13

Zaniah III

RedBase

Finally we were home. Our 'short' mission to Skye took far longer than I expected but it was over now. My kids were happily passing out Immortal Warrior swag and I was finally home.

Which is of course when I was yanked aside by a friend with no time to talk.

"Vicky! No time to relax now!" Gauge offered as he jogged up and grabbed me by the arm, turning me away from my room and bed, towards the offices.

"Gauge. I just got back. Unless it's an emergency-"

"It is!"

Fuck. "Alright I'm coming I'm coming stop tugging." Gauge led me out of the base, towards one of the security checkpoints. While I was gone, the checkpoints had ballooned a bit, looking almost like mini administration offices, themselves, and I figured out what was going on as I was walked over.

They were full of people.

"Gauge?"

"Do you have any idea what you did!?" He tells me, stopping and grabbing me by my shoulders. Then shaking me frantically caused me to helplessly laugh, which only made his shaking all the worse.

"No-not r-reaally!" I offered through the motions before he stopped.

"We have had so many recruits come by! Not even orphans but actual military groups!"

"What? Why?"

"Don't be obtuse! You know why! You dropped the fact we have Lostech out into the world. There are tons of merc groups, big and small that want a bite. A lot of the big ones want to trade, the small ones want to join up!"

"Really! That's great!"

"What? How is it great! I have had to deal with these as-" He breaks into mumbles as he realizes how close he was to the buildings. "For months! You have any idea how nosy and bossy they are?"

"Not really, but I am guessing I am going to spend the next few days finding out?"

"Days? Hah. Oh Vicky. Vicky Vicky Vicky… Weeks. Minimum. Have fun." He growled, pushing me into a building. I turned noticing I was being stared at by quite possibly a hundred or more full grown adults, most of them wearing some sort of uniform.

They were split up into groups, But I could tell a lot of them had been here for a while by the way they were relaxing, feet up on tables, or resting back smoking and drinking.

"Well. This is awkward. I'm Commander Eisen-Blume. I run the Iron Blooded Orphans. I am told a lot of you want to join up, or trade hardware. I might be up to either of those, but I'm not holding meetings in a bar. Even though there shouldn't be a bar on my base because I have impressionable teenagers under my command…" I trail off glaring a few of the pilots mech or otherwise that were smoking, or had a bottle of booze in their hands.

A few moments later most, but not all put their smokes out, and drinks away and I nodded. I pointed to Gauge who had eventually followed me in. The ass. "Gauge. Do we have a list of everyone?"

"Who do you think you are talking to? Of course we do… Homeguard wouldn't let them on base even out here, if we didn't."

"Good. Go ahead and start scheduling meetings then. Might as well get started."

"Yes Vicky!"

—-

The meetings were interesting. A few were fun, talking to other mercs was always an experience.

"So you were fighting how many? Damn, that's a hell of a battle. I'm still sorry. I can't really make that trade.. But I might have some spares to get your mechs running again. Yeah I picked up a lot of repair parts."

Some were bad.

"No, I will not trade my Nightstar! I don't care how much better a pilot you are than me! Fuck off!"

And then some? Some were undeniably interesting.

"Well I can admit this is sort of a surprise." I tell the woman sitting in front of me. She was dressed in an old uniform that wasn't looking it's best but what was more weird?

She wasn't a Lyran.

"I figured you would be a little weirded out by it." She shrugged. "Can't do anything about that but roll the dice."

"Yeah I guess that's true. Why us? There are other merc groups out there. Heck, there are groups bigger than we are that would probably scoop you up."

"You would think so, but you'd be wrong ASF pilots are hard to get jobs for. You think everyone would want some, but that's just it, a company only has room for a couple. Once you get too many, you have to either leave'em behind, or drop a mech."

"Companies don't drop mechs for ASF." I offer back and she nods.

"Got it in one Commander. So here is my thinking. New merc groups usually are rabid for ASF, but just a couple. Then they laugh us out of the room. But you got a weird situation. And I got a crew of pilots, some without planes. It seems to be a good deal."

"Plenty of things seem, without being true. We aren't FedSuns."

"Bah. I'm a merc. Been that way all my life. I've fought plenty of Feddies. Just never for serious stuff, or on the Snakes side." She shrugged. And damn if I wasn't impressed with how casual she was. Fucking fighter pilots were cool. Dangit!

"Benny?" I turned to the boy. He had been pulled into these meetings pretty quickly. It was useful to have his perspective.

My Sub-commander shrugged. "It's an interesting deal. Nothing we can't afford." he offered, and I could see the woman's eyes sparkle at that. The fact we had money must be a big reason for her to join us.

