlds.
"The same isn't true of the Federated Suns. Our march system allows for the incorporation of a large sub-state like the Capellan Confederation and while it was a contentious request, restoring the newly conquered systems to the Confederation by incorporating them into the new march is something that is on the table. As for independence, it would be the same as the prior status quo of the League and Suns picking off worlds while the Periphery region continues to collapse. So yes, Candace Liao will remain loyal simply because every alternative is worse. Just don't push her too far."
Victoria has to admit that the reasoning makes sense and it is Olivia's job to figure out things like that. At this point, it isn't a question of if the Confederation falls, but when it falls and Victoria can appreciate a surrender on favourable terms as much as she can respect going down fighting.
"There is one last thing about Marduk, Vicky," says Tahmina cautiously and Victoria does not like the sound of that.
"What is it?" asks Victoria, trying not to sound too harsh.
"Hikari Yamamoto was the one leading the invasion," answers Tahmina and once again Victoria is cursing the name of that damn woman.
***
Liao Summer Palace, Sian
Federal Administered Region, Free Worlds League
11 November 3015
"Neither I nor parliament are pleased with this turn of events," says Janos as the Captain-General and First Prince met in the luxurious summer palace that once belonged to House Liao, "Though I personally understand why it happened. I am not sure if the same can be said of parliament."
"As long as none of the provinces decide to go and invade us, I can live with that," replies Victoria, "Speaking of which, is that likely?"
"Oriente and Orloff will be disappointed, but will understand and the Sirian Concordat has reclaimed its worlds," answers Janos with a thoughtful frown, "The Anduriens will understand, but may make a fuss anyway though I would be surprised if they invade without the support of the rest of the League. It certainly wouldn't work out for them though I would request that in such a case, you limit yourself to merely kicking them off of your worlds."
"That shouldn't be a problem," Victoria assures him, "Provided that you deal with them on your end."
"I would," replies Janos with a grim smile, "I can't afford to let provinces go around invading our allies on their own. In any case, I fear that my troubles will be along the Lyran border. I trust Katrina will be too busy with the Draconians to try anything on our border, but there isn't much love lost up there. A few influential people from over there think I should take advantage of the Combine threat to backstab the Lyrans while they are distracted and busy."
"I trust that won't be happening?" asks Victoria cautiously.
"You can," answers Janos bluntly, "Thankfully myself and smarter individuals realise that the threat posed by House Kurita isn't limited to its current neighbours and more than a few people are smarting about the Combine getting their precious memory core from raiding the League, viewing it as being rightfully ours. While the Kuritans are reversing the existence of LosTech over while the rest of us are still stuck working with the scraps of the Star League, too many people will be too wary of House Kurita's desire to conquer everyone to break the Solaris Accords."
"That is a great relief to me," says Victoria, "Amongst everything else, MIIO is predicting that we'll be looking at eight new BattleMech production lines being brought online in the Draconis Combine. Well, new is a relative term since most of them will be the restoration of damaged factories. The only truly new factories will be a couple of Panther factories, which is bearable, but still a poor sign of things to come. I can only hope that the Combine continues to hobble its own economy with its terrible treatment of it."
"As do I," agrees Janos, "I respect the Coordinator as a person and how he is able to manage things so deftly, but he'll conquer the League alongside the Commonwealth and the Suns if given a chance."
"Since we are in agreement with the Kuritan threat, could I ask what your plans for the Periphery are?" inquires Victoria.
"I have the Wolf's Dragoons on my payroll for another few years so I'm planning to use them to conquer the Circinus Federation," answers Janos as he leans back, "The Lyrans will be too busy to complain about us conquering those glorified pirates instead of them and another victory will help shut up more of parliament. After that, I'm thinking of sending them after those Roman wannabes out past the Rim Commonality. They're the other big group of pirates threatening the League who are also conveniently located on a planet even if they are a bit too far out to conquer. Any particular reason that you asked?"
"I would rather that the League doesn't invade the Magistracy right now," Victoria tells him, "I understand that the current Magestrix harbours a hatred of the League, but Canopus is still a legitimate state and I'm worried that if it was invaded, the Taurians would view it as being the start of a second Reunification War. Given the trouble that the DCMS is giving me right now, I don't need a bunch of nuke-happy Bulls causing trouble in my rear."
"I can see the concern and I can assure you I have no intentions of picking a fight with anyone who isn't a pirate right now," replies Janos, "I am quite happy to count my victories and let the League do some rebuilding and enjoy some peace."
"I am happy to hear that," says Victoria, "And going back to our original topic, Candace Liao has accepted that she won't be getting back the worlds conquered by the League anytime soon. That said, she has raised the subject of getting the world of Liao back for a variety of cultural and political reasons and I promised her that I would at least raise the matter with you."
"I had wondered if you were going to bring that up," muses Janos, "I am not willing to just part with Liao given its political significance, but at the same time, it isn't a traditional League world and it lacks any practical strategic value. Would you be willing to trade a BattleMech factory for it?"
"Do you have one in mind?" asks Victoria.
"The Thunderbolt line on Tikonov or the Vindicator line on St. Ives," answers Janos promptly, clearly having thought about it ahead of time, "Either of those would be valuable to the League to trade for Liao and I'll even be generous by letting you pick which one."
"Take the Vindicators from St. Ives," answers Victoria after a moment, "Even if they aren't as productive, I have other sources of Vindicators. I will pass the matter off to Minister Fenlon to handle the details since I have enough on my plate."
"Of course," replies Jano.
***
Things are starting to pick up. What's left of CapCon joins the FedSuns while the League turns its attention to pirate-smashing. Marduk falls and with it, one of the Davion Guard formations, which is going to be a big gut punch for the AFFS.
The next chapter will be Victoria organising the liberation of Marduk and dealing with the Taurian front while Hikari continues to run about causing trouble for the First Prince.
Please point out any spelling or grammar mistakes that you spot. Please quote them in the thread and explain what you think is wrong so I know what you are referring to.
- Location
- Southampton, Great Britain
- Pronouns
- He/Him
So in response to Chapter Fifteen and the big plot twist, I am not going to reply to every individual response. For those that say I should have handled it better or foreshadowed it, you are right. As I mentioned before, this is my first time doing a project like this and because of that, I have tried new things and in the process, I have made mistakes. One of those is making Hikari too much of a surprise and not foreshadowing her existence before the reveal. I should have had her mercenary band mentioned before they found Helm, maybe done some interludes from her view point, perhaps disguising it as something how things are looking from the perspective of the bad guys.
For those of you that are upset that this twist has happened at all, all I can see is tough luck. I botched the handling/execution of the twist and I regard that as a mistake. I do not consider having the twist in the first place to be a mistake. If that is a deal-breaker for you, then I'm afraid that this isn't the story for you. I welcome criticism, but at end of the day, I don't believe I can take "the plot shouldn't have happened" as valid criticism. To me that, is a difference of opinion between the author and the reader not criticism that I can learn from and improve upon. And I am okay with that. I'm not going to please everyone and I am at peace with the fact that not every reader will be happy in the direction that I take the story.
For those of you that just support me, I welcome the support, but I did regard how I handled the execution of the twist to be an error on my part and I welcome criticism on how I could handled it better. I am glad you are enjoying the story and the big twist even if it could have been handled better.
For those of you that are upset that this twist has happened at all, all I can see is tough luck. I botched the handling/execution of the twist and I regard that as a mistake. I do not consider having the twist in the first place to be a mistake. If that is a deal-breaker for you, then I'm afraid that this isn't the story for you. I welcome criticism, but at end of the day, I don't believe I can take "the plot shouldn't have happened" as valid criticism. To me that, is a difference of opinion between the author and the reader not criticism that I can learn from and improve upon. And I am okay with that. I'm not going to please everyone and I am at peace with the fact that not every reader will be happy in the direction that I take the story.
For those of you that just support me, I welcome the support, but I did regard how I handled the execution of the twist to be an error on my part and I welcome criticism on how I could handled it better. I am glad you are enjoying the story and the big twist even if it could have been handled better.
- Pronouns
- God
With any artistic adventure, we do our best and time tends to make us dislike what we created once our skills improve.
I have work that is 25 years old and I can not look at it and not want to "fix" things about it.
Thanks for sharing your creation.
I have work that is 25 years old and I can not look at it and not want to "fix" things about it.
Thanks for sharing your creation.
Chapter Seventeen
- Location
- Southampton, Great Britain
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Murirod, Muridox
Aurigan Coalition
18 December 3015
"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me so promptly, High Lord Arano," says Victoria.
"It is no trouble," replies the genial man, "I'm sure that you have a busier schedule than mine and I would be a fool to turn down the First Prince when she has asked to meet with me."
"I'm glad to hear that," says Victoria, "To get down to business, I'm sure you would like to see the Aurigan Coalition recognised as a legitimate state by the Federated Suns."
"I certainly do," agrees High Lord Tamati Arano, looking absolutely positive at the path the conversation is taking, "I know that the Coalition has only been around for little more than a century, but we are certainly a legitimate nation for all our faults and size. It has just been troublesome to get recognition of that fact. So far only the Magestracy has been willing to accept the validity of our claims."
"Well, I can't speak for any other nations, but I suspect that the Free Worlds League and Lyran Commonwealth might change their tune though no promises," says Victoria, "In any case, I am hoping to open up an amicable relationship between the Federated Suns and the Aurigan Coalition. I know your state is very minor compared to my own, but I would rather have trade and tourism rather than death and destruction."
"Likewise for reasons I feel should be obvious," says High Lord Arano, "Now I don't want to be the sort of person who looks the gift horse in the mouth, but I would be amiss in my duties if I didn't at least ask about why the sudden change in stance?"
"As with all things these days, the Draconis Combine breathing down my neck," answers Victoria, "While I don't expect you to aid me in that, I am looking to secure my borders with diplomacy so I can prioritise my coreward front."
"Ah, completely understandable," says High Lord Arano, " I would be happy to help in that regard, but I'm afraid that the differences in power mean that the Coalition won't be able to do much. And that the nature of the Coalition's government means I cannot make any unilateral agreements as much as I would like to be able to. I have to consult the Founding Council before the Coalition can formally agree to anything. I don't see them not agreeing to this mind you. They aren't fools by any means."
"Of course," replies Victoria, having read a briefing on the peculiarities of the Aurigan Coalition prior to this meeting, "I don't require that we walk out of here with an agreement. For today, I merely wish to establish common ground and an amicable relationship. Due to my busy needs and lack of personal experience in such things, the Ministry of Foreign Relations will be taking point in the negotiations. As our people are now neighbours to each other thanks to recent events, I feel that establishing trade and potentially more is in our mutual best interests."
"The Founding Council will certainly be willing to make formal trade agreements with one of our new neighbours," replies High Lord Arano before pausing, "Or perhaps soon to be our only new neighbour if the rumours are correct?"
"I have given Candace Liao leave to reclaim the Capellan worlds conquered by McCarron and Canopus," confirms Victoria, "I have also forbidden her from attacking the Concordat, the League and the Coalition."
"Unless you have any objections, I'll pass that onto the Founding Council," says High Lord Arano, "Knowing about the lack of alternatives should help speed things up and keep anyone from playing silly games in hopes of getting a better deal."
"I have no objections," answers Victoria.
Wete, Zanzibar
Taurian Concordat
24 January 3016
She knew that the Taurians were going to be frustrating to deal with, but Victoria hadn't been expecting them to be getting on her nerves before she had even arrived. Yes, it was entirely reasonable for Protector Zarantha Calderon to delay the talks until after Christmas so she could spend it with her family. And yet at the same time, she was forcing the First Prince to wait at Zanzibar for the Protector instead of granting her permission to come to Taurus for the talks.
While it irked Victoria to have to wait on Zanzibar until the Protector had finished up for Christmas and made her way over, she hadn't spent the time unproductively. Zarantha Calderon may have spent her free time getting to Zanzibar, but the Taurian individuals who had an interest in speaking with her had wasted no time getting their butts to the planet once they learned the First Prince would be coming. And by making the decision to talk with the Aurigans first once the Protector had delayed their own talk until after Christmas, Victoria had given them a chance to reach Zanzibar before Zarantha showed up.
The average Taurian may be disposed to dislike House Davion and the Federated Suns by default, but some individuals in the Concordat are more open-minded, especially those who seek to be able to trade with the largest market that they have access to. So since Victoria arrived at Zanzibar at the start of the new year, she has been dealing with Taurian businessmen and corporate representatives who want under the table business with the Federated Suns.
Whilst it may all be rendered irrelevant if Victoria does come to a suitable arrangement with the Protector, the First Prince feels that she has arranged a pretty good fallback in case she doesn't. The Taurian Concordat may refuse to trade with the Federated Suns, but they have no such refusal to conduct trade when it comes to the Aurigan Coalition. While it would mean the Suns paying more than direct trade with the Concordat, by selling to the Aurigans who then resell the goods to the Federation, the people of the Federated Suns can get access to the products of the Concordat.
It might be underhanded and more expensive, but given that the Taurians produce some desirable Heavy 'Mechs that the TDF only buys half of, Victoria won't complain. In a day and age where the Draconians are the only people who are building new 'Mech factories with relative ease, Victoria will take whatever BattleMech production for the AFFS that she can get her hands on.
Ideally such measures will be unnecessary if things go well, but when it comes to the Taurians, Victoria isn't going to get her hopes up. Especially since Zarantha decided to put these negotiations on hold for Christmas since that is an unpleasant indicator of how well she values these talks. Or maybe Victoria is overthinking it because she doesn't have much of a family while Zarantha does. Not that the Protector has much of one either with just her son and his wife along with their son, her grandson.
That said, even now Victoria is the first one to arrive, wearing a comfortable blue dress as she sits at the table. Thankfully it doesn't take too long for the elderly Zarantha Calderon to enter.
"Protector, thank you for coming," says Victoria as the other woman sits down, resisting the urge to add a 'finally' onto the end of her sentence.
"Well, you are the first First Prince who has decided to approach the Taurian Concordat for diplomatic negotiation since the Succession Wars began," replies Zarantha gruffly, "Perhaps even as far back as since the Reunification War took place."
"Quite probably," agrees Victoria, "Since we are being blunt here, I must say that I am surprised you agreed to this. The typical stereotype would have you refusing to even hear me out."
"Hmph, there's more truth to that than I would like," admits Zarantha, "Plenty of my advisors recommended that I don't even talk to you because a Davion isn't trustworthy, but only a damn fool would ignore it when your largest neighbour proves their ability to militarily crush you if they felt like it. Especially when they then turn around and ask to talk. Costs me nothing to hear you out and to be frank, I've never been aligned with the factions who think that going to war with the Federated Suns is the future of the Concordat."
"I also don't want war between the Suns and the Concordat," says Victoria, "I know our people have had their differences, but the Concordat is the sort of nation I can live with and I don't feel like sending my people to their deaths for things that happened centuries ago."
"A rather un-Davion like attitude," comments the Protector and Victoria restrains herself from laughing at the audacity of the older woman, "You Feddies sure make a big deal about the Kentares Massacre despite happening over two centuries ago."
"The Draconis Combine still supports the Kentares Massacre to this day as their official line," retorts the First Prince, doing her best to retrain the anger that the clearly insulting comment was meant to provoke, "Oh they might make some talk about Jijiro being a bad Coordinator for it, but they do so in secret and they don't object to what was done, just him getting too closely tied to it. They praise the actions of the DCMS for dutifully obeying the Dragon's orders. They have war crimes as part of their regulations and standing orders and they reward war crimes while punishing people for refusing to commit them. They have slaves and openly proclaim it is House Kurita's destiny to conquer and enslave all of humanity.
"What happened in the Reunification War was wrong, but the Federated Suns does not condone the actions of the Baby-Killer and we don't commit the evils of the Reunification War to this day and neither does the Concordat. The same cannot be said of House Kurita. Even if they have different targets these days, House Kurita is still committing the same evils it inflicted upon the Outworlds Alliance in the Reunification War."
"I'll concede the point," says Zarantha Calderon, "I'm no fool. As much as I dislike House Davion like any good Taurian, I am not blind to the fact that some of the other Great Houses are worse. So what is it that you want of me and the Concordat?"
"Peace and trade," answers Victoria, "I don't know if we are still technically at war or not, but we've had mutual back and forth raiding throughout the Succession Wars. I want that to stop so my people can be safer and I can focus on the Draconians. Your people would benefit from the TDF being able to focus on pirates and not Davion raiders. And speaking of pirates, I am willing to propose intelligence exchanges when it comes to piracy."
"Hmm, the idea of trading intelligence is going to be an instant no-no for some folks back home, but I can appreciate laying more hurt into the pirates," replies Zarantha, "You mentioned trade?"
"Right now, there is no official trade between the Taurian Concordat and the Federated Suns," explains Victoria, "Despite Taurian goods being the sort of thing that my people would like to buy and the Suns being the biggest market open to your people. I understand that the Concordat doesn't want to sell to a state it considers to be an enemy, but you are crippling your own economy. You have the industry, but no market to sell your goods to."
"So you want to loosen up the trade restrictions," says Zarantha.
"If you need a carrot back home, I'm willing to offer a copy of the Halstead Station cache," Victoria tells her, "I've already made similar deals with the Lyran Commonwealth and the Free Worlds League and I'm in the process of making a similar deal with the Aurigan Coalition. Speaking of which, I've recognised them as a legitimate state with them being a new neighbour and future trade partner of the Federation so I won't take kindly to them being conquered."
