Chapter 26

Outreach

Sarna March, Federated Commonwealth

January 7th 3051

The Wolf's Dragoons had made some critical oversights when planning the conference. Assumptions about the duration and topics of discussion being the most obvious two. However when they were pointed out they saw reason. Even if it had taken a little bit of arm twisting, they were rational enough to make changes. That was good, I could work with people like that. Part of their concessions, which were generous, to get me to play along with their plan for the heirs of the inner sphere involved giving in to my proposals for change in terms of planning conferences and freer information exchange.

"The enemy can radically alter the loadout of their OmniMechs between battles. On Zoetermeer, their commanders knew they would be fighting in an urban environment, so they equipped them with short-range weaponry."

I pulled up the projected image of a Summoner.

"This 'Mech, a Summoner, typically carries a long-range loadout, but this time, they fought with an advanced version of the AC/20 that can fire more rapidly. Now, who can suggest how we can exploit this flexibility?"

A bearded Marik officer ventured an opinion, "We make sure we select terrain that favors both long and short-range combat?"

I shook my head. "Not exactly what I had in mind. Remember, the Clans still have a general range advantage over our weaponry."

Beth Foglesong, the Generalmajor I had dined with from the FRR, studied the Summoner before saying, "We trick them. We get them to think a short-range fight would be ideal, so they equip short-range weaponry where long-range weaponry would be better. Or the reverse."

"Correct, we can also do the same with worlds with varying temperature ratings. Paradoxically, cold worlds would be better to employ inferno SRM munitions, because they will run variants that are heat-heavy, so they can take advantage of the natural chillier climates. To beat the Clans, use their versatility against them."

My presentation went on for another hour, and various tactics were openly discussed. I not only enjoyed the discussion as a thrilling and productive intellectual exercise, but I was also really furnishing my strategic reputation! Presenting myself as a font of useful information could even present opportunities to be sent to the Nagelring or NAMA as an instructor. Ensuring that other Inner Sphere militaries could adapt to the Clans also made it less likely my nation would be conquered, so that was nice too.

Juggling the team-building exercises with the other heirs, with these conferences, was draining, and I didn't get to attend nearly as many engineering and technology reviews as I would have liked. Other tactical sessions included the batchall process, the use of combined arms, how Zellbrigen worked, what to expect from garrison forces, and anti-Elemental tactics. All of which included valuable contributions from the Wolf's experienced staff that filled in the blanks that we from the Inner Sphere had not yet had a chance to encounter.

As dismissive as I was about the training itself, I realized it was better than being back on the front. I'd still much rather be on New Avalon, but I was being productive and sharing what I had learned against the Clans. To the Dragoons' credit, there is also the post-war to consider, should we win. If their plan for the various future rulers to form productive bonds worked, so much the better. I longed for peace – but lofty future goals aside, the first task was defeating the Clans.

"Good job up there," Aiko complimented.

"Thank you," I replied as I headed back to the Federated Commonwealth wing.

Victor and Galen greeted us. "Ah, there you are. Kai said you were attending one of the OmniMech discussions. I imagine it was a bit boring for you – you probably already know all about them."

Aiko laughed. "Forgive me, Highness, but Katherine was presenting."

"Oh, uh, well that makes sense. You told me you piloted a Gargoyle, so you'd be perfect to chair such an event." Victor smiled a bit. "Now that's a deadly 'Mech, but I'd love to get my hands on something like that Summoner that Kai took down. Jump jets and a souped-up AC/20? Whoever designed that must be a long-lost twin."

My brother appeared mildly embarrassed, but I hadn't really spoken with my own family all that much, and he likely didn't feel it necessary to observe things he had known about firsthand. There was just so much to do and very little time. Thinking about it, Victor might even be feeling neglected.

"I promised Isis Marik I would get dinner with her. Care to join us?"

"Sure!" Victor said with a smile, while Galen looked a bit uneasy. "You won't be out of place, Hauptmann Cox. Isis enjoys her drama; just don't give her any ammo, and you'll be fine."