"How about a training period? Frankly. Captain, we haven't prepared for taking on already established commands yet. We have been training completely in house."

"I get that Commander. Alright, we will accept a transition period, a chance to see if this will work for us. You are the Commander, we will follow your lead, but I will still be the lead up in the sky. No offense Commander, but grounders don't tend to have the right mentality when it comes to the sky."

"We'll see. I have no problem testing it out. We will give you a chance Captain O'Connor."

"Lovely. Then O'Connor's Corsairs won't disappoint."

—-

"So hands up for betting she is a MIIO member?" I asked, and got a few hands raised among my staff.

Smart kids.

"Commander Eisen-Blume… I don't agree with this. If you suspect them of being members of MIIO and spying on you, let us take care of them. Delta Ops have been learning plenty from the Lohengrin playbook." Eris offered, Carl beside her looking just as fierce as he nodded too.

"No."

"But Commander! Enemy intelligence officers shouldn't be invited to join us! That's the exact opposite of what you are supposed to do!" Carl offered.

"You have spent too much time learning from Eris." I poke at the two of them. Eris had basically taken over the 'intelligence' services of my company, subverting Delta Ops with precious, precious secret training.

"What's that supposed to mean!" She sounded actually offended, which was good. She was finally starting to show real emotions more often.

"We aren't LIC. Nor are we serving the Archon, even if we have an alliance of sorts. We have no issues with the Federated Suns, or anyone else. Not directly. Our job is to bring peace, we can't do that by making war with everyone. At least not easily."

Carl pouting a little, shrugged. "So what? We bring them in, show them everything?"

"Heavens no. We bring them in, show them the obvious stuff. Gauge's classes have already been… Altered. To make sure that outsiders can't just walk in and realize what's going on."

"I offer no apology." Eris huffed at me, and I waved her off.

"I wasn't asking for one. But the Castle Brian is already an open secret. So let them in, give them space. Treat them like friends, but not brothers."

"It will be nice to have actual ASF pilots." Benny offered and I nodded.

"And of course we will use them. Get Gabe up in the air under their command. Get his Lance all the experience they need under guise of working together. That way even if they do end up betraying us, or leaving…"

"In the end we still benefit." Eris offered.

"Exactly. They want to spy on us? Good. Let them, we will force them to benefit us in return. Besides, we do need more ASF pilots. I don't feel safe flying around in a colossus without an escort. Sure it's got enough punch to turn away just about anyone, but it's still as vulnerable as any other dropship."

"I will still keep a close eye on them Commander." Eris offered and Carl was nodding along. I just rolled my eyes.

"The spy wants to spy on people. I'm shocked." I teased which earned me a glare from them both as I laughed. "Do as you like."

—-

A few days later we were integrating Captain O'connor into the base. Her ASF a Corsair V20 followed by another three of the same planes landed on our runway and then I got to see our massive Castle Brian level freight elevator take them down into the base.

I had made it myself.

The four planes would be stored inside here, and during their maintenance, the crew that 'O'Connors Corsairs' already had to keep their planes up and running would be helping to teach some of the Repair unit.

"They are pretty birds." I mention as the captain saunters out of her plane with a pilots swagger.

"Well they may be a little rough when compared to your gear straight out of a SLDF cache, but they fly just fine. Kill Snakes good too."

"I'm sure they do. My pilots are excited to have you on base. While the 10th have been happy to start their flight training the 10th can only give so much stick time. I expect my pilots will be running your people ragged up in the air soon."

"Is that some joke about our age? We aren't even in our thirties, you know?" The fact the older woman actually sounded a little offended meant I couldn't just let that go.

"Really? All you old people look the same after a certain point. Thirty, sixty? What's the difference right?" I tease earning a truly offended look for a moment before the woman seemed to remember I was her superior officer, or at least would be.

"Right."

"Forgive me. We are all family here, poking fun is just part of it. But I do mean it. My kids are going to want to spend all day and night in the sky. I hope you are ready."

"I think we'll manage. I mean, for new pilots most birds aren't going to be comfortable for long term flying, they will tire out and need rest before too long."

"Maybe." I shrug. "Gabe! Where's our birds?" I call out seeing the head of my ASF unit admiring the new pilots.

"Commander! Just through the door. We don't store them on the lift!" He calls out over the noise as the blast door behind him finally opens. Revealing the truly massive ASF hangar. Currently it only had eight planes. Even with the four new Corsairs it wasn't even touching a quarter of the ASF bays currently laying empty.

So I had gone a little crazy when designing. I mean I was just preparing for the future.

