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Fan Designs and Rules / Re: Ideas for improved and economical units for lower tech Worlds.
« Last post by DOC_Agren on Today at 00:54:29 »I like this because these are family of vehicles designs. 
Recent Posts
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BattleTech Game Errata / Re: Master Unit List (MUL) Feedback Thread IV - READ THE FIRST POST
« Last post by mitchberthelson on Today at 00:48:52 »Looks like I made another mistake in formatting my Tau Wraith request. Forgot the link. Sorry.
Tau Wraith: http://masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3166/tau-wraith
Tau Wraith is missing the LPRB and RCN abilities it should have from the Multi-Modal Cybernetic Eyes (Sensory Implants) listed on pg.207 of TRO: 3085 that describe a 2 Hex active-probe ability. Multi-Modal Sensory Implants grant LPRB and RCN per pg. 147 of Alpha Strike Commander's Edition.
Fix:
Add LPRB and RCN to Tau Wraith. Recalculate PV if necessary. The MUL already has the C3I ability from the Boosted Communications Implant.
Tau Wraith: http://masterunitlist.info/Unit/Details/3166/tau-wraith
Tau Wraith is missing the LPRB and RCN abilities it should have from the Multi-Modal Cybernetic Eyes (Sensory Implants) listed on pg.207 of TRO: 3085 that describe a 2 Hex active-probe ability. Multi-Modal Sensory Implants grant LPRB and RCN per pg. 147 of Alpha Strike Commander's Edition.
Fix:
Add LPRB and RCN to Tau Wraith. Recalculate PV if necessary. The MUL already has the C3I ability from the Boosted Communications Implant.
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General BattleTech Discussion / Re: Upcoming Releases XXIX: First Annual 29th Birthday
« Last post by MoneyLovinOgre4Hire on Today at 00:42:13 »Did they ever correct the scaling / size issues with the Premium Phoenix Hawk and Rifleman?
Not that I've heard. Same goes for the other issues with the Rifleman.
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Ground Combat / Re: Elemental (Fire) or Elemental III?
« Last post by MoneyLovinOgre4Hire on Today at 00:41:22 »That's true, but Infernos are Battletech's only Instant Death Effect attack that isn't a nuke.
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Fan Articles / Re: Mech of the Week: P1 Perseus
« Last post by glitterboy2098 on 26 April 2024, 23:59:59 »I believe that large pulse lasers are one of the few Clan weapon systems that we have yet to see an IS power produce natively, but that would make for some fantastic upgrade potential.so switch over to using a trio of CERLL's. the damage and heat work out about the same as using the pulse lasers, and you save a few tons plus get better range.
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Fan Fiction / Re: Heart of the Dragon-Brought to you by Monbvol and Cannonshop
« Last post by worktroll on 26 April 2024, 23:52:56 »It's nice watching smart people at work. Both sides.
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Fan Designs and Rules / Re: Is it time for an Underwater Rules Overhaul (?)
« Last post by Zematus737 on 26 April 2024, 23:45:20 »In vacuum you may have to deal with radiation issues, but in the sea you will definitely need larger maintenance crews and have to deal with corrosion too. Whatever you can build in space would last longer and will always be more useful than an underwater facility that can never reposition itself. Defensively used as a fortification. Sure. I'm just questioning the practicality of it in comparison to a space shipyard and warships. The purpose for anything down there is to hide whatever it is you don't want to be observed. You can call it security if you want to, but it sounds like a replay of Bioshock to me.
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Off Topic / Re: What movies/tv are we watching part XXX, Back into the fray!
« Last post by garhkal on 26 April 2024, 23:36:11 »He certainly MADE that roll, but for me, i'd have to say either Amos OR Drummer. Bobbie comes in a close 3rd for me.
I think it has to be Miller. It was a great character and Thomas Jane really sold the part. I also really enjoyed Bobbie’s arc.
As for tonight's viewing pleasure, i just watched Gran Torismo. LOVED IT...
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Fan Fiction / Re: Heart of the Dragon-Brought to you by Monbvol and Cannonshop
« Last post by monbvol on 26 April 2024, 23:36:10 »Garden
Daimyo’s Palace
Apriki
Draconis Combine
27 June 3055
It was a rare nice day during this season on Apriki.
So the children were out in the garden, enjoying the day.
Yurika giggled as a harmless local insect landed on her hand.
Natsu leaned over to get a closer look.
As Yuko came over it flew away.
“Aw. I waned oo hee.” Yuko’s missing teeth giving her a severe enunciation problem.
Clara brought out a small basket. Inside were meal boxes and drink containers.
“Lunch. I’m starved.” Hideki the younger proclaimed.
“Yurika as our Lord’s eldest daughter gets served first, you know that cousin.” Clara chided as she pulled out a box and drink container and set them in front of Yurika.
“I know. I’m just saying I’m hungry.” Hideki the younger almost pouted.
“Patience.” Clara took another box and drink container out and handed them to Natsu.
“The summer wind carries songs of gratitude.” Natsu said as she started laying out a small blanket.
Yuko smiled when she received hers next.
Then finally, after what seemed like forever, Clara handed Hideki the Younger his meal box and drink container.
Clara helped Yurika with her box and drink. Yurika took the small handful of pills out of her box then quickly gulped them all down with a swig from her drink container.
“I wih my heeh would grow back in faser.” Yuko grumbled as she carefully nibbled on a rice ball.
“It is a tribulation we all must contend with Mistress Yuko.” Clara smiled.
“Yah buh you have all your heeh.” Yuko complained.
“Tomorrow ends yesterday’s problems.” Natsu said before proceeding to attack a roll.
Hideki the younger looked like he wanted to say something but stopped himself and instead began eating.
July, 3055, Tharkad…
You would think it would have the decency to rain, or drizzle at least, especially here, especially now.
The Archon's funeral procession wasn't under an overcast sky, the press didn't need umbrellas.
"Funerals…" Henrietta Ngo, Baroness Hue-on-Kowloon, muttered, "are for the living."
She'd been on the way here anyway, as a witness and escorting guard for her former Commanding Officer, Colonel Sir Jameson Stonecipher, who'd managed to ****** up so badly that he ran off in the middle of offensive operations and tried to desert.
Which left the 77th Fedcom (Reserve) in the hands of an XO named Sweeney, who in turn handed off the job of explaining to Mount Asgard what the ****** happened to freshly made Kommandant Henrietta Ngo.
Just in time for word of the Archon's assassination to reach their transport at the Gibbs turnover.
If there was anything IN the box being drawn down Kaiser Freidrichstrasse, it was so mangled by the explosion as to be nearly unrecognizable, or more made of mortuary cosmetics than flesh or bone.
Henrietta knew exactly what an explosion of that sort does to human beings, she'd seen it enough in the last five years.
She wasn't the only member of the family here, she reached out, and laid a hand on Elizabeth's shoulder, "straighten up and look sad." she muttered, "and put the handbrain padd away, we're on camera."
Faintly, she wished to god that Patrick could've come for this instead.
"...know that a controlled and organized retreat is one of the hardest tasks an officer can carry out, routs are, sadly, far too common."
Henrietta leaned forward to the mic, "The term you're looking for, general, sir, is Orderly retreat, as opposed to the usual circus of chaos, confusion and cowardice. The Seventy Seventh's first and second battalions executed an Orderly withdrawal, I can't say what Headquarters company or the fourth battalion did, as communications were disrupted. Given the condition at the rally point on Melissia, I'd speculate that fourth battalion were pursued a bit more vigorously than the rest of us, seeing as they only retained thirty percent of their pre-landing fighting strength."
“The reports do paint a strange picture against this Red Corsair and her group of ‘pirates’. Is there any other clarifying detail you would like to add at this time to explain such a chaotic and disappointing engagement?”
"They knew where we were landing, they were emplaced and waiting for us." she said, "My battalion commander, Kommandant Parker, was hit from three sides, so they knew who the command element was ahead of time. They had our comms channels and encryption broken or jammed at the site, and if those were 'pirates' I'm the first lord of the ****** star league-those were Clan Regulars, likely operating under a false flag to exploit details of the Tukayyid truce."
“That is a chilling prospect. Thanks to Focht we know the Clans are no longer getting intel from Comstar or the Word of Blake. That leaves few prospects for where the Red Corsair could have gotten such information.”
"They got it from somebody."
"How did you get out?" another senior officer asked.
"I changed the comm orders to a backup on low freq RF and organized a fighting withdrawal since we couldn't call in air support or artillery." she snapped, "Not a big deal, but they apparently didn't have the Nuclear exchange protocols." she leaned back, "I don't anticipate that working a second time."
“That is not standard operating procedure. But given the evidence and similar testimony from other officers it is to be commended. Hauptmann Ngo you have done your duty by all accounts.”
And there it was. 'Hauptmann'. The field promotion being denied.
"Thank you sir." she said.
“We have some further deliberations to make in private. So expect to hear from us again soon.”
"The witness is dismissed."
She stood and saluted the panel, executed a sharp about face, and left the chamber. She'd expected to have to testify against Stonecipher, she didn't expect to have to defend her actions on the site.
An oversight on her part.
"So what's going to happen?" Elizabeth asked over lunch.
"Well, they're going to 'deliberate' and then, I'll probably be offered a bad conduct discharge as the alternative to a resignation for the good of the service." Henrietta explained, "See, nobody likes losers, Lizzie. I pulled two and a half battalions out of a ****** and the very politically connected Regimental Commander was caught in an act of bald cowardice. The standard operating procedure for that, as in the one outside the regulation lists, is to go after the lowest ranking person you can pin the responsibility on and shuffle the connected noble to a desk somewhere safe and quiet…or he dies of an accident or suicide, but they have to look like they're doing something and connected people have blackmail."
