Time for another big update with contributions from myself, James Tanaga (Lyran/Buena bit) and welcoming back Blackhorse 6 (Federated Suns)
Meeting Room, Complex A1
Wolf City, Gallery
Halfway Province, Lyran Commonwealth
7th May 3111 Like many who had visited the underground city that served as the Mountain Wolf capital on Gallery Duke Robert Lunius was in awe of what he was seeing but also saw the oppetunity that the Archon had spoken of, the city was sparsely populated since the rest of the Clan abandoned the Lyran Commonwealth. Lunius was not convinced that this course of action was the best one but the weapons coming out of the Gallery had convinced the Archon that the remaining Mountain Wolves could be trusted. He was led into a meeting room and saw someone waited for him he was tall with short brown hair that was beginning to grey slightly he had a goatee that was also beginning to show signs of grey.
“I am Duke Robert Linius of Halfway representing Archon Jessica Steiner. You are not Star Colonel Daniela Wolf” Linius said realizing he’d pointed out the obvious after he had spoken.
“Neg, I am not, I am Scientist General Riko Danvers and I lead the scientists of the Mountain Wolves. Star Colonel Daniela Wolf is commanding our forces as they train on the southern continent she has authorized me to speak on behalf of the Mountain Wolves, please sit Duke Lunius.”
“I had heard that you had formed a third cluster.” Lunius admitted sitting opposite the Scientist General “which leads me to the reason I am here Archon Steiner is aware of the facilities that you have here and the excess accommodation that is available in this city and the other settlements the Mountain Wolves have.”
“It is no secret that we have a smaller Touman and population than before” he said “but we are still committed to supporting the Lyran Commonwealth in anyway we can.”
“I am aware of your commitments Scientist General and the Archon appreciates your people’s work. The weapon shipments and medical research alone has been very useful.” He said “however we think that we could help make more out of what you have here on Gallery. With the Clans continuously threatening our borders and the recent break of the Son Hou Theatre there has been a wave of refugees who wish to remain Lyran citizens but have been displaced. The Archon and I believe that Gallery with its facilities already constructed could be one place that could take many?”
“Affirmative Duke Lunius” Danvers replied after a moment’s hesitation “we could accommodate many given time to prepare the facilities, we have mothballed many that were not in use, if they are willing to work then we could possibly also bring further factories and research facilities online.”
“The Archon had the same thought” Lunius said seeing that the Scientist had quickly picked up on the Lyran thinking. “We wish for your people to thrive within the Commonwealth if you are able to accommodate these citizens and provide them with a safe environment and work the Archon has authorized me to increase shipments of raw materials and supplies to your facilities.”
“We already barely use all of them that are already provided to us, Duke Lunius, perhaps you could hold onto what you were ready to provide for now and we will request them when we are ready.” Danvers said smiling he was sure that the Duke was happy to see him appreciate what the Lyrans were doing for the Wolves but the real reason for the smile was his own.
“If you are sure? There are others within the Commonwealth in need of resources.”
“Then they should get them” Danvers said knowing that it would be music to Lunius’ ears. “The Mountain Wolves will make do with what we have until we are ready for more.” He said “I know the Lyran state will provide when it is ready and able to.” He said playing along with the man’s desires “we will be ready within the month to take in some of the refugees.”
“I am very glad to hear this” Lunius said rising from his chair as Danvers did “I will contact the Archon as soon as I am able and make her aware of the Mountain Wolves continued commitment.” He said reaching out and shaking Danvers hand. Soon after the Duke left and not long after Scientist Elda Beckett entered the room.
“You heard?” He asked she nodded she had been listening into their conversation from another room. “We will need to move some of our research quickly I do not want Lyran refugees stumbling over our advances.”
“Yes, Scientist General it will not take long to move the supplies.” She said remaining standing “with additional bodies available we could move to the second phase of testing of our drugs program.”
“Agreed but only in small amounts we have already had a greater fail rate here than the test subjects in the Homeworlds ever displayed.” Danvers warned their drugs program was advanced but some was still risky.
“These refugees have been forced from their worlds their immune systems are already weakened Scientist General should some die once they have reached their new habitat how can any blame be placed on our shoulders?” Beckett pointed out her question clearly rhetorical. “We can only do what we can.”