Isis didn't mind the extra company; in fact, she was eying Victor with open interest. I had not spent much time on dynastic politics and marriage, preferring to set aside thoughts of that until I was forced to confront them. My libido seemed oriented to my first life, which meant I liked women. So long as Victor remained the heir and nothing happened to him, there would be no need for me to marry and bear children. Most nobles, assuming they didn't get killed violently, would almost never die of natural causes prior to a hundred years of age. There had been no rush for Victor to marry, but a match with Isis Marik would change the politics of the Inner Sphere completely. Adding the industrial strength of the FWL to the strength of the Federated Commonwealth would create a super-state that none could challenge.

Though that also depends if Joshua Marik survives. He is not doing well.

Things were not all that simple; it was always possible Thomas Marik would have more children and Isis could still be disinherited. Then, of course, there was the specter of Isis just using Victor for her own ends, with no intention of marrying him. This was all premature thinking, I freely admit, but the unique situation on Outreach, with all the various powers being in person, had my thoughts going down rabbit trails.

"Victor, when you become the Archon-Prince," Isis began, "will you do something about the AFFC uniforms? They are so busy and lack clarity of design."

"I have not given that any thought," Victor replied hesitantly. "I don't really see anything wrong with them."

"You don't? Ah, men." Isis playfully elbowed me, and I struggled not to make a face. "If you did have to change the uniform, would you go back to the Lyran style? Or the Suns one?"

Before Victor could answer, I did. "If we did change them, we wouldn't be going back to either, as it would cause unnecessary friction."

Her musical laughter drew Galen's eye to her moving cleavage, and I was starting to get annoyed. Isis was a potentially useful ally to have in the FWL, but she had a penchant for causing drama. I had heard how earlier she took Kai's arm and said she was looking everywhere for the heir of the Capellan Confederation, all within earshot of Sun-Tzu.

Sun-Tzu had obviously challenged the implication, and Isis had, according to the gossip Aiko shared with her, expressed confusion, as wasn't Kai the eldest son of the eldest daughter of Maximilian Liao? It was such a pointless and unnecessary way to cause trouble, but she seemed to thrive on those sorts of social ploys.

Aiko had a small smile on her face as she joined the conversation after a sip from her glass. "Prince Victor is a MechWarrior; we often don't care about such things because we don't wear our uniforms in combat. It's too hot in a 'Mech cockpit, and we need the cooling vest to be flush to our skin."

Isis dropped that subject, and the rest of the meal was pleasant enough. Victor was excited about the possibility of Clan tech that MacKenzie Wolf was dangling in front of them. They had promised the two trainees who scored the best overall a 100-ton assault 'Mech. While it was not finished, nor was it certain they could build it with pure Clan technology, the specifications they had shared so far promised it would be a monster of a machine.

As someone who worked in HR, I approved of the use of incentives like that. However, I could tell Isis was growing a bit bored of that line of conversation, so it was up to me to navigate to territory that everyone could partake in. Trying to find overlapping interests was its own struggle, but I knew all, save for Hauptmann Cox, well enough to do so.

***

Outreach

Sarna March, Federated Commonwealth

January 10th 3051

Ragnar struggled to keep up his positivity after being repeatedly outmatched in every task. Tyra consoled him, reminding him that he was the youngest – Hohiro, for example, being a full decade older – and that he shouldn't feel bad about his performance. But he did, and that only drove him to push harder. What truly frustrated him, though, was how much of a child he must have seemed in the eyes of the princess.

Today's exercise put them in a simulator, with Ragnar piloting a Catapult. The teams had been reshuffled, and with Tyra Miraborg assigned to Aerospace, Princess Katherine was also absent. Ragnar knew from his father that she had been meeting regularly with state leaders and high-ranking officers to share her knowledge of fighting the Clans – it made sense, but he still wished she were here to see him.

