Opalescent Reflections
Full House
Chapter 8
Dali, Tamar
Clan Wolf Occupation Zone
12 October 3057A globe depicting Rasalhague’s surface spun lazily in the command center, but Ulric gave it little attention. Updates of data from the fighting there were coming back steadily and the Khan of Clan Wolf had long since absorbed the last messages. He was there in anticipation of the next HPG message and it wouldn’t arrive for several minutes.
“I think the Coyotes are right to invest in new weapons,” he informed Evantha Fetladral. The towering elemental officer had not been bid for the fighting on Rasalhague, giving Ulric a chance to see how one of the Wolves’ future leaders was shaping up and what was being talked about by the younger warriors.
The redheaded woman folded her arms, not defensively but more to cover for her taking time to think through the answer to her question. Ulric was not one of those to assume that the infantry genotype were slow of wit, he knew Evantha was simply one of those who measured her words and actions carefully. “They are not under the same pressure to maintain volumes of production of war material that we are,” she allowed after giving the matter consideration. She did not sound entirely convinced, to Ulric’s ear.
He leant on the rail for a moment, eyes flickering to the globe as the familiar black mark of Rasalhague’s former capital swung past him. Reykjavik had been savaged from orbit more than half a decade ago, but the Smoke Jaguars had seen no reason to try to hide the evidence of the atrocity or to encourage rebuilding. “The Inner Sphere is deploying new generations of war machines against us,” he told his small audience. “We have seen little of them because the worst that we have faced are minor raids, but other Clans have seen more of them. The Draconis Combine appears to have mastered the production of most of the SLDF’s technology and reports claim that the Federated Commonwealth may have pushed past that level.”
Eventha frowned. “Most reports of those I have heard sound more like excuses from the Clans involved.”
“That may be the case, but there is substance as well. Unfortunately there are few samples: the AFFC has mostly deployed it to achieve victories which prevents the acquisition through isorla.”
“Still, we are far more advanced than the Star League was.”
“Not so much as you might think,” Erik cut in. The loremaster was working at a console, using the waiting time productively.
Catching his sibkin’s eye, Ulric gestured for him to continue.
Lowering the stylus he’d been using on the console’s screen, Erik stretched slightly. “The majority of the weapons used by the Clans today were developed in the Golden Century, many of them based on work the SLDF had commissioned before even the first Exodus. It took decades to put into production, and there were often iterations over time but most of our weapon systems are only marginally changed over the last two centuries.”
“We have new battlemechs,” pointed out Evantha. “The Dire Wolf was developed in your lifetime and we have even newer models entering production, quiaff?”
“Aff, but I am speaking of more fundamental issues. Have we taken extended range weapons and given them more range than they had in the twenty-ninth century? Can our ‘mechs carry more armor than a comparable chassis built in the Inner Sphere?”
“Exactly,” Ulric agreed. “Our newer ‘mechs are formidable but they are the result of working with the existing technologies, not pushing the boundaries to create new ones. Clan Coyote is pouring resources into their Scientist Caste in the hope of an advance such as the omnimech, that will give them a qualitative advantage to offset the increased resources available to the Invading Clans.”
“Except, of course, that someone will win those technologies from them in trials of possession.” Erik picked up his stylus again. “Perhaps not easily, but their advantage will be transitory. Useful, of course, but only a short-term advantage.”
“What may be more important is building up a staff of scientists used to thinking in such ways,” observed Evantha slowly. “Technological breakthroughs are not a production line but with a significant number of scientists working at research, they may manage more than one breakthrough, leaving us constantly behind.”
The loremaster chuckled darkly. “There is an obvious solution to that, the one that plunged the Inner Sphere into a dark age after the Star League fell.”
Evantha gave him a questioning look, but it was Ulric who answered: “Target the scientists. Rather than seeking to acquire the fruits of their work, strangle the ability to innovate. And if we do not, the chances are good that someone will.”
The woman’s face wrinkled with distaste. “If the Inner Sphere is beginning to match our advantages in technology, then perhaps we should aid the Coyotes. Our warriors’ skill may be superior but it would be naive to say that it was our only advantage during Revival.”
Ulric gave her an approving smile. “Negotiations have been opened. We were always a wealthier Clan than the Coyotes and the invasion has given us new sources of material. Naturally, Khan Koga does not wish to give up exclusive control of her scientists’ work but she is a practical woman and if they lack the resources to complete development then all the investment so far will be for nothing.”
“Pride can make for poor decisions,” Erik warned and then pushed his seat back, looking over towards the globe. “As Khan Showers may be learning.”