"Of course, I had no intention of invading them," replies Zarantha, "In fact, I'll be recognising them myself given the changed circumstances. And speaking of changes, is what I've been hearing of the Combine true?"
"If you mean that they found a fully intact Star League memory core and are using it to build new military industry or repair parts of the damaged onest, then yes," replies Victoria, "Between the old lines and new ones, we are looking at eight additional production lines though some of them will be restoring shutdown sections of existing sites. The same applies to tanks, ASFs, DropShips and even JumpShips though those seem to be limited to just restoring production sites that got damaged beyond function within the Succession War. The only thing they won't be producing more of will be WarShips and even then, that might change in a few years. So I'm sure you see why I am prioritising the Draconis Combine to the point of attempting to make peace with you."
"Yes, I do," answers the Protector with a grimace, "Alright, you convinced me that House Davion is the lesser evil to House Kurita right now. I can't sign anything right now, but I'm willing to come to an arrangement to stop raids across our border. Trade will be more complicated, but I'm sure we'll come to a suitable agreement in time. All of that aside, I am obligated to ask about the worlds taken during the Reunification War and their rightful return to the Taurian Concordat."
"I am not going to say that it won't be happening, but circumstances right now don't allow for it," replies Victoria cautiously as Zarantha frowns at her words, "All of those worlds belong to the Capellan March and I just forced Duke Hasek to give up a whole bunch of worlds to the new Liao March. Because of that, I don't have the political capital to force him to give up even more worlds, especially when those worlds won't be staying within the Federated Suns. Maybe in a generation's time, but it just isn't an option for me right now."
"I don't like it, but I understand your position," says Zarantha after a moment as the older woman continues to frown.
"Look at the bright side," says Victoria, "It gives you more time to get on friendly terms with those worlds?"
"What do you mean?" demands Zarantha brusquely and the First Prince sighs.
"You are on the wrong side of Kentares and centuries of raiding with no trade for those worlds to consider themselves Taurian," explains Victoria, "In the time of the Star League, the die-hard patriots moved back to the Concordat proper whilst new people from across the Sphere came to settle down. Then they spent the Succession Wars with their only interaction with the Taurian Concordat being them on the receiving end of TDF raids. I haven't personally checked, but I bet that if I was, I would find worlds full of people resenting the Concordat for raiding them for generations, longer than anyone on those worlds have been alive. So yes, ceasing the raids and opening up trade is your chance to turn your image around those worlds."
"That is a point that unfortunately makes sense," concedes Zarantha, "At least I can spin it to the rest of the Concordat as us needing to get some work done before we can demand the return of those worlds."
"So stop the raiding and open up trade?" inquires Victoria.
"May my ancestors forgive me for this, but stop the raiding and open up trade," agrees Zarantha, "Now since we are, well, we aren't friends that's for certain, but we aren't enemies for now, there is something you might want to know about your brother-in-law."
And here is Victoria securing her rimward border. Cutting a deal with the very eager Aurigans and cutting another deal with the reluctant Taurians on the grounds that the Kuritans are worse and a bigger threat.
Anyway, we are hitting the endgame of the story now. I have another thing for Hikari to hit Victoria around the head with and then it is the big Steiner/Davion vs Kurita showdown. After that, I might do an epilogue to tie up some loose ends.
Please point out any spelling or grammar mistakes that you spot. Please quote them in the thread and explain what you think is wrong so I know what you are referring to.
Lyran Commonwealth interdicted from early June to early December (6 Months)
Aurigan Coalition
18 December 3015
"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me so promptly, High Lord Arano," says Victoria.
"It is no trouble," replies the genial man, "I'm sure that you have a busier schedule than mine and I would be a fool to turn down the First Prince when she has asked to meet with me."
"I'm glad to hear that," says Victoria, "To get down to business, I'm sure you would like to see the Aurigan Coalition recognised as a legitimate state by the Federated Suns."
"I certainly do," agrees High Lord Tamati Arano, looking absolutely positive at the path the conversation is taking, "I know that the Coalition has only been around for little more than a century, but we are certainly a legitimate nation for all our faults and size. It has just been troublesome to get recognition of that fact. So far only the Magestracy has been willing to accept the validity of our claims."
"Well, I can't speak for any other nations, but I suspect that the Free Worlds League and Lyran Commonwealth might change their tune though no promises," says Victoria, "In any case, I am hoping to open up an amicable relationship between the Federated Suns and the Aurigan Coalition. I know your state is very minor compared to my own, but I would rather have trade and tourism rather than death and destruction."
"Likewise for reasons I feel should be obvious," says High Lord Arano, "Now I don't want to be the sort of person who looks the gift horse in the mouth, but I would be amiss in my duties if I didn't at least ask about why the sudden change in stance?"
"As with all things these days, the Draconis Combine breathing down my neck," answers Victoria, "While I don't expect you to aid me in that, I am looking to secure my borders with diplomacy so I can prioritise my coreward front."
"Ah, completely understandable," says High Lord Arano, " I would be happy to help in that regard, but I'm afraid that the differences in power mean that the Coalition won't be able to do much. And that the nature of the Coalition's government means I cannot make any unilateral agreements as much as I would like to be able to. I have to consult the Founding Council before the Coalition can formally agree to anything. I don't see them not agreeing to this mind you. They aren't fools by any means."
"Of course," replies Victoria, having read a briefing on the peculiarities of the Aurigan Coalition prior to this meeting, "I don't require that we walk out of here with an agreement. For today, I merely wish to establish common ground and an amicable relationship. Due to my busy needs and lack of personal experience in such things, the Ministry of Foreign Relations will be taking point in the negotiations. As our people are now neighbours to each other thanks to recent events, I feel that establishing trade and potentially more is in our mutual best interests."
"The Founding Council will certainly be willing to make formal trade agreements with one of our new neighbours," replies High Lord Arano before pausing, "Or perhaps soon to be our only new neighbour if the rumours are correct?"
"I have given Candace Liao leave to reclaim the Capellan worlds conquered by McCarron and Canopus," confirms Victoria, "I have also forbidden her from attacking the Concordat, the League and the Coalition."
"Unless you have any objections, I'll pass that onto the Founding Council," says High Lord Arano, "Knowing about the lack of alternatives should help speed things up and keep anyone from playing silly games in hopes of getting a better deal."
"I have no objections," answers Victoria.
***
Wete, Zanzibar
Taurian Concordat
24 January 3016
She knew that the Taurians were going to be frustrating to deal with, but Victoria hadn't been expecting them to be getting on her nerves before she had even arrived. Yes, it was entirely reasonable for Protector Zarantha Calderon to delay the talks until after Christmas so she could spend it with her family. And yet at the same time, she was forcing the First Prince to wait at Zanzibar for the Protector instead of granting her permission to come to Taurus for the talks.
While it irked Victoria to have to wait on Zanzibar until the Protector had finished up for Christmas and made her way over, she hadn't spent the time unproductively. Zarantha Calderon may have spent her free time getting to Zanzibar, but the Taurian individuals who had an interest in speaking with her had wasted no time getting their butts to the planet once they learned the First Prince would be coming. And by making the decision to talk with the Aurigans first once the Protector had delayed their own talk until after Christmas, Victoria had given them a chance to reach Zanzibar before Zarantha showed up.
The average Taurian may be disposed to dislike House Davion and the Federated Suns by default, but some individuals in the Concordat are more open-minded, especially those who seek to be able to trade with the largest market that they have access to. So since Victoria arrived at Zanzibar at the start of the new year, she has been dealing with Taurian businessmen and corporate representatives who want under the table business with the Federated Suns.
Whilst it may all be rendered irrelevant if Victoria does come to a suitable arrangement with the Protector, the First Prince feels that she has arranged a pretty good fallback in case she doesn't. The Taurian Concordat may refuse to trade with the Federated Suns, but they have no such refusal to conduct trade when it comes to the Aurigan Coalition. While it would mean the Suns paying more than direct trade with the Concordat, by selling to the Aurigans who then resell the goods to the Federation, the people of the Federated Suns can get access to the products of the Concordat.
It might be underhanded and more expensive, but given that the Taurians produce some desirable Heavy 'Mechs that the TDF only buys half of, Victoria won't complain. In a day and age where the Draconians are the only people who are building new 'Mech factories with relative ease, Victoria will take whatever BattleMech production for the AFFS that she can get her hands on.
Ideally such measures will be unnecessary if things go well, but when it comes to the Taurians, Victoria isn't going to get her hopes up. Especially since Zarantha decided to put these negotiations on hold for Christmas since that is an unpleasant indicator of how well she values these talks. Or maybe Victoria is overthinking it because she doesn't have much of a family while Zarantha does. Not that the Protector has much of one either with just her son and his wife along with their son, her grandson.
That said, even now Victoria is the first one to arrive, wearing a comfortable blue dress as she sits at the table. Thankfully it doesn't take too long for the elderly Zarantha Calderon to enter.
"Protector, thank you for coming," says Victoria as the other woman sits down, resisting the urge to add a 'finally' onto the end of her sentence.
"Well, you are the first First Prince who has decided to approach the Taurian Concordat for diplomatic negotiation since the Succession Wars began," replies Zarantha gruffly, "Perhaps even as far back as since the Reunification War took place."
"Quite probably," agrees Victoria, "Since we are being blunt here, I must say that I am surprised you agreed to this. The typical stereotype would have you refusing to even hear me out."
"Hmph, there's more truth to that than I would like," admits Zarantha, "Plenty of my advisors recommended that I don't even talk to you because a Davion isn't trustworthy, but only a damn fool would ignore it when your largest neighbour proves their ability to militarily crush you if they felt like it. Especially when they then turn around and ask to talk. Costs me nothing to hear you out and to be frank, I've never been aligned with the factions who think that going to war with the Federated Suns is the future of the Concordat."
"I also don't want war between the Suns and the Concordat," says Victoria, "I know our people have had their differences, but the Concordat is the sort of nation I can live with and I don't feel like sending my people to their deaths for things that happened centuries ago."
"A rather un-Davion like attitude," comments the Protector and Victoria restrains herself from laughing at the audacity of the older woman, "You Feddies sure make a big deal about the Kentares Massacre despite happening over two centuries ago."
"The Draconis Combine still supports the Kentares Massacre to this day as their official line," retorts the First Prince, doing her best to retrain the anger that the clearly insulting comment was meant to provoke, "Oh they might make some talk about Jijiro being a bad Coordinator for it, but they do so in secret and they don't object to what was done, just him getting too closely tied to it. They praise the actions of the DCMS for dutifully obeying the Dragon's orders. They have war crimes as part of their regulations and standing orders and they reward war crimes while punishing people for refusing to commit them. They have slaves and openly proclaim it is House Kurita's destiny to conquer and enslave all of humanity.
"What happened in the Reunification War was wrong, but the Federated Suns does not condone the actions of the Baby-Killer and we don't commit the evils of the Reunification War to this day and neither does the Concordat. The same cannot be said of House Kurita. Even if they have different targets these days, House Kurita is still committing the same evils it inflicted upon the Outworlds Alliance in the Reunification War."
"I'll concede the point," says Zarantha Calderon, "I'm no fool. As much as I dislike House Davion like any good Taurian, I am not blind to the fact that some of the other Great Houses are worse. So what is it that you want of me and the Concordat?"
"Peace and trade," answers Victoria, "I don't know if we are still technically at war or not, but we've had mutual back and forth raiding throughout the Succession Wars. I want that to stop so my people can be safer and I can focus on the Draconians. Your people would benefit from the TDF being able to focus on pirates and not Davion raiders. And speaking of pirates, I am willing to propose intelligence exchanges when it comes to piracy."
"Hmm, the idea of trading intelligence is going to be an instant no-no for some folks back home, but I can appreciate laying more hurt into the pirates," replies Zarantha, "You mentioned trade?"
"Right now, there is no official trade between the Taurian Concordat and the Federated Suns," explains Victoria, "Despite Taurian goods being the sort of thing that my people would like to buy and the Suns being the biggest market open to your people. I understand that the Concordat doesn't want to sell to a state it considers to be an enemy, but you are crippling your own economy. You have the industry, but no market to sell your goods to."
"So you want to loosen up the trade restrictions," says Zarantha.
"If you need a carrot back home, I'm willing to offer a copy of the Halstead Station cache," Victoria tells her, "I've already made similar deals with the Lyran Commonwealth and the Free Worlds League and I'm in the process of making a similar deal with the Aurigan Coalition. Speaking of which, I've recognised them as a legitimate state with them being a new neighbour and future trade partner of the Federation so I won't take kindly to them being conquered."
"Of course, I had no intention of invading them," replies Zarantha, "In fact, I'll be recognising them myself given the changed circumstances. And speaking of changes, is what I've been hearing of the Combine true?"
"If you mean that they found a fully intact Star League memory core and are using it to build new military industry or repair parts of the damaged onest, then yes," replies Victoria, "Between the old lines and new ones, we are looking at eight additional production lines though some of them will be restoring shutdown sections of existing sites. The same applies to tanks, ASFs, DropShips and even JumpShips though those seem to be limited to just restoring production sites that got damaged beyond function within the Succession War. The only thing they won't be producing more of will be WarShips and even then, that might change in a few years. So I'm sure you see why I am prioritising the Draconis Combine to the point of attempting to make peace with you."
"Yes, I do," answers the Protector with a grimace, "Alright, you convinced me that House Davion is the lesser evil to House Kurita right now. I can't sign anything right now, but I'm willing to come to an arrangement to stop raids across our border. Trade will be more complicated, but I'm sure we'll come to a suitable agreement in time. All of that aside, I am obligated to ask about the worlds taken during the Reunification War and their rightful return to the Taurian Concordat."
"I am not going to say that it won't be happening, but circumstances right now don't allow for it," replies Victoria cautiously as Zarantha frowns at her words, "All of those worlds belong to the Capellan March and I just forced Duke Hasek to give up a whole bunch of worlds to the new Liao March. Because of that, I don't have the political capital to force him to give up even more worlds, especially when those worlds won't be staying within the Federated Suns. Maybe in a generation's time, but it just isn't an option for me right now."
"I don't like it, but I understand your position," says Zarantha after a moment as the older woman continues to frown.
"Look at the bright side," says Victoria, "It gives you more time to get on friendly terms with those worlds?"
"What do you mean?" demands Zarantha brusquely and the First Prince sighs.
"You are on the wrong side of Kentares and centuries of raiding with no trade for those worlds to consider themselves Taurian," explains Victoria, "In the time of the Star League, the die-hard patriots moved back to the Concordat proper whilst new people from across the Sphere came to settle down. Then they spent the Succession Wars with their only interaction with the Taurian Concordat being them on the receiving end of TDF raids. I haven't personally checked, but I bet that if I was, I would find worlds full of people resenting the Concordat for raiding them for generations, longer than anyone on those worlds have been alive. So yes, ceasing the raids and opening up trade is your chance to turn your image around those worlds."
"That is a point that unfortunately makes sense," concedes Zarantha, "At least I can spin it to the rest of the Concordat as us needing to get some work done before we can demand the return of those worlds."
"So stop the raiding and open up trade?" inquires Victoria.
"May my ancestors forgive me for this, but stop the raiding and open up trade," agrees Zarantha, "Now since we are, well, we aren't friends that's for certain, but we aren't enemies for now, there is something you might want to know about your brother-in-law."
***
And here is Victoria securing her rimward border. Cutting a deal with the very eager Aurigans and cutting another deal with the reluctant Taurians on the grounds that the Kuritans are worse and a bigger threat.
Anyway, we are hitting the endgame of the story now. I have another thing for Hikari to hit Victoria around the head with and then it is the big Steiner/Davion vs Kurita showdown. After that, I might do an epilogue to tie up some loose ends.
Please point out any spelling or grammar mistakes that you spot. Please quote them in the thread and explain what you think is wrong so I know what you are referring to.
Lyran Commonwealth interdicted from early June to early December (6 Months)
Chapter Eighteen
- Location
- Southampton, Great Britain
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Famindas, Alpheratz
Outworlds Alliance
8 February 3016
The Outworlders never saw it coming until it was too late. The Wraith Legion wasn't one of her Bows of Light, but Tai-Sho Hikari Kurita nee Yamamoto was pleased with their conduct. The most capable of the new Spirit Legions, Wraith Legion had been chosen for the sneak attack on the capital of the Outworlds Alliance and despite Hikari's concerns, the samurai under her temporary command had proven themselves well.
Of the four DCMS regiments involved in the surprise invasion of the Outworlds Alliance, the 3rd Prosperina Hussars would have been the best match for the defenders of Alpheratz. Yet Hikari had assigned the elite MechWarriors to the invasion of Ramora as the daughter-in-law to the Dragon had considered more than just the immediate invasion. Holding the new conquests against the counterattack of the AFFS would be vital as the closest world to the Suns and the Alliance's only source of ASF production, Hikari decided that Ramora would be taken and then held by the Proserpina Hussars.
The other two worlds in the Outworlds Alliance with military production, Michella and Lushann were also being attacked by two of the other Spirit Legions, two regiments of inexperienced MechWarriors eager to prove themselves. Unfortunately for the Ghost Legion, the Alliance Borderers on Michella would have no 'Mechs in their ranks while the Spectre Legion on Lushann was even worse off as they faced only the local and pitiful militia.