Liz put her spoon down on the plate next to her soup. "That's not right."
"It isn't right, it is, however, what is." Henrietta explained, "Outreach is full of good officers from the AFFC and Lyran commands, most of whom aren't IN the AFFC anymore for reasons like this. We train the best mercs in the business, but the actual national service is…wanting."
“You better not go merc on me.”
"Not planning on it." Henrietta said agreeably.
A throat clearing interrupted the women and Helena looked up.
"Good job out there, Ngo, almost like your dad." Morgan Kell rumbled. "Mind if I have a seat?"
"Recruiting already??" Elizabeth scoffed, and Henrietta held up a hand in warning.
"Please, sir, if you want, have a seat."
"You think they're going to bounce you for that retreat?"
"Seems likely." she said, "I've seen it before-"
"So have I. I'm here to tell you someone has juice, on your side, your career isn't as doomed as you think."
“I think that deserves an explanation.” Liz butted in.
"The Commonwealth needs patriots." Morgan stated, "Competent patriots. I mean, I've sure as hell benefitted from the social generals chasing off good officers before, but the Commonwealth needs good line officers...and I have a bigger bag of dirt than Stoney does. At least enough to keep the review fair...if you want to stay in, Henrietta..or I can offer you a job with the Hounds."
"I'll take 'staying in'." Henrietta said, "it's…a family thing."
"Consider it done, the bag of dirt will remain in the bag as needed."
“Good. I’m sure as hell no ruler and aside from maybe making a living on the fashion runway it’s not like I have a lot of other talents.” Henrietta chuckled.
"What's your end?" Elizabeth asked suspiciously. "Nobody does anything for nothing."
"I'm looking to refurbish some factories, Miss Ngo, are you capable of representing your brother in business yet?"
Liz grimaced, "You got catalog numbers?"
"I do."
“Somebody came prepared. Careful Liz.” Henrietta warned.
Elizabeth sighed, "How much off the standard rates are you looking for, Your Grace sir?"
"Five percent." he said firmly, "Though I'll ask ten for old times sake, your Grandfather always claimed the best way to get the rate you want, is to ask for half what you'll accept."
"Have your rep call Ms.Whyte at the office tonight, we'll have the contract ready by morning." Liz said, "Five is fine, we'll still make a profit."
“Well then, pleasure doing business with you. As you can imagine I am a busy man. I’ll be in touch though.” Morgan extended his hand.
Liz took it and shook it. The deal was made.
"Five percent?" Henrietta inquired.
"Grandfather always said Morgan Kell gets five percent off the list pricing, payback for interceding with Her Majesty Katrina to get him out of Blackgate-see? I paid attention to Grandfather's stories!"
“Thus why you’re on the board and I’m living a life of ‘adventure’.”
"You could be on the board, Henrietta, you chose to give Pat your proxies…I, on the other hand, have been using mine…with Ms Whyte's assistance, anyway."
“And you’re doing great. But I’m not you or Pat.”
"Be glad you're not me, the drugs make everything worse." Liz told her, "like, I'm having to force the food down today, because everything smells and tastes gross."
“Everything? Even if I were to spring for some milkshakes?”
Lizzie looked tempted and alarmed at the same time.
Yurika’s room
Daimyo’s Palace
Apriki
Draconis Combine
7 July, 3055
Yurika looked at the tangled mess of wires and components in front of her.
Half an hour ago it had been a standard electronic media player.
She started arranging it, straightening the cables, organizing the bits.
“What are you working on?” Clara sat besides Yurika.
“Your cousin broke the media player. I’m fixing it.” Yurika declared.
“You don’t have to do that. My cousin should face the repercussions of his actions.” Clara studied the mess.
“I want to. Besides, he will anyway. Your grandfather will demand it.” Yurika grabbed a tool and began separating parts from the shattered housing.
“Here you go Yurika.” Yuko brought in a small stack of wood.
“Thanks.” Yurika said warmly.
Natsu came in with a small box.
“What’s that for?” Clara asked.
“Old housing is broken. Need new housing.” Yurika said as she kept grabbing bits and working on them then laid them down in neatly organized sections.
Natsu opened the box and handed Yurika a wiring tool as she pulled out a wood working tool.
Clara stood up and went running off.
Yuko watched her sisters work together, handing them anything they asked for.
By the time an adult had shown up the trio had already cut the panels of wood to allow mounting of the dials and controls for the media player and nearly had it reassembled.
Hikkaru studied his daughters for a moment, not interrupting them.
Yurika closed the top of the media player and turned it on. After a brief moment it started playing an old melody.
“You three didn’t hurt yourselves?” Hikkaru finally asked.
“No father.” Yuko answered.
“The passage of time degrades us all.” Natsu shook her head.
Yurika simply held her hands and forearms up to show she was unhurt.
Hikkaru nodded.
He stroked his chin in thought for a moment afterward.
Yurika turned to look at him. She gave him a look. The kind of look only a daughter can give their father.
So much for being of steel for them… Hikkaru sighed.
“Very well. I shall create a dedicated workshop just for you Yurika. Though I suspect your sisters will spend a fair bit of time there as well.”
Yurika smiled.
Hikkaru’s office
Daimyo’s Palace
Apriki
Draconis Combine
14 July 3055
“Daimyo… Your visit is most unexpected.” Hikkaru greeted his guest.
“Certain stories have been reaching me, enough that I felt concerned one of the Daimyo’s within my area of responsibility was not managing things as they should.” The Daimyo of Irurzun said coldly.
“What stories Daimyo?” Hikkaru was certain he already knew the answer but he needed to be sure.
“Your daughters. Is it true they are doing the work of technicians? With tools that are far too dangerous for ones of their age to safely use?”
“It makes them happy and they have not suffered any injuries. I see no need to interfere.”
“And what of your servant’s granddaughter? Is it true she is the product of not just an affair but the rape of a hated enemy?”
“So what if she is? She has taken to Yurika and even though they are of a similar age to one another she helps to see to Yurika’s needs. She is loyal and faithful.” Hikkaru answered flatly.
“You…” The Daimyo seemed flustered.
“Serve the Dragon. I do not care about the origins of those who serve me as long as they are able to carry out their duties and so far none of my servants have failed in that regard.” Hikkaru pressed a button on his desk.
The monitors around his desk came to life showing financial information, battle reports, and streams of all sorts of news reports.
“Death is as light as a feather. Duty is heavier than a mountain. This is my mountain. This is how I serve the Dragon. It may not be the glorious honorable death that bushido teaches but thanks to people such as I? The Samurai get their swords, they get to battle, they are clothed, they are fed, and when the battle is done? They are healed.”
The Daimyo of Irurzun seemed taken aback by everything he was looking at.
“And how I see to my family is my business.” Hikkaru steeled his gaze.
“You overstep. I demand satisfaction.” The Daimyo gathered himself finally.
“If you survive mine. You have insulted your host, even if you are his superior, this is poor behavior. And you have insulted my granddaughter. For that I shall be your opponent first.” Hideki stepped into the office.
“Very well.” The Daimyo of Irurzun stepped out of the office.
“Hideki, be cautious. He is of the old ways.” Hikkaru looked at the aging man.
“Then my victory is certain.” Hideki had a gleam in his eye, one Hikkaru knew that meant Hideki was indeed certain.
Hikkaru followed Hideki out to the dojo.
Hideki changed into his dueling gi. Then he stepped to the wall where various katana and wakazashi were on display before he settled on a pair with red scabbards.
Hikkaru took his place as lord of the manor.
The Daimyo of Irurzun drew his katana and went into a high guard/ready stance.
Hideki drew his blade in a lower stance to his right.
“Begin.” Hikkaru commanded.
The Daimyo stepped forward, bringing his blade into a counter-clockwise fient.
Hideki side stepped and on the Daimyo’s counter swing he batted aside his opponent’s katana, flat to flat.
Hideki blocked two more quick strikes before he saw his opening.
With his own feint Hideki caused the Daimyo to over commit to a high block, and with a lightning quick counterswing he caught both the Daimyo’s arms.
Hideki withdrew his blade.
“It is done.” Hideki declared.
The Daimyo’s hands were still attached but the damage was obvious. Hideki was correct. The duel was over.
Doctor Greene was quickly summoned and began tending to the Daimyo’s wounds.
“Honor has been satisfied.” Hikkaru judged.
None of the entourage that the Daimyo of Irurzun had brought with him that were now serving as witnesses objected.
Once the guests were gone, Hikkaru laid a hand on Hideki’s shoulder.
“You know what I am going to say don’t you?” Hideki said.
“Yes. And I know you’ll fight my enemies for me. But that is part of the problem isn’t it? To solve this problem long term I need to make some additions to the staff.” Hikkaru nodded.
“I am getting old. If I were younger he would not have even gotten the second swing off before I had ended the duel.” Hideki shook his head. “Still it was good to feel battle once more.”
“No doubt. But I think it is time for you to start doing what my father wished.”
“Hai. I shall start tutoring Natsu and Yuko along with my grandchildren.”
“Thank you old friend. Now that our business is taken care of and my duties as Daimyo are concluded for the day I shall cease neglecting my children as it is almost time for the evening meal.” Hikkaru smiled.
Late evening, 25 July, 3055 (Tharkad Local Time)
"Partisan Politics!!" Henrietta practically snarled. "Do they just not understand we're at war?"
Elizabeth shrugged noncommittally, "You expected different? Oh, right, since Pat got back you've been able to avoid having to come."
"You're one to talk, Lilbit."