Ulric turned and saw that the unit markers dotting Rasalhague had moved. He focused first on the Smoke Jaguars and saw that what remained of the garrison was moving back towards the drop-port that was the center of their presence on the former capital of the Free Rasalhague Republic. Venturing out to contest Clan Wolf’s offensive had not only exposed them to Clan Wolf, they had also given the insurgents a chance to strike back.
Direct resistance rarely went well for the resistance, although it did force the Smoke Jaguars to expend time and munitions fighting against them. More effective was more subtle sabotage - cut communications, damaged supplies - in one case two broken bridges that was forcing half a cluster to take a longer route on their retreat, exposing them to be cut off and destroyed.
“Who took out those bridges?” Evantha enquired. “There are no markings for air strikes.”
“Local civilians I suspect.” Ulric rubbed at his beard. “Convenient for now but less so if they turn the same tactics against us.”
While Natasha’s own Clusters were sweeping across the main continent, a second force was on the other side of the planet - moving almost as quickly across the Ystad jungles. No galaxy icons marked the units although Ulric supposed he would have to assign one after this victory.
“Phelan’s doing well.” Evantha exhaled with some relief. “I was concerned he had misjudged his warriors.”
“He is growing into a capable warrior,” Ulric agreed as he studied the advance. The targets here were not the Smoke Jaguars - they had rarely sent forces out of their stronghold except on punitive raids. No, here the Wolves were fighting for the hearts and minds of the Rasalhaguians.
Four out of five warriors under Phelan’s lead were Spheroids - bondsmen alongside trueborn and freeborn warriors out of the homeworlds but also entire binaries of infantry, ‘mechs and armor recruited from worlds like Gunzberg. Men and women who had accepted the challenge to do more than maintain order on their homeworlds.
“Liberating Rasalhague from the Smoke Jaguars is a rallying cry,” the khan continued with a sigh. “One that could still backfire if the people of Rasalhague conclude that we are no better.”
The elemental choked off a laugh. “Best not… ah…” She shook her head.
Ulric gave her a questioning look.
“I was going to say that we should not send Vlad,” Evantha admitted. “Two years and still it is hard to remember he is no longer a Wolf.”
The saKhan of the Zeerga had risen from the same sibko as Evantha. They had known each other their entire lives only to be divided by Ulric’s decree. That it could as easily have happened due to battle did not take away that such tragic gaps in the circles of friendships and rivalries that bound the Clan were his work.
“I do not think he would have relished such a role,” Ulric agreed. “Though he might well have enjoyed fighting to drive the Smoke Jaguars from their prize.” The globe spun back to the primary battle fronts and he assessed the strengths of Beta Galaxy’s clusters. There had been losses, but nothing like those that were depleting the Smoke Jaguars’s numbers.
“They bid too low,” concluded Erik. “If they were going to only put up a token fight, rushing two extra Clusters here was pointless but it isn’t enough to hold onto Rasalhague.”
“Rasalhague is too important for them to give up,” Ulric told him. “It is their grand prize, no matter that their control extends no further than the range of their guns. Losing it will embarrass Leo Showers when he is trying to build up his credibility once more as a leader of the Crusaders.”
Evantha asked the obvious question: “Then why not send more?”
He reached for the rail once more. “Good question. Show me the Smoke Jaguar occupation zone.”
The hologram of Rasalhague vanished, replaced by the familiar map of the Inner Sphere. Smoke Jaguar space lay spinwards of the Wolves - slightly narrower but also far less densely settled through most of its area.
“Most of their best units are deployed here,” he indicted the rimwards edge. “Facing the Draconis Combine and controlling the majority of the worlds.” The stretch between Skandia and Trolloc Prime was the only part of the occupation zome that had worlds paced together as closely as most of the Wolf occupation zone. “Still, there should be three galaxies at least to cover the region between Alshain and Rasalhague. They could pull units from the DIamond Shark border easily enough, Khan Sennet’s forces are overstretched as it is - they are unlikely to launch serious attacks across the Rasalhague rift.”
“Then what are those troops doing?” Evantha indicated the map. “Fighting the Ghost Bears - we would have heard! Pushing into the Inner Sphere?”
“ComStar would have ensured everyone knew that.” Ulric dismissed the idea. “They could be patrolling supply lines, but the only really likely option is that they are being massed to attack someone and Leo Showers was too focused on that to send enough of his reserve to Rasalhague.”
“At this rate he will lose New Bergen and Hermagor as well.” Those two worlds weren’t strictly necessary to reach Rasalhague but Natasha Kerensky had taken them anyway as a prelude.
“It is either us or the Sharks,” Erik concluded. “If it is us, well we are prepared for that.”