Giving herself a metaphorical pat on the back, Hikari is pleased with just how well the surprise invasion has gone. Sneaking the 'Mechs in on an ordinary cargo-hauler and then prepping them in the cargo bays for battle after landing had been her brainchild and it had worked like a charm. They had bypassed the ASF defenders of Alpheratz and had even landed on the outskirts of the capital.
Now Wraith Legion is fighting with the Avellar Guard in the capital with Hikari leading the charge in her Royal King Crab. The pair of assault autocannons are proving worthwhile in the urban battleground as Hikari pursues one of the Merlin, a 'Mech she has never liked with her other live viewing it as worthless early period crap, little more than an oversized Vindicator. Still, it was the heaviest 'Mech produced by the Outworlders and the DCMS can always replace it with something superior in the future.
For now, the Dragon needs Alpheratz's Merlin factory to repel Victoria Davion's attempts to crush the Draconis Combine like she did with the Capellan Confederation. Hikari still worries about how that happened, especially since the main work was done before her awakening. The current First Prince was a menace and Hikari doesn't know what her game is, only that she must be stopped. It will be the Coordinator who becomes the next Star Lord and ruler of the Inner Sphere, not some Davion floozy.
Of course, if Hikari was honest with herself, she would admit that Victoria Davion scares her. An aberration in this alternative universe of BattleTech, Victoria Davion is doing everything that those fix fics do. Peace between the three 'good guy' powers, finishing off the Crappies and then crushing the Combine. She just needs to make a miraculous peace, perhaps even another military alliance, with the Bulls, form a second Star League or equivalent, deal with the Blakists and defeat the Clans to become the perfect little Mary Sue.
Well, maybe not since Vicky Dee can't seize the Helm cache and its memory core because Hikari already did and boy did it pay off for her. She just needs to get the New Dallas core and some other LosTech sites. She knows about the Castle Brain in Rigil Kentaurus and the Furies on Bristol amongst other locations, but unfortunately, few of those locations have precise details on their locations like with Helm and those that do aren't exactly accessible to a loyal servant of the Dragon.
Pushing those thoughts to one side as she puts her target, Hikari opens fire with both of her autocannons and adds her large laser to the mix, the double-heat sinks of her 'Mech easily able to handle the heat load. The large laser sears some armour off of the Merlin's shoulder, but the distance is enough that both autocannon shells go wide, slamming into an unfortunate residence as they explode on impact.
Hikari knows that she should feel some guilt as the majority of the building collapses, almost certainly killing those inside, but she cannot. She has made her peace that a few innocents will die in her career, but given that they are rejecting and resisting the Dragon's merciful rule, she can't muster up any sympathy for the fools.
The Outworlds Alliance is already on the verge of falling apart on its own and the destruction of its capital will just be a deathblow to the dying nation. Which is fine by Hikari because she never liked the Periphery nations in either life and the end of the Outworlds Alliances means that it will be harder for anyone to find the secret 'Mech production lines that her family maps led her to in the Outworlds Waste.
Saso, New Syrtis
Capellan March, Federated Suns
11 February 3016
Coming to New Syrtis is a pain for Victoria. It is necessary and in theory safe, but it is the heartland of Michael's power and Victoria still doesn't trust her brother-in-law Yes, Michael is unlikely to make another attempt on her life, but at the same time, he would be a shoe-in for the next First Prince if she was to die and New Syrtis is his home territory.
Still the visit was necessary to appease the people of the Capellan March and to avoid snubbing Michael and his supporters. Not to mention that Victoria needed to smooth over transferring the conquests of her reign from the Capellan March to the new Liao March. Well, she could not do it, but that would just cause even more ill feelings towards her from him.
At least she got to see Marie and Morgan. Victoria still has mixed feelings about her sister, but she is the last of her siblings and Marie is in her camp even if she continues to stand by Michael. At least Morgan is free of any politics for now as the heir apparent of Victoria and Michael, a good will concession by Victoria to Michael to lessen the soreness of his loss by giving his bloodline the chance to sit on the throne.
She isn't sure that it worked.
"I'm just so reassured that the two of them are getting along for now," says Marie as you have tea together, "Even if the experience disparity means that Morgan always loses, they do enjoy their chess games."
"I'm glad to hear that Michael is a good father," replies Victoria, wondering if that will be a good thing or bad thing in the long run once Morgan grows up.
"He is doing what he can," says Marie with a sigh, "Not that I can hold it against him. Running the Capellan March is a full-time job and I knew that long before we had Morgan. Still, I am glad that recent events have allowed him to focus more time at home. Even if things are still far from peaceful, the lack of actively hostile borders has-"
Whatever else Marie is about to say is silenced as her husband bursts into the room, holding a document of some kind in hand.
"My deepest apologies about the interruption, but we have a crisis at hand," says Michael Hasek-Davion as he gets his wife an apologetic look, "One that affects the whole Suns."
"How bad?" demands Victoria as she decides that her brother-in-law is being forthright about the seriousness of the situation.
"The Outworlds Alliance has fallen to the Draconis Combine," declares Michael solemnly, "The details are still pending, but it seems that the DCMS used civilian DropShips to sneak their forces past the ASF defences onto key worlds. While the entirety of the Outworlds Alliances hasn't fallen, they have lost their most important worlds, including both Alpheratz and Ramora."
Damn, that is bad. The Outworlds Alliance might not have much worthwhile military production, but the entirety of its 'Mech production is on Alpheratz while all of its ASF production is on Ramora. Not to mention that Alpheratz is the capital for what that is worth in the Outworlds Alliance.
"Do we know which units they used?" asks Victoria as she tries to think about how this changes things.
The joint LCAF-AFFS invasion has already been delayed for some time now and there is only so long that both Victoria and Katrina can afford to delay it. Yet Victoria cannot afford to ignore the Draconians taking the Outworlds Alliance even if they can't afford to hold it long term. The Outworlds Alliance produces a disproportionate number of ASFs for its size and while its Bug 'Mechs are nothing special, the Merlin is a decent heavy.
Damn it, this is going to kill her plans for getting a Merlin factory up and running the Suns.
"Three of their new Spirit Legions and the Third Proserpina Hussars are on Ramora," answers Michael, "That's the world closest to the border with the Outworlds and their source of ASF production."
"I remember," replies Victoria, "Just-just thank you for letting me know, but I'm afraid I am going to need to cut this visit to New Syrtis short. It isn't a total disaster, but I'm still going to be needed back on New Avalon to deal with this."
"I understand," replies Michael with grace that makes Victoria suspicious, "While I am still not entirely pleased with recent decisions, I cannot deny that you have done a great deal to handle the concerns of the Capellan March. Not for all our arguments do I wish to see the Combine push back the border. Despite what some would claim, I have never downplayed the brutality of the Combine or the suffering that our citizens undergo when conquered by House Kurita."
Is this a peace offering? Victoria isn't sure and even if it has been a couple of years now, she hasn't forgotten how her brother-in-law tried to usurp her and have her killed. She really, really doubts that Michael has had a change of heart, but maybe he has decided to be pragmatic about things? She has rather decisively dealt with the Capellan Confederation and while Michael had his part in that, it wasn't close to equal to the role that Victoria herself played. Playing the gracious loser might just be part of Michael's plan to save face rather than continuing to plot her downfall.
Nonetheless, the First Prince will be very happy to leave New Syrtis and Michael Hasek-Davion's powerbase behind. Silver linings and all that.
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
24 February 3016
"Alright, we're in private, Yvonne," says Victoria as she and the Prince's Champion hold a one on one meeting, "How is it?"
"It isn't good, but not beyond salvaging," replies Yvonne, "Sending those regiments to the Outworlds means that the Dracs aren't sending them to reinforce the border, though them gaining that extra industry does hurt. Combined with the loss of Marduk, we are going to be limited on what we can do with the extra reinforcements to the Draconis front from the old Capellan front."
"Speaking of the old Capellan front, I'll see what Candace can shake loose from the former CCAF," says Victoria, "They got torn to be pieces, but some units should be intact and we do need to integrate them into the AFFS at some point."
"Thanks for dropping that on me by the way," grumbles Yvonne, but Victoria can tell that her heart isn't in it, "On top of everything else, you form a new march and expect us to incorporate a foreign military into our own."
"You can expect another march in the next few years," promises Victoria, "Of course, I'm going to wait until things have settled with the Combine, but I do intend to get around to forming a Periphery March of some kind by thirty-twenty."
"At least you are saving that for later," replies Yvonne before sighing, "The loss of Marduk hurts a lot. That world makes up almost a third of our Medium 'Mech production and while things are fine for now, we will start to feel the loss if we don't take Marduk soon. The Vindicator production we captured from the Cappies will help, but with you giving away the St. Ives production lines to the Leaguers, it won't be enough to make up the difference."
"The Taurians will be opening up their 'Mech production to us," says Victoria and the other woman gives her a half-impressed and half-disbelieving look, "We might have to use the Aurigans as middlemen and pay extra for the service, but we will get those 'Mechs."
"I'll expect you to explain how you swung that later, but I have an idea of how to deal with the Outworld situation," says Yvonne, "Short answer is that we toss the Eridani Light Horse at it."
"Walk me through it," replies Victoria, though the idea does sound good to her.
"They have their own transportation and support elements," explains Yvonne, "Not to mention that they are an elite formation who can handle the DCMS forces currently in the region. They can handle the current invaders and if the Dracs call it quits rather than fight them then great. If the Combine sends reinforcement to the region, we can reassess what we do, but right now, the Eridani Light Horse can get the job done without being disruptive to the logistics or our plans."
"If General Armstrong agrees to go along with it, I'll sign off on it," declares Victoria after a moment of thinking it over, "Now what about Marduk?"
"With your approval, I'm going to send the First, Fourth and Heavy Davion Guards to reclaim the world and avenge the slight upon the honour to the Davion Brigade of Guards," answers Yvonne, "Bring the Eight Deneb Light Cavalry and the Third Davion Guards back to New Avalon to rebuild and replace the First Davion Guards and Heavy Davion Guards. It might be overkill, but we still use Marduk as a launching point for further invasions and we do need to avenge the loss of the Third Davion Guards."
"Good," says Victoria, "Now, I am going to reach out to the survivors of the AMC. The Avellar Guards might have been crushed, but the Alliance Grenadiers remain along with the majority of their aerospace forces. And I doubt they have taken kindly to surprise invasion by the Kuritans."
The end of the story draws ever closer. The Outworlds Alliance has fallen with the Combine seeking its military industry and some secret production lines. Also writing Combine characters is hard. I wanted to have more of Hikari's perspective, but all of those ritual and cultural customs of House Kurita have effectively sidelined her due to the difficulty of trying to get them all right.
So this is about as far as I got in NaNoWriMo. I intend to write another three or four chapters to finish off the story.
Please point out any spelling or grammar mistakes that you spot. Please quote them in the thread and explain what you think is wrong so I know what you are referring to.
Outworlds Alliance
8 February 3016
The Outworlders never saw it coming until it was too late. The Wraith Legion wasn't one of her Bows of Light, but Tai-Sho Hikari Kurita nee Yamamoto was pleased with their conduct. The most capable of the new Spirit Legions, Wraith Legion had been chosen for the sneak attack on the capital of the Outworlds Alliance and despite Hikari's concerns, the samurai under her temporary command had proven themselves well.
Of the four DCMS regiments involved in the surprise invasion of the Outworlds Alliance, the 3rd Prosperina Hussars would have been the best match for the defenders of Alpheratz. Yet Hikari had assigned the elite MechWarriors to the invasion of Ramora as the daughter-in-law to the Dragon had considered more than just the immediate invasion. Holding the new conquests against the counterattack of the AFFS would be vital as the closest world to the Suns and the Alliance's only source of ASF production, Hikari decided that Ramora would be taken and then held by the Proserpina Hussars.
The other two worlds in the Outworlds Alliance with military production, Michella and Lushann were also being attacked by two of the other Spirit Legions, two regiments of inexperienced MechWarriors eager to prove themselves. Unfortunately for the Ghost Legion, the Alliance Borderers on Michella would have no 'Mechs in their ranks while the Spectre Legion on Lushann was even worse off as they faced only the local and pitiful militia.
Giving herself a metaphorical pat on the back, Hikari is pleased with just how well the surprise invasion has gone. Sneaking the 'Mechs in on an ordinary cargo-hauler and then prepping them in the cargo bays for battle after landing had been her brainchild and it had worked like a charm. They had bypassed the ASF defenders of Alpheratz and had even landed on the outskirts of the capital.
Now Wraith Legion is fighting with the Avellar Guard in the capital with Hikari leading the charge in her Royal King Crab. The pair of assault autocannons are proving worthwhile in the urban battleground as Hikari pursues one of the Merlin, a 'Mech she has never liked with her other live viewing it as worthless early period crap, little more than an oversized Vindicator. Still, it was the heaviest 'Mech produced by the Outworlders and the DCMS can always replace it with something superior in the future.
For now, the Dragon needs Alpheratz's Merlin factory to repel Victoria Davion's attempts to crush the Draconis Combine like she did with the Capellan Confederation. Hikari still worries about how that happened, especially since the main work was done before her awakening. The current First Prince was a menace and Hikari doesn't know what her game is, only that she must be stopped. It will be the Coordinator who becomes the next Star Lord and ruler of the Inner Sphere, not some Davion floozy.
Of course, if Hikari was honest with herself, she would admit that Victoria Davion scares her. An aberration in this alternative universe of BattleTech, Victoria Davion is doing everything that those fix fics do. Peace between the three 'good guy' powers, finishing off the Crappies and then crushing the Combine. She just needs to make a miraculous peace, perhaps even another military alliance, with the Bulls, form a second Star League or equivalent, deal with the Blakists and defeat the Clans to become the perfect little Mary Sue.
Well, maybe not since Vicky Dee can't seize the Helm cache and its memory core because Hikari already did and boy did it pay off for her. She just needs to get the New Dallas core and some other LosTech sites. She knows about the Castle Brain in Rigil Kentaurus and the Furies on Bristol amongst other locations, but unfortunately, few of those locations have precise details on their locations like with Helm and those that do aren't exactly accessible to a loyal servant of the Dragon.
Pushing those thoughts to one side as she puts her target, Hikari opens fire with both of her autocannons and adds her large laser to the mix, the double-heat sinks of her 'Mech easily able to handle the heat load. The large laser sears some armour off of the Merlin's shoulder, but the distance is enough that both autocannon shells go wide, slamming into an unfortunate residence as they explode on impact.
Hikari knows that she should feel some guilt as the majority of the building collapses, almost certainly killing those inside, but she cannot. She has made her peace that a few innocents will die in her career, but given that they are rejecting and resisting the Dragon's merciful rule, she can't muster up any sympathy for the fools.
The Outworlds Alliance is already on the verge of falling apart on its own and the destruction of its capital will just be a deathblow to the dying nation. Which is fine by Hikari because she never liked the Periphery nations in either life and the end of the Outworlds Alliances means that it will be harder for anyone to find the secret 'Mech production lines that her family maps led her to in the Outworlds Waste.
***
Saso, New Syrtis
Capellan March, Federated Suns
11 February 3016
Coming to New Syrtis is a pain for Victoria. It is necessary and in theory safe, but it is the heartland of Michael's power and Victoria still doesn't trust her brother-in-law Yes, Michael is unlikely to make another attempt on her life, but at the same time, he would be a shoe-in for the next First Prince if she was to die and New Syrtis is his home territory.
Still the visit was necessary to appease the people of the Capellan March and to avoid snubbing Michael and his supporters. Not to mention that Victoria needed to smooth over transferring the conquests of her reign from the Capellan March to the new Liao March. Well, she could not do it, but that would just cause even more ill feelings towards her from him.
At least she got to see Marie and Morgan. Victoria still has mixed feelings about her sister, but she is the last of her siblings and Marie is in her camp even if she continues to stand by Michael. At least Morgan is free of any politics for now as the heir apparent of Victoria and Michael, a good will concession by Victoria to Michael to lessen the soreness of his loss by giving his bloodline the chance to sit on the throne.
She isn't sure that it worked.
"I'm just so reassured that the two of them are getting along for now," says Marie as you have tea together, "Even if the experience disparity means that Morgan always loses, they do enjoy their chess games."
"I'm glad to hear that Michael is a good father," replies Victoria, wondering if that will be a good thing or bad thing in the long run once Morgan grows up.
"He is doing what he can," says Marie with a sigh, "Not that I can hold it against him. Running the Capellan March is a full-time job and I knew that long before we had Morgan. Still, I am glad that recent events have allowed him to focus more time at home. Even if things are still far from peaceful, the lack of actively hostile borders has-"
Whatever else Marie is about to say is silenced as her husband bursts into the room, holding a document of some kind in hand.
"My deepest apologies about the interruption, but we have a crisis at hand," says Michael Hasek-Davion as he gets his wife an apologetic look, "One that affects the whole Suns."
"How bad?" demands Victoria as she decides that her brother-in-law is being forthright about the seriousness of the situation.
"The Outworlds Alliance has fallen to the Draconis Combine," declares Michael solemnly, "The details are still pending, but it seems that the DCMS used civilian DropShips to sneak their forces past the ASF defences onto key worlds. While the entirety of the Outworlds Alliances hasn't fallen, they have lost their most important worlds, including both Alpheratz and Ramora."