“Yes, I agree, but we still must be careful. Lyran Intelligence has one hundred different things to keep an eye on at present we do not need to make item one hundred-and-one on their list.”
“Of course not, Scientist General, we have already shown we can be trusted. We will continue to be an important part of House Steiner’s development.”
Ciudad del Mar, Buena
Buena Archonette, Lyran Commonwealth
Inner Sphere
10th May, 3111Archonette Kathy Parks smiled as the graduating class of the Buena College of War celebrated, many alongside family members. In her fifty-five years past military service and now current public service as Archonette of the Buena Archonette, she had witnessed the scene many a time, yet it never got old. She watched the future of the Lyran Commonwealth in pride as her old eyes as her special guest stood beside her.
“You can go visit your son and family, you know,” Kathy informed the younger woman.
“I doubt the Archon’s allowance allows me to get lost in the crowd,” was the disgruntled rejoinder. She nodded privately to herself. Colonel Kelly Varnay was seemingly here on Buena on leave to celebrate her son’s graduation from the Buena College of War.
It was a mockery, as far as Kathy was concerned. The newly-graduated Lieutenant Richard Varnay had been relocated here to Buena, in concert with the rest of his family. She felt for him. He was far from his friends at the Coventry Military Academy. Officially, the young man was here as a visiting student. Unofficially, it was a move by Jessica to get control over the public spectacle that had engulfed her refusal to use the First Fesnyng in the past few months. Kelly shook her head, yet understood her former friend. The Archon would not risk, or be publicly preserved to be risking, her uncle’s life in the hands of a Varnay while Victor Steiner-Davion remained in the Lyran Commonweath the First Fesnyng would remain as far from him as possible. Colonel Varnay’s loyalty was not in question but the trouble the media could create by using her image and name was trouble that Jessica Steiner could not afford.
A moment passed as both woman watched the ongoing celebration. “What’s your analysis on the current border situation concerning the Archonette, Colonel?”
“If this is your attempt to distract me over my current situation, you’re failing, Archonette,” was Kelly Varnay’s gruff reply, causing the older woman to shake her head.
“I still would like to know your opinion on the matter, Colonel. I know that you are on leave but I need all my resources to keep the Archonette from imploding right now. If that means, I have to use you, I will,” was Kathy’s own reply.
The older woman smiled as she heard the other sigh. “The expected merging of Erdvynn Province into the Collection should keep the Rim Collection distracted for a long while. From the reports, I gather the Collection is rapidly building its naval forces and preparing for war against the Circinus Federation.”
Kathy nodded. “That is my own belief as well. Any suggestions on how to deal with that? The Rim Collection cannot lose that conflict over a longer period and should they take the Circinus Federation, it’ll weaken us politically.”
The Archonette noted the shadow of Kelly Varnay shrug. “Your forces don’t have the manpower to muscle in on the situation and the Estates Generals will not divert resources from the Clan borders to support you. You really want my suggestion?”
Kathy turned her head to glance at the younger officer. “What is it?”
“Make a coalition with the Rim Collection, the Southwest Covenant Worlds, and perhaps the Free Worlds League’s District of Lothario against the Circinus Federation,” Kelly Varnay succinctly replied. “We already lost the Circinus Federation. We should instead be working to minimize the loss by forcing the Rim Collection to border the Free Worlds League. At the same time, however, we need to make inroads with the Southwest Covenant Worlds and try to get them to re-join the Commonwealth or at least keep them from allying themselves with other foreign powers.”
“Interesting,” Kathy muttered allowed, weighing the pros and cons of Kelly Varnay’s suggestion in her head as her eyes caught sight of the colonel’s family approaching them, the Free Worlds League was a Star League ally the distrust from the Succession Wars was not something that should hold them back. “I would like an in-depth report on your suggestion after the weekend, Colonel,” she informed the younger woman, causing her to turn her head sharply to Kathy’s direction.
“With respect Archonette, I am on leave and not under your chain of command,” she grizzled out as her family arrived, causing Kathy to turn and face the younger officer for the first time in their conversation.
“Enjoy your weekend, Colonel. And if there is a report on my desk by Wednesday, you may find yourself promoted to be my new chief-of-staff. If not, you can stay with your rats,” she informed her before turning to face Kelly’s family. “Lieutenant, Cadet,” she greeted Richard and Elizabeth Varnay, while nodding at Kelly’s husband, Jonathan Prycehaufer. Moments later she left the small family as she began greeting other newly graduated cadets, knowing full well nearby cameras would catch her.