The hired car pulled up to the secure passenger door and opened. Elizabeth carefully helped herself out of her seat, "thank you Harvey, I've got this…" she said, planting her Grandfather's bluewood cane on the ferrocrete sidewalk and leveraging herself out of the seat, while Henrietta accepted the driver's aid.
"You could have worn something more formal." she told her little sister.
"Tonight I'm 'Baroness Spider Moon', there's forms to follow, one of them, is I don't have to gussy up like a Dirtyfoot." Liz said, "besides, black business is formal…enough. Nobody's going to care…" Liz paused and examined her older sister critically, "You left the sixteen kilo platinum hammer in the trunk."
"I Left it at the condo!!" Henrietta snarked back.
Liz cocked an eyebrow, "Harvey?"
The boot of the car opened, and the driver brought the heavy ass metal Medal around.
"Public show. The Archon's wake, and Victor's Coronation." Lizzie said, "you're representing Patrick, as his Heir-apparent, I, on the other hand, am the almost-disqualified spare."
"You're still going to have to do your swearing in." Henrietta teased. "Eighteen…which is why you got your very own invite."
"Bitch."
"I've been called worse by better, lilbit."
"No, I mean, I'm high as a kite on this stuff. I've got to fake being straight all night now." Liz huffed.
"So the docs…"
"Prescribed harder stuff than what I WAS taking, and I'm not used to it yet. This is going to be a fiasco. Thank god I'm still super-duper minor…"
"And I'm not? Baroness Hue?"
"You've got an actual city Henrietta. As far as these innahs are concerned, I'm basically a hassenfanger who owns a bunch of 'worthless real estate' separated by distances best calculated in astronomical units."
"Maybe he'll let you out of it."
'You sound doubtful."
"Victor's sharp." Henrietta said, "he's got a gift for people. Katherine's also sharp with people, sharper even. You got your invite because someone looked at the books…and that's also why you didn't get to wait until Christmas."
Liz made a face as they passed the door scanners.
Henrietta hefted the enormous platinum thing onto her shoulder one handed, and caught her sister's stumble with the the other in a move almost as graceful as a ballet. "Knee?"
"Knees." Lizzie nodded.
Henrietta blended…well, she would've, if she wasn't escorting her younger sister. Elizabeth stood out. Mourning black business jacket, ankle length skirt, white blouse and of course, their Grandfather's Bluewood cane.
An antithesis of fashion, neither of them wore makeup, but it really was noticeable with Elizabeth's too-pale complexion and flat, unstyled hair.
The blue armband with the Lyre, instead of the fist, was probably part of that, marking Elizabeth as a devoted Conservative supporter like a silent primal scream in the face to everyone who saw the FedCom merger as a good thing.
"Remember your third grade year at Groningen?" Henrietta cautioned.
"Yes…"
"Don't do that. I'm going to go talk to some officers, don't start any fights, you're not eight and they're not other kids."
“One time and now I have a reputation.” Liz sighed.
Henrietta let her sister find a spot and mingled her way over to a group of semi-familiar faces.
"Babysitting, Kommandant?"
Henrietta shrugged and took a glass from a passing steward, "Lizzie's eighteen now, she doesn't need it, and nobody here would trust their kids with her as the sitter…so, I noticed we've got some new faces."
“War is hell. A fair number of officers killed in action were Dukes or Duchesses of worlds. Now their heirs need to swear in.”
"Yah, but Lizzie's exempt and a baroness. Why?" she asked. "Why are we here? Why am I not going back to my unit to help end this war?"
“Because for a moment, we have time to breathe. So we’re taking it.”
"How many of these children are we going to be sending out to get back by parcel post?" she nodded at a group of young officers, fresh from graduation. "They're Kids."
“Too many. But that’s the way it always is isn’t it? Some of them are older than you at least."
"You know what I mean-they've been protected their whole lives, they're not ready."
"Were you?"
"No…but that's the point isn't it? Most of my enlisted and junior officers have at least got some life experience before they were called to the colors again…" she sighed.
“Find me the secret answer and I’ll use it. Until then, that’s what they make schnapps for.”
"What's the scuttlebutt on the Archon Prince, why did he include Elizabeth? She's got a permanent draft exemption for medical, they won't even let her into an academy."
"Might be an oversight."
"Might be a disaster waiting to happen." Henrietta corrected her peer.
“Yeah. Probably. Honestly what makes more sense is someone is wanting to send a message and your sister has a rep. So they might be counting on said disaster.”
A pair of Guards sequestered Elizabeth and led her to the Archon's office. "He's interviewing her." Henrietta muttered, "Shit. I should be in there."
"If he wanted you in there, you'd be in there."
"...I looked at your requests." Victor Ian Steiner Davion was tall enough Liz didn't have to crane her neck to meet his eyes.
"And?"
"No way in hell." He said, "You're a Noble, sure, but, you're a civilian, period." he stated. "The idea of a Naval Militia's interesting, your prospectus claims you can pull it off, but no."
"I qualified-"
"As a terminal patient." he interrupted, "Yes, I saw the Guild cert card, and Yes, I checked with the Guild Reps, it's real, but you might be qualified to helm a jumpship, for now-but what about in three years, Lady Ngo?? When you're on the kind of drugs terminal patients have to take to stay rational? So no. I mean, christ, you're high as a kite right now."
"I can lower the dose-"
"No." he said. "Can you build it without wearing a uniform?"
She hemmed, frowned, "Yeah."
"Build the ships, the realm will buy the transports at least." he told her, "but you're not going to get a uniform, and I don't have to be the ****** who sent a terminal patient off into combat."
"Then we'll build the ships, can you get the licenses?"
"I'll lean on them, we need transport jumpships and couriers." He told her, "Focus on those."
"As you command, Your Majesty."
"Oh, and we're going to make that one official, you're swearing in tonight so there's no question about your loyalties, or who's responsible." he added. "They can't put up a fuss, if it's by my order. It's truly amazing what an Archon's Decree can do about removing red tape."
Liz made a face like she wanted to say something but didn’t.
That part done, Victor shifted gears, "How's your sister really doing?" he asked, "That ****** with the Red Corsair…"
"I worry about her." Liz said. "Henrietta has…the last few years have been hard on everyone, or so I'm told, but she keeps wanting to go back out there."
“A soldier, through and through. Some people are not meant to be civilians.”
"Yeah, look what it did to our father." she countered, and rubbed the spot just below her collar bone, "Or mom."
“She’ll find her balance. We all do eventually. And she has you to help her find it.”
"For as long as I last." Liz agreed, "This…" she swirled the tumbler, "it's from Kowloon?"
"Your grandfather sent my grandmother a bottle every year." Victor said, "most of them are gathering dust, I first tried this stuff as a kid, because I was curious, it burns."
"That's how you know it's good." Liz said agreeably, "Cheers."
“Cheers.”
"So?" Henrietta met her sister coming out of the Archon's offices.
"I got my boon." Liz told her, "most of it, anyway. He flat refused some of it, but I got enough. Sanction for the project Grandmama Cheryl wanted to try back when we were little kids."
"Which is?"
"I get to build a small fleet for the realm, and we don't have to keep it a secret." Liz said happily, "I just can't be part of it."
"Too right. Gawd, when Pat said you were apprenticing with Li…"
“Li’s good. Plus I can’t stand being idle, you know that.”
"Make sure you stick to his terms, Lizzie." Henrietta said, "You're going to be carrying Archon's paper."
"I know."
“You going to be able to make it through the rest of the ceremony?”
"Have to. I made a promise." Liz said, "You know what Grandfather would say about that-always make sure your promises are stronger than your threats."
“Yeah. Okay. If it gets too much we’ll figure out the consequences later but you don’t dare keep it from me alright?”
Elizabeth's oath was slightly modified with Victor's assent. She swore loyalty to the Commonwealth, as opposed to any specific individual or even family, then he granted her 'boon'- Royal Permission to build a shipyard in the Kowloon system and produce transport jumpships for the AFFC.
The painful price of that boon, was public acknowledgement of Elizabeth's medical condition, her exemption from the draft, and a broad hint for the rest of the Nobility that this was an Archon Prince indulging the fantasies of a sick girl.
Henrietta was appalled, right up to the point that Liz quietly informed her that it had all been arranged beforehand.
Political Theater, to cover what had been going on in the outer system for years.
Which did make Henrietta glad her job wasn’t public relations for Ngo Industries.
Daimyo’s Palace
Apriki
Draconis Combine
27 June 3055
It was a rare nice day during this season on Apriki.
So the children were out in the garden, enjoying the day.
Yurika giggled as a harmless local insect landed on her hand.
Natsu leaned over to get a closer look.
As Yuko came over it flew away.
“Aw. I waned oo hee.” Yuko’s missing teeth giving her a severe enunciation problem.
Clara brought out a small basket. Inside were meal boxes and drink containers.
“Lunch. I’m starved.” Hideki the younger proclaimed.
“Yurika as our Lord’s eldest daughter gets served first, you know that cousin.” Clara chided as she pulled out a box and drink container and set them in front of Yurika.
“I know. I’m just saying I’m hungry.” Hideki the younger almost pouted.
“Patience.” Clara took another box and drink container out and handed them to Natsu.
“The summer wind carries songs of gratitude.” Natsu said as she started laying out a small blanket.
Yuko smiled when she received hers next.
Then finally, after what seemed like forever, Clara handed Hideki the Younger his meal box and drink container.
Clara helped Yurika with her box and drink. Yurika took the small handful of pills out of her box then quickly gulped them all down with a swig from her drink container.
“I wih my heeh would grow back in faser.” Yuko grumbled as she carefully nibbled on a rice ball.