Damn, that is bad. The Outworlds Alliance might not have much worthwhile military production, but the entirety of its 'Mech production is on Alpheratz while all of its ASF production is on Ramora. Not to mention that Alpheratz is the capital for what that is worth in the Outworlds Alliance.
"Do we know which units they used?" asks Victoria as she tries to think about how this changes things.
The joint LCAF-AFFS invasion has already been delayed for some time now and there is only so long that both Victoria and Katrina can afford to delay it. Yet Victoria cannot afford to ignore the Draconians taking the Outworlds Alliance even if they can't afford to hold it long term. The Outworlds Alliance produces a disproportionate number of ASFs for its size and while its Bug 'Mechs are nothing special, the Merlin is a decent heavy.
Damn it, this is going to kill her plans for getting a Merlin factory up and running the Suns.
"Three of their new Spirit Legions and the Third Proserpina Hussars are on Ramora," answers Michael, "That's the world closest to the border with the Outworlds and their source of ASF production."
"I remember," replies Victoria, "Just-just thank you for letting me know, but I'm afraid I am going to need to cut this visit to New Syrtis short. It isn't a total disaster, but I'm still going to be needed back on New Avalon to deal with this."
"I understand," replies Michael with grace that makes Victoria suspicious, "While I am still not entirely pleased with recent decisions, I cannot deny that you have done a great deal to handle the concerns of the Capellan March. Not for all our arguments do I wish to see the Combine push back the border. Despite what some would claim, I have never downplayed the brutality of the Combine or the suffering that our citizens undergo when conquered by House Kurita."
Is this a peace offering? Victoria isn't sure and even if it has been a couple of years now, she hasn't forgotten how her brother-in-law tried to usurp her and have her killed. She really, really doubts that Michael has had a change of heart, but maybe he has decided to be pragmatic about things? She has rather decisively dealt with the Capellan Confederation and while Michael had his part in that, it wasn't close to equal to the role that Victoria herself played. Playing the gracious loser might just be part of Michael's plan to save face rather than continuing to plot her downfall.
Nonetheless, the First Prince will be very happy to leave New Syrtis and Michael Hasek-Davion's powerbase behind. Silver linings and all that.
***
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
24 February 3016
"Alright, we're in private, Yvonne," says Victoria as she and the Prince's Champion hold a one on one meeting, "How is it?"
"It isn't good, but not beyond salvaging," replies Yvonne, "Sending those regiments to the Outworlds means that the Dracs aren't sending them to reinforce the border, though them gaining that extra industry does hurt. Combined with the loss of Marduk, we are going to be limited on what we can do with the extra reinforcements to the Draconis front from the old Capellan front."
"Speaking of the old Capellan front, I'll see what Candace can shake loose from the former CCAF," says Victoria, "They got torn to be pieces, but some units should be intact and we do need to integrate them into the AFFS at some point."
"Thanks for dropping that on me by the way," grumbles Yvonne, but Victoria can tell that her heart isn't in it, "On top of everything else, you form a new march and expect us to incorporate a foreign military into our own."
"You can expect another march in the next few years," promises Victoria, "Of course, I'm going to wait until things have settled with the Combine, but I do intend to get around to forming a Periphery March of some kind by thirty-twenty."
"At least you are saving that for later," replies Yvonne before sighing, "The loss of Marduk hurts a lot. That world makes up almost a third of our Medium 'Mech production and while things are fine for now, we will start to feel the loss if we don't take Marduk soon. The Vindicator production we captured from the Cappies will help, but with you giving away the St. Ives production lines to the Leaguers, it won't be enough to make up the difference."
"The Taurians will be opening up their 'Mech production to us," says Victoria and the other woman gives her a half-impressed and half-disbelieving look, "We might have to use the Aurigans as middlemen and pay extra for the service, but we will get those 'Mechs."
"I'll expect you to explain how you swung that later, but I have an idea of how to deal with the Outworld situation," says Yvonne, "Short answer is that we toss the Eridani Light Horse at it."
"Walk me through it," replies Victoria, though the idea does sound good to her.
"They have their own transportation and support elements," explains Yvonne, "Not to mention that they are an elite formation who can handle the DCMS forces currently in the region. They can handle the current invaders and if the Dracs call it quits rather than fight them then great. If the Combine sends reinforcement to the region, we can reassess what we do, but right now, the Eridani Light Horse can get the job done without being disruptive to the logistics or our plans."
"If General Armstrong agrees to go along with it, I'll sign off on it," declares Victoria after a moment of thinking it over, "Now what about Marduk?"
"With your approval, I'm going to send the First, Fourth and Heavy Davion Guards to reclaim the world and avenge the slight upon the honour to the Davion Brigade of Guards," answers Yvonne, "Bring the Eight Deneb Light Cavalry and the Third Davion Guards back to New Avalon to rebuild and replace the First Davion Guards and Heavy Davion Guards. It might be overkill, but we still use Marduk as a launching point for further invasions and we do need to avenge the loss of the Third Davion Guards."
"Good," says Victoria, "Now, I am going to reach out to the survivors of the AMC. The Avellar Guards might have been crushed, but the Alliance Grenadiers remain along with the majority of their aerospace forces. And I doubt they have taken kindly to surprise invasion by the Kuritans."
***
The end of the story draws ever closer. The Outworlds Alliance has fallen with the Combine seeking its military industry and some secret production lines. Also writing Combine characters is hard. I wanted to have more of Hikari's perspective, but all of those ritual and cultural customs of House Kurita have effectively sidelined her due to the difficulty of trying to get them all right.
So this is about as far as I got in NaNoWriMo. I intend to write another three or four chapters to finish off the story.
Please point out any spelling or grammar mistakes that you spot. Please quote them in the thread and explain what you think is wrong so I know what you are referring to.
TimeDiver
Herald of Dis Lev
- Location
- In-between the parallel worlds...
So, from what I've read of Hikari's perspective thus far... it might be better to depict her as an utter sociopath only concerned with her personal well-being (and unlucky enough to have 'started off' in the Combine?), rather than some 'misguided Combine/Imperial Japan fangirl'... IMHO.
Last edited:
Chapter Nineteen
- Location
- Southampton, Great Britain
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
14 April 3016
"You're kidding me," says Victoria in a shocked voice as the First Prince stares as the Minister of Information, Intelligence and Operations finishes dropping the latest bombshell in her life, "This has to be a bad joke."
"I am not sure how MIIO missed it, but it appears that Hanse Davion is still alive and a prisoner of House Kurita," replies Mark, sounding as weary as Victoria herself feels these days, "Apparently they captured him at Halstead Station a little over two years ago and have kept him as a secret prisoner ever since."
"And now they reveal his existence and continued survival just a month or two before we invade them," grumbles Victoria before letting out a frustrated sigh.
At this point, the Combine will be invaded, come high or hell water. Too much has been committed and even if the LCAF does flake out, the AFFS will still go ahead. It is clear it won't be a repeat of the devastating victory over the Capellans, but the AFFS alone should be able to take at least a couple of worlds.
"It is going to be a diversion and an attempt to cause domestic strife for you, " says Mark, "I'm no military strategist, but it is clear that they will use your brother as bait that you cannot ignore. Because you cannot. I also believe that they will attempt to undermine your position as First Prince via the fact that your predecessor is still alive. Given that your power base is primarily built upon Hanse's, it could in theory undermine you if your supporters decide to stand by Hanse instead of you. However, between your own successes and the temperament of your own mutual supporters, it is unlikely to go anywhere."
"Bait for a trap," says Victoria, "Bait that I cannot ignore that they will use to undermine the offensive. Is anything going to go right when it comes to this invasion?"
"Your diplomatic efforts have gone well," answers Mark, "The League has begun operations against the Circinus Federation, we have begun to purchase Taurian goods via Aurigan proxies and let us not forget that the LCAF will be launching a concurrent invasion of the Combine. Not to mention that you have eliminated a Successor State. Something that hasn't been done since the Terran Hegemony."
"Right, diplomacy has been going well," says Victoria, "I just hope that the Leaguers don't decide to backstab the Lyrans."
"While I can't say that the peace will last, I do think that is unlikely," replies Mark, "My sources indicate that the Captain-General has a strong grip right now so we don't need to worry about independent raids and Janos seems content to keep to the Solaris Accords. All of his peers are occupied with each other and the Free Worlds League is effectively at peace and the truce has a time limit on it. He just needs to wait out the truce and waiting strengthens the League with every chance of weakening his foes. You can speak with Olivia for a diplomat's perspective, but as a spymaster, Janos benefits from upholding his word more than he does breaking it. Provided that the Lyrans appropriately guard Hesperus with a sufficient garrison. I don't think Janos would ignore that opportunity if the Lyrans presented it to him."
"That's good I suppose," mutters Victoria, deciding that the League situation, "What about the Taurians?"
"Surprisingly calm and stable," answers Mark, "There is certainly unrest, but the Protector is a moderate and a strong-supporter of the Far Lookers. Her son is a different story, but even then, the fall of the Capellan Confederation has them wary in a good way. They are reevaluating the relative power balance between the Suns and the Concordat and they have enough intelligent people in charge to realise that it doesn't favour them at all. And then there is the Draconis Combine taking out the Outworlds Alliance. Now don't get me wrong, the Bulls still hate us, but the general consensus right now is swaying towards viewing House Davion as a lesser evil and better neighbour than House Kurita. We might expect the odd independent raid or two, but nothing major."
"Good, good," says Victoria, "Now back to the Combine, I want-"
"Vicky, we have some major bad news," calls Tahmina as the First Prince's best friend strides into the room.
"Of course, there is another crisis," grumbles Victoria as she looks up at the ceiling for something, "Okay, Tahmina, how bad is it?"
"News from Ran on Marduk," answers Tahmina, "Ardan and the Heavy Guards have taken the Norse BattleMech Works, but the Dracs gutted it. The details are in the report, but it looks like it happened prior to the liberation. Ran thinks that the Dracs decided to take the factory apart and bring it deeper into Combine space so we can't get at it."
"That's insane," protests Victoria, "Even for the Kuritans. They have effectively destroyed the factory and they won't be able to put it together again."
"Actually, they might be able to with the Helm memory core if what else they are doing with it is anything to go by," says Mark, "Yes, it will take them a few years to get it back to full capacity, but if it gets them a long-term factory deep in their territory as opposed to a border world they will struggle to keep, I could see them doing it."
"Great, just great," complains Victoria before something occurs to her, "Damn, they might do a similar stunt with the Outworlds."
"I'll do what I can to investigate the matter with my ministry and see what I can do to prevent it from happening," promises Mark and Victoria gives him a nod of approval.
"Speaking of the Outworlds, I also come bearing good news from over there," says Tahmina, "We have received confirmation that the majority of the Alliance Grenadiers are willing to sign up with us. A handful are returning to their homeworlds, but most of them seem happy with our offer of service. That said, Yvonne wanted me to let you know that they aren't going to be good for much right now due to their supply issues and relatively low numbers. She says that they'll be best for garrisoning any Alliance worlds that they reclaim. We are also receiving positive reception from the Alliance Aerospace Arm though only a few of them have outright joined us at this point."
"Some good news," says Victoria with a grateful look at her best friend before the weariness overtakes her face again, "Speaking of Yvonne, I need to speak with her. With the news from Marduk, liberating the Outworlds Alliance has just increased in priority."
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
16 April 3016
"I'm not sure this is the best use of my time," mutters Victoria as Tahmina drags her to the spa because of course the Davion Palace has a spa built into it.
Fancy tosh nobles got to have their luxuries-no, Victoria needs to put that thinking aside. She has been the First Prince for a couple of years now and she needs to accept that her position in society has its luxuries. And to do her duties as First Prince, she needs to be able to offer at least a certain degree of luxuries to maintain a suitable amount of prestige and satisfaction from important visitors.
Not that she has used the spa before, but apparently Tahmina has and her best friend thinks it will be a good way to relieve some stress.
"Nonsense," replies Tahamina, "Both you and Dana are stressed out from this business with Hanse. Now, I can't do anything to help with that directly, but I can help you relax and destress if only for a little bit."
"Tahmina is right, Vicky," says Dana from behind the duo, "As much I am right to be worried about Hanse and if I'll lose him again, I know that letting those worries overwhelm me does nothing to help. If anything, they can make it worse by leaving me in a position where I am not fit to help."
"Even without Hanse being revealed to be alive, you still won't get another time for yourself," adds Tahmina, "Trust me, the spa here is great. Perfect hot tubs and saunas and the masseuses are professionals who are really good at their jobs."
"You know from experience?" teases Dana.
"If I am going to stay in the Davion Palace and be best friends with the First Prince, I am going to take advantage of the luxuries," replies Tahmina with a grin, "It isn't like I'm spending an excessive amount of time using them, just utilising one of the luxuries on offer every now and again."
"I've been hesitant to do that myself," admits Dana, "Between everything you've done for me, I feel like I've taken advantage of your generosity enough. Not to mention that you were kind enough to let Ian keep his father's surname."
"It is the least that I could do," replies Victoria firmly, "I will not let you and Ian be treated the same way that my mother and I were treated. Or even how Marie was treated. Even if your relationship with Hanse wasn't truly formalised, Ian is his son and deserves to be treated as such."
"I still say you should see a therapist about that," mutters Tahmina and Victoria huffs.
"And I say that I don't need to," retorts the First Prince, "I am perfectly capable of doing my duties and it isn't like I am going to find a therapist in the Federated Suns who will be willing to accept hating a First Prince. And anyone from outside is an unacceptable security risk, especially given I am the First Prince now and not just an officer in the AFFS."
"Is it really that bad?" asks Dana, directing her question more to Tahmina than Victoria.
"Victoria is right when she says that she doesn't let it get in the way of her work," concedes Tahmina, "But as you may have noticed, she has a chip on her shoulder when it comes to her father."
"He was just a terrible father who doesn't deserve the praise that he gets," says Victoria, "Now, I believe we have arrived at the spa?"
"I suppose we have," says Tahmina and she lets the subject drop as the three ladies enter the spa.
Wilderness, Dieron
Dieron Military District, Draconis Combine
3 June 3016
It is finally happening. The long awaited invasion of the Draconis Combine has come though it technically began over two weeks ago. Not to mention that Victoria has been in the Diaeron system for over a week and landed on the planet a couple of days ago. But the First Prince has finally engaged the enemy so it feels like the invasion has truly begun.
Especially since her first opponents are elite MechWarriors from the Seventh Sword of Light in LosTech 'Mechs. At least the First Prince has the weight advantage as she and her bodyguards are all in Assault-weight machines while the Sworders are in a Crusader, a Flashman and a Phoenix Hawk.
Despite the weight edge and the skill parity, Victoria is forced to concede that the LosTech might be giving the Draconians the upper hand. The CRD-2R Crusader and FLS-8K Flashman are hiding within the ECM field of the PXH-2 Phoenix Hawk, making it very difficult for the Davion Guards.
Still, Victoria is confident that she can win this engagement and the Combine can't replace the LosTech that it loses just yet. The future may be a different story, but the invasion will be over one way or another by then.
As Victoria activates her jump jets, the Sworders attack her once again. Blue laser beams lash out at her, half of them missing, but the other two sear away at the armour of her Highlander. Thirty LRMs come raining down upon her and many of them strike her, exploding on impact and leaving holes behind.
Whilst she soars through the sky, the First Prince unleashes her own fury against the Phoenix Hawk, her bodyguard in the BattleMaster is going through a continuous effort to refine the shared sensor data enough that the rest of their lance can target the damn machine. Her heavy autocannon lobs a shell at the Phoenix Hawk, slamming into it with an explosion of such force that it leaves the 'Mech staggering backwards. Her LRMs come bearing down on it and even as several are shot out of the air by the Flashman's AMS, plenty pepper the Kuritan 'Mech.
Then the second part of their attack comes into the play as their Victor runs into range of its assault autocannon while the Dracs were busy with Victoria. Just like the First Prince, the Davion Guardsman opens fire on the Phoenix Hawk. To their credit, the Sworder MechWarrior does their best to avoid the worst of it, but blocking the attack with one of their arms only does so much. The autocannon shell blows the entire limb apart and the force of it continues into the torso. The side torso armour holds even as a pair of medium lasers and a couple of SRMs slam into it, but the Phoenix Hawk is hurting.
Yet it is still alive and its Guardian ECM is still active. Victoria grimaces as her cockpit is shaken by the Crusader unloading into her and continues to focus on that Phoenix Hawk.
"I'll get that Hawk!" calls Victoria into the lance radio as she fires her short-range weaponry at the Phoenix Hawk, "Victory-Three, deal with the Flashman."
Her twin medium lasers and SRMs lash out across the front of the Phoenix Hawk, but none of it is enough to do any meaningful damage even if the last of the left torso armour is blown away. Victoria winces as her armour suffers an armour breach on her left side.
"Victory-One, you need to pull back," calls one of her bodyguards, the woman in the BattleMaster.
"Negative, I just need to kill this Phoenix Hawk," replies Victoria as she stomps her Highlander to the side, unloading another autocannon shell into the battered medium 'Mech.
The autocannon strikes the Phoenix Hawk right in the central torso, which is unfortunate because that is the most heavily armoured region of the 'Mech. Then as Victoria decides to take the heat of firing her LRM-20 again and pulls the trigger on a second volley, the First Prince's Highlander is left staggering as the Crusader slams a fist into her 'Mech. Steadying herself, Victoria fires up her jump jets as she unloads her LRMs into the Phoenix Hawk, she comes down behind the Crusader, manoeuvring in the air to make sure she stays behind the Sword of Light 'Mech.
