Chapter 41

Blackjack

Tamar March, Lyran Commonwealth

November 15th 3051

While I sat on Blackjack, made my plans, and ruthlessly trained my people, events in the broader galaxy continued to progress. Today, we received a priority HPG transmission. Thomas Marik had a holovid to share with the Inner Sphere. We controlled the HPG stations within FedCom; we didn't have to forward anything, but there was reason to play ball here.

"I am Thomas Marik, Captain-General of the Free Worlds League, and I have a message for the citizens of the Inner Sphere regarding the recent events involving ComStar. ComStar has been a trusted beacon of hope for all of us for centuries. Without ComStar, the Clans would have found an Inner Sphere ripe for the picking – nations with no ability to communicate and technologically backward."

Bold move to start with praising traitors.

"ComStar has been a neutral arbiter, helping to broker peace, protecting the outlying worlds bordering the Periphery, and preserving our ability to communicate. Jerome Blake's great gift to humanity was ComStar."

Marik's face was somber as he bowed his head.

"Sadly, even the greatest of institutions can become corrupt—can be misled—can turn to barbarity. Madness and treachery infected the First Circuit. Myndo Waterly betrayed the Inner Sphere. I can confirm, from a First Circuit Precentor, that everything Hanse Davion accused her of is true. Anastasius Focht, the Precentor Martial, had her arrested for this treason. However, the ComGuards fractured, and civil war descended upon Terra."

Probably for the best.

"It appears as if the Precentor Martial has failed, and now Myndo Waterly controls Terra with a much-reduced force. The conflict on Terra was bitter, and I fear the peaceful lives on the cradle of humanity have suffered greatly. Myndo Waterly was not the only traitor. In one of the last messages from Focht, he revealed that Sharilar Mori, Precentor Dieron, was a Draconis Combine spy who stole ComStar 'Mechs, technology, and resources – resources that, had the Precentor Martial possessed them, may have allowed him to be victorious on Terra."

This was getting interesting now. I had been worried about the alliance between ComStar and House Liao. I also had to admit that the Captain-General had an excellent voice and manner for this. His scars, gravelly voice, and serious but earnest tone made the message more compelling.

"The First Circuit has failed. It betrayed the ideals of Jerome Blake and ComStar's noble mission. For this reason, new leadership is required. After discussions with the Precentors stationed in the Free Worlds League, I have agreed to serve as temporary Primus for ComStar. I am aware that only my nation's ComStar personnel have agreed to this, but I extend this invitation to all those loyal to ComStar's mission to join."

He looked straight into the holovid recorder.

"I call upon Romano Liao to cease her war. While the Clans are a threat, we must be united. I call upon Takashi Kurita to reject seizing the HPG facilities as the Federated Commonwealth has. I call upon Hanse Davion and Melissa Steiner to return any captured members of ComStar to the Free Worlds League. Do not punish the faithful, loyal, and dedicated people who were misled by the First Circuit. Extend mercy and keep interstellar communication open."

In the interests of diplomacy, maybe.

"I ask this all in the name of humanity and unity. We face the gravest threat since Stefan Amaris. The Clans are merciless, and if we are divided, we shall surely fall. My factories are actively producing the tools necessary to win this conflict. Six regiments of the Free Worlds League are even now coming to grips with the enemy. ComStar has been humanity's ally and must reclaim that role. I will do all I can to make it an organization that serves its lofty ideals, and when the war with the Clans is over, I will step down as Primus so that I can focus on leading my nation. Stand with me – stand together."

It wasn't long after that a response came from Precentor Mori, who claimed she was not a spy for the Draconis Combine but someone who had sought to preserve what could be saved of ComStar from the mad Waterly. She echoed Marik's call for unity and urged FedCom not to harm the captured ComStar personnel, but she also claimed the role of Primus with the support of the Precentors in the Draconis Combine.

Amusingly, not too long after that, a message came from Liao space proclaiming Jen Li, Precentor of Sian, as the true Primus.