This time, the teams were Victor, Hohiro, Galen, and Shin against Kai, Cassandra, Sun-Tzu, and Ragnar. He didn't like their chances, but Kai had devised a plan that just might work. They had lured the enemy lance into a canyon, and while Kai kept them distracted, the rest focused their fire from above, hammering them with indirect LRM barrages.

Initially, the plan had worked beautifully. They had brought down Victor's 'Mech and Shin's Phoenix Hawk, but not before Victor had crippled Kai's leg, leaving him an easy target for Galen and Hohiro to finish off. Three against two were good odds – until Sun-Tzu went down fast, leaving only him and Cassandra.

A blistering exchange of missiles gave way to brutal close-quarters combat, where Ragnar put his lasers to good use. His partner's Orion had fallen but wasn't out. As Cassandra struggled to rise, Ragnar surged forward, his medium lasers cutting into Hohiro's Grand Dragon before he slammed into it head-on, buying her the time she needed to get back on her feet.

Ragnar's reckless charge had inflicted serious damage on both 'Mechs, but the impact cost him his balance and sent his own crashing to the ground. The simulator shook and rattled as he landed face-down. With a groan, he realized his back armor was fully exposed – an opening Galen exploited, his short-range weapons finishing Ragnar off for good.

Cassandra, however, made full use of the distraction. Her autocannon, medium lasers, and SRMs found their mark, punching into Hohiro's internals and igniting the Grand Dragon's LRM ammo. The 'Mech erupted in a fiery blast, torn apart from within.

Ragnar watched on the screens as Cassandra faced Galen one-on-one. Both 'Mechs had shed armor across multiple sections. One of the Crusader's arms hung half-torn away, but Galen's short-range firepower gave him the edge. Even his machine guns found their mark, and when the last of Cassandra's armor was stripped away, a well-placed shot struck her gyro, sending her Orion staggering.

A second fall proved their team's undoing, and Ragnar stepped out of the simulator bay. Despite the loss, Sun-Tzu looked satisfied.

"I told you it was a foolish plan, cousin. Next time, you should heed true wisdom."

"Ie," Shin countered, "Leftenant Allard-Liao's plan was a good one. While I mean no disrespect to the three of you, the teams were not well-matched in experience and skill."

Cassandra, sweaty from the real heat within the simulator, clutched her chest in mock pain. "Agh, and now the noble Combine warrior breaks my spirit with his sharp words."

Shin grinned and bowed in apology. Ragnar forced himself to stop staring at Cassandra; it wasn't polite, but the way her skin glistened...

Stop it!

Galen nodded in agreement. "All four of us have fought the Clans, and on your team, it was only Kai. His plan very nearly worked, even with him piloting something he wasn't used to in order to make the tonnage more even."

Kai shook his head ruefully. "My current 'Mech is a Caesar, true, but I have logged many hours in the Centurion. I wasn't able to dip behind the terrain in time after my strike. That was almost unbelievable accuracy by Victor to my leg, nearly all his weapons focused in such a short period of time."

Victor shrugged. "I've seen how you move in simulators before, so I was expecting something like that. Against an opponent who doesn't know you – like against the Clans – your plan was perfect, Kai."

Sun-Tzu sneered. "You lot are pathetic and let your bias show with disgusting directness. Get out of my way."

MacKenzie Wolf cleared his throat loudly. "Don't leave yet. We still need to assess your performance and identify areas needing improvement."

"I am uninterested. We were never going to win, and this farce only grows more obvious as time goes on. They should rename your mercenary unit to the Davion Dogs. The best I can say for you is that you do know obedience well."

Ragnar saw a hardening in the Dragoon's eyes, but he let Sun-Tzu pass without further challenge.

"For those of you who care about being MechWarriors, come with me."

Ragnar patted Kai on the arm. "Your plan was good; I missed more than I should have."

Kai gave him a nod. "Thank you, but the Clans have taught us that even with the right plan, great equipment, and elite MechWarriors, it isn't always enough. We need to get better."