"Oh you do have birds for your group already? I hadn't heard that." The Captain asked arching a bit to look through the blast doors.

"We don't really take them out. None of them have the training yet t-"

"Oh my God." Captain O'Connor flipped off her sunglasses as the door rose and suddenly was running.

"To trust them in the sky." I finished off talking to a dust cloud. It hadn't been long after the captain started running that her other four pilots did the same.

I mean. I get it.

It wasn't every day you see eight perfect condition Royal Stuka's. If they were good enough for the Duchess of Somerset.

The captain had her hands stroke up the nose of one of them as I finally caught up. Her eyes lit up in awe at what she was seeing.

I sometimes took for granted the whole Lostech thing. And then in moments like this it hits me again. That my sense of normal is vastly different from the normal population.

From the amused look of the Repair unit that maintained these birds. I think it was rubbing off on my kids too.

"So this is what my kids will be flying once you get them some experience."

"They are beautiful."

"That they are."

"Do a good job. And perhaps you will be flying one too." I tell her and I nearly laugh at the audible snap her neck made as she turned to me.

She looks me in the eyes as if seeing if i was joking, or being dishonest. "Understood Commander."

—-

"AH-AHAHAHAHAHAHA!" The laughter coming out over my radio had me glancing at Therese. The girl that had taken over the Tankers. The fact her ears were stained bright red even as she tried to pretend that everything was fine was hysterical, but I just kept my quirked eyebrow on her until she broke.

"Th-they are a little rambunctious."

"Is that what you call it?"

"They mean well. And they train hard Commander. None of my boys will ever let you down."

"Your boys?" I asked, watching her ears grown even brighter red.

"You call everyone your kids."

Ah, now my ears are a little red. "You all aren't supposed to know that." I mutter and she scoffs.

"They are my boys in the same way. The ones who can't be mechwarriors. I take them in, build them back up." She hesitates. "They will fight. When the time comes they will fight harder than anyone. We all have a bone to pick."

"Well they will certainly have the equipment for it." I offer watching the Royal Alacorn. The mainstay tank of my tank forces. Blaze through one of the tank courses. It's triple Gauss firing as quickly as they were reloaded. Of course I grimaced every time it hit a hill and simply smashed through whatever was in it's way. At 95 tons. It was the equivalent to my Nightstar. Although I would still be wary of this tank. Triple Gauss is not a joke.

"They are rambunctious. But they train hard. Their accuracy is good."

"That tank is worth about 16 and a half million C-bills." I tell her blandly just as they smash through a small building hazard instead of going around it like they were supposed to.

I suppose being reminded of it's cost Therese looked a little horrified. But I couldn't.

I started laughing, deep and heavy watching her look of horror shift to confusion. "They are doing well. Don't worry about the cost. I would rather they smash the fuck out of their tanks as long as they survive. You've done a good job, Hauptmann. Keeping them training and actually improving instead of just circling and wasting time is the biggest part of the job. They have all shown a huge improvement."

"Thank you Commander!" She spoke, sighing in relief after and I was smiling as another mini shed got smashed to pieces.

During the entire conversation the roaring laughter hadn't stopped coming over the radio. At least it should freak out our enemies.

—--

And so time passed.

I didn't end up trading much actual Lostech in the end. I did trade a working Gauss rifle to a merc company that wanted to once more roll out Royal Highlander that they had in storage. Apparently with a Gauss it was back to being usable.

Although I didn't know how long that would last.

The Company had agreed to trade along with a hefty cash sum for something I had always wanted.

"It's a K2."

"Isn't it great?"

"Vicky, It's a Catapult. Of course it's great but why did you trade for one?"

"Cause it's cute?"

Gauge sighed, putting his head in his hands "You traded a piece of Lostech for a Catapult."

"Sure. I didn't have the K2 Design! Gotta Catch them all!"

"What does that mean?"

"Oh, right. Yeah sorry. I just I like the K2. It's a PPC brawler that hops around! It's like a rabbit! Oh! I should paint it like Sailor Moon! I can have an Usagi Mech!"

"What the hell is… Never mind. You aren't piloting that mech."

"What!? Why not!"

"Vicky, you have a Nightstar. You can't just pilot the Catapult as well. I'll go ahead and find someone to pilot it."

"G-gauge! You can't just give away my new mech!"

"Can and will, and done. It will be a good complement for our training squad I think, gives them a heavier mech with jets to try out."

"I feel so betrayed."

"You need to get over it. Do you have any idea how many kids I have had bother me about earning a mech? You left me in charge, well congratulations. I actually created a process."

"Wait, you did? I didn't know that!"