“And if it is the Sharks then it is to our benefit.” Ulric smiled thinly. “Whichever of them claims victory, both will be weakened. I can live with that.”
Yamashiro, New Samarkand
Diamond Shark Dominion
29 November 3057The great hall, twice the throneroom of the Coordinator of the Draconis Combine, fell silent as Ellison Enders entered through the double doors. Finding himself surrounded on both flanks by a number of formally-clad Diamond Shark warriors, all giving him their full attention, the Goliath Scorpion barely blinked and he swaggered towards the dais where Ace was waiting.
“If I had known this was a formal occasion,” he drawled, indicating his black jumpsuit. “I would have brought my leathers.”
“If I had told you ahead of time, you might be in your Rifleman,” Ace replied sardonically. “Or halfway to the jump-point.”
“I am ambushed!” Ellison cried out, spreading his arms melodramatically… but there was a spark of anger in his eyes.
Betrayed, really. Ace liked the older man - even if he didn’t trust him not to stir trouble. But his duty to the Clan came first. They might have a bloodhouse in common, but that wasn’t the strongest of bonds. “Star Captain Ellison Enders, I offer you formal challenge,” he declared, rising to his feet. “There are twelve of your Clan’s Seeker within our Domain, each at the head of a binary of warriors. I lay claim to those warriors and all of their equipment for Clan Diamond Shark - with what will you defend them?”
The older warrior chuckled and shook his head. “You have misdirected your challenge, Galaxy Commander. I am one Seeker among many - a mere Star Captain, not a Khan or even a Star Colonel. You should direct your challenge to my superiors.”
Ace rolled his shoulders. “That may be your rank, but you did not say that they are not under your command, not that you lack authority.”
“Are you calling me a liar?”
“You are being very careful not to lie,” Ace told him. “All of those Seekers are in contact with you by HPG. We may not be able to read those messages, but they go through our HPGs. And almost every message sent back to the homeworlds is via your dropship - even before you arrived on New Samarkand.”
Ellison shook his head. “Supposition.”
“All you need to do is tell me that you are not in charge of the seekers,” Ace offered. The Goliath Scorpion could try to lie, but the Clans generally despised such dishonesty. Clever words to mislead and misdirect, that was fine - in fact, it could be very important when bidding. Actually giving false information though? That was another matter - much like breaking one’s bid, it was a substantial dishonor. Ellison might face no formal consequences, but his Clan’s trust in him would vanish.
“You are a quick learner,” the seeker admitted. “I liked it better when you turned your tongue against the Burrocks.”
“I am sure that you did. So, will you answer my challenge?”
“As the officer charged with leading all the seekers sent to the Inner Sphere, I acknowledge your challenge for possession of us,” Ellison said deliberately. “As for answering it…” He shoved his hands into his hip pockets and glanced around the room. “Firstly, I am sure that the honorable Diamond Sharks would not seek to exploit their numbers - so I propose that we settle this between just the two of us. You and me.”
A full battle would probably wreck at least Ellison’s own force, perhaps more if he called on the other seekers to fight as well, destroying what Ace was trying to gain. “Bargained well and done.”
“Not done, not yet. I have another condition: you are demanding over a hundred of my Clan’s warriors if you win. I must ask that you offer a suitable forfeit for when you lose.”
Ace paused. That was not always expected for a Trial of Possession… but it was hardly unheard of. “That is fair,” he agreed, thinking about what he could offer.
Ellison seemed to pick up on his uncertainty. “Well, what do you offer?” They’d met several times since they met on Jordan Weis and the Goliath Scorpion knew him well.
…wait. That was it! “I am claiming twelve Seekers so I will offer thirteen worlds,” Ace declared. “If you defeat me in this challenge then I will surrender all the star systems we have taken from the Outworlds Alliance.”
Several of the Diamond Sharks looked shocked. “Galaxy Commander,” Steven Hawker asked, stepping forwards. “Are you sure you have the authority to do that?”
“I’m in charge of this sector of the Dominon,” he replied. “I have at least as much authority over those worlds as the Star Captain has over his fellow Seekers. And Khan Sennet would probably be at least as angry with me over losing as Khan Suvorov will be when we take the Seekers.”
For his part, Ellison now looked uncertain, sensing a trap.
“Is that acceptable?” Ace asked him. The other Clans were beginning to realize the long term possibilities in controlling a swathe of the Inner Sphere. He suspected the Goliath Scorpions would be ecstatic at the chance to control even the relatively poor worlds involved… and they would look poorly on refusing the chance.