Ragnar was in full agreement with that; his nation needed him.

***

New Oslo

Rasalhague District, Free Rasalhague Republic

Jan 13th 3051

Khan Ulric Kerensky was unsurprised when Conal Ward was crushed in the Trial of Refusal. Unfortunately, the Crusader-minded warrior had survived the destruction of his 'Mech, but many of the Crusaders from his Galaxy had perished. Politically speaking, it meant the Warden faction was stronger than ever, not only due to the loss of the Crusaders but also because of the blatant bias of the Grand Council. The Wolves had been forced to partake in the invasion, and when they started surpassing the other Clans, they were saddled with the Steel Vipers, who spent the month of January conducting Trials of Possession for hard-fought Wolf territory.

Two Galaxies worth – two-thirds of the Steel Vipers frontline fighting force with the bid still in place. No doubt part of the political deal struck so they could be moved in as one of the Invading Clans.

Conal Ward had won great personal prestige by slaying saKhan Tanya DeLaurel of the Hell's Horses. He would be one that Ulric needed to continue watching.

Ulric found the Steel Vipers' strategy to be lackluster. As predicted, the largest attacks were on Rasalhague and New Oslo, two clusters each. New Oslo was the more important one to defend, despite Rasalhague having been the capital of the FRR. That was why Ulric was here personally.

The Vipers had also selected Laurent, Moritz, Heiligendreuz, Vorarlberg, Radstadt, and Hermagor. Of those, Laurent would prove the most interesting. He had a trinary from a PGC on that planet, but he had also taken many bondsmen who operated vehicles and had the local Star Captain advise them that life under the Steel Vipers would be very different than under Clan Wolf. Not only for them personally, but for the population.

Strictly speaking, Ulric had broken no laws by allowing nearly the entire armored portion of the Laurent Tamar March Militia that had survived to test for a Trial of Position to become a warrior. Vehicles tended to be shunned by the Clans, but PGCs did make use of them, and the Hell's Horses made significant use of them in their frontline units.

Between losses in the initial taking of the world and from the Trial of Position, I have crews and vehicles for over seventy of those technologically inferior tanks. Add that to the Trinary there, and they may hold; but if not, they will have still bled the Vipers. I am eager to learn how they performed.

Moritz wasn't worth defending, and he had given up the world without a fight. Radstadt still had a frontline Cluster, as did Heiligendreuz. Vorarlberg and Hermagor were likely lost, however. Each only had three Trinaries of PGC units on them.

His saKhan, Garth Radick, had been frustrated that his Beta Galaxy had not been allowed to fight against the Steel Vipers. Ulric held them back not because he doubted his loyal saKhan, but because they would be needed for Wave Six. He did not want to lose forward momentum, and it would be just Beta Galaxy pushing forward this wave in February. Had the Vipers not been inflicted upon them, he would have selected Tamar as the crown jewel of this wave, but his forces were spread too thin to allow for that to occur now and still make forward progress toward Terra.

Ulric had given instructions for the garrisons not to request anything in exchange if they were victorious. It was possible that the Vipers would be over-aggressive in their bidding, given that there were no additional consequences for losing. That wasn't the case for Ulric; he well knew the value of New Oslo, so when saKhan Perigard Zalman initiated the batchall, it was Ulric who answered.

"Welcome to New Oslo, saKhan Zalman. I will be defending New Oslo with the Golden Keshik, the full Trinary with me at its head, and the 328th Assault Cluster."

"My Khan believed you would have chosen Rasalhague to defend personally. She will be sorely displeased. Do you grant Safcon?"

"I do, and I have picked a rural region for our battlefield. Given the importance of this world, I request a prize for my victory here today. The factories on this world produce Inner Sphere BattleMechs, and my Tech Caste has already reconfigured them to create second-line 'Mechs with our Clan technology. Such a resource is valuable, and so I will demand something commensurate to it."