Ignoring her increasingly toasty cockpit, the First Prince swings her fist into it, her Highlander ripping through the rear torso armour of the Crusader and into its precious internal structure. Stepping back, Victoria fires her medium lasers at the Draconian MechWarrior even as they begin to move to avoid her. One burns a gash into the centre rear torso armour, but the other strikes true, melting through the exposed internal structure and rendering both the right torso and the right arm useless as too many vital sections are destroyed in the former.
Then it goes wrong as DCMS reinforcements show up. The pair of VTOLs are annoying, but no true threat, but the lance of Alacorns with them are a dire foe. Especially when their open shots tear into the Victor that is with the First Prince. Already battered from the prior fighting, the Assault 'Mech is finished off as multiple gauss rounds tear into it though its pilot is thankfully able to eject.
"Withdrawing!" calls Victoria into the comms.
"I'll cover you," her remaining bodyguard calls back as she blasts one of the VTOLs out of the sky with her PPC.
Speaking of the sky, Victoria ignites her jump jets again after firing one last volley of her SRMs and autocannon at the Phoenix Hawk. As she pushes her 'Mech to dangerously hot levels, Victoria watches the Draconian 'Mech stagger again, its left torso ruined, but its central torso and precious Guardian ECM are still functional.
Jumping away again, Victoria lets out an angry and frustrated snarl at how things have gone. A Victor is gone and for what? Damaging a Phoenix Hawk that still has its precious LosTech and hurting a Crusader? At least the Crusader's endo-steel frame won't be easily fixed.
Hopefully the rest of the invasion is going better.
And we have finally reached the invasion of the Draconis Combine. The story is reaching the end now. I expect another couple of updates to cover the invasion and its aftermath, but that will be the end of the story. I am planning to do some updates set in 3019 to show how things have played out a bit into the future.
Please point out any spelling or grammar mistakes that you spot. Please quote them in the thread and explain what you think is wrong so I know what you are referring to.
Crucis March, Federated Suns
14 April 3016
"You're kidding me," says Victoria in a shocked voice as the First Prince stares as the Minister of Information, Intelligence and Operations finishes dropping the latest bombshell in her life, "This has to be a bad joke."
"I am not sure how MIIO missed it, but it appears that Hanse Davion is still alive and a prisoner of House Kurita," replies Mark, sounding as weary as Victoria herself feels these days, "Apparently they captured him at Halstead Station a little over two years ago and have kept him as a secret prisoner ever since."
"And now they reveal his existence and continued survival just a month or two before we invade them," grumbles Victoria before letting out a frustrated sigh.
At this point, the Combine will be invaded, come high or hell water. Too much has been committed and even if the LCAF does flake out, the AFFS will still go ahead. It is clear it won't be a repeat of the devastating victory over the Capellans, but the AFFS alone should be able to take at least a couple of worlds.
"It is going to be a diversion and an attempt to cause domestic strife for you, " says Mark, "I'm no military strategist, but it is clear that they will use your brother as bait that you cannot ignore. Because you cannot. I also believe that they will attempt to undermine your position as First Prince via the fact that your predecessor is still alive. Given that your power base is primarily built upon Hanse's, it could in theory undermine you if your supporters decide to stand by Hanse instead of you. However, between your own successes and the temperament of your own mutual supporters, it is unlikely to go anywhere."
"Bait for a trap," says Victoria, "Bait that I cannot ignore that they will use to undermine the offensive. Is anything going to go right when it comes to this invasion?"
"Your diplomatic efforts have gone well," answers Mark, "The League has begun operations against the Circinus Federation, we have begun to purchase Taurian goods via Aurigan proxies and let us not forget that the LCAF will be launching a concurrent invasion of the Combine. Not to mention that you have eliminated a Successor State. Something that hasn't been done since the Terran Hegemony."
"Right, diplomacy has been going well," says Victoria, "I just hope that the Leaguers don't decide to backstab the Lyrans."
"While I can't say that the peace will last, I do think that is unlikely," replies Mark, "My sources indicate that the Captain-General has a strong grip right now so we don't need to worry about independent raids and Janos seems content to keep to the Solaris Accords. All of his peers are occupied with each other and the Free Worlds League is effectively at peace and the truce has a time limit on it. He just needs to wait out the truce and waiting strengthens the League with every chance of weakening his foes. You can speak with Olivia for a diplomat's perspective, but as a spymaster, Janos benefits from upholding his word more than he does breaking it. Provided that the Lyrans appropriately guard Hesperus with a sufficient garrison. I don't think Janos would ignore that opportunity if the Lyrans presented it to him."
"That's good I suppose," mutters Victoria, deciding that the League situation, "What about the Taurians?"
"Surprisingly calm and stable," answers Mark, "There is certainly unrest, but the Protector is a moderate and a strong-supporter of the Far Lookers. Her son is a different story, but even then, the fall of the Capellan Confederation has them wary in a good way. They are reevaluating the relative power balance between the Suns and the Concordat and they have enough intelligent people in charge to realise that it doesn't favour them at all. And then there is the Draconis Combine taking out the Outworlds Alliance. Now don't get me wrong, the Bulls still hate us, but the general consensus right now is swaying towards viewing House Davion as a lesser evil and better neighbour than House Kurita. We might expect the odd independent raid or two, but nothing major."
"Good, good," says Victoria, "Now back to the Combine, I want-"
"Vicky, we have some major bad news," calls Tahmina as the First Prince's best friend strides into the room.
"Of course, there is another crisis," grumbles Victoria as she looks up at the ceiling for something, "Okay, Tahmina, how bad is it?"
"News from Ran on Marduk," answers Tahmina, "Ardan and the Heavy Guards have taken the Norse BattleMech Works, but the Dracs gutted it. The details are in the report, but it looks like it happened prior to the liberation. Ran thinks that the Dracs decided to take the factory apart and bring it deeper into Combine space so we can't get at it."
"That's insane," protests Victoria, "Even for the Kuritans. They have effectively destroyed the factory and they won't be able to put it together again."
"Actually, they might be able to with the Helm memory core if what else they are doing with it is anything to go by," says Mark, "Yes, it will take them a few years to get it back to full capacity, but if it gets them a long-term factory deep in their territory as opposed to a border world they will struggle to keep, I could see them doing it."
"Great, just great," complains Victoria before something occurs to her, "Damn, they might do a similar stunt with the Outworlds."
"I'll do what I can to investigate the matter with my ministry and see what I can do to prevent it from happening," promises Mark and Victoria gives him a nod of approval.
"Speaking of the Outworlds, I also come bearing good news from over there," says Tahmina, "We have received confirmation that the majority of the Alliance Grenadiers are willing to sign up with us. A handful are returning to their homeworlds, but most of them seem happy with our offer of service. That said, Yvonne wanted me to let you know that they aren't going to be good for much right now due to their supply issues and relatively low numbers. She says that they'll be best for garrisoning any Alliance worlds that they reclaim. We are also receiving positive reception from the Alliance Aerospace Arm though only a few of them have outright joined us at this point."
"Some good news," says Victoria with a grateful look at her best friend before the weariness overtakes her face again, "Speaking of Yvonne, I need to speak with her. With the news from Marduk, liberating the Outworlds Alliance has just increased in priority."
***
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
16 April 3016
"I'm not sure this is the best use of my time," mutters Victoria as Tahmina drags her to the spa because of course the Davion Palace has a spa built into it.
Fancy tosh nobles got to have their luxuries-no, Victoria needs to put that thinking aside. She has been the First Prince for a couple of years now and she needs to accept that her position in society has its luxuries. And to do her duties as First Prince, she needs to be able to offer at least a certain degree of luxuries to maintain a suitable amount of prestige and satisfaction from important visitors.
Not that she has used the spa before, but apparently Tahmina has and her best friend thinks it will be a good way to relieve some stress.
"Nonsense," replies Tahamina, "Both you and Dana are stressed out from this business with Hanse. Now, I can't do anything to help with that directly, but I can help you relax and destress if only for a little bit."
"Tahmina is right, Vicky," says Dana from behind the duo, "As much I am right to be worried about Hanse and if I'll lose him again, I know that letting those worries overwhelm me does nothing to help. If anything, they can make it worse by leaving me in a position where I am not fit to help."
"Even without Hanse being revealed to be alive, you still won't get another time for yourself," adds Tahmina, "Trust me, the spa here is great. Perfect hot tubs and saunas and the masseuses are professionals who are really good at their jobs."
"You know from experience?" teases Dana.
"If I am going to stay in the Davion Palace and be best friends with the First Prince, I am going to take advantage of the luxuries," replies Tahmina with a grin, "It isn't like I'm spending an excessive amount of time using them, just utilising one of the luxuries on offer every now and again."
"I've been hesitant to do that myself," admits Dana, "Between everything you've done for me, I feel like I've taken advantage of your generosity enough. Not to mention that you were kind enough to let Ian keep his father's surname."
"It is the least that I could do," replies Victoria firmly, "I will not let you and Ian be treated the same way that my mother and I were treated. Or even how Marie was treated. Even if your relationship with Hanse wasn't truly formalised, Ian is his son and deserves to be treated as such."
"I still say you should see a therapist about that," mutters Tahmina and Victoria huffs.
"And I say that I don't need to," retorts the First Prince, "I am perfectly capable of doing my duties and it isn't like I am going to find a therapist in the Federated Suns who will be willing to accept hating a First Prince. And anyone from outside is an unacceptable security risk, especially given I am the First Prince now and not just an officer in the AFFS."
"Is it really that bad?" asks Dana, directing her question more to Tahmina than Victoria.
"Victoria is right when she says that she doesn't let it get in the way of her work," concedes Tahmina, "But as you may have noticed, she has a chip on her shoulder when it comes to her father."
"He was just a terrible father who doesn't deserve the praise that he gets," says Victoria, "Now, I believe we have arrived at the spa?"
"I suppose we have," says Tahmina and she lets the subject drop as the three ladies enter the spa.
Wilderness, Dieron
Dieron Military District, Draconis Combine
3 June 3016
It is finally happening. The long awaited invasion of the Draconis Combine has come though it technically began over two weeks ago. Not to mention that Victoria has been in the Diaeron system for over a week and landed on the planet a couple of days ago. But the First Prince has finally engaged the enemy so it feels like the invasion has truly begun.
Especially since her first opponents are elite MechWarriors from the Seventh Sword of Light in LosTech 'Mechs. At least the First Prince has the weight advantage as she and her bodyguards are all in Assault-weight machines while the Sworders are in a Crusader, a Flashman and a Phoenix Hawk.
Despite the weight edge and the skill parity, Victoria is forced to concede that the LosTech might be giving the Draconians the upper hand. The CRD-2R Crusader and FLS-8K Flashman are hiding within the ECM field of the PXH-2 Phoenix Hawk, making it very difficult for the Davion Guards.
Still, Victoria is confident that she can win this engagement and the Combine can't replace the LosTech that it loses just yet. The future may be a different story, but the invasion will be over one way or another by then.
As Victoria activates her jump jets, the Sworders attack her once again. Blue laser beams lash out at her, half of them missing, but the other two sear away at the armour of her Highlander. Thirty LRMs come raining down upon her and many of them strike her, exploding on impact and leaving holes behind.
Whilst she soars through the sky, the First Prince unleashes her own fury against the Phoenix Hawk, her bodyguard in the BattleMaster is going through a continuous effort to refine the shared sensor data enough that the rest of their lance can target the damn machine. Her heavy autocannon lobs a shell at the Phoenix Hawk, slamming into it with an explosion of such force that it leaves the 'Mech staggering backwards. Her LRMs come bearing down on it and even as several are shot out of the air by the Flashman's AMS, plenty pepper the Kuritan 'Mech.
Then the second part of their attack comes into the play as their Victor runs into range of its assault autocannon while the Dracs were busy with Victoria. Just like the First Prince, the Davion Guardsman opens fire on the Phoenix Hawk. To their credit, the Sworder MechWarrior does their best to avoid the worst of it, but blocking the attack with one of their arms only does so much. The autocannon shell blows the entire limb apart and the force of it continues into the torso. The side torso armour holds even as a pair of medium lasers and a couple of SRMs slam into it, but the Phoenix Hawk is hurting.
Yet it is still alive and its Guardian ECM is still active. Victoria grimaces as her cockpit is shaken by the Crusader unloading into her and continues to focus on that Phoenix Hawk.
"I'll get that Hawk!" calls Victoria into the lance radio as she fires her short-range weaponry at the Phoenix Hawk, "Victory-Three, deal with the Flashman."
Her twin medium lasers and SRMs lash out across the front of the Phoenix Hawk, but none of it is enough to do any meaningful damage even if the last of the left torso armour is blown away. Victoria winces as her armour suffers an armour breach on her left side.
"Victory-One, you need to pull back," calls one of her bodyguards, the woman in the BattleMaster.
"Negative, I just need to kill this Phoenix Hawk," replies Victoria as she stomps her Highlander to the side, unloading another autocannon shell into the battered medium 'Mech.
The autocannon strikes the Phoenix Hawk right in the central torso, which is unfortunate because that is the most heavily armoured region of the 'Mech. Then as Victoria decides to take the heat of firing her LRM-20 again and pulls the trigger on a second volley, the First Prince's Highlander is left staggering as the Crusader slams a fist into her 'Mech. Steadying herself, Victoria fires up her jump jets as she unloads her LRMs into the Phoenix Hawk, she comes down behind the Crusader, manoeuvring in the air to make sure she stays behind the Sword of Light 'Mech.
Ignoring her increasingly toasty cockpit, the First Prince swings her fist into it, her Highlander ripping through the rear torso armour of the Crusader and into its precious internal structure. Stepping back, Victoria fires her medium lasers at the Draconian MechWarrior even as they begin to move to avoid her. One burns a gash into the centre rear torso armour, but the other strikes true, melting through the exposed internal structure and rendering both the right torso and the right arm useless as too many vital sections are destroyed in the former.
Then it goes wrong as DCMS reinforcements show up. The pair of VTOLs are annoying, but no true threat, but the lance of Alacorns with them are a dire foe. Especially when their open shots tear into the Victor that is with the First Prince. Already battered from the prior fighting, the Assault 'Mech is finished off as multiple gauss rounds tear into it though its pilot is thankfully able to eject.
"Withdrawing!" calls Victoria into the comms.
"I'll cover you," her remaining bodyguard calls back as she blasts one of the VTOLs out of the sky with her PPC.
Speaking of the sky, Victoria ignites her jump jets again after firing one last volley of her SRMs and autocannon at the Phoenix Hawk. As she pushes her 'Mech to dangerously hot levels, Victoria watches the Draconian 'Mech stagger again, its left torso ruined, but its central torso and precious Guardian ECM are still functional.
Jumping away again, Victoria lets out an angry and frustrated snarl at how things have gone. A Victor is gone and for what? Damaging a Phoenix Hawk that still has its precious LosTech and hurting a Crusader? At least the Crusader's endo-steel frame won't be easily fixed.
Hopefully the rest of the invasion is going better.
***
And we have finally reached the invasion of the Draconis Combine. The story is reaching the end now. I expect another couple of updates to cover the invasion and its aftermath, but that will be the end of the story. I am planning to do some updates set in 3019 to show how things have played out a bit into the future.
Please point out any spelling or grammar mistakes that you spot. Please quote them in the thread and explain what you think is wrong so I know what you are referring to.
Chapter Twenty
- Location
- Southampton, Great Britain
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Fort Cross, Dieron
Dieron Military District, Draconis Combine
16 June 3016
"Is it going as bad everywhere else as it is going here?" demands Victoria as she looks around the table, trying to ignore both the mental and physical exhaustion that she feels.
"If you are referring to the rest of the invasion, it is not," reports Marshal Ran Felsner, "The Dracs concentrating their forces here on Deiron has left the rest of the military district vulnerable."
"Except for Al Na'ir," comments someone else as Victoria takes a moment to bring up the summaries on her noteputer, "The Kuritans are putting as much of a fight over there as they are over here."
"That is true, but other than that, we are receiving multiple reports of victory," says Ran, "Altair and Deneb Algedi both fell after their DCMS garrisons were pulled back to Dieron and Al Na'ir respectively and the Combine didn't contest the conquest of Styx. Fighting is ongoing at Proserpina, but the other targets are falling due to the DCMS focusing their 'Mechs on the capitals."
"What about Tripoli?" inquires Victoria as she looks at the latest summary from that world.
"I am not personally familiar with the latest reports from over there," replies Ran as he pulls out his own noteputer.
"The Eleventh Benjamin Regulars are putting up a stiffer fight than expected," says someone else, "I have friends in that invasion force so I've been keeping up with it as much as the HPGs allow. The situation is overall favourable, but the Dracs are getting their licks in and making our troops pay for every success."
"Just like here," grumbles Victoria.
"And Al Na'ir," adds Ran, "Nonetheless, things are looking to be successful. The Combine is losing irreplaceable LosTech and locally speaking, their losses are matching our own. We might be forced to withdraw from Dieron, but from a strategic perspective, we are certainly winning."
At the current rate of fighting, there will be no maybe about having to call it quits, but Victoria isn't foolish enough to say that out loud. No need to undermine morale by pointing out some harsh truths and it would hurt Ran's attempts to be optimistic and encouraging about the situation.