Only the FRR and the St. Ives Compact haven't put forth their own claim. What a mess.

It didn't change anything on Blackjack, but I was pleased that it would hopefully lead to a petering out of the twin offensives from the Com Guards and House Liao. Without the Com Guards, the Liao invasion was doomed to complete failure. But how would the Com Guards already in the field on several worlds react? Loyalty to Waterly? Marik? Li? Mori?

I wrote a missive to my parents suggesting we broadcast on our worlds. Transparency would be better than people finding out later, and we did want to remain on good terms with the Free Worlds League. That done, I reviewed when I would be getting more reinforcements.

The Aerospace assets I was supposed to get in January were being put off indefinitely due to concerns over ComStar fleet assets. I was going to be getting a small shipment from some of the Lyran worlds of 'Mechs and armored assets—only a battalion's worth of each, which was not ideal. A second shipment of two battalions of hovercraft would arrive in March, along with some nice toys from Outreach. The Wolf's Dragoons said they would send me one big shipment, but after that, they would be reserving future production for reinforcing their own highly damaged regiments.

Honestly, they have been gracious and helpful. To a degree that is rather baffling.

A battalion of combat vehicles and a company of assault 'Mechs would never go amiss. They would also be providing me with additional ammo for Clan weaponry. TharHes Industries, a company I now partially owned after hitting all my sales targets, would be sending another two battalions of Spitfire Cannons. In July, I would be receiving that and other supplies. A massive order of field guns, fuel, another battalion of 'Mechs, and two regiments of combat vehicles. Even with all of that, I would still not be at full strength for all my units.

However… I don't think I can put off contributing for much longer. March would be the latest, but I may need to act even sooner. I'm worried about the Jade Falcons not making any major moves – they could have another reaction force tied up by my inaction, which is how my stance will be portrayed if I'm accused of sitting idle.

If the Jade Falcons revealed themselves in a major way, that would be my signal to act. Either I would smash their exposed units where they had appeared or hit Winfield, Persistence, Steelton, and – just to be cheeky – Icar. Creating worries for another Clan that would hopefully force them to double the size of their garrison units deep in their rear lines, easing the forward pressure. That still left the Diamond Sharks to worry about, but they were based near the Sudeten front, so not my issue for now.

***

WarShip Dire Wolf, Lothan System

Skandia Province, Wolf OZ

November 21st 3051

Ulric laughed. "Treason? For giving the Clans vital information?"

Most of the Khans were on nearby ships or on the Dire Wolf itself attending the Grand Council. The Khan of the Snow Ravens and the saKhan of the Adders were too geographically separated.

The Star Adders could be doing anything. With communication completely cut off, who knows what is happening deeper within the Draconis Combine now?

The ilKhan was quivering with barely concealed rage.

"You let those surat traitors leave! You aid our enemies while sabotaging your allies."

"I will explain once again. Scout-class JumpShips are not that useful for moving supplies and warriors. They are useful for scouting, and that is why I have them do so. Since I – like many of you – had begun to doubt what ComStar was telling us, it proved beneficial. I can pick up on media reports and learn through an unbiased ear what the Inner Sphere is reporting in their nations. There, I learned of the schism within ComStar and confronted the Precentors and Demi-Precentors on worlds the Wolves have claimed."

He grinned.

"I offered them a form of Hegira, in exchange for half of their 'Mechs and armored vehicles, they were allowed to leave and given safe passage outside of my borders. In return I kept the HPG facilities intact, which is useful as we only have so many mobile HPGs. After ensuring they adhered to the agreement, I informed you, ilKhan. That the Smoke Jaguars and some of the other Clans chose to storm those facilities was your own doing. You should have known they would fight against you and destroy valuable HPG facilities."

Quite a few profanities were used by various Khans, and the new Jade Falcon rat, Vandervahn Chistu, put forth an argument to have the Wolves punished.

"The Wolves have armed the enemy. How many 'Mechs and vehicles were allowed to depart? They number in the hundreds."