The old Star Captain pulled his hands out of his pockets. “Aff, I accept those terms.” He held up a coin - it might have been the same damon he had asked Ace about previously. “We will decide the terms with this coin,” he proposed. “You will call heads or tails, Galaxy Commander. If you win, you can choose the means of battle and I choose the location. If you lose, it will be the reverse.”
“Agreed.” He stepped down from the dais to face Ellison on even terms. “I will call when the coin is in the air.”
“Seyla,” Ellison declared solemnly. He extended the coin, turning it so everyone could see the sides - one with the face of the long dead Khan Damon Clarke, the other a diamond shark. His hand flickered and the coin tumbled up in the air, the hall falling entirely silent.
Ace did not take his eyes off those of his adversary. “Tails,” he said quietly.
It was so quiet that Ace heard the coin land in Ellison’s right hand and the slap of him placing the coin on the back of his left hand. Slowly, the Goliath Scorpion lifted his hand and both of them looked down at the coin. The diamond shark looked back at them.
“Your choice of arms,” Ellison conceded. Then he smiled slyly. “Like Felipe, I choose here and now. I do not wish to face you in a battlemech.”
Ace glanced up at the roof of the hall. While it was not a small chamber, it certainly was not large enough to admit battlemechs. “Felipe underestimated me,” he warned. He had killed the former head of their bloodhouse in a sword duel.
“I will not…” Then Ellison’s eyes narrowed. “Or have I, already, quiafff?”
“You tell me.” The galaxy commander reached out and took the coin from the other man’s hand. “We will do battle with this.”
“You stravag,” hissed Ellison as the room exploded with exclamations from the audience. “Are you trying to kill me with laughter?!” he added, keeping his voice down to hide it in the background reactions.
“Whatever works,” Ace mouthed and then held up the coin as high as he could, waiting for the Diamond Shark officers to fall silent.
“In war there are only two qualities that matter,” he declared loudly once most had stopped speaking. “Skill… and luck!” He tipped his head slightly towards Ellison. “I recognise you as my equal in skill, so all that remains in luck. Why should we complicate the matter further? Make your call: if you win, the worlds are yours. If you lose… then you and your warriors are mine.”
“I should call edge and make this a total mockery,” Ellison whispered before raising his voice. “I accept your terms. As you did, I shall call when the coin is in the air.”
“Seyla.” It was not Ace alone who said that, everyone said it.
He drew his arm down and then threw the coin up into the air. It glittered as it spun in the air, all eyes upon it.
Over and over as it rose.
“Heads,” the other man declared.
Over and over as it fell.
Ace watched it all the way and then snatched it out of the air. Like Ellison before him, he slapped it down on the back of his hand, leaving it covered until he had caught the other man’s eye.
“So, show me,” the Goliath Scorpion demanded.
Slowly, he moved his hand away.
Once again, the diamond shark was on top.
Ellison’s eyes narrowed to slots. “You… win…” he acknowledged slowly. Then he held out his hand, palm up. “Can I have the coin back before you make me a bondsman?”
Ace handed him the damon. “Welcome to Clan Diamond Shark. Rest assured, I will not waste your talents as a mere bondsman. We need warriors and officers, Galaxy Commander.”
“W-what?” the older man exclaimed, composure broken at first. “Galaxy Commander?”
“Of course, I told you that I recognised you as my equal,” Ace told him, somewhat smugly. “Your first mission for Clan Diamond Shark is to form your seekers and raw warriors from our newest sibkos into the new Tau Galaxy - which will be charged with defending our flank against the Outworlds Alliance.”
“What would you have done if I had won?” the newly promoted officer demanded.
“Who else could Suvorov appointed to garrison those worlds?” was Ace’s rhetorical reply.
Ellison threw his head back and laughed wildly for a moment. “Congratulations, I was defeated from the moment that you made your bid. Spectacular,” he admitted after he was done laughing. “You think those worlds are under threat.”
“Most likely. I think this alleged Star League will need to make some attempt to show their members in the Periphery that they are not simply fighting for the sake of the Inner Sphere. You have made a study of how the Outworlders defended those worlds from the SLDF. You may need to use similar tactics.”
“To hold the worlds if I can. If not, to tie down their forces and buy time for you to secure the rest of the Dominion,” the new Diamond Shark concluded. “A thankless task. Do I at least get a vote on the name of my new Clan?”
“Of course,” Steven Hawker stepped forwards to join them in the center of the hall. “Everyone will have their chance to vote - the date is early next year.” He offered Ellison Enders his hand. “Welcome to our ranks, Galaxy Commander Enders.”
“That still sounds wrong!” Ellison whined.
“You get used to it,” Ace assured him.
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