"As is your right, what will you ask for?"

"A year's worth of production from the facility seems fair. As we can produce at least a cluster of second-line 'Mechs from it in that time, that is my prize: 45 'Mechs, averaging 40 tons, as well as the customary spare parts and ammunition to go along with those 'Mechs. Any of your warriors defeated will be made bondsmen, if I feel they are worthy, and I will, of course, control the field and take any surrendered or destroyed 'Mechs and Elementals you assault with."

"Bargained well and done, Khan Kerensky. I will send the codex of my warriors over, and given your demands, I will use the full strength of the two Clusters I have with me to take this world."

Ulric had chosen an utterly featureless field for their Trial, something the Steel Vipers may have overlooked when it was described as simply rural. The area was large enough, and he had commanded his MechWarriors to equip exclusively long-range loadouts. Beyond that, his Golden Keshik was completely fitted with only Assault 'Mechs. Ulric had personally chosen to use a Warhawk. The variant he selected had two ER PPCs and two Large Pulse Lasers.

Having no fewer than five Dire Wolves among my command Trinary will be ruinous for our foes.

The Dire Wolf, especially the A Variant, would be an excellent choice for his subordinates; however, Ulric had no doubt about his own capabilities. The Dire Wolf in the hands of another Bloodnamed warrior might be the difference between victory and defeat, whereas he would win regardless of what he piloted.

As expected in Clan battles, the Steel Vipers came on bravely and practiced Zellbrigen. Just before maximum range, challenges went back and forth, and an eager non-Bloodnamed warrior rushed forward against him in a Battle Cobra. Ulric's ER PPCs and Large Pulse Lasers spat death. The enemy warrior was skilled, but only connected with one of their pulse lasers before a second round of deadly-accurate shooting from Ulric put the 40-ton 'Mech down.

Across the battlefield, the initial duels continued. The Steel Vipers outnumbered the Wolves, but it had a less-than-2:1 advantage. That still meant there was another opponent to face, this time a more respectable advancing Gargoyle. The chitter of autocannon fire plinked against Ulric's 'Mech as he once again sent out staccato bursts from his lasers and deadly azure lightning from his PPCs.

The fighting was brutal. There was no cover, no easy way to even pilot a 'Mech on perpendicular courses, lest they run into fields of fire from other fights they should not be participating in. It all came down to accuracy and weapon selection, and while the Vipers had chosen a mixture, ready for typical varied terrain, his Wolves had selected what would work best.

If they grow desperate enough to violate Zellbrigen, that too will work in my favor. My Stars have standing orders to immediately combine fire if Zellbrigen is broken by the Vipers. Pre-determined fire-teams, and how they will focus, will be far more effective than hasty and desperate decisions.

The Vipers did not end up breaking Zellbrigen. Ulric defeated the Star Captain who had piloted the Gargoyle and surveyed how the duels were going. Very few Viper victories had been claimed, and many were now on their second fights. Searching for an opponent, Ulric found a battered Crossbow charging at medium range after a hasty challenge. A small flight of missiles confirmed it was the mixed variant instead of the better prime configuration for this battle. Given the tattered vestiges of armor on its legs, they became Ulric's first target.

The ER PPCs snapped off one leg, and, aside from a few LRMs striking the arm of the Warhawk, Ulric was unscathed. As the Crossbow struggled to orient its weapons from the ground, Ulric sent his lasers into it. One last futile set of LRMs was launched before Ulric unleashed his ER PPCs, tearing apart the enemy's engine.

The saKhan of the Vipers had dueled a warrior from the 328th Assault Cluster. He had been victorious, but his Timber Wolf had lost an arm.

"Khan Kerensky, this is over, I request Hegira."

"Neg. You made a bargain with Showers to participate, a bargain only done to thwart my drive to Terra. There will be no Hegira for you."

"So be it."