"Well, yes, Khan Chistu. I've conquered many worlds, so naturally there were more 'Mechs and vehicles on Wolf-held worlds than your own," Ulric said with scorn in his voice.

Chistu glared at him, and Ulric easily met his stare.

"Ulric Kerensky did not support this invasion, and now he finds a way to arm our foes!" In a softer voice, he continued, glancing at each Khan he hoped to sway. "And think, the Wolves are pushing forward. Do you, my fellow Crusaders, want a Warden to be the ilClan? His actions only push his Clan to prominence. We have the votes; we can punish the Wolves for their arrogance and..."

"Enough!" Ulric roared. The time was ripe.

"Khan Chistu, your Clan is a pathetic joke. Suggest 'holding me to account' for how I treat enemy forces in my territory, and you will get your wish. I will not partake in the next wave. Instead, I will send my Galaxies to swarm over what little territory in the Inner Sphere you have left. You will be the Khan who utterly failed to hold a single world in Operation: REVIVAL. Does that appeal to you, Chistu?"

Showers, who had still been standing, spoke up. "You cannot do that."

"I can. No edict from the council binds me, no edict will, ilKhan. The Great Father never envisioned a time when we could not call a Trial of Grievance such as this. You see the Wolves' success and are envious, so you wish to play these foolhardy games instead of attempting to better yourselves. I cannot defeat you all, but I do not need to. What happens to the invasion when I turn and thrash the Jade Falcons and potentially others? The Inner Sphere already slows the progress of the Clans. Their industrial capacity exceeds ours. Their population dwarfs ours. Try me, and I will crush your aspirations and doom the invasion."

"We can annihilate you for treason!" Khan Osis roared.

"Annihilate the Bloodname of Kerensky for using Trials of Grievance and Possession the ways they were meant to be used? I have the Warden votes, Smoke Jaguar, and even your fellow Crusaders will see that as too far."

The Ghost Bear Khan rose in the vacuum of the stunned silence of the chamber.

"Khan Kerensky is arrogant, but he speaks the truth. Too long this hall has been a den of politics and derelict dealing in the shadows. This is a time for warriors! My Clan has more cause than most to despise the Wolves, but I will not be party to rash talk of Trials of Annihilation for the most successful Clan in this invasion. Nor will I oppose Kerensky if he chooses to discipline the Falcons, who do naught but screech after their many failures."

The Ice Hellion Khan stood up. "Agreed! But this is more evidence that disunity is on the head of the ilKhan! He was to lead us, but instead seeks to favor his own Clan above all. Clan tradition has the ilKhan selection process occur on Strana Mechty, but why should it when we are all here? Depose this bumbling fool here and now, scrap the current invasion plans, and begin anew!"

Ulric almost laughed again as everyone just gave Khan Taney annoyed looks. Instead, he took the floor again.

"None of this needs to happen. Handle your invasion corridors as you see fit and quit your bellicosity towards how I operate mine. No more outlandish attempts to censure or harm my Clan, and I will merrily stay in my corridor and ensure Operation: REVIVAL is a success."

Chistu looked angry, but Ulric could tell there was a deep undercurrent of fear that prevented him from responding. Jade Falcon was in a dire situation. It would not take much for the Wolves to crush the Falcons, and the new Khan of the Jade Falcons knew it.

There was more subdued talk, but Ulric knew he had won this round. Showers could not rally the others to stop him, both because of the Warden faction and the home world Crusaders who did not want to continue to be frozen out. With the Ghost Bears helping as well… he probably actually had a majority against any egregious actions the ilKhan would make.

And even a lost close vote means a Trial of Refusal and my Clan will likely win regardless. They know the strength of my Wolves and how easily I best other Khans on the field of battle.

***

Coventry

Donegal March, Lyran Commonwealth

November 26th 3051

Victor knew it would be impolitic to say "I told you so," but the temptation was great. The last thing he needed to do was harm his chances to do something about the awful situation. The Snow Ravens had gone on the offensive and were dropping down on Loxley. With three regiments and the militia, they had a fighting chance, but Victor knew the Clans – they didn't take losing fights. The DropShip readings indicated at least four Clusters were dropping down, but that might be just their final bid and still able to call in their initial bid.