Medical Ward, New Bealton
Odessa, Donegal Province
Lyran Commonwealth
14th May 3111
In a sterile room in the main medical facility on Odessa Victor Steiner-Davion, the former First Prince of the Federated Suns, lay comatose where he had laid since his battle with Khan Jana Pryde only a few kilometres from where he now was. When he had been found Victor was close to bleeding out his chest penetrated by branches in two places and with several broken bones. The medics had rushed him to a medical facility but with a lung, kidney and heart damage all they could do was link him to several medical machines to keep him alive in a medically induced coma.
Beside his bed his wife Duchess Danai Centrella-Davion sat in the same chair she had for the last since his injuries waiting for him to come back to her. During time here she’d been reminded almost daily about how much she loved him and needed him, how much he had changed her life. Born a Canopian Princess she had become a respected warrior, fought the Clans found love and created her own life.
As one of the medical technicians checked the medical equipment Danai shifted in her chair enough to bump the bed. “Careful dear” a weak voice said a moment or two as Victor’s eyes flicked open.
“Victor!” She said leaning in to kiss him “Victor!” She said again kissing him again.
“Easy, I still hurt a lot” he said as she leaned back he glanced up at the medical tech “wonders of medical technology eh Doc?”
“You certainly are OvKhan” the man said nodding downwards slightly the man wore Lyran medical briefs but wore a Clan Wolf insignia. It took him several moments to think about what he had said remembering the words meant ‘honoured superior’ and that there were still Wolves in the Lyran Commonwealth.
“What happened?” He asked as the tech raised the headboard of the chair so Victor could sit up which was agony for him but better than being unable to see her. It felt strange for Victor to feel so tired but he guessed that was what happened when you were so badly hurt.
“You have been in a medically induced coma for the last four months since your fight with Jana Pryde.” Danai said quietly “you had severe injuries following your ejection.” She explained as he tried to move “stay still” she commanded “the only way for you to recover was for the doctors to put you into a coma. Archon Steiner contacted the remaining Wolves on Gallery who agreed to attend and assist.”
“And the rest is history?”
“You’ve had a few close calls OvKhan Steiner-Davion” the technician said “your new heart has caused the most problems” he explained “it took us some time to get it to to work with your body.”
“What happened with the Falcons?”
“Victor Focht joined his forces with the Lyrans and assisted in liberating Alma Alta and Cameron from the Jade Falcons.” Danai said “unfortunately the Falcons have reinforced their position by capturing several clusters from the Hell’s Horses.” She said glancing down “and you received a message from Bannister Cameron.” She said handing a remote to him “there’s a Tri-vid player in the corner I’ve seen it, I’ll come back in when you are ready.” She said rising from her chair she guided the technician out. Victor reached for the play button and pressed it.
The message began as a hologram of Bannister Cameron appeared in the corner of the room he looked much like he had when Victor had last seen him on Terra. “This message is for Victor Ian Steiner-Davion if he has past then please destroy this message as it will be of no concern to you.” He said a moment later the message flicked slightly and then Bannister continued “Victor, I hope that this message finds you well, if you are seeing this message then I am dead and I have yet to appoint a successor.” He said if this was a joke it was the worst one that Victor had ever seen “I am recording this message on the 12th November 3110.” He said pausing to smile “I know you are probably thinking that you have not long left Terra and that I mentioned none of this.” He said “Victor, the reason that I did not mention this is because it was your choice to go against your instincts and take the mission against the Falcons.” He said glancing away from the tri-vid camera.
“You have told me many times over the last couple of years that your old habits were going to get you killed I think that it is your old habits that are keeping you alive.” He said “and I need you to keep something else alive, the Star League Protectorate and the Star League Defence Force.” He said “the Protectorate needs strong leadership and I want that leadership to be yours.” He said Victor paused the message and glanced at Bannister and then the door before playing the message “I know your argument you’ve retired, you wish to enjoy life, but I also know you also still feel a sense of duty I saw that when you served as First Lord and feel you still have much to give.”