Ulric was the better warrior, and his 'Mech had more of its armor remaining. Ulric sent wave after wave of energy weapon-configured death, never missing a single strike. Perigard Zalman died with his 'Mech that day, and Ulric Kerensky had added yet another KIA tally for opposing Khans to his already impressive codex.

***

Outreach

Sarna March, Federated Commonwealth

January 18th 3051

Victor was very pleased when Sun-Tzu had refused to participate in the 'Mech simulator combat. Instead, he had claimed that the day was one of remembrance for some planet lost; Victor hadn't cared about the details. The important part was, with an uneven number again, his sister could join them in the simulator match for the day.

This time, Victor was paired with Katherine, Cassandra, and Ragnar. Being on the opposite side of Galen was new, but the Wolf's Dragoons were intentionally setting up different configurations to fight.

"All right, I'm going to handle Kai, while you guys take care of the rest. Don't get distracted, that's the name of his game," Victor advised.

His lance acknowledged, and Victor watched as Katherine's Firestarter moved forward, graceful as always. To maintain balance, she piloted a 'Mech that would even out the tonnage. The battle proved to be an interesting experience. Victor had hung back, waiting for Kai to make his appearance, but he never did. Instead, Victor found himself out of position when the others abused their greater speed to shift the field of battle. As he pushed his 'Mech to full throttle, he got a front-row seat as Kai demolished his sister's rear armor, sending the Orion crashing into the dirt. Hohiro, Shin, and Galen combined their fire on Ragnar's Catapult, quickly stripping away its armor in an impressive display of firepower.

Wow, Ragnar didn't fall over, just a week ago he probably would have from such a massive amount of fire hitting all at once. He's getting better.

Katherine wasn't idle; she rocketed past Galen's Crusader, sending flames cascading over the 'Mech and the trees around him. Ragnar launched a few LRMs at the Grand Dragon. Victor pushed his 'Mech hard as the battle continued to unfold. Kai fired another stream of depleted uranium rounds into Ragnar's 'Mech, snapping off one of its boxy limbs. Shin's Phoenix Hawk shifted to face Katherine, but she was already moving in a tight arc, releasing even more flames.

Victor finally came in range and joined the chaotic fray.

To Ragnar's credit, he remained in the fight despite losing weapon systems and enduring heavy damage. The lack of concentrated fire on one part of his 'Mech proved critically important. In the end, he lost a leg, both arms, his right torso, and his center torso in the final flurry of attacks. However, by that time, Victor had dealt serious damage to the Hohiro's 'Mech, and the Grand Dragon also went down.

Galen's Crusader moved sluggishly as flames roared around him, with the Firestarter lancing lasers into his slowly turning 'Mech's backside. Victor decided to concentrate on Kai before he could target Katherine.

The simulator went dark after their final exchange. In the end, both he and Kai gave it their all, resulting in a mutual kill. It felt like a win – until Victor realized his own 'Mech had outweighed Kai's by quite a bit.

Galen's ammunition cooked off, ripping his 'Mech apart. Katherine faced off against Shin, and despite the Draconis Combine warrior's obvious skill, Katherine moved with near-supernatural grace. The fire and smoke, perfectly simulated by the Dragoons' advanced systems, turned the battle into a game of cat and mouse. One Katherine ultimately won by physically punching through the rear armor of Shin's 'Mech, destroying its internal workings.

"YES!!" Victor shouted from inside the simulator.

Galen looked sheepish. "We were trying to take down Rangar's 'Mech quickly, so I overdid it with my Alpha Strike. Add in the flamers, and... well, I was toast."

Feeling good about his win, Victor wanted to celebrate with his sister. However, she had to quickly shower and change for yet another of her Clan conferences – this one about bondsmen, a topic he knew little of. After changing himself, he joined her. Shortly before the freewheeling discussion, directed by Katherine, concluded, he was pulled out by his father, who wished to speak with him.

They were waiting for him in one of the smaller rooms. Inside, not only was his father present, but also Marshal Sharon Zardetto and Field Marshal Michele Bjuti.