And even without ComStar feeding them information on our current forces, they had to know we would reinforce a world with a 'Mech factory. Even if they aren't expecting that many regiments, their equipment is junk compared to the Davion Heavy Guards. A single Cluster can easily best a Periphery-stationed merc regiment.

"Marshal Zenger," Victor said, "there is a window where we can turn the tide here. We can send orders to have them attempt to delay as much as possible. Split their forces, go hide in the wilderness, anything really. We can launch an attack and trap the Snow Ravens just like my sister did to the Diamond Sharks on Butler!"

Zenger looked uncomfortable.

Marshal Adelmana expressed her support. "He's right. You don't even need to send everything. Just the Davion Heavy Guards would be enough. That still leaves you with two full RCTs and the March Militia."

"Why should the Davion Heavy Guards go?" Marshal Bryan asked. "You've already fought the Clans on two worlds. Is your lust for glory so great you don't want to leave it to another command? My 11th Lyran Guards can get the job done just as well."

At least she agrees that a counterattack should occur.

"Because I know how to fight them, Sharon," Adelmana replied, direct but not overly disrespectful. "And the Davion Heavy Guards have the best tech available. Victor's unit has a significant amount of Clan technology – making it ideal to fight against the Clans. This is the purpose of bringing us to the front."

Zenger called the meeting to order before Bryan could retort.

"I am unconvinced we should weaken our defenses. They hit Loxley; who is to say they do not have another force waiting to strike at Coventry once our guard is down? It's two jumps away, which means you will be gone for a month. Or, what if the Snow Ravens do what the Falcons did to Princess Katherine? This is too risky."

Leftenant General Bert-Gregg looked at him in bewilderment. "Have you gone daft, Marshal? This is a 'Mech factory, a key world that must be defended. Every CO here agrees something must be done other than sitting here. Send the Prince, or the 11th, or even my own unit. But someone must be sent."

Zenger looked around the room and saw all the nods. He looked deeply conflicted, but finally sighed.

"I will yield to the wisdom of the many esteemed officers here. You have all proven yourselves fine tacticians and strategists. I am loathe to risk the Prince in this endeavor, but Marshal Adelmana is correct in that his BattleMechs are unquestionably superior. I will be taking action that has been used before. Marshal Bryan, your 'Mechs and Aerospace wings will join the full Davion Heavy Guards RCT."

Yes!

"Marshal Adelmana will have command," Zenger said. He looked at Marshal Bryan and then back to Adelmana. "I am giving you both what you want, please remember that. Do not work cross-purposes, this is important territory near our very capital."

Victor did some quick math. They would have a strong Aerospace contingent between the Heavy Guards and the 11th Lyran, over 50 Aerospace fighters. 'Mech-wise, they would be sitting a bit shy of 250, and almost double that in vehicles. The infantry was well equipped with SRM launchers and a few companies even had autocannon field guns. Victor knew they could do it. They could stop the Snow Ravens cold and then keep them on the back foot permanently.

After the meeting he rushed to get his people ready. His official XO, Leftenant Colonel Amit O'Hara was twice his age and had given him tactful advice on running the Heavy Guards. Victor was thankful for the font of information O'Hara provided about his unit, and his advice was good, but he preferred to bounce ideas off Galen.

"We are deploying? Excellent news, Highness. We all have a score to settle with the Clans. We will be ready for departure within two hours," Amit confirmed.

Victor ensured he would be in the same DropShip as Kai and Wendy. Since the JumpShips drives were already charged, they would jump immediately after all DropShips had docked. It would be a hard burn up, but they had plenty of extra fuel being transported as part of the task force, and they could recover after they recharged the KF drive in one of the uninhabited nearby systems.

We've got the best equipment in the Inner Sphere and the best people. The Davion Heavy Guards are not going to let the clans have that 'Mech factory!