“It is a tribulation we all must contend with Mistress Yuko.” Clara smiled.
“Yah buh you have all your heeh.” Yuko complained.
“Tomorrow ends yesterday’s problems.” Natsu said before proceeding to attack a roll.
Hideki the younger looked like he wanted to say something but stopped himself and instead began eating.
July, 3055, Tharkad…
You would think it would have the decency to rain, or drizzle at least, especially here, especially now.
The Archon's funeral procession wasn't under an overcast sky, the press didn't need umbrellas.
"Funerals…" Henrietta Ngo, Baroness Hue-on-Kowloon, muttered, "are for the living."
She'd been on the way here anyway, as a witness and escorting guard for her former Commanding Officer, Colonel Sir Jameson Stonecipher, who'd managed to ****** up so badly that he ran off in the middle of offensive operations and tried to desert.
Which left the 77th Fedcom (Reserve) in the hands of an XO named Sweeney, who in turn handed off the job of explaining to Mount Asgard what the ****** happened to freshly made Kommandant Henrietta Ngo.
Just in time for word of the Archon's assassination to reach their transport at the Gibbs turnover.
If there was anything IN the box being drawn down Kaiser Freidrichstrasse, it was so mangled by the explosion as to be nearly unrecognizable, or more made of mortuary cosmetics than flesh or bone.
Henrietta knew exactly what an explosion of that sort does to human beings, she'd seen it enough in the last five years.
She wasn't the only member of the family here, she reached out, and laid a hand on Elizabeth's shoulder, "straighten up and look sad." she muttered, "and put the handbrain padd away, we're on camera."
Faintly, she wished to god that Patrick could've come for this instead.
***
"...know that a controlled and organized retreat is one of the hardest tasks an officer can carry out, routs are, sadly, far too common."
Henrietta leaned forward to the mic, "The term you're looking for, general, sir, is Orderly retreat, as opposed to the usual circus of chaos, confusion and cowardice. The Seventy Seventh's first and second battalions executed an Orderly withdrawal, I can't say what Headquarters company or the fourth battalion did, as communications were disrupted. Given the condition at the rally point on Melissia, I'd speculate that fourth battalion were pursued a bit more vigorously than the rest of us, seeing as they only retained thirty percent of their pre-landing fighting strength."
“The reports do paint a strange picture against this Red Corsair and her group of ‘pirates’. Is there any other clarifying detail you would like to add at this time to explain such a chaotic and disappointing engagement?”
"They knew where we were landing, they were emplaced and waiting for us." she said, "My battalion commander, Kommandant Parker, was hit from three sides, so they knew who the command element was ahead of time. They had our comms channels and encryption broken or jammed at the site, and if those were 'pirates' I'm the first lord of the ****** star league-those were Clan Regulars, likely operating under a false flag to exploit details of the Tukayyid truce."
“That is a chilling prospect. Thanks to Focht we know the Clans are no longer getting intel from Comstar or the Word of Blake. That leaves few prospects for where the Red Corsair could have gotten such information.”
"They got it from somebody."
"How did you get out?" another senior officer asked.
"I changed the comm orders to a backup on low freq RF and organized a fighting withdrawal since we couldn't call in air support or artillery." she snapped, "Not a big deal, but they apparently didn't have the Nuclear exchange protocols." she leaned back, "I don't anticipate that working a second time."
“That is not standard operating procedure. But given the evidence and similar testimony from other officers it is to be commended. Hauptmann Ngo you have done your duty by all accounts.”
And there it was. 'Hauptmann'. The field promotion being denied.
"Thank you sir." she said.
“We have some further deliberations to make in private. So expect to hear from us again soon.”
"The witness is dismissed."
She stood and saluted the panel, executed a sharp about face, and left the chamber. She'd expected to have to testify against Stonecipher, she didn't expect to have to defend her actions on the site.
An oversight on her part.
***
"So what's going to happen?" Elizabeth asked over lunch.
"Well, they're going to 'deliberate' and then, I'll probably be offered a bad conduct discharge as the alternative to a resignation for the good of the service." Henrietta explained, "See, nobody likes losers, Lizzie. I pulled two and a half battalions out of a ****** and the very politically connected Regimental Commander was caught in an act of bald cowardice. The standard operating procedure for that, as in the one outside the regulation lists, is to go after the lowest ranking person you can pin the responsibility on and shuffle the connected noble to a desk somewhere safe and quiet…or he dies of an accident or suicide, but they have to look like they're doing something and connected people have blackmail."
Liz put her spoon down on the plate next to her soup. "That's not right."
"It isn't right, it is, however, what is." Henrietta explained, "Outreach is full of good officers from the AFFC and Lyran commands, most of whom aren't IN the AFFC anymore for reasons like this. We train the best mercs in the business, but the actual national service is…wanting."
“You better not go merc on me.”
"Not planning on it." Henrietta said agreeably.
A throat clearing interrupted the women and Helena looked up.
"Good job out there, Ngo, almost like your dad." Morgan Kell rumbled. "Mind if I have a seat?"
"Recruiting already??" Elizabeth scoffed, and Henrietta held up a hand in warning.
"Please, sir, if you want, have a seat."
"You think they're going to bounce you for that retreat?"
"Seems likely." she said, "I've seen it before-"
"So have I. I'm here to tell you someone has juice, on your side, your career isn't as doomed as you think."
“I think that deserves an explanation.” Liz butted in.
"The Commonwealth needs patriots." Morgan stated, "Competent patriots. I mean, I've sure as hell benefitted from the social generals chasing off good officers before, but the Commonwealth needs good line officers...and I have a bigger bag of dirt than Stoney does. At least enough to keep the review fair...if you want to stay in, Henrietta..or I can offer you a job with the Hounds."
"I'll take 'staying in'." Henrietta said, "it's…a family thing."
"Consider it done, the bag of dirt will remain in the bag as needed."
“Good. I’m sure as hell no ruler and aside from maybe making a living on the fashion runway it’s not like I have a lot of other talents.” Henrietta chuckled.
"What's your end?" Elizabeth asked suspiciously. "Nobody does anything for nothing."
"I'm looking to refurbish some factories, Miss Ngo, are you capable of representing your brother in business yet?"
Liz grimaced, "You got catalog numbers?"
"I do."
“Somebody came prepared. Careful Liz.” Henrietta warned.
Elizabeth sighed, "How much off the standard rates are you looking for, Your Grace sir?"
"Five percent." he said firmly, "Though I'll ask ten for old times sake, your Grandfather always claimed the best way to get the rate you want, is to ask for half what you'll accept."
"Have your rep call Ms.Whyte at the office tonight, we'll have the contract ready by morning." Liz said, "Five is fine, we'll still make a profit."
“Well then, pleasure doing business with you. As you can imagine I am a busy man. I’ll be in touch though.” Morgan extended his hand.
Liz took it and shook it. The deal was made.
"Five percent?" Henrietta inquired.
"Grandfather always said Morgan Kell gets five percent off the list pricing, payback for interceding with Her Majesty Katrina to get him out of Blackgate-see? I paid attention to Grandfather's stories!"
“Thus why you’re on the board and I’m living a life of ‘adventure’.”
"You could be on the board, Henrietta, you chose to give Pat your proxies…I, on the other hand, have been using mine…with Ms Whyte's assistance, anyway."
“And you’re doing great. But I’m not you or Pat.”
"Be glad you're not me, the drugs make everything worse." Liz told her, "like, I'm having to force the food down today, because everything smells and tastes gross."
“Everything? Even if I were to spring for some milkshakes?”
Lizzie looked tempted and alarmed at the same time.
Yurika’s room
Daimyo’s Palace
Apriki
Draconis Combine
7 July, 3055
Yurika looked at the tangled mess of wires and components in front of her.
Half an hour ago it had been a standard electronic media player.
She started arranging it, straightening the cables, organizing the bits.
“What are you working on?” Clara sat besides Yurika.
“Your cousin broke the media player. I’m fixing it.” Yurika declared.
“You don’t have to do that. My cousin should face the repercussions of his actions.” Clara studied the mess.
“I want to. Besides, he will anyway. Your grandfather will demand it.” Yurika grabbed a tool and began separating parts from the shattered housing.
“Here you go Yurika.” Yuko brought in a small stack of wood.
“Thanks.” Yurika said warmly.
Natsu came in with a small box.
“What’s that for?” Clara asked.
“Old housing is broken. Need new housing.” Yurika said as she kept grabbing bits and working on them then laid them down in neatly organized sections.
Natsu opened the box and handed Yurika a wiring tool as she pulled out a wood working tool.
Clara stood up and went running off.
Yuko watched her sisters work together, handing them anything they asked for.
By the time an adult had shown up the trio had already cut the panels of wood to allow mounting of the dials and controls for the media player and nearly had it reassembled.
Hikkaru studied his daughters for a moment, not interrupting them.
Yurika closed the top of the media player and turned it on. After a brief moment it started playing an old melody.
“You three didn’t hurt yourselves?” Hikkaru finally asked.
“No father.” Yuko answered.
“The passage of time degrades us all.” Natsu shook her head.
Yurika simply held her hands and forearms up to show she was unhurt.
Hikkaru nodded.
He stroked his chin in thought for a moment afterward.
Yurika turned to look at him. She gave him a look. The kind of look only a daughter can give their father.
So much for being of steel for them… Hikkaru sighed.
“Very well. I shall create a dedicated workshop just for you Yurika. Though I suspect your sisters will spend a fair bit of time there as well.”
Yurika smiled.