"I'm not in trouble, am I?" he said with a slight grin.

His father gave a mirthful shake of his head. "No, son. You've impressed the Wolf's Dragoons with your acumen in battle, and we've given some thought as to how best to utilize you. Michele?"

Michele nodded. "One of the legacy issues we face in our RCTs is that the 'Mech regiment commander often doubles as the overall commander of the RCT. This is a result of how these units were initially formed and a desire to allow competent leaders to focus on what they do best. However, the role of an RCT commander should not be on the front lines. They need to have a broader focus on the battle as a whole, as well as a deep understanding of where Aerospace, combat vehicle, infantry, and artillery assets can be best utilized."

Victor nodded slowly. "That makes sense."

Field Marshal Bjuti gave him a smile. "To make a long story short, we are enforcing, at least in some units, that the RCT commander, whether a Leftenant General, Hauptmann General, or Marshal, will have a Colonel commanding their 'Mech regiment. As it will be in their chain of command, they can of course countermand any Colonel's orders, but having a distinct command structure in place will improve our operational performance. Or so we believe. Where you come in is that we have a billet for a Colonel in either the 10th Lyran Guards or the Davion Heavy Guards."

That was a surprise to him, and emotions immediately began to swirl. First, pride. He had proven himself once again to his father, a realization that made him almost giddy. Second, suspicion. Despite his hard-won skill with piloting 'Mechs, he couldn't help but wonder if this was just a result of his position as the Archon-Prince Designate. Third, confusion. He wasn't sure what choice to make. The 10th Lyran Guards was a storied command, one he had been honored to fight with. On the other hand, the Davion Heavy Guards had Kai and Wendy in it – not to mention it was one of the most famous Federated Suns regiments of all.

His father added, "You don't have to make the choice immediately, but soon. There are some strings attached. Whichever command you choose, you won't be seeing frontline action anytime soon. Both regiments were shattered by the recent fighting and will need to be brought up to full strength before being deployed again. What's more, we'll be funneling as much Clan tech and retrofitted designs as possible toward your command. So overseeing that will be your first tasking."

Victor was stunned. "I... I'm not sure what to say. Thank you. When you say Clan tech, do you mean the salvage we took from Twycross?"

Hanse nodded. "Indeed. Clovis and Team Banzai, along with the Wolf's Dragoons techs, have had some recent success modifying an old Inner Sphere Atlas. We can mount Clan weapons on Inner Sphere 'Mechs, but it's expensive and requires custom fittings and experienced techs. That's another reason why you can't expect to be on the front as soon as you'd like. Your unit will be as close to parity with the Clans as any in the Inner Sphere, but that will take time."

Victor understood that, but it was difficult to object. Rebuilding a unit, waiting on tech, training people on new systems, figuring out how he fit into the existing organization, getting everyone's buy-in… there was a lot to consider.

"I know you've given me some time to think about it, but I've decided to take the post with the Davion Heavy Guards. I would also like to extend the offer to any of the 10th Lyran Guard who wish to join me, allowing them to do so."

Marshal Sharon Zardetto smiled broadly. "Great to have you onboard. You'll be reporting to Ann Adelmana, who is still on Sudeten, but we'll likely be moving her to Coventry to make things easier for rest and refit. You, of course, will continue to participate in the training exercises with the Wolf's Dragoons, but you'll have near carte blanche on promotions within the Davion Heavy Guard 'Mech command, as well as start taking on administrative responsibility for logistics."

Victor swallowed heavily. Logistics and administration were major responsibilities, but fortunately, as a regimental commander, he would have a staff to help him manage the workload.

"Along with all that," Marshal Zardetto continued, "I'd like to be the first to congratulate you on your promotion, Colonel Victor Steiner-Davion."

"Thank you, Marshal. I won't let any of you down."

His father shook his hand firmly, and Victor left the meeting feeling like a billion C-Bills.