***

Tukayyid

Skandia Province, Free Rasalhague Republic

November 30th 3051

Ragnar had been deeply disappointed in himself. His Timber Wolf was an amazing 'Mech, and he thought with the skills he had learned on Outreach he could make a difference. He could turn the tide. Save the world, and keep his people safe. Instead, he had failed.

Rationally, he knew it had not been his fault. He was fighting against a genetically engineered warrior who had trained their entire life in just one thing: fighting in a BattleMech. But the other part of him also understood that the reason the Wolf Clan had obtained so many of the FRR and St. Ives Compact assets was because of the need to get him to safety.

Damn them. That world's battle would have been less damaging to the overall defense of the Republic if I had not been there. And no amount of rationalizing will change that.

As horrible as that made him feel, his nation had received a last-minute reprieve from utter destruction. The 2nd Free Worlds Guards had arrived from the Free Worlds League. A fresh regiment, ready to help his beleaguered nation. That wasn't all. In perhaps one of the most surprising twists, ComStar had splintered into at least four factions. One of those factions, or maybe two of them—it was hard to keep track at this point—wished to make amends and help defend the remaining worlds of the FRR.

The Com Guards on Al Hillah, Orestes, Grumium, Karbala, and Dehgolan had moved closer to the front, and now Tukayyid, Ueda, Jabuka, and Quarell were better defended. But then, even more ComStar forces had arrived, fleeing the Wolf Occupation Zone. His father had been leery of trusting them, but based on the advice of Theodore Kurita, Hanse Davion, and Thomas Marik, he had been convinced. All told, an extra four divisions had bolstered the FRR and turned all the border worlds into deadly bastions.

"Well, this is goodbye, Prince Rangar. Despite the loss on the field, you have proven yourself—not just a courageous and talented warrior, but off the field, you swallowed your pride and did what was right by your country. You may not realize this, but your actions to quiet the swell of protest may have been the last bit of straw that tipped the Com Guards into supporting the FRR as opposed to another polity," Colonel Caroline Seng advised.

Rangar flushed with a bit of embarrassment. "I think that might be overdoing it. I wish you didn't have to go. I could try to get my father to get you a 'Mech and…"

"Where my Lancers go, so do I. We are temporarily dispossessed, but by the time we reach home, there will hopefully be some 'Mechs waiting for us. Having experienced MechWarriors sit idle in the FRR when the Confederation is invading our worlds doesn't make any strategic sense."

Rangar understood it. He saluted Colonel Seng and wished her the best.

After she had gone, Rangar made it a point to make the rounds and check on how the FRR units were doing, but also the Com Guards and the Marik unit. If he couldn't accomplish something on the battlefield of note, he would at least do his best to show Rasalhague hospitality and ensure they all knew how deeply appreciative he was for their service.

***

WarShip, James McKenna, Loxley System

District of Donegal, Lyran Commonwealth

December 8th 3051

Khan Lynn McKenna had taken a slow and methodical approach to their invasion of the Inner Sphere. With Alpha Galaxy's arrival, along with additional Elemental Stars to replenish those lost in battle – who typically served as security on WarShips – she had won world after world. Making use of captured Inner Sphere 'Mechs and armor had reduced her losses further, even though the reality was that those 'Mechs and vehicles provided little combat value.

Loxley was an important world for Khan McKenna. It had a proper 'Mech factory, and while that was secondary to the importance of shipyards, it was key to sustaining her invasion. The makeup of Alpha Galaxy was more 'Mech-heavy than normal; she had a full five Clusters, each with five Trinaries and a Command Star apiece – 80 Stars in total, of which 35 were 'Mechs, 30 Aerospace, and 15 Elemental Stars. However, the additional WarShips, including the CSR Rook, had also brought extra Aerospace fighters. Like the other Clans, a Star of 'Mechs was equal to five 'Mechs, a Star of Aerospace was equal to 10 Aerospace fighters, and a Star of Elementals was equal to 25 Elementals.