Hikkaru’s office
Daimyo’s Palace
Apriki
Draconis Combine
14 July 3055
“Daimyo… Your visit is most unexpected.” Hikkaru greeted his guest.
“Certain stories have been reaching me, enough that I felt concerned one of the Daimyo’s within my area of responsibility was not managing things as they should.” The Daimyo of Irurzun said coldly.
“What stories Daimyo?” Hikkaru was certain he already knew the answer but he needed to be sure.
“Your daughters. Is it true they are doing the work of technicians? With tools that are far too dangerous for ones of their age to safely use?”
“It makes them happy and they have not suffered any injuries. I see no need to interfere.”
“And what of your servant’s granddaughter? Is it true she is the product of not just an affair but the rape of a hated enemy?”
“So what if she is? She has taken to Yurika and even though they are of a similar age to one another she helps to see to Yurika’s needs. She is loyal and faithful.” Hikkaru answered flatly.
“You…” The Daimyo seemed flustered.
“Serve the Dragon. I do not care about the origins of those who serve me as long as they are able to carry out their duties and so far none of my servants have failed in that regard.” Hikkaru pressed a button on his desk.
The monitors around his desk came to life showing financial information, battle reports, and streams of all sorts of news reports.
“Death is as light as a feather. Duty is heavier than a mountain. This is my mountain. This is how I serve the Dragon. It may not be the glorious honorable death that bushido teaches but thanks to people such as I? The Samurai get their swords, they get to battle, they are clothed, they are fed, and when the battle is done? They are healed.”
The Daimyo of Irurzun seemed taken aback by everything he was looking at.
“And how I see to my family is my business.” Hikkaru steeled his gaze.
“You overstep. I demand satisfaction.” The Daimyo gathered himself finally.
“If you survive mine. You have insulted your host, even if you are his superior, this is poor behavior. And you have insulted my granddaughter. For that I shall be your opponent first.” Hideki stepped into the office.
“Very well.” The Daimyo of Irurzun stepped out of the office.
“Hideki, be cautious. He is of the old ways.” Hikkaru looked at the aging man.
“Then my victory is certain.” Hideki had a gleam in his eye, one Hikkaru knew that meant Hideki was indeed certain.
Hikkaru followed Hideki out to the dojo.
Hideki changed into his dueling gi. Then he stepped to the wall where various katana and wakazashi were on display before he settled on a pair with red scabbards.
Hikkaru took his place as lord of the manor.
The Daimyo of Irurzun drew his katana and went into a high guard/ready stance.
Hideki drew his blade in a lower stance to his right.
“Begin.” Hikkaru commanded.
The Daimyo stepped forward, bringing his blade into a counter-clockwise fient.
Hideki side stepped and on the Daimyo’s counter swing he batted aside his opponent’s katana, flat to flat.
Hideki blocked two more quick strikes before he saw his opening.
With his own feint Hideki caused the Daimyo to over commit to a high block, and with a lightning quick counterswing he caught both the Daimyo’s arms.
Hideki withdrew his blade.
“It is done.” Hideki declared.
The Daimyo’s hands were still attached but the damage was obvious. Hideki was correct. The duel was over.
Doctor Greene was quickly summoned and began tending to the Daimyo’s wounds.
“Honor has been satisfied.” Hikkaru judged.
None of the entourage that the Daimyo of Irurzun had brought with him that were now serving as witnesses objected.
Once the guests were gone, Hikkaru laid a hand on Hideki’s shoulder.
“You know what I am going to say don’t you?” Hideki said.
“Yes. And I know you’ll fight my enemies for me. But that is part of the problem isn’t it? To solve this problem long term I need to make some additions to the staff.” Hikkaru nodded.
“I am getting old. If I were younger he would not have even gotten the second swing off before I had ended the duel.” Hideki shook his head. “Still it was good to feel battle once more.”
“No doubt. But I think it is time for you to start doing what my father wished.”
“Hai. I shall start tutoring Natsu and Yuko along with my grandchildren.”
“Thank you old friend. Now that our business is taken care of and my duties as Daimyo are concluded for the day I shall cease neglecting my children as it is almost time for the evening meal.” Hikkaru smiled.
Late evening, 25 July, 3055 (Tharkad Local Time)
"Partisan Politics!!" Henrietta practically snarled. "Do they just not understand we're at war?"
Elizabeth shrugged noncommittally, "You expected different? Oh, right, since Pat got back you've been able to avoid having to come."
"You're one to talk, Lilbit."
The hired car pulled up to the secure passenger door and opened. Elizabeth carefully helped herself out of her seat, "thank you Harvey, I've got this…" she said, planting her Grandfather's bluewood cane on the ferrocrete sidewalk and leveraging herself out of the seat, while Henrietta accepted the driver's aid.
"You could have worn something more formal." she told her little sister.
"Tonight I'm 'Baroness Spider Moon', there's forms to follow, one of them, is I don't have to gussy up like a Dirtyfoot." Liz said, "besides, black business is formal…enough. Nobody's going to care…" Liz paused and examined her older sister critically, "You left the sixteen kilo platinum hammer in the trunk."
"I Left it at the condo!!" Henrietta snarked back.
Liz cocked an eyebrow, "Harvey?"
The boot of the car opened, and the driver brought the heavy ass metal Medal around.
"Public show. The Archon's wake, and Victor's Coronation." Lizzie said, "you're representing Patrick, as his Heir-apparent, I, on the other hand, am the almost-disqualified spare."
"You're still going to have to do your swearing in." Henrietta teased. "Eighteen…which is why you got your very own invite."
"Bitch."
"I've been called worse by better, lilbit."
"No, I mean, I'm high as a kite on this stuff. I've got to fake being straight all night now." Liz huffed.
"So the docs…"
"Prescribed harder stuff than what I WAS taking, and I'm not used to it yet. This is going to be a fiasco. Thank god I'm still super-duper minor…"
"And I'm not? Baroness Hue?"
"You've got an actual city Henrietta. As far as these innahs are concerned, I'm basically a hassenfanger who owns a bunch of 'worthless real estate' separated by distances best calculated in astronomical units."
"Maybe he'll let you out of it."
'You sound doubtful."
"Victor's sharp." Henrietta said, "he's got a gift for people. Katherine's also sharp with people, sharper even. You got your invite because someone looked at the books…and that's also why you didn't get to wait until Christmas."
Liz made a face as they passed the door scanners.
Henrietta hefted the enormous platinum thing onto her shoulder one handed, and caught her sister's stumble with the the other in a move almost as graceful as a ballet. "Knee?"
"Knees." Lizzie nodded.
Henrietta blended…well, she would've, if she wasn't escorting her younger sister. Elizabeth stood out. Mourning black business jacket, ankle length skirt, white blouse and of course, their Grandfather's Bluewood cane.
An antithesis of fashion, neither of them wore makeup, but it really was noticeable with Elizabeth's too-pale complexion and flat, unstyled hair.
The blue armband with the Lyre, instead of the fist, was probably part of that, marking Elizabeth as a devoted Conservative supporter like a silent primal scream in the face to everyone who saw the FedCom merger as a good thing.
"Remember your third grade year at Groningen?" Henrietta cautioned.
"Yes…"
"Don't do that. I'm going to go talk to some officers, don't start any fights, you're not eight and they're not other kids."
“One time and now I have a reputation.” Liz sighed.
Henrietta let her sister find a spot and mingled her way over to a group of semi-familiar faces.
"Babysitting, Kommandant?"
Henrietta shrugged and took a glass from a passing steward, "Lizzie's eighteen now, she doesn't need it, and nobody here would trust their kids with her as the sitter…so, I noticed we've got some new faces."
“War is hell. A fair number of officers killed in action were Dukes or Duchesses of worlds. Now their heirs need to swear in.”
"Yah, but Lizzie's exempt and a baroness. Why?" she asked. "Why are we here? Why am I not going back to my unit to help end this war?"
“Because for a moment, we have time to breathe. So we’re taking it.”
"How many of these children are we going to be sending out to get back by parcel post?" she nodded at a group of young officers, fresh from graduation. "They're Kids."
“Too many. But that’s the way it always is isn’t it? Some of them are older than you at least."
"You know what I mean-they've been protected their whole lives, they're not ready."
"Were you?"
"No…but that's the point isn't it? Most of my enlisted and junior officers have at least got some life experience before they were called to the colors again…" she sighed.
“Find me the secret answer and I’ll use it. Until then, that’s what they make schnapps for.”
"What's the scuttlebutt on the Archon Prince, why did he include Elizabeth? She's got a permanent draft exemption for medical, they won't even let her into an academy."
"Might be an oversight."
"Might be a disaster waiting to happen." Henrietta corrected her peer.
“Yeah. Probably. Honestly what makes more sense is someone is wanting to send a message and your sister has a rep. So they might be counting on said disaster.”
A pair of Guards sequestered Elizabeth and led her to the Archon's office. "He's interviewing her." Henrietta muttered, "Shit. I should be in there."
"If he wanted you in there, you'd be in there."
***
"...I looked at your requests." Victor Ian Steiner Davion was tall enough Liz didn't have to crane her neck to meet his eyes.
"And?"
"No way in hell." He said, "You're a Noble, sure, but, you're a civilian, period." he stated. "The idea of a Naval Militia's interesting, your prospectus claims you can pull it off, but no."
"I qualified-"
"As a terminal patient." he interrupted, "Yes, I saw the Guild cert card, and Yes, I checked with the Guild Reps, it's real, but you might be qualified to helm a jumpship, for now-but what about in three years, Lady Ngo?? When you're on the kind of drugs terminal patients have to take to stay rational? So no. I mean, christ, you're high as a kite right now."