“I have sent to the Star League Protectorate’s Council that you are my nomination to replace me as leader of Liberty and of the Star League Protectorate.” He said stunning Victor “my friend do me this one last favour serve as the Protectorate’s first Exarch and make the Protectorate and the Star League endure until the next generation can enjoy its successes.” He said
The message then ended and Victor was treated with a news report that showed that Bannister Cameron had been assassinated on New Canton on the 26th February 3111. A week later Victor had been nominated and confirmed as Bannister’s replacement despite his status of being in a coma. In practice the day to day running of the Protectorate was run by the Council while Victor was a figurehead even House Liao supported it stating it was nice to see that Victor succeeded where his father failed even if the end result was the same. With Bannister officially also holding the title of the First Lord as well the member states decided that until the Council decided on a leader the Protectorate Council would also hold the First Lordship which technically meant that Victor was once again also the First Lord.
Ignoring Bannister’s offer and the pain he was in he called for two doctors one from the Lyran Commonwealth and one from the Wolves of Gallery. Both agreed that while he would live for many years to come the Commonwealth doctor was sure that he would be in pain and need further treatment for the rest of his days while the Wolf doctor was convinced that the newly grown organs that were now in his body would make him as healthy as he had been twenty years before. While he preferred the Wolf’s prognosis the great unknown bothered him. Instead of dwelling on their findings he then called for a hospital orderly and asked for transport to the Mechbay.
-------------
Nearly three hours later Victor was sat on a wheelchair looking up at the repaired Dire Wolf OmniMech Prometheus its Lyran Guard paint scheme had been reapplied to the replacement armour which had been fitted to the OmniMech. “Couldn’t stay away from her?” The voice of Danai Centrella-Davion said as she walked up to him.
“I just wanted to see the thing that almost killed me, I thought it might help make sense of everything.” He said trying to explain his motives on being here.
“That didn’t almost kill you, a crazy Clan ***** almost killed you.” She said angrily he knew she was annoyed that he had come here before calling for her as well.
“Yes, but I was stupid enough to think I could still fight like I was thirty years younger.” Victor admitted “it was like the first time I piloted her I thought that there was nothing I couldn’t do.” He said looking from the OmniMech to Danai “I’ll never pilot her again.”
“The doctors said you will make a full recovery.”
“Yes, I know, and I’ll never pilot her again” he said being surer of the words this time “I will not put you through this again.” He said raising his arms to his side despite the pain. “I will keep that Mech I will keep up the appearance of being the warrior prince when I need to be but I won’t take her into battle that is for the past.”
“Your future battlegrounds will be more up here” she said touching his forehead Victor closed his eyes enjoying her touch “Exarch Steiner-Davion.”
“Where on earth did Bannister come up with that?”
“It was the Council not Bannister and I believe they took it from Ancient Terra’s European District during the rule of one of the first major empires.” She explained when she’d heard the title she’d immediately began reading about it. “Bannister Cameron turned his back on the title claiming that should a Cameron take on a fancy name for his role then many would see it as the first step towards reborn Hegemony.”
“The Protectorate is that in all but name already all it lacks is its own military wing separate from the Star League Defence Force and from what I’ve ready many believe that it is only time before that happens.” Victor said looking up at Prometheus again “when people have weapons of war it is only a matter of time before they want the power that goes with them. It was the same with the bow and arrow, the first firearm, main battle tank, BattleMech, WarShip it doesn’t matter the type of weapon each of them brings man closer to conflict over resource and power.”
“Which Bannister wants you to keep a lid on for a little longer” she said prodding him back to the important conversation instead of chasing the reasons man made war against other man.
“I retired” he said looking back at her “and what’s to stop the member states beginning to treat the Protectorate as a new Terran March? Linking the Federated Suns and Lyran Commonwealth this could start a new Succession War.”
“Only if you gave preferential treatment to those states and worked against the others you’ve shown in the past a fair hand while serving as First Lord. It does mean you’ll have to be firm with Burton and the Federated Suns but if you are able to handily that then it shouldn’t be a problem? The Star League is fragile it has been since the Capellans withdrew and now with the Combine lowering their support these are testing times but it is not over. And if the Star League does fall the Protectorate worlds could use a leader who knows how to win a conflict at its helm.”
“I retired” he repeated again looking back at Prometheus.
“Old habits die hard, Exarch” she said leaning over him wrapping her arm around his shoulders showing her support for his new position.