Every AFFS 'Mech regiment on Dieron has lost at least a couple companies of 'Mechs so far with some having been reduced by a full battalion. The Ariana Grenadiers has been hit the hardest relatively so far as the former CCAF unit was only a battalion in size and after a couple of nasty engagements with the 7th Sword of Light, they are only able to muster up to ten 'Mechs.
Victoria has pulled them back to reserves, both to preserve what is left of the unit and so the surviving Ariana Grenadiers can operate as an elite force to put out any fires that spring up.
"What about the Lyrans?" asks Ardan, having become the acting commander of the Davion Heavy Guards after the loss of Colonel Parry a few days ago, "How is their half of the invasion going?"
"Not as well as ours, but that is to be expected given the quality difference between the LCAF and the AFFS," answers Ran, "There is still fighting along multiple worlds, but we have received word that Ko, Sevren, Weingarten and Yorii have all fallen to the Commonwealth."
Victoria smiles at the good news, but she politely ignores the mild celebrations as she looks at some of the casualty reports from the LCAF. Ko has fallen to the Lyran Commonwealth as Ran said, but what the Marshal didn't mention is that the veteran 22nd Dieron Regulars made a withdrawal in good order, conserving the majority of their strength. And there is the fact that the Lyrans have been bogged down with strong resistance on three times as many worlds as the AFFS. While the LCAF is invading more worlds than the Suns, it is only nineteen to the fifteen of the AFFS.
Still, the invasion is looking to be a success. Four worlds have already been liberated by the Lyran Commonwealth and despite the ongoing fighting, it looks like more Combine systems are going to fall even if the LCAF doesn't have the same rate of success as the AFFS.
"What about the Outworlds Alliance?" asks someone else, "We're still kicking Drac butt over there, right?"
"The actual fighting down there has died down not long before the invasion began," answers Victoria, "After the Eridani Light Horse wrecked the Proserpina Hussars on Ramora, the DCMS has avoided conflict with their remaining forces in the region. There was some additional fighting on Alpheratz, but that was more of a fighting withdrawal than a serious attempt to hold the world. Right now, the Eridani Light Horse and the Ministry of Foreign affairs are securing what worlds they can along with what remnants of the AMC that are willing to work with us."
The Kuritans also took the production lines of Alliance Defender Limited with them when they left Alpheratz, but there is no benefit to bringing that up now. Besides, that 'Mech factory only produced Bug 'Mechs. The Combine did try to take the Merlin factory belonging to Mountain Wolf BattleMechs, but in a pleasantly surprising turn of events, a company of surviving Avellar Guards saved the day there. The Outworlder MechWarriors fought off the DCMS long enough that the AFFS was able to relieve them, denying the factory to the Kuritans even if only two of their 'Mechs were still functional by the end of it.
Still, it leaves three of the Spirit Legions unaccounted for. Victoria isn't too worried about the Ghost and Spectre Legion as they are full of green recruits, but the Wraith Legion was already decently seasoned before being hardened in battle against the Avellar Guard on Alpheratz. In any case, three regiments of BattleMechs is still over three hundred 'Mechs to worry about. The Suns has sufficient forces in reserve over there, but keeping those units on standby combined with the commitments to the former Outworlds Alliances means that the AFFS is limited in what they can do along that part of the border.
"Unless there are further questions, we should focus back on the situation at hand here on Dieron," declares Ran, shooting a questioning look at Victoria, who gives a slight shake of her head, "We have the enemy outnumbered, but they have been whittling down the numerical difference with clever use of the local defences and their LosTech advantage. Does anybody have any suggestions on how we can counter one or both of those?"
Fort Cross, Dieron
Dieron Military District, Draconis Combine
28 June 3016
"Hold the line!" calls Victoria grimly as she glares at the attacking DCMS forces from the cockpit of her Highlander, "By Freedom's Sword!"
Ignoring a small volley of LRMs that mostly miss her, the First Prince focuses on a Panther that is involved in the attack on the Davion DropShips as the AFFS undergo their evacuation from the planet. Both sides have been left bloodied and battered with the AFFS and DCMS each suffering heavy losses, but apparently the Kuritans have enough left in them to muster up a few final attacks.
Victoria fires her LRMs and autocannon at the enemy 'Mech, but the distance and active movement of the Panther means that the latter misses outright and only some of the former strike true. In turn, the Kuritans begin to focus on her, which is good on one hand because she is piloting a heavily armoured Assault 'Mech, but on the other hand, she is the First Prince and it would take just one unlucky cockpit hit to end her.
She doesn't stop moving and a PPC bolt from a Panther glances off of her side while a second one misses outright. A Jenner comes rushing forward to engage her with its short ranged weapons and Victoria prepares to meet it in kind. As more LRMs rain down upon her, peppering her armour with small explosions, Victoria opens fire on the Jenner at almost the same time, it unleashes a volley at her.
Her autocannon catches its side, blowing away half of its medium lasers while Victoria's own lasers rake across its torso alongside the SRMs, leaving melted and cratered armour in their wake. Victoria receives her own taste of that medicine, but the difference between her Highlander and the Draconian Jenner means that she can take it much better than her opponent can.
As a Valkyrie from the 4th Deneb Light Cavalry jumps forward to engage the Jenner as it tries to flee, Victoria feels a pang of longing for her old unit. Still, she pushes that feeling to one side as she focuses on the Panthers as the Jenner flees with the Valkyrie in pursuit.
She exchanges fire with the pair of Panthers, the First Prince firing autocannon shells and LRMs while the Draconian MechWarriors unleash their PPCs. Victoria's Highlander staggers as a bolt of pseudo-lighting strikes its shoulder, barely missing her cockpit. Victoria snarls at the very close call, which soon turns into a grin as her autocannon blows the leg of the responsible Panther off at the knee. It isn't enough to slay her victim, but it is enough to cripple it.
"God damn it, Victoria, get the hell back to safety!" shouts Ardan over the radio as his Victor comes running out and Victoria winces at the anger in his voice, "You're the First Prince! We cannot afford to lose you."
On the one hand, an acting colonel has no right to be talking to the First Prince that way. On the other hand, it is Ardan Sortek and he isn't wrong. Not to mention that he has good grounds to be upset with her current actions given his history.
"Understood, Major Sortek," replies Victoria as she ignites her jump jets to fall back in a timely manner, complying with Ardan's reasonable demand whilst reminding him of their respective ranks.
As her Highlander soars backwards through the air, Victoria spots a Marauder and a JagerMech joining Ardan's Victor on the frontline, both of them also in the colours of the Heavy Guards. More than enough to take on the Panthers and whoever is responsible for those LRMs.
Now Victoria just needs to get back to her 'Mech gantry and the safety of her DropShip.
Low Orbit, Benjamin
Benjamin Military District, Draconis Combine
31 July 3016
"Just to be clear, Morgan, you realise how insane this plan is?" says Patrick Kell over the comms as their 'Mechs drop to the surface along with the rest of the Kell Hounds.
"Yes, but we owe it to Ian and Victoria to get Hanse back," replies Morgan Kell as his Archer's drop pod comes ever closer to the ground, "We failed to save Ian on Mallory's world and Victoria has done a lot of work to make our dreams a reality. The least we can do is save their brother."
"If you call this the least we can do, then we have very different definitions of 'least'," scoffs Salome Ward, but Morgan can hear the humour in her voice.
"I didn't hear you disagreeing with the plan," Morgan shoots back.
"That's because I haven't disagreed," replies Salome as their 'Mechs finally hit the ground with a thundering thud that rocks Morgan in his cockpit.
In all fairness, it is a risky manoeuvre, but it is a calculated risk. While deep-raiding the capital of a military district would be madness under normal circumstances, these are far from normal circumstances. The DCMS and the rest of the Combine is busy dealing with a joint invasion from the LCAF and AFFS, which means all of their usual reserves have already been deployed to the front lines.
The Kuritans may have brought Hanse from Luthien to Benjamin to bait the AFFS into the trap, but they didn't take the bait. Too much discipline and a lack of opportunity for the AFFS to break ranks and go off on an unauthorised raid. Which of course raises questions about what that says about the Kell Hounds given they are doing that.
Morgan isn't worried about trouble. Yes, this is technically a violation of their contract with the Federated Suns, but Morgan is good friends with the First Prince and if they are successful in rescuing Hanse.
Not that it will be an easy fight. The 17th Benjamin Regulars are a veteran regiment that consists primarily of Heavy 'Mechs and even has a few assaults amongst their ranks. And Morgan would bet his 'Mech that the Dracs have some surprises for whoever comes looking to rescue Hanse Davion from their clutches. But while it will be a difficult fight, it is a possible one and the Kell Hounds aren't the sort to back down from a challenge. Not when that challenge is something worth fighting for.
San Martín, Dieron
Dieron Military District, Draconis Combine
5 August 3016
Within the privacy of her own quarters, Hikari lets the act drop. No need for the young woman to pretend to be a mighty hero that she isn't really. Hikari has risen greatly within the last couple of years, but perhaps she has risen too fast. Or maybe the problem is that she has risen on merits that are not truly her own. The greatest of her successes have either been inherited from her Lyran wastrel of a father or acquired with her memories from another life.
Marduk was a success, but even then it was the Sword of Light that crushed the 3rd Davion Guards and her own forces took heavy losses in the process. Hikari struck a death blow to the weak and ailing Outworlds Alliance, but the latest reports have the Davions reversing her gains over there. Ramora and Alpheratz have both fallen to the Federation along with their valuable factories.
At least they got the Outworlder Bug 'Mech factory. They might not be worth much, but a 'Mech is a 'Mech. Even if the DCMS doesn't make use of the weak twenty tonners, they can be used to bolster planetary militias against raiders.
Even her latest triumph, the retrieval of the New Dallas memory core and its ancient war machines rings hollow in the face of the defeats that the Dragon is facing across its borders with the Lyrans and Fedrats. Dieron and some other worlds have held, but at great cost while over two dozen worlds have fallen to the AFFS and LCAF. Two regiments worth of 'Mechs would be a great boon except only a third of them are built to modern standards. The rest of it is built with inferior technology and knowledge, surpassed by modern technology just as modern technology is surpassed by LosTech.
The rest of Hikari's haul is even worse with three regiments of heavy tanks and two battalions of artillery that are all filled with primitive vehicles, constructed with inferior technology from the Age of War.
At least the memory core is worthwhile. It is no Helm memory core, but the detailed technical specifications will make it easier to put historical designs into production. Nothing too great, but with the Dragon beginning to reverse LosTech, knowing how to make royal variants is an undeniable boon.
"Hikari, you are brooding again," says Theo as Hikari's husband enters her quarters.
Was it a mistake to marry him? It was offered and something that Hikari could reasonably request in exchange for giving the Helm cache to the Coordinator. But they don't have love and even if they have established friendship, that isn't the same thing as actual romance. Furthermore, becoming the daughter-in-law of the Dragon and wife to the potential future Coordinator has been a stressful adjustment.
But that is just the way of things in the Draconis Combine. Everyone has their part to play in serving the Dragon and such pressure can be stressful for anyone. Even the nobility, as unlike in lesser states, being part of the aristocracy isn't an excuse for laziness and weakness under the Dragon's rule.
"It wasn't enough," grumbles Hikari as she lets Theo walk to her and pull her into his embrace, "Dozens of worlds have fallen to the gaijin, including Marduk and most of the Outworlds Alliance. My successes are being undone by the failures of others and if that is the case, how great were my successes in the first place if they are so easily reversed?"
"It is a weakness in the Dragon that our worlds fall to Davion and Steiner," says Theo, "That our samurai are unable to hold the line against the dogs of the Archon and the First Prince. But even if others shamed themselves by allowing your successes to be undone, you secured victory not defeat. My wife, you have brought much to the glory of the Dragon. The failure of others in their own service is not your failure."
"You speak the truth, but it is also the truth that the Combine is falling into Commonwealth and the Suns hands," replies Hikari as she leans into Theo, "We are repairing factories and rediscovering how to make LosTech, but it won't be enough to keep the Steiner-Davions? at bay. Not when our economy is still the worst in the Inner Sphere."
"Uncle Chandy is helping us with that," answers Theo confidently through Hikari fears that confidence is misplaced.
"It doesn't matter much when your father refuses to cooperate," points Hikari, "And both of us are still too young and inexperienced to replace him even if that option was viable."
"We will make do," says Theo before a grin slowly breaks across his face, "I do have some good news for you. Luthien Armour Works has opened its first ferro-fibrous production line back on Luthien."
One last chapter of the story to wrap things up and then I'll do an epilogue or two set in 3019 to give a brief glimpse into the short term future. Also the invasion of the Draconis Combine isn't as successful as the invasion of CapCon. While plenty of worlds have fallen, other places have stood firm, including important places like Dieron and Al Na'ir.
Anyway, the story is coming to an end so I am trying to show more of Hikari. She was originally meant to be something of a secondary character for the final part of the story, but writing Kuritan characters turned out to be harder than I expected.
Please point out any spelling or grammar mistakes that you spot. Please quote them in the thread and explain what you think is wrong so I know what you are referring to.
Dieron Military District, Draconis Combine
16 June 3016
"Is it going as bad everywhere else as it is going here?" demands Victoria as she looks around the table, trying to ignore both the mental and physical exhaustion that she feels.
"If you are referring to the rest of the invasion, it is not," reports Marshal Ran Felsner, "The Dracs concentrating their forces here on Deiron has left the rest of the military district vulnerable."
"Except for Al Na'ir," comments someone else as Victoria takes a moment to bring up the summaries on her noteputer, "The Kuritans are putting as much of a fight over there as they are over here."
"That is true, but other than that, we are receiving multiple reports of victory," says Ran, "Altair and Deneb Algedi both fell after their DCMS garrisons were pulled back to Dieron and Al Na'ir respectively and the Combine didn't contest the conquest of Styx. Fighting is ongoing at Proserpina, but the other targets are falling due to the DCMS focusing their 'Mechs on the capitals."
"What about Tripoli?" inquires Victoria as she looks at the latest summary from that world.
"I am not personally familiar with the latest reports from over there," replies Ran as he pulls out his own noteputer.
"The Eleventh Benjamin Regulars are putting up a stiffer fight than expected," says someone else, "I have friends in that invasion force so I've been keeping up with it as much as the HPGs allow. The situation is overall favourable, but the Dracs are getting their licks in and making our troops pay for every success."
"Just like here," grumbles Victoria.
"And Al Na'ir," adds Ran, "Nonetheless, things are looking to be successful. The Combine is losing irreplaceable LosTech and locally speaking, their losses are matching our own. We might be forced to withdraw from Dieron, but from a strategic perspective, we are certainly winning."
At the current rate of fighting, there will be no maybe about having to call it quits, but Victoria isn't foolish enough to say that out loud. No need to undermine morale by pointing out some harsh truths and it would hurt Ran's attempts to be optimistic and encouraging about the situation.
Every AFFS 'Mech regiment on Dieron has lost at least a couple companies of 'Mechs so far with some having been reduced by a full battalion. The Ariana Grenadiers has been hit the hardest relatively so far as the former CCAF unit was only a battalion in size and after a couple of nasty engagements with the 7th Sword of Light, they are only able to muster up to ten 'Mechs.
Victoria has pulled them back to reserves, both to preserve what is left of the unit and so the surviving Ariana Grenadiers can operate as an elite force to put out any fires that spring up.
"What about the Lyrans?" asks Ardan, having become the acting commander of the Davion Heavy Guards after the loss of Colonel Parry a few days ago, "How is their half of the invasion going?"
"Not as well as ours, but that is to be expected given the quality difference between the LCAF and the AFFS," answers Ran, "There is still fighting along multiple worlds, but we have received word that Ko, Sevren, Weingarten and Yorii have all fallen to the Commonwealth."
Victoria smiles at the good news, but she politely ignores the mild celebrations as she looks at some of the casualty reports from the LCAF. Ko has fallen to the Lyran Commonwealth as Ran said, but what the Marshal didn't mention is that the veteran 22nd Dieron Regulars made a withdrawal in good order, conserving the majority of their strength. And there is the fact that the Lyrans have been bogged down with strong resistance on three times as many worlds as the AFFS. While the LCAF is invading more worlds than the Suns, it is only nineteen to the fifteen of the AFFS.
Still, the invasion is looking to be a success. Four worlds have already been liberated by the Lyran Commonwealth and despite the ongoing fighting, it looks like more Combine systems are going to fall even if the LCAF doesn't have the same rate of success as the AFFS.
"What about the Outworlds Alliance?" asks someone else, "We're still kicking Drac butt over there, right?"
"The actual fighting down there has died down not long before the invasion began," answers Victoria, "After the Eridani Light Horse wrecked the Proserpina Hussars on Ramora, the DCMS has avoided conflict with their remaining forces in the region. There was some additional fighting on Alpheratz, but that was more of a fighting withdrawal than a serious attempt to hold the world. Right now, the Eridani Light Horse and the Ministry of Foreign affairs are securing what worlds they can along with what remnants of the AMC that are willing to work with us."