"I can lower the dose-"
"No." he said. "Can you build it without wearing a uniform?"
She hemmed, frowned, "Yeah."
"Build the ships, the realm will buy the transports at least." he told her, "but you're not going to get a uniform, and I don't have to be the ****** who sent a terminal patient off into combat."
"Then we'll build the ships, can you get the licenses?"
"I'll lean on them, we need transport jumpships and couriers." He told her, "Focus on those."
"As you command, Your Majesty."
"Oh, and we're going to make that one official, you're swearing in tonight so there's no question about your loyalties, or who's responsible." he added. "They can't put up a fuss, if it's by my order. It's truly amazing what an Archon's Decree can do about removing red tape."
Liz made a face like she wanted to say something but didn’t.
That part done, Victor shifted gears, "How's your sister really doing?" he asked, "That ****** with the Red Corsair…"
"I worry about her." Liz said. "Henrietta has…the last few years have been hard on everyone, or so I'm told, but she keeps wanting to go back out there."
“A soldier, through and through. Some people are not meant to be civilians.”
"Yeah, look what it did to our father." she countered, and rubbed the spot just below her collar bone, "Or mom."
“She’ll find her balance. We all do eventually. And she has you to help her find it.”
"For as long as I last." Liz agreed, "This…" she swirled the tumbler, "it's from Kowloon?"
"Your grandfather sent my grandmother a bottle every year." Victor said, "most of them are gathering dust, I first tried this stuff as a kid, because I was curious, it burns."
"That's how you know it's good." Liz said agreeably, "Cheers."
“Cheers.”
***
"So?" Henrietta met her sister coming out of the Archon's offices.
"I got my boon." Liz told her, "most of it, anyway. He flat refused some of it, but I got enough. Sanction for the project Grandmama Cheryl wanted to try back when we were little kids."
"Which is?"
"I get to build a small fleet for the realm, and we don't have to keep it a secret." Liz said happily, "I just can't be part of it."
"Too right. Gawd, when Pat said you were apprenticing with Li…"
“Li’s good. Plus I can’t stand being idle, you know that.”
"Make sure you stick to his terms, Lizzie." Henrietta said, "You're going to be carrying Archon's paper."
"I know."
“You going to be able to make it through the rest of the ceremony?”
"Have to. I made a promise." Liz said, "You know what Grandfather would say about that-always make sure your promises are stronger than your threats."
“Yeah. Okay. If it gets too much we’ll figure out the consequences later but you don’t dare keep it from me alright?”
****
Elizabeth's oath was slightly modified with Victor's assent. She swore loyalty to the Commonwealth, as opposed to any specific individual or even family, then he granted her 'boon'- Royal Permission to build a shipyard in the Kowloon system and produce transport jumpships for the AFFC.
The painful price of that boon, was public acknowledgement of Elizabeth's medical condition, her exemption from the draft, and a broad hint for the rest of the Nobility that this was an Archon Prince indulging the fantasies of a sick girl.
Henrietta was appalled, right up to the point that Liz quietly informed her that it had all been arranged beforehand.
Political Theater, to cover what had been going on in the outer system for years.
Which did make Henrietta glad her job wasn’t public relations for Ngo Industries.
to be continued
10
Fan Fiction / Re: Opalescent Reflections
« Last post by drakensis on 26 April 2024, 23:29:41 »Imperial City, Irurzun
Benjamin Military District, Draconis Combine
19 February 3058
The great hall dwarfed even the throneroom of the palace (which was in an entirely different building), intended for ceremonial events where everyone, including the Coordinator, might need to move around. Today, for the first time, Minoru thought that it might be packed with a banquet for over three thousand guests (and around half that many servants in or nearby.
With so many people, it couldn’t possibly have been intimate and the reception line had been a major struggle, with several people ‘pre-emptively’ greeted the day before on the understanding that they wouldn’t have much chance of actually meeting the Coordinator or his most important guests on the day itself, even to exchange bows.
At some point between that unreasonable scale of events, the necessary ceremonies had been carried out and Minoru had found (by virtue of only limited time to eat earlier) that he had quite an appetite. Unfortunately, even this was scheduled and even if the staff hadn’t been making pleading looks, the increasing sound as guests imbibed more wine than they did food would have been a hint.
Minoru wasn’t exactly reluctant as he turned to Atsuko and lifted her hand so that he could kiss the back of it. The young lady blushed demurely and her father gave Minoru a pleased look. He probably should be pleased: in addition to the informal advantages he had just accrued, he had been granted courtly positions that granted him the right to enter the Imperial City at his own recognizance (not assured even to the nobility) and immunity to prosecution except by the Coordinator.
It would be a public embarrassment for the Coordinator’s father-in-law to be brought before any court, so while Oda Hideyoshi could still be detained by law enforcement, any consequences would now be for Minoru alone to decide.
The chair was heavy and a servant discreetly pulled it back from the table so Minoru could stand. Just in case someone missed him doing so (the back of the hall was quite some distance away), the man at his right hand also stood up from his much more manageable chair. “Noble gentlemen and virtuous ladies of the Draconis Combine,” Franklin Kurita announced by way of a discreet microphone. “Hearken to the words of Lord Kurita upon his wedding day!”
Accepting the microphone from his… brother - and an encouraging nod from his sister, who sat between Franklin and the tai-sa who was Franklin’s plus one for the occasion, Minoru turned back to the hall and felt a slight surge of stage fright. It would have been nice, he thought, to have ‘forgotten’ his contact lenses and been able to pretend he was looking at a blur and not a crowd of thousands. Alas, someone would have noticed him squinting.
“Loyal sons and daughters of the Dragon,” he greeted them. “Though today is a marital occasion, it gives me pleasure to acknowledge the brave soldiers who have done my wife and I the honor of returning the world of Tok Do to the Draconis Combine, after years under the paw of the Ghost Bears. As our noble samurai win victories upon worlds as far removed as Shirotori and Cerberus, the Clans have been forced to bow in acknowledgment of the dynasty of Kurita, to whose numbers Atsuko Kurita is added this day.”
Hoping that would satisfy the militants, Minoru lifted the glass in front of him in salute. “Though it is an abiding regret that my parents are unable to attend today, nor to take my lovely wife into their embrace, I have no doubts of their approval. Indeed, my grandfather would no doubt be pleased that I am not keeping my wedding a secret for over a decade.” If anyone else had mentioned that it would be a faux pas, but as a means to invoke the revered Takashi Kurita, it would serve from Minoru’s lips.
“Though I am young in years, I benefit today not only in my beloved wife but also in her wise father,” he continued. “Wounded upon the sacred soil of Luthien, Marquis Oda Hideyoshi nonetheless survived and returned to us as so many have, pouring his time and energy into recovery not only for himself but of many others.” Certainly there were political reasons behind Hideyoshi’s open support for wounded soldiers, both those able to return to the battlefield and to those who could not… but had been needed and the marquis had provided.
“Like my new father, the Combine has suffered reverses, but undaunted it rises once again,” Minoru declared. “A toast to my father-in-law!”
He sipped from his glass and everyone else did likewise - though some gulped rather than sipped. He, on the other hand, did not want clouded wits.
“I have many words for my dear wife,” the Coordinator said, looking down at her for a moment. “But I will save most of them to be said in private. For now: ten thousand years of good fortune to Lady Kurita!”
“Ten thousand years!” almost half that many voices called, a wave of sound that washed over Minoru as he finished his glass.
A servant pulled Atsuko’s chair during the toast, since she naturally wasn’t drinking to her own good fortune. Minoru extended his hand to her and helped her to his feet, then offered her his arm. She threaded her arm through his, a pleasantly warm pressure against his size.
The marquis accepted the microphone and offered a toast of his own, to the happy couple. Minoru was barely listening and simply waved in acknowledgement as more cheers went up.
A few steps back from the table and curtains were pulled across to screen them from the hall. For a brief moment, Minoru was alone with Atsuko - not in public or chaperoned. Then three others slipped through the curtains, removing that privacy.
“Don’t glower at us, brother,” Omi chided mildly.
“I’m not glowering.”
“I have one or two words of advice for my sister-in-law,” she told him. “You come along as well, tai-sa.”
Lainie Shimazu looked quite startled to be pulled aside as well - the commander of the Ninth Ghost Regiment was fairly well born from certain points of view but she was only acceptable as a guest at the wedding due to her military rank and Franklin’s support. Either alone would have not been enough.
Minoru and Franklin looked at each other, speechless for a moment. The younger brother arched an eyebrow but refrained from asking if the two were serious directly.
For his part, the illegitimate brother shrugged slightly. He looked more like their father than Minoru, not quite an image of the young Theodore but too close to deny the kinship. “Is Omi always so quick to take charge?”
“When she feels it is her obligation,” Minoru told him ruefully. “She is keeper of the house honor, after all.”
Franklin frowned. “Do I want to know what she is saying?”
“Probably not. I imagine it will either end your relationship with the tai-sa - whatever it is, and I will not pry - or solidify it.” Minoru felt a smile tease at the corners of his mouth at Franklin’s outraged expression and fought it back. “She has an important responsibility: House Kurita may rule the Combine but it is the Keeper who must make the rules for House Kurita. If you are serious about Shimazu then she will also be Omi’s charge one day.”
“I am older than her.”
“I can tell that you are inexperienced with sisters.” Minoru glanced at the curtains and took a peek through them rather than focus on his sister’s whispered conversation. Through in the banquet hall, decorum was still holding but more drinks were being served along with desserts that likely wouldn’t soak up the alcohol.
Franklin was looking at him when he looked back. “Do you have any more instructions for me?” he asked.