I have always thought when it comes to Aerospace assets that was a mistake. Our traditions run deep and are unlikely to change.

There had been losses in the slaughter of the RCT on Winter, but not as many as there otherwise would have been had she not utterly controlled the skies. The Rook had also brought a vast number of supplies to sustain the campaign. She had appealed to the Falcons for combat data on how RCTs had fought, and Crichell, eager to retain their vote, had provided a wealth of it.

Now, her forces had assaulted Loxley. The defenders had initially responded to a batchall but had requested time to consider the appropriate ground to fight on. After two days passed, McKenna realized they were playing games and launched the attack. The prey had proved elusive – her warriors had destroyed some of the militia, but only two battalions. Based on data from planetary broadcasts, there were several more battalions on the world.

The hunt was on, but with a strong force stationed at the Norse-Storm factory complex, she already had her Clan techs beginning to examine and review what it would take to alter the production lines from Inner Sphere 'Mechs to Clan OmniMechs or IIC variants. She had also ordered the Galaxy Commander to quickly secure the HPG facility as a priority target. The FedCom forces had made no attempt to destroy it, which she was grateful for.

From the bridge of the James McKenna, her flagship – a McKenna-class Battleship – she observed as a fleet of JumpShips arrived in the system. Present in-system was her massive WarShip, by far the largest, massing at nearly two million tons. The next largest was the Storm Crow, a Heavy Cruiser that was less than half its size but still one of the larger types of WarShips in existence. The Spur, a Lola III-class Destroyer, was positively tiny in comparison.

The JumpShips had arrived at a pirate point, and the DropShips had immediately begun to descend, but it would still take them a couple of days to land. Based on the massive number of DropShips, many of them Overlord-class, it could only be a full RCT.

Unless they chose to also bring more than ample supplies, it is even more than a RCT. Yes… this could be just what I need to bolster my forces.

She gave the command for the fleet to accelerate toward the JumpShips. A solar system was vast, and it would take time to arrive, but the DropShips would not have landed yet.

"Prepare for boarding actions. Elemental Star Commanders, make ready to capture the JumpShips."

She sent a communiqué to the Galaxy Commander on the surface, ordering Aerospace assets to launch and make their presence known, but not to engage – only to land and refuel afterward. It would be a clear signal to the attackers just the sort of grim circumstances they had found themselves in by daring to interfere with this battle. With the pieces in play, and communication clearly occurring between the Inner Sphere commanders on the DropShips and those on Loxley, they would understand their plight clearly when she initiated her batchall.

Hours passed, and word of the successful boarding actions brought a satisfied smile to her face. Only one of the dozen Invader-class JumpShips had been damaged, and not critically. Two other smaller JumpShips had also been captured. She sent out a wide-area broadcast.

"To the commander of the attacking force, this is Khan Lynn McKenna of Clan Snow Raven. Your Spheroid allies below did not prove to be honorable opponents, so I am not inclined to grant Safcon. However, it is not part of the Honor Road to avoid a proper trial. You wish to free your planet; I wish to claim your resources and military assets with minimal waste. I propose two Trials of Possession. One for the system, to be fought with Aerospace assets – two Trinaries of Aerospace fighters against 66 of your own. The winner will be awarded all non-WarShip assets in this system."

Sixty Clan OmniFighters against sixty-six Inner Sphere fighters was not fair to the Inner Sphere. Their weapons, armor, and engines were all inferior in comparison. But she was only giving them a few extra to satisfy honor, the conflict was too important to through caution into the wind.

"The second trial will be for the planet itself. We will face you with a force of sixty 'Mechs against your sixty-six, on unprepared ground of your choosing. Should we be victorious, all your military assets are forfeit. However, we will allow one JumpShip and three DropShips to carry away any of your warriors and pilots who did not fight – but no equipment. We will claim any worthy bondsmen who did fight; if none prove worthy, they may depart with you. If you are victorious, you may claim any salvage from the battle, we will return control over the planet, and we will not seek to invade it for two years."