The Kuritans also took the production lines of Alliance Defender Limited with them when they left Alpheratz, but there is no benefit to bringing that up now. Besides, that 'Mech factory only produced Bug 'Mechs. The Combine did try to take the Merlin factory belonging to Mountain Wolf BattleMechs, but in a pleasantly surprising turn of events, a company of surviving Avellar Guards saved the day there. The Outworlder MechWarriors fought off the DCMS long enough that the AFFS was able to relieve them, denying the factory to the Kuritans even if only two of their 'Mechs were still functional by the end of it.
Still, it leaves three of the Spirit Legions unaccounted for. Victoria isn't too worried about the Ghost and Spectre Legion as they are full of green recruits, but the Wraith Legion was already decently seasoned before being hardened in battle against the Avellar Guard on Alpheratz. In any case, three regiments of BattleMechs is still over three hundred 'Mechs to worry about. The Suns has sufficient forces in reserve over there, but keeping those units on standby combined with the commitments to the former Outworlds Alliances means that the AFFS is limited in what they can do along that part of the border.
"Unless there are further questions, we should focus back on the situation at hand here on Dieron," declares Ran, shooting a questioning look at Victoria, who gives a slight shake of her head, "We have the enemy outnumbered, but they have been whittling down the numerical difference with clever use of the local defences and their LosTech advantage. Does anybody have any suggestions on how we can counter one or both of those?"
***
Fort Cross, Dieron
Dieron Military District, Draconis Combine
28 June 3016
"Hold the line!" calls Victoria grimly as she glares at the attacking DCMS forces from the cockpit of her Highlander, "By Freedom's Sword!"
Ignoring a small volley of LRMs that mostly miss her, the First Prince focuses on a Panther that is involved in the attack on the Davion DropShips as the AFFS undergo their evacuation from the planet. Both sides have been left bloodied and battered with the AFFS and DCMS each suffering heavy losses, but apparently the Kuritans have enough left in them to muster up a few final attacks.
Victoria fires her LRMs and autocannon at the enemy 'Mech, but the distance and active movement of the Panther means that the latter misses outright and only some of the former strike true. In turn, the Kuritans begin to focus on her, which is good on one hand because she is piloting a heavily armoured Assault 'Mech, but on the other hand, she is the First Prince and it would take just one unlucky cockpit hit to end her.
She doesn't stop moving and a PPC bolt from a Panther glances off of her side while a second one misses outright. A Jenner comes rushing forward to engage her with its short ranged weapons and Victoria prepares to meet it in kind. As more LRMs rain down upon her, peppering her armour with small explosions, Victoria opens fire on the Jenner at almost the same time, it unleashes a volley at her.
Her autocannon catches its side, blowing away half of its medium lasers while Victoria's own lasers rake across its torso alongside the SRMs, leaving melted and cratered armour in their wake. Victoria receives her own taste of that medicine, but the difference between her Highlander and the Draconian Jenner means that she can take it much better than her opponent can.
As a Valkyrie from the 4th Deneb Light Cavalry jumps forward to engage the Jenner as it tries to flee, Victoria feels a pang of longing for her old unit. Still, she pushes that feeling to one side as she focuses on the Panthers as the Jenner flees with the Valkyrie in pursuit.
She exchanges fire with the pair of Panthers, the First Prince firing autocannon shells and LRMs while the Draconian MechWarriors unleash their PPCs. Victoria's Highlander staggers as a bolt of pseudo-lighting strikes its shoulder, barely missing her cockpit. Victoria snarls at the very close call, which soon turns into a grin as her autocannon blows the leg of the responsible Panther off at the knee. It isn't enough to slay her victim, but it is enough to cripple it.
"God damn it, Victoria, get the hell back to safety!" shouts Ardan over the radio as his Victor comes running out and Victoria winces at the anger in his voice, "You're the First Prince! We cannot afford to lose you."
On the one hand, an acting colonel has no right to be talking to the First Prince that way. On the other hand, it is Ardan Sortek and he isn't wrong. Not to mention that he has good grounds to be upset with her current actions given his history.
"Understood, Major Sortek," replies Victoria as she ignites her jump jets to fall back in a timely manner, complying with Ardan's reasonable demand whilst reminding him of their respective ranks.
As her Highlander soars backwards through the air, Victoria spots a Marauder and a JagerMech joining Ardan's Victor on the frontline, both of them also in the colours of the Heavy Guards. More than enough to take on the Panthers and whoever is responsible for those LRMs.
Now Victoria just needs to get back to her 'Mech gantry and the safety of her DropShip.
***
Low Orbit, Benjamin
Benjamin Military District, Draconis Combine
31 July 3016
"Just to be clear, Morgan, you realise how insane this plan is?" says Patrick Kell over the comms as their 'Mechs drop to the surface along with the rest of the Kell Hounds.
"Yes, but we owe it to Ian and Victoria to get Hanse back," replies Morgan Kell as his Archer's drop pod comes ever closer to the ground, "We failed to save Ian on Mallory's world and Victoria has done a lot of work to make our dreams a reality. The least we can do is save their brother."
"If you call this the least we can do, then we have very different definitions of 'least'," scoffs Salome Ward, but Morgan can hear the humour in her voice.
"I didn't hear you disagreeing with the plan," Morgan shoots back.
"That's because I haven't disagreed," replies Salome as their 'Mechs finally hit the ground with a thundering thud that rocks Morgan in his cockpit.
In all fairness, it is a risky manoeuvre, but it is a calculated risk. While deep-raiding the capital of a military district would be madness under normal circumstances, these are far from normal circumstances. The DCMS and the rest of the Combine is busy dealing with a joint invasion from the LCAF and AFFS, which means all of their usual reserves have already been deployed to the front lines.
The Kuritans may have brought Hanse from Luthien to Benjamin to bait the AFFS into the trap, but they didn't take the bait. Too much discipline and a lack of opportunity for the AFFS to break ranks and go off on an unauthorised raid. Which of course raises questions about what that says about the Kell Hounds given they are doing that.
Morgan isn't worried about trouble. Yes, this is technically a violation of their contract with the Federated Suns, but Morgan is good friends with the First Prince and if they are successful in rescuing Hanse.
Not that it will be an easy fight. The 17th Benjamin Regulars are a veteran regiment that consists primarily of Heavy 'Mechs and even has a few assaults amongst their ranks. And Morgan would bet his 'Mech that the Dracs have some surprises for whoever comes looking to rescue Hanse Davion from their clutches. But while it will be a difficult fight, it is a possible one and the Kell Hounds aren't the sort to back down from a challenge. Not when that challenge is something worth fighting for.
***
San Martín, Dieron
Dieron Military District, Draconis Combine
5 August 3016
Within the privacy of her own quarters, Hikari lets the act drop. No need for the young woman to pretend to be a mighty hero that she isn't really. Hikari has risen greatly within the last couple of years, but perhaps she has risen too fast. Or maybe the problem is that she has risen on merits that are not truly her own. The greatest of her successes have either been inherited from her Lyran wastrel of a father or acquired with her memories from another life.
Marduk was a success, but even then it was the Sword of Light that crushed the 3rd Davion Guards and her own forces took heavy losses in the process. Hikari struck a death blow to the weak and ailing Outworlds Alliance, but the latest reports have the Davions reversing her gains over there. Ramora and Alpheratz have both fallen to the Federation along with their valuable factories.
At least they got the Outworlder Bug 'Mech factory. They might not be worth much, but a 'Mech is a 'Mech. Even if the DCMS doesn't make use of the weak twenty tonners, they can be used to bolster planetary militias against raiders.
Even her latest triumph, the retrieval of the New Dallas memory core and its ancient war machines rings hollow in the face of the defeats that the Dragon is facing across its borders with the Lyrans and Fedrats. Dieron and some other worlds have held, but at great cost while over two dozen worlds have fallen to the AFFS and LCAF. Two regiments worth of 'Mechs would be a great boon except only a third of them are built to modern standards. The rest of it is built with inferior technology and knowledge, surpassed by modern technology just as modern technology is surpassed by LosTech.
The rest of Hikari's haul is even worse with three regiments of heavy tanks and two battalions of artillery that are all filled with primitive vehicles, constructed with inferior technology from the Age of War.
At least the memory core is worthwhile. It is no Helm memory core, but the detailed technical specifications will make it easier to put historical designs into production. Nothing too great, but with the Dragon beginning to reverse LosTech, knowing how to make royal variants is an undeniable boon.
"Hikari, you are brooding again," says Theo as Hikari's husband enters her quarters.
Was it a mistake to marry him? It was offered and something that Hikari could reasonably request in exchange for giving the Helm cache to the Coordinator. But they don't have love and even if they have established friendship, that isn't the same thing as actual romance. Furthermore, becoming the daughter-in-law of the Dragon and wife to the potential future Coordinator has been a stressful adjustment.
But that is just the way of things in the Draconis Combine. Everyone has their part to play in serving the Dragon and such pressure can be stressful for anyone. Even the nobility, as unlike in lesser states, being part of the aristocracy isn't an excuse for laziness and weakness under the Dragon's rule.
"It wasn't enough," grumbles Hikari as she lets Theo walk to her and pull her into his embrace, "Dozens of worlds have fallen to the gaijin, including Marduk and most of the Outworlds Alliance. My successes are being undone by the failures of others and if that is the case, how great were my successes in the first place if they are so easily reversed?"
"It is a weakness in the Dragon that our worlds fall to Davion and Steiner," says Theo, "That our samurai are unable to hold the line against the dogs of the Archon and the First Prince. But even if others shamed themselves by allowing your successes to be undone, you secured victory not defeat. My wife, you have brought much to the glory of the Dragon. The failure of others in their own service is not your failure."
"You speak the truth, but it is also the truth that the Combine is falling into Commonwealth and the Suns hands," replies Hikari as she leans into Theo, "We are repairing factories and rediscovering how to make LosTech, but it won't be enough to keep the Steiner-Davions? at bay. Not when our economy is still the worst in the Inner Sphere."
"Uncle Chandy is helping us with that," answers Theo confidently through Hikari fears that confidence is misplaced.
"It doesn't matter much when your father refuses to cooperate," points Hikari, "And both of us are still too young and inexperienced to replace him even if that option was viable."
"We will make do," says Theo before a grin slowly breaks across his face, "I do have some good news for you. Luthien Armour Works has opened its first ferro-fibrous production line back on Luthien."
***
One last chapter of the story to wrap things up and then I'll do an epilogue or two set in 3019 to give a brief glimpse into the short term future. Also the invasion of the Draconis Combine isn't as successful as the invasion of CapCon. While plenty of worlds have fallen, other places have stood firm, including important places like Dieron and Al Na'ir.
Anyway, the story is coming to an end so I am trying to show more of Hikari. She was originally meant to be something of a secondary character for the final part of the story, but writing Kuritan characters turned out to be harder than I expected.
Please point out any spelling or grammar mistakes that you spot. Please quote them in the thread and explain what you think is wrong so I know what you are referring to.
Chapter Twenty-One
- Location
- Southampton, Great Britain
- Pronouns
- He/Him
New Foundation, New Earth
Federation of Skye, Lyran Commonwealth
9 August 3016
"Do you think I could get away with giving Morgan a Medal Excalibur?" Victoria asks out loud, only half-joking.
"I doubt it," replies Yvonne, "Even putting aside that he is a mercenary and not even a citizen of the Suns, he only rescued Hanse. Not to downplay that as I am as grateful to him and the Kell Hounds as anyone else, but it is too personal to the Davion family to justify a Medal Excalibur."
"I wasn't seriously considering it, but I do need to do something to reward Morgan," says Victoria, "And the rest of the Kell Hounds, too."
"You can't give the Kell Hounds land-holdings since they already have Arc-Royal," says Tahmina, "Others might be willing to take a title and land grant, but I doubt all of them will be so I won't count on that."
"Grant the Kell brothers the Order of Davion and give the rest a Silver Sunburst or if they did something particularly critical to the mission, a Gold Sunburst," suggests Yvonne, "Give them priority on resupply to get them back up to full strength and a bonus sum of C-Bills from the Davion family coffers."
"I'll look into it," says Victoria, "The medals and C-Bills shouldn't be too much trouble, but I don't want to redirect supplies at the expense of other units which may need them."
"It shouldn't be a problem unless you are planning a follow up offensive," replies Yvonne before the Prince's Champion purses her lips, "I would recommend against that. Most of our reserves are currently committed and those that aren't need time to lick their wounds and get back into shape. Especially if we are absorbing the Outworlds into the Federation because between that and our most recent liberations, the AFFS will be tapped out for another year or two as we get things sorted out.
"The upside is that the Combine is as exhausted as we are. They have taken losses all across both borders and while they have held Dieron and Al Na'ir, they took as heavy losses as we did in the process. They have enough forces remaining to make any further invasions non-trivial, but they lack the manpower to launch a counter attack."
"Unless they pull reinforcements from the Commonwealth border," Victoria points out, "The DCMS did better along that front."
While the AFFS took a dozen worlds along the border with only Dieron, Al Na'ir and Proserpina remaining in Kuritan hands, the LCAF has had a harder time of it. The Lyrans were ultimately successful in their half of the invasion and even took one more world than the Suns did, but they also targeted more worlds and ultimately took heavier losses than their foes. The AFFS and DCMS had roughly equal losses across their front, but the LCAF had a higher casual rate than the DMCS on their side of things.
"The LCAF didn't have their reserves tapped out by another major invasion two years ago," answers Yvonne, "They have enough forces remaining that the Coordinator can't afford to let that front be weakened."
"Unfortunately that bitch found another cache while everything was going on," grumbles Victoria, scowling at the thought of that infuriating report, "And from the size of her expedition, I bet she brought a decent-sized haul back home with her."
"Even if she did, it won't be enough to change things," says Yvonne, "We have the Kuritans on the defensive and they expended most of their LosTech on Dieron and Al Na'ir. Even if the Combine is bringing more 'Mech factories online, we still have the advantage when it comes to the combined military production of the Commonwealth and the Suns."
"Another few regiments might allow for a counter-offensive in the near future, especially if she found more LosTech," argues Victoria, "And MIIO has strong indication that the Dracs have some degree of LosTech production on Luthien."
"When did that news come in and why haven't I heard it yet?" demands Yvonne sharply.
"Arrived with this morning's HPG bundmble," answers Victoria, "The news was included in my morning brief and I read it about an hour ago. Nothing too solid so we don't know what the LosTech is or if it is as simple as some handcrafted prototypes or something as advanced as a proper production line, but it bodes ill for the future."
"It certainly does," agrees Yvonne, "Depending on what the details are, we may be in for some rough sailing ahead. Still, we do have the upper hand right now and that is no small thing. Since we are on the subject of LosTech, have we seen any sign of those exoskeletons that were used to silence Anton Marik?"
Victoria lets out a sigh at that. Two years ago, Anton Marik and his inner circle were captured by the Captain-General and then were promptly eliminated by a force of unknown combat exoskeletons before any of them could talk. Since then, those combat exoskeletons have yet to be identified and have been both a mystery and a point of contention. Janos wants to know who it is to find out who wanted his traitor of a brother silenced and for a time, it was accepted that House Liao was behind them.
Then the Capellan Confederation fell and it became clear that they weren't behind the exoskeletons so the suspicion shifted to the Draconis Combine. Now House Kurita hasn't deployed any sort of combat exoskeleton and suspicions are beginning to get raised once again. With the two most obvious suspects out of the running while the Periphery and ComStar being non-options, the blame is beginning to raise tensions as the most likely suspect is looking like the Lyrans or an internal faction of the League.
Victoria hopes it won't grow into a bigger issue, but if Janos decides that the Lyrans are responsible or if he needs to blame them to avoid internal strife from blaming a faction within the League, things could go badly. Hopefully not sink the Solaris Accords badly, but it might and even if it doesn't, it means more trouble and work for Victoria.
"No," admits Victoria, "From what MIIO and DMI have reported, the Dracs either haven't used them or they don't have them. And while it will be politically charged, it is increasingly looking like the latter is the case."
"I'll leave the politics to you then," says Yvonne with a frown, "I won't deny that I will be relieved to find out that the Kuritans don't have them to use against us."
"If only it was that simple for me," says Victoria with a sigh, "Alright, Yvonne, bring me up to speed on military matters and concerns so I'm up to date when the Archon arrives tomorrow."
New Foundation, New Earth
Federation of Skye, Lyran Commonwealth
10 August 3016
"Things have gone well," says Katrina, "Not as well as the invasion of the Confederation, but we knew going in that the Combine was going to be a much harder foe."
"That has probably spoilt me," replies Victoria, "By the standards of the Third Succession War, taking two dozen worlds is a good win, especially since the enemy isn't in a position to retake them. Not to mention that we kept the Kuritans from claiming the Outworlds Alliance. Most of it anyhow."
"Things are more perilous on my side of the border," admits the Archon, "We have taken heavier losses than we inflicted and despite my best efforts, too much of the LCAF remains hampered by corruption. The DCMS has already retaken Komephoros and I fear that more worlds may fall to counterattacks, especially since the Commonwealth makes for an easier target for the Coordinator to gain some wins. Could you spare some of the AFFS to assist?"
"Only if you don't mind some former CCAF units," answers Victoria, having made sure to be aware of what the Suns could spare to help the Lyrans, "The Northwind Highlanders have grown eager to see some action again and refill their coffers, but they want to remain as mercenaries and I have hired them to help reinforce the new border. I can send them to help the LCAF, but I would like to request some financial compensation to help cover the cost of hiring them."