Minoru shook his head. “No, you know what to expect from Li Dok To.” Franklin would be traveling with Shimazu’s regiment to the border - officially to reinforce the border against counter attacks but also to be ready for the proposed attack on Galedon. “He is enthusiastic to reclaim Galedon V, but he knows that risking you will do him no favors.”
“Even when I am not your only heir?” the older man asked lightly.
“Even then.” Minoru paused and then added: “Losing one brother was dreadful, do not put me through that again… brother.”
Franklin paused and then patted Minoru’s shoulder. “Likewise. I may be safer away from the court than you are.”
“Hopefully not. The factions in court know how dire our state will be if we do not remain divided.”
“For now,” Franklin said slowly. “But if that pressure is removed…”
It was a fair point, Minoru allowed privately. But the ladies were back with them now and thus their conversation was over. A moment of farewells and then Minoru led Atsuko out of the antechamber, leaving his siblings behind. Both would be leaving early the next morning - Franklin for Galedon District and Omi back to the Federated Commonwealth.
A small limousine was waiting for the married couple, whisking them across the palace in minutes. Although the driver and the Otomo trooper in the front were both discreetly quiet, their presence still felt repressive to Minoru. He looked at Atsuko and found her looking back at him. She flushed again and lowered her eyes. He saw her feet shift awkwardly in the footwell.
“Do your feet hurt?” he asked her quietly.
“A little,” she admitted embarrassedly.
“You can take off your shoes,” he offered.
Atsuko looked bemused. “But won’t we have to walk into yo- into our rooms?”
“I believe it is traditional for the groom to carry the bride across the threshold,” Minoru suggested, smiling.
The tips of her ears, only visible because she had her hair up, went red. “Let’s not,” she said shyly.
The limousine pulled up at that point and Minoru got out first, taking Atsuko’s hand and trying to match his pace to hers as they entered the residence. There was an outer layer of rooms with traditional paper and wood construction, mostly used for guests. But the core of the building was more solidly built, in token of the need to protect those inside from the risks of their royal station. Only three doors led into the two adjoining suites, all guarded and with access tightly restricted.
“My wife and I can manage from here,” Minoru ordered as servants came to attend them. “Leave us.”
The little squad backed off obediently and he closed the door firmly before looking over Atsuko. “I’m not actually entirely sure I know how to help you out of the dress,” he admitted, “But we’re both clever people and there is little enough privacy in my days. I may need your guidance.”
She offered him a small smile. “It will be our first task working together, my lord.” There was a little emphasis to the ‘my’ that he rather liked.
In the master bedroom, Minoru escorted her formally to sit on the bed before going to the side table and popping out his contact lenses. It only took a moment to replace them with his glasses. “The vanity of my office,” he explained in a light tone. “The Coordinator’s vision cannot be seen to be imperfect.”
Atsuko nodded slightly. “I think they suit you better,” she said after a moment. “You look more the scholar… but perhaps you are right about public perceptions.”
“Now,” he asked, “Where do we begin?”
In reply, she lifted one foot off the floor and started to kick off her shoes.
It took several minutes before they were free of their outer layers. Sometimes the process was playful, sometimes awkward. Minoru concluded after his shirt was off that Atsuko’s increasing hesitance was nervousness. She was still wearing her undergown, with her hair loose down her back. His fingers itched to go back to stroking it’s silky length,
“Would you like to sit a while?” he asked, indicating a couch against one wall.
“I think so,” his wife agreed softly, then yelped as he lifted her in both arms and carried her the short distance, sitting her down gently at one end.
Stepping back for a moment to admire her, he found his own seat at the far end of the couch, sitting at an angle so that their bare feet were almost brushing each other. “We will be learning about each other for years,” he offered quietly. “Is there something you would like to ask?” A ‘married life’ guide book he had found suggested that exchanging confidences would help with the relationship.
Atsuko swallowed. “My… Minoru? Why did you marry me?”
Oh. Minoru blinked at the directness.
“I’m not unhappy,” she exclaimed, apparently realizing how it sounds. “It’s just… why me of all women? You could have married anyone.”
Not quite anyone, a little voice whispered and he drove the idea from his head. Minoru had spent enough time soul-searching over whether he was approaching her as a substitute for… another. He had decided that he was not, and this was not the time to second-guess himself.
“I courted you,” he stressed the verb intentionally. “Because you are beautiful, socially acceptable and politically advantageous.” Then, before her face could do more than fall slightly, he reached out for her hand. “I married you, because having courted you I felt you were someone I wanted to grow old with.”
Her eyes went wide. And her fingers closed around his.
For a moment they sat in silence. “Is there something you would like to do, as the Lady Kurita? There are formally expectations, but there is plenty of precedent to reach out beyond it. My grandmother was a patron of the arts… I’m not sure what mother would have done, she might have continued to serve in the DCMS.”
“I’m not sure,” the young woman asked. “I have managed father’s household since… for several years, I think I could do the same for you, although it’s on a grander scale.”
“That would help.” He agreed. “But that can’t be everything.”
“I… I’d like to travel? Not as far as your sister. I admire her for going into the Federated Commonwealth alone,” Atsuko confided, “but I rarely get the chance to leave home.”
His sister had an entire embassy to back her up, so she was hardly alone. This probably wasn’t the time to explain that though. “That can certainly be arranged. We can go to Terra together for the next Star League Council meeting,” Minoru suggested. “And there will be other opportunities.”
Her face brightened. “I’d love that!” He was very conscious that her chest was… not very contained by the undergown and had to pull his attention away. There was a brush of skin against his foot and then it was withdrawn.
“Minoru,” Atsuko said cautiously. “My father is likely to give me advice to pass on to you.”
That was inevitable, he thought. The man would have plenty of chances to advise him directly, but that obviously wouldn’t be enough for him. “You can give me your own advice, you know…”
“But what if I gave advice that you hated?” she asked warily. “I… not that I’d want to, but I’m not educated the way a man would be.”
“I doubt many people agree with me on everything,” he told her reassuringly, running one thumb gently over her knuckles. “It’s possible there isn’t anyone at all. I could still get plenty of advisors who agree with me on everything, but they would be doing so to ingratiate themselves not to help me.” He leant forwards and raised her hand to his lips, dropping a gentle kiss on the knuckles. “Your mind is one of the reasons I fell in love with you.”
“One… of them?” Atsuko asked, leaning forwards to meet him.
“Shall I tell you about the others?” He slipped one hand behind her head to caress her hair.
They found other things to do with their lips, thereafter.
Benjamin Military District, Draconis Combine
19 February 3058
The great hall dwarfed even the throneroom of the palace (which was in an entirely different building), intended for ceremonial events where everyone, including the Coordinator, might need to move around. Today, for the first time, Minoru thought that it might be packed with a banquet for over three thousand guests (and around half that many servants in or nearby.
With so many people, it couldn’t possibly have been intimate and the reception line had been a major struggle, with several people ‘pre-emptively’ greeted the day before on the understanding that they wouldn’t have much chance of actually meeting the Coordinator or his most important guests on the day itself, even to exchange bows.
At some point between that unreasonable scale of events, the necessary ceremonies had been carried out and Minoru had found (by virtue of only limited time to eat earlier) that he had quite an appetite. Unfortunately, even this was scheduled and even if the staff hadn’t been making pleading looks, the increasing sound as guests imbibed more wine than they did food would have been a hint.
Minoru wasn’t exactly reluctant as he turned to Atsuko and lifted her hand so that he could kiss the back of it. The young lady blushed demurely and her father gave Minoru a pleased look. He probably should be pleased: in addition to the informal advantages he had just accrued, he had been granted courtly positions that granted him the right to enter the Imperial City at his own recognizance (not assured even to the nobility) and immunity to prosecution except by the Coordinator.
It would be a public embarrassment for the Coordinator’s father-in-law to be brought before any court, so while Oda Hideyoshi could still be detained by law enforcement, any consequences would now be for Minoru alone to decide.
The chair was heavy and a servant discreetly pulled it back from the table so Minoru could stand. Just in case someone missed him doing so (the back of the hall was quite some distance away), the man at his right hand also stood up from his much more manageable chair. “Noble gentlemen and virtuous ladies of the Draconis Combine,” Franklin Kurita announced by way of a discreet microphone. “Hearken to the words of Lord Kurita upon his wedding day!”
Accepting the microphone from his… brother - and an encouraging nod from his sister, who sat between Franklin and the tai-sa who was Franklin’s plus one for the occasion, Minoru turned back to the hall and felt a slight surge of stage fright. It would have been nice, he thought, to have ‘forgotten’ his contact lenses and been able to pretend he was looking at a blur and not a crowd of thousands. Alas, someone would have noticed him squinting.
“Loyal sons and daughters of the Dragon,” he greeted them. “Though today is a marital occasion, it gives me pleasure to acknowledge the brave soldiers who have done my wife and I the honor of returning the world of Tok Do to the Draconis Combine, after years under the paw of the Ghost Bears. As our noble samurai win victories upon worlds as far removed as Shirotori and Cerberus, the Clans have been forced to bow in acknowledgment of the dynasty of Kurita, to whose numbers Atsuko Kurita is added this day.”
Hoping that would satisfy the militants, Minoru lifted the glass in front of him in salute. “Though it is an abiding regret that my parents are unable to attend today, nor to take my lovely wife into their embrace, I have no doubts of their approval. Indeed, my grandfather would no doubt be pleased that I am not keeping my wedding a secret for over a decade.” If anyone else had mentioned that it would be a faux pas, but as a means to invoke the revered Takashi Kurita, it would serve from Minoru’s lips.