I will give them just enough hope to accept this batchall, and when my Ravens emerge victorious, I will have greatly expanded the 'Mechs and vehicles available to garrison our conquered worlds.

"If either party wins both the space challenge and the ground challenge, the system is forbidden to be entered by the opposing party for five years. Deny my batchall, and I will clear your DropShips from the skies."

She had to wait a few minutes for a response.

"This is Marshal Ann Adelmana of the Davion Heavy Guards. Threatening to shoot us from the skies is not very honorable. But we are willing to negotiate a proper battle. Given the disparity in technology and the limited number of our own Aerospace assets, how about 15 of your fighters vs. 20 of our own? For the ground combat, since you oppose waste so much, let us cut down the forces in question. 15 'Mechs against 20. Regarding the rest of your terms, we still have partial control of the world. If we are putting up all our own military assets, you should as well. Any OmniMechs and Elementals on Loxley should be forfeited if we are the victors. Your other terms are acceptable."

Lynn considered the opposing commander's words. Common consensus among the Clans considered being outnumbered by the Inner Sphere by a 2:1 ratio a fight that should still leave most battles a Clan victory. There had been exceptions, however, and now some Spheroids even had salvaged Clan technology. The desire to have a lower number of participants meant that they may wish to maximize the little they had available to them.

The lower we bid down; the fewer assets lost. But I am still the one who holds the cards. Using only Aerospace, I can down most of their DropShips, but it would be ruinous to my Aero Stars, and I would lose much of my prize. If I bargain too hard, they will take their chances.

"We will not turn over so many military assets to you, as they are not equivalent to your own forces. I will agree to 25 Elemental suits and 10 OmniMechs. The numbers are not appropriate. For such a large prize, it will be 30 vs. 33, both on the ground and in the air. Answer swiftly, because I will not tolerate stalling like the Loxley commander attempted to do."

She waited for the transmission to return, curious to see how they handled this 'bid' of hers.

"We are a top-of-the-line force. Nearly 500 combat vehicles would utterly smash three of your Stars. If you think that is equitable, then we can instead have my four armored regiments fight your three Stars! That is before we consider our infantry weapons, artillery, and additional 'Mechs you would receive in your victory!"

The voice paused.

"I await a better offer; however, the numbers you suggest are grossly lopsided. If we agree to proper Zellbrigen, true one-on-one battles with no combined fire, we would request the ratio be more generous – 30 to your 40."

Bold.

"Your Spheroid vehicles are not something my warriors are trained in, diminishing their value. I will raise the number of 'Mechs should you win to 15, but the force composition is 30 to 35. Six Stars vs. seven. To ensure Zellbrigen is followed, each Star will battle one at a time. Once a Star is finished, they retire from the field, with 'Mechs staying within their same condition, to observe the rest. Once the initial battles are done, the Stars can be reconstituted, and the second round of battles will occur. This continues until victory is achieved with the elimination of all participating 'Mechs. You will not receive a better offer than this."

A long pause before the enemy Marshal replied.

"Given these conditions, the battles should begin with the Stars three hundred meters distant from each other and from every other 'Mech to minimize potential accidental Zellbrigen violations. Your Clan weaponry reaches farther than our own. I have no desire to be killed ignobly above the skies of Loxley, but I believe you already know this is an uneven fight. I call upon your dedication to honor and the teachings of Kerensky. Prove to be better than the Jade Falcons."

She is right. I have bid extremely well – short only one Star against Inner Sphere warriors is almost brazen in its one-sidedness.

"Aff. Bargained well and done. I will give you coordinates on where you can land, as well as a three-day reprieve. At 09:00 local time, December 12th, the Trial of Possession will begin. At the same time, your chosen Aerospace units will pursue their trial near the pirate point you arrived at."

She felt good about both sets of trials. With both victories, she would gain over a hundred 'Mechs, over a dozen JumpShips, nearly 40 DropShips, and win a great victory over a storied unit in the Inner Sphere – securing a stable base that would not need a large garrison to boot.

Bargained well and done indeed.