"That is acceptable, especially given the reputation that the Highlanders had as some of the better units in the Confederation," replies Katrina after a moment, "And the Commonwealth is more than capable of paying some C-Bills. It will be easier than finding some dependable units."
"I'll speak with my Champion and have her sort out the details with whoever is handling it on your end," says Victoria, "Now, have you heard anything about the LosTech production on Luthien?"
"Only that the LIC has reliable indication that the Combine is producing some kind of LosTech on their capital," answers Katrina, "And that your intelligence agencies have shared similar reports."
"I'm not sure if they have been passed to the LIC yet, but the reports that I received yesterday are confirming that there is some manner of LosTech production on Luthien," Victoria tells her, "What it is or the extent of it are unknown, but it is there and I want to find out more. I am hoping that something will be turned up, but given that it is Luthien, I suspect that we'll find out what they are making when it starts getting deployed to the frontlines."
"An unfortunate, but likely prospect," agrees the Archon.
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
12 September 3016
"You certainly have been busy while I've been away," says Hanse as Victoria walks into the room, looking aged by his captivity, but jovial to be back home, "I do like what you've done with the place."
For her part, Victoria doesn't bother with words as she rushes forward to embrace her brother. A hug that Hanse happily returns.
"The place being what exactly?" asks Victoria as she pulls back.
"The Inner Sphere, Vicky," answers Hanse dryly, "Practically unrecognisable these days."
"An opportunity was dropped into my lap," replies Victoria with a grin, "I just took advantage of it."
"Is that what you call replacing a fellow Successor State with a new March?" drawls Hanse, "Because I didn't expect to come back after two years and find that the Liaos are now our subjects."
"I needed to secure our flank against the Kuritans," explains Victoria with a shrug, "And before that, they were exposed and an easy target, especially after they pissed off the Leaguers by trying to ignite a civil war over there. Speaking of which, were you seriously going to inflame the civil war rather than stop Anton's revolt in its tracks?"
"I'll concede that your approach has certainly worked out, most likely far better than my own way," replies Hanse, "I'm not going to reclaim my position as First Prince. Even if I held it first, you have held it longer and done more with it. More than I could have hoped. It is in the best interest of the Federated Suns to keep you as First Prince and it isn't in its best interests to cause internal strife and disunity. Especially since the Combine is industrially on the rise."
"You heard about that?" inquires Victoria and her brother nods, "It's a mess. For every victory I claim, it feels like the Dracs are getting a lucky break. Sometimes it feels like a miracle that we have them on the backfoot."
"Speaking of miracles, I'm still stunned at how you got the Taurians of all people to listen to reason," says Hanse, switching back to his semi-joking manner, "I never thought I would see the Bulls make peace with a Davion."
"The current Protector is more interested in outward expansion than invading us," answers Victoria, "Plus the invasion of the Cappies made it clear that I could conquer them if I wanted to while the Drac invasion of the Outworlds got them antsy. Antsy enough that the Protector could agree to no raids and turn a blind eye to trade through the Aurigans without too much internal backlash. But enough about politics for now. Have you seen Dana and Ian?"
"I've been spending my free time with them between catching up on what I missed during my captivity," answers Hanse fondly, "I regret missing Ian's baby years, but I am glad to be with them now."
"You'll be spending more time with them," Victoria tells him, "Dana is going to leave the AFFS and take a part-time job on my staff to have the time to be a proper mother to Ian. As for you, I'm putting you on medical leave until you have recovered from your time in captivity. And don't complain that it is special treatment, the same would apply for any soldier in your position and if that isn't already the case, then I have some changes to make. It will also give me time to find a place for you since your previous position isn't an option."
"Of course," agrees Hanse before pausing, "Have you found anyone? It hasn't been mentioned to me, but it occurs to me that I haven't been told you don't have anyone."
"Still single and looking that way for the foreseeable future," answers Victoria, "I've been too busy to worry about something as trifling as romance. I have too much on my plate right now to give a romantic partner a suitable amount of time. It wouldn't be fair for either of us."
"The amount of time you can devote to your partner is a reasonable consideration," concedes Hanse, "Hopefully it will be something that I can keep up in regards to Dana. God knows that I've failed her in that regard even if it was in no way my fault."
"It really wasn't," points out Victoria, "If we are going to take blame for things that aren't our fault, I should let you know that I had no plans to rescue you. Benjamin was still too deep in Combine space and I didn't have the forces to spare for a deep raid. If Morgan and the Kell Hounds hadn't gone after you on their own initiative, you would still be in Kuritan hands."
"Sounds like I owe them even more than I realised," says Hanse before giving Victoria a grin, "Not that I blame you for your choice. The needs of the Federated Suns come before our personal desires even if I am exceedingly grateful to be free of Draconian prison. I would not recommend the experience by the way, zero stars all the way."
"It couldn't have been that bad if you are already joking about it," teases Victoria before sighing and giving her brother another hug, "It is good to have you back, Hanse."
And the story is at an end. I'm not the happiest with it, both the ending and the story, but both of them are good enough that I am okay with them. In addition to being my first successful run at NaNoWriMo, it has also been a learning experience in a new style of writing so I'm happy with the outcome. I made my mistakes, but hopefully I will learn from them and in the meantime, there is another enjoyable BattleTech story on the internet.
I'm going to write an epilogue or two, something taking place in 3019 as the truce between the Lyran Commonwealth and Free Worlds League is about to run out. A brief glimpse into the future to see how things are playing out.
Please point out any spelling or grammar mistakes that you spot. Please quote them in the thread and explain what you think is wrong so I know what you are referring to.
Federation of Skye, Lyran Commonwealth
9 August 3016
"Do you think I could get away with giving Morgan a Medal Excalibur?" Victoria asks out loud, only half-joking.
"I doubt it," replies Yvonne, "Even putting aside that he is a mercenary and not even a citizen of the Suns, he only rescued Hanse. Not to downplay that as I am as grateful to him and the Kell Hounds as anyone else, but it is too personal to the Davion family to justify a Medal Excalibur."
"I wasn't seriously considering it, but I do need to do something to reward Morgan," says Victoria, "And the rest of the Kell Hounds, too."
"You can't give the Kell Hounds land-holdings since they already have Arc-Royal," says Tahmina, "Others might be willing to take a title and land grant, but I doubt all of them will be so I won't count on that."
"Grant the Kell brothers the Order of Davion and give the rest a Silver Sunburst or if they did something particularly critical to the mission, a Gold Sunburst," suggests Yvonne, "Give them priority on resupply to get them back up to full strength and a bonus sum of C-Bills from the Davion family coffers."
"I'll look into it," says Victoria, "The medals and C-Bills shouldn't be too much trouble, but I don't want to redirect supplies at the expense of other units which may need them."
"It shouldn't be a problem unless you are planning a follow up offensive," replies Yvonne before the Prince's Champion purses her lips, "I would recommend against that. Most of our reserves are currently committed and those that aren't need time to lick their wounds and get back into shape. Especially if we are absorbing the Outworlds into the Federation because between that and our most recent liberations, the AFFS will be tapped out for another year or two as we get things sorted out.
"The upside is that the Combine is as exhausted as we are. They have taken losses all across both borders and while they have held Dieron and Al Na'ir, they took as heavy losses as we did in the process. They have enough forces remaining to make any further invasions non-trivial, but they lack the manpower to launch a counter attack."
"Unless they pull reinforcements from the Commonwealth border," Victoria points out, "The DCMS did better along that front."
While the AFFS took a dozen worlds along the border with only Dieron, Al Na'ir and Proserpina remaining in Kuritan hands, the LCAF has had a harder time of it. The Lyrans were ultimately successful in their half of the invasion and even took one more world than the Suns did, but they also targeted more worlds and ultimately took heavier losses than their foes. The AFFS and DCMS had roughly equal losses across their front, but the LCAF had a higher casual rate than the DMCS on their side of things.
"The LCAF didn't have their reserves tapped out by another major invasion two years ago," answers Yvonne, "They have enough forces remaining that the Coordinator can't afford to let that front be weakened."
"Unfortunately that bitch found another cache while everything was going on," grumbles Victoria, scowling at the thought of that infuriating report, "And from the size of her expedition, I bet she brought a decent-sized haul back home with her."
"Even if she did, it won't be enough to change things," says Yvonne, "We have the Kuritans on the defensive and they expended most of their LosTech on Dieron and Al Na'ir. Even if the Combine is bringing more 'Mech factories online, we still have the advantage when it comes to the combined military production of the Commonwealth and the Suns."
"Another few regiments might allow for a counter-offensive in the near future, especially if she found more LosTech," argues Victoria, "And MIIO has strong indication that the Dracs have some degree of LosTech production on Luthien."
"When did that news come in and why haven't I heard it yet?" demands Yvonne sharply.
"Arrived with this morning's HPG bundmble," answers Victoria, "The news was included in my morning brief and I read it about an hour ago. Nothing too solid so we don't know what the LosTech is or if it is as simple as some handcrafted prototypes or something as advanced as a proper production line, but it bodes ill for the future."
"It certainly does," agrees Yvonne, "Depending on what the details are, we may be in for some rough sailing ahead. Still, we do have the upper hand right now and that is no small thing. Since we are on the subject of LosTech, have we seen any sign of those exoskeletons that were used to silence Anton Marik?"
Victoria lets out a sigh at that. Two years ago, Anton Marik and his inner circle were captured by the Captain-General and then were promptly eliminated by a force of unknown combat exoskeletons before any of them could talk. Since then, those combat exoskeletons have yet to be identified and have been both a mystery and a point of contention. Janos wants to know who it is to find out who wanted his traitor of a brother silenced and for a time, it was accepted that House Liao was behind them.
Then the Capellan Confederation fell and it became clear that they weren't behind the exoskeletons so the suspicion shifted to the Draconis Combine. Now House Kurita hasn't deployed any sort of combat exoskeleton and suspicions are beginning to get raised once again. With the two most obvious suspects out of the running while the Periphery and ComStar being non-options, the blame is beginning to raise tensions as the most likely suspect is looking like the Lyrans or an internal faction of the League.
Victoria hopes it won't grow into a bigger issue, but if Janos decides that the Lyrans are responsible or if he needs to blame them to avoid internal strife from blaming a faction within the League, things could go badly. Hopefully not sink the Solaris Accords badly, but it might and even if it doesn't, it means more trouble and work for Victoria.
"No," admits Victoria, "From what MIIO and DMI have reported, the Dracs either haven't used them or they don't have them. And while it will be politically charged, it is increasingly looking like the latter is the case."
"I'll leave the politics to you then," says Yvonne with a frown, "I won't deny that I will be relieved to find out that the Kuritans don't have them to use against us."
"If only it was that simple for me," says Victoria with a sigh, "Alright, Yvonne, bring me up to speed on military matters and concerns so I'm up to date when the Archon arrives tomorrow."
***
New Foundation, New Earth
Federation of Skye, Lyran Commonwealth
10 August 3016
"Things have gone well," says Katrina, "Not as well as the invasion of the Confederation, but we knew going in that the Combine was going to be a much harder foe."
"That has probably spoilt me," replies Victoria, "By the standards of the Third Succession War, taking two dozen worlds is a good win, especially since the enemy isn't in a position to retake them. Not to mention that we kept the Kuritans from claiming the Outworlds Alliance. Most of it anyhow."
"Things are more perilous on my side of the border," admits the Archon, "We have taken heavier losses than we inflicted and despite my best efforts, too much of the LCAF remains hampered by corruption. The DCMS has already retaken Komephoros and I fear that more worlds may fall to counterattacks, especially since the Commonwealth makes for an easier target for the Coordinator to gain some wins. Could you spare some of the AFFS to assist?"
"Only if you don't mind some former CCAF units," answers Victoria, having made sure to be aware of what the Suns could spare to help the Lyrans, "The Northwind Highlanders have grown eager to see some action again and refill their coffers, but they want to remain as mercenaries and I have hired them to help reinforce the new border. I can send them to help the LCAF, but I would like to request some financial compensation to help cover the cost of hiring them."
"That is acceptable, especially given the reputation that the Highlanders had as some of the better units in the Confederation," replies Katrina after a moment, "And the Commonwealth is more than capable of paying some C-Bills. It will be easier than finding some dependable units."
"I'll speak with my Champion and have her sort out the details with whoever is handling it on your end," says Victoria, "Now, have you heard anything about the LosTech production on Luthien?"
"Only that the LIC has reliable indication that the Combine is producing some kind of LosTech on their capital," answers Katrina, "And that your intelligence agencies have shared similar reports."
"I'm not sure if they have been passed to the LIC yet, but the reports that I received yesterday are confirming that there is some manner of LosTech production on Luthien," Victoria tells her, "What it is or the extent of it are unknown, but it is there and I want to find out more. I am hoping that something will be turned up, but given that it is Luthien, I suspect that we'll find out what they are making when it starts getting deployed to the frontlines."
"An unfortunate, but likely prospect," agrees the Archon.
***
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
12 September 3016
"You certainly have been busy while I've been away," says Hanse as Victoria walks into the room, looking aged by his captivity, but jovial to be back home, "I do like what you've done with the place."
For her part, Victoria doesn't bother with words as she rushes forward to embrace her brother. A hug that Hanse happily returns.
"The place being what exactly?" asks Victoria as she pulls back.
"The Inner Sphere, Vicky," answers Hanse dryly, "Practically unrecognisable these days."
"An opportunity was dropped into my lap," replies Victoria with a grin, "I just took advantage of it."
"Is that what you call replacing a fellow Successor State with a new March?" drawls Hanse, "Because I didn't expect to come back after two years and find that the Liaos are now our subjects."
"I needed to secure our flank against the Kuritans," explains Victoria with a shrug, "And before that, they were exposed and an easy target, especially after they pissed off the Leaguers by trying to ignite a civil war over there. Speaking of which, were you seriously going to inflame the civil war rather than stop Anton's revolt in its tracks?"
"I'll concede that your approach has certainly worked out, most likely far better than my own way," replies Hanse, "I'm not going to reclaim my position as First Prince. Even if I held it first, you have held it longer and done more with it. More than I could have hoped. It is in the best interest of the Federated Suns to keep you as First Prince and it isn't in its best interests to cause internal strife and disunity. Especially since the Combine is industrially on the rise."
"You heard about that?" inquires Victoria and her brother nods, "It's a mess. For every victory I claim, it feels like the Dracs are getting a lucky break. Sometimes it feels like a miracle that we have them on the backfoot."
"Speaking of miracles, I'm still stunned at how you got the Taurians of all people to listen to reason," says Hanse, switching back to his semi-joking manner, "I never thought I would see the Bulls make peace with a Davion."
"The current Protector is more interested in outward expansion than invading us," answers Victoria, "Plus the invasion of the Cappies made it clear that I could conquer them if I wanted to while the Drac invasion of the Outworlds got them antsy. Antsy enough that the Protector could agree to no raids and turn a blind eye to trade through the Aurigans without too much internal backlash. But enough about politics for now. Have you seen Dana and Ian?"
"I've been spending my free time with them between catching up on what I missed during my captivity," answers Hanse fondly, "I regret missing Ian's baby years, but I am glad to be with them now."
"You'll be spending more time with them," Victoria tells him, "Dana is going to leave the AFFS and take a part-time job on my staff to have the time to be a proper mother to Ian. As for you, I'm putting you on medical leave until you have recovered from your time in captivity. And don't complain that it is special treatment, the same would apply for any soldier in your position and if that isn't already the case, then I have some changes to make. It will also give me time to find a place for you since your previous position isn't an option."
"Of course," agrees Hanse before pausing, "Have you found anyone? It hasn't been mentioned to me, but it occurs to me that I haven't been told you don't have anyone."
"Still single and looking that way for the foreseeable future," answers Victoria, "I've been too busy to worry about something as trifling as romance. I have too much on my plate right now to give a romantic partner a suitable amount of time. It wouldn't be fair for either of us."
"The amount of time you can devote to your partner is a reasonable consideration," concedes Hanse, "Hopefully it will be something that I can keep up in regards to Dana. God knows that I've failed her in that regard even if it was in no way my fault."
"It really wasn't," points out Victoria, "If we are going to take blame for things that aren't our fault, I should let you know that I had no plans to rescue you. Benjamin was still too deep in Combine space and I didn't have the forces to spare for a deep raid. If Morgan and the Kell Hounds hadn't gone after you on their own initiative, you would still be in Kuritan hands."
"Sounds like I owe them even more than I realised," says Hanse before giving Victoria a grin, "Not that I blame you for your choice. The needs of the Federated Suns come before our personal desires even if I am exceedingly grateful to be free of Draconian prison. I would not recommend the experience by the way, zero stars all the way."
"It couldn't have been that bad if you are already joking about it," teases Victoria before sighing and giving her brother another hug, "It is good to have you back, Hanse."
***
And the story is at an end. I'm not the happiest with it, both the ending and the story, but both of them are good enough that I am okay with them. In addition to being my first successful run at NaNoWriMo, it has also been a learning experience in a new style of writing so I'm happy with the outcome. I made my mistakes, but hopefully I will learn from them and in the meantime, there is another enjoyable BattleTech story on the internet.
I'm going to write an epilogue or two, something taking place in 3019 as the truce between the Lyran Commonwealth and Free Worlds League is about to run out. A brief glimpse into the future to see how things are playing out.
Please point out any spelling or grammar mistakes that you spot. Please quote them in the thread and explain what you think is wrong so I know what you are referring to.