“Though I am young in years, I benefit today not only in my beloved wife but also in her wise father,” he continued. “Wounded upon the sacred soil of Luthien, Marquis Oda Hideyoshi nonetheless survived and returned to us as so many have, pouring his time and energy into recovery not only for himself but of many others.” Certainly there were political reasons behind Hideyoshi’s open support for wounded soldiers, both those able to return to the battlefield and to those who could not… but had been needed and the marquis had provided.
“Like my new father, the Combine has suffered reverses, but undaunted it rises once again,” Minoru declared. “A toast to my father-in-law!”
He sipped from his glass and everyone else did likewise - though some gulped rather than sipped. He, on the other hand, did not want clouded wits.
“I have many words for my dear wife,” the Coordinator said, looking down at her for a moment. “But I will save most of them to be said in private. For now: ten thousand years of good fortune to Lady Kurita!”
“Ten thousand years!” almost half that many voices called, a wave of sound that washed over Minoru as he finished his glass.
A servant pulled Atsuko’s chair during the toast, since she naturally wasn’t drinking to her own good fortune. Minoru extended his hand to her and helped her to his feet, then offered her his arm. She threaded her arm through his, a pleasantly warm pressure against his size.
The marquis accepted the microphone and offered a toast of his own, to the happy couple. Minoru was barely listening and simply waved in acknowledgement as more cheers went up.
A few steps back from the table and curtains were pulled across to screen them from the hall. For a brief moment, Minoru was alone with Atsuko - not in public or chaperoned. Then three others slipped through the curtains, removing that privacy.
“Don’t glower at us, brother,” Omi chided mildly.
“I’m not glowering.”
“I have one or two words of advice for my sister-in-law,” she told him. “You come along as well, tai-sa.”
Lainie Shimazu looked quite startled to be pulled aside as well - the commander of the Ninth Ghost Regiment was fairly well born from certain points of view but she was only acceptable as a guest at the wedding due to her military rank and Franklin’s support. Either alone would have not been enough.
Minoru and Franklin looked at each other, speechless for a moment. The younger brother arched an eyebrow but refrained from asking if the two were serious directly.
For his part, the illegitimate brother shrugged slightly. He looked more like their father than Minoru, not quite an image of the young Theodore but too close to deny the kinship. “Is Omi always so quick to take charge?”
“When she feels it is her obligation,” Minoru told him ruefully. “She is keeper of the house honor, after all.”
Franklin frowned. “Do I want to know what she is saying?”
“Probably not. I imagine it will either end your relationship with the tai-sa - whatever it is, and I will not pry - or solidify it.” Minoru felt a smile tease at the corners of his mouth at Franklin’s outraged expression and fought it back. “She has an important responsibility: House Kurita may rule the Combine but it is the Keeper who must make the rules for House Kurita. If you are serious about Shimazu then she will also be Omi’s charge one day.”
“I am older than her.”
“I can tell that you are inexperienced with sisters.” Minoru glanced at the curtains and took a peek through them rather than focus on his sister’s whispered conversation. Through in the banquet hall, decorum was still holding but more drinks were being served along with desserts that likely wouldn’t soak up the alcohol.
Franklin was looking at him when he looked back. “Do you have any more instructions for me?” he asked.
Minoru shook his head. “No, you know what to expect from Li Dok To.” Franklin would be traveling with Shimazu’s regiment to the border - officially to reinforce the border against counter attacks but also to be ready for the proposed attack on Galedon. “He is enthusiastic to reclaim Galedon V, but he knows that risking you will do him no favors.”
“Even when I am not your only heir?” the older man asked lightly.
“Even then.” Minoru paused and then added: “Losing one brother was dreadful, do not put me through that again… brother.”
Franklin paused and then patted Minoru’s shoulder. “Likewise. I may be safer away from the court than you are.”
“Hopefully not. The factions in court know how dire our state will be if we do not remain divided.”
“For now,” Franklin said slowly. “But if that pressure is removed…”
It was a fair point, Minoru allowed privately. But the ladies were back with them now and thus their conversation was over. A moment of farewells and then Minoru led Atsuko out of the antechamber, leaving his siblings behind. Both would be leaving early the next morning - Franklin for Galedon District and Omi back to the Federated Commonwealth.
A small limousine was waiting for the married couple, whisking them across the palace in minutes. Although the driver and the Otomo trooper in the front were both discreetly quiet, their presence still felt repressive to Minoru. He looked at Atsuko and found her looking back at him. She flushed again and lowered her eyes. He saw her feet shift awkwardly in the footwell.
“Do your feet hurt?” he asked her quietly.
“A little,” she admitted embarrassedly.
“You can take off your shoes,” he offered.
Atsuko looked bemused. “But won’t we have to walk into yo- into our rooms?”
“I believe it is traditional for the groom to carry the bride across the threshold,” Minoru suggested, smiling.
The tips of her ears, only visible because she had her hair up, went red. “Let’s not,” she said shyly.
The limousine pulled up at that point and Minoru got out first, taking Atsuko’s hand and trying to match his pace to hers as they entered the residence. There was an outer layer of rooms with traditional paper and wood construction, mostly used for guests. But the core of the building was more solidly built, in token of the need to protect those inside from the risks of their royal station. Only three doors led into the two adjoining suites, all guarded and with access tightly restricted.
“My wife and I can manage from here,” Minoru ordered as servants came to attend them. “Leave us.”
The little squad backed off obediently and he closed the door firmly before looking over Atsuko. “I’m not actually entirely sure I know how to help you out of the dress,” he admitted, “But we’re both clever people and there is little enough privacy in my days. I may need your guidance.”
She offered him a small smile. “It will be our first task working together, my lord.” There was a little emphasis to the ‘my’ that he rather liked.
In the master bedroom, Minoru escorted her formally to sit on the bed before going to the side table and popping out his contact lenses. It only took a moment to replace them with his glasses. “The vanity of my office,” he explained in a light tone. “The Coordinator’s vision cannot be seen to be imperfect.”
Atsuko nodded slightly. “I think they suit you better,” she said after a moment. “You look more the scholar… but perhaps you are right about public perceptions.”
“Now,” he asked, “Where do we begin?”
In reply, she lifted one foot off the floor and started to kick off her shoes.
It took several minutes before they were free of their outer layers. Sometimes the process was playful, sometimes awkward. Minoru concluded after his shirt was off that Atsuko’s increasing hesitance was nervousness. She was still wearing her undergown, with her hair loose down her back. His fingers itched to go back to stroking it’s silky length,
“Would you like to sit a while?” he asked, indicating a couch against one wall.
“I think so,” his wife agreed softly, then yelped as he lifted her in both arms and carried her the short distance, sitting her down gently at one end.
Stepping back for a moment to admire her, he found his own seat at the far end of the couch, sitting at an angle so that their bare feet were almost brushing each other. “We will be learning about each other for years,” he offered quietly. “Is there something you would like to ask?” A ‘married life’ guide book he had found suggested that exchanging confidences would help with the relationship.
Atsuko swallowed. “My… Minoru? Why did you marry me?”
Oh. Minoru blinked at the directness.
“I’m not unhappy,” she exclaimed, apparently realizing how it sounds. “It’s just… why me of all women? You could have married anyone.”
Not quite anyone, a little voice whispered and he drove the idea from his head. Minoru had spent enough time soul-searching over whether he was approaching her as a substitute for… another. He had decided that he was not, and this was not the time to second-guess himself.
“I courted you,” he stressed the verb intentionally. “Because you are beautiful, socially acceptable and politically advantageous.” Then, before her face could do more than fall slightly, he reached out for her hand. “I married you, because having courted you I felt you were someone I wanted to grow old with.”
Her eyes went wide. And her fingers closed around his.
For a moment they sat in silence. “Is there something you would like to do, as the Lady Kurita? There are formally expectations, but there is plenty of precedent to reach out beyond it. My grandmother was a patron of the arts… I’m not sure what mother would have done, she might have continued to serve in the DCMS.”
“I’m not sure,” the young woman asked. “I have managed father’s household since… for several years, I think I could do the same for you, although it’s on a grander scale.”
“That would help.” He agreed. “But that can’t be everything.”
“I… I’d like to travel? Not as far as your sister. I admire her for going into the Federated Commonwealth alone,” Atsuko confided, “but I rarely get the chance to leave home.”
His sister had an entire embassy to back her up, so she was hardly alone. This probably wasn’t the time to explain that though. “That can certainly be arranged. We can go to Terra together for the next Star League Council meeting,” Minoru suggested. “And there will be other opportunities.”
Her face brightened. “I’d love that!” He was very conscious that her chest was… not very contained by the undergown and had to pull his attention away. There was a brush of skin against his foot and then it was withdrawn.
“Minoru,” Atsuko said cautiously. “My father is likely to give me advice to pass on to you.”
That was inevitable, he thought. The man would have plenty of chances to advise him directly, but that obviously wouldn’t be enough for him. “You can give me your own advice, you know…”
“But what if I gave advice that you hated?” she asked warily. “I… not that I’d want to, but I’m not educated the way a man would be.”
“I doubt many people agree with me on everything,” he told her reassuringly, running one thumb gently over her knuckles. “It’s possible there isn’t anyone at all. I could still get plenty of advisors who agree with me on everything, but they would be doing so to ingratiate themselves not to help me.” He leant forwards and raised her hand to his lips, dropping a gentle kiss on the knuckles. “Your mind is one of the reasons I fell in love with you.”
“One… of them?” Atsuko asked, leaning forwards to meet him.
“Shall I tell you about the others?” He slipped one hand behind her head to caress her hair.
They found other things to do with their lips, thereafter.