"Of course I did. You weren't doing it, and Benny just goes by his gut too much, so I created an actual written path to earning equipment. It's not like we have to pretend we don't have enough mechs anymore. You brought so much from Phecda, and you didn't bother to hide that one."

"Hey! They were in trouble! I just traded them some of the mechs I already had copies of for their damaged stuff."

"And you were right to do so… I heard they finally finished that Water Refinery factory. Apparently, between your work and the 5th Donegal now having a Lostech lance. They gave the next attempt by the league quite the bloody nose."

"All I did was trade them some mechs I didn't want… And a few turrets."

"Yeah well. Phecda is actually producing again. But regardless we have a ton of Mechwarriors and no excuse not to give them a mech, so here are the new requirements."

I took a moment to look through the sheaf of papers Gauge handed me even if all I wanted to do was throw the papers in his face, call him a nerd and go play in my Catapult.

Sometimes being the responsible one was hard.

"Why didn't you tell me you set this up?"

"You were busy dealing with our guests. I'm telling you now."

"Gauge it's been like a week."

"Maybe I forgot. I am a busy man!"

"Studying is not an excuse. Didn't you give Benny a full report of everything that happened while we were gone?"

"I did, yes."

"Did you tell him about this?"

"No, I just told you I forgot."

"Gauge… I think I need to get you a secretary… Or just not put you in charge again."

"Good! I'm not a leader!"

I rolled my eyes at him as I continued to read through his packet. It was basically a 'How to become a Mechwarrior in the IBO how to.' Guide.

"We can't use this Gauge. Look at this "Has to have a passing A grade in Gauges 'How to repair mechs' class. Gauge, I took that class and I got a C."

"C minus. There is a reason I refuse to allow you anywhere near the internals of your own mech."

"Rude! But not everyone is gonna be a mechtech, that's what your class was for."

"Fine.. We can make some adjustments. But I still think a Mechwarrior should be able to help repair their own mech!"

"Actually I agree with you. We let our process for choosing new mechwarriors go for too long. We are too big to leave it how we used to." I tell him nodding as I wave the packet in his face. "But these requirements aren't going to work. Go to Benny right now, and show him what you came up with. You both need to balance these requirements, and maybe Benny will have some changes too."

"Fine. Understood Vicky… You still can't pilot the Catapult. Go train in your Nightstar if you are feeling the need." He tells me without looking as he walked off, somehow knowing I was already taking a few steps towards my cute Catapult.

"Ugh. Fine!"

Zaniah III

Governors Manor

Walking into the office of the Governess once again as always left me uncomfortable. Every conversation with this woman was like a knife fight.

Only we both tended to walk away.

"Commander Eisen-Blume. I didn't expect a meeting with you today."

"Yeah, it was a bit of a surprise to me too, but times change, and an opportunity fell into my hands."

"Oh? Which opportunity is this? The Lostech Dropship, or the Lostech cache that had the Archons attention, or perhaps you found another Castle Brian on my planet? Of course you would have already taken it over as you tend to."

That bit of biting commentary was… fair. From her perspective. I had pretty royally shafted her. "I was talking more about the Water Refineries that I have. I would like to set them up as public works. Something to help rejuvenate the places that have had trouble collecting clean water."

She stilled. "That is an interesting offer, Commander. But I do question what exactly you gain from this."

I scoffed. "Nothing. It in fact costs me quite a bit. But It is one of the founding tenets of my Company. We aren't here just to fight. We want to fix things." I could see the look of disbelief on her face, that she was trying and failing to hide so realizing where that put me I sighed. "If you can't trust altruism, I would like to set them up close to the orphanages. To makes sure they always have fresh water."

"That is still altruism." She pointed out before nodding. "I can't exactly refuse though can I Commander? You seem intent. Even if I refuse, how long would it be before they were set up regardless?"

"Probably a week longer than if you helped me." I admit frankly which earns me a nod.

"I will agree. I will even help you find buildings to use, and my engineers to ensure everything is working properly. But in exchange. I want it to be a government project. If you truly do this out of altruism, you won't mind staying out of the limelight."

"That's fine." I waved my hand. "At least for the purifiers. I was planning on a second project as well."

I could see her clenching her teeth for a moment. "What else could you do? If I wasn't secure in my own position Commander. I would be worrying about why you seem to have eyes on it."

"Position? Governess never. For one it would mean I am completely locked into one position, can't do that. Have too much to do. Secondly, I don't deal well with diplomacy. I am a bit too direct."

"That at least is the first thing you have said I believe completely. Tell me about this second project."

"I want to set up a Library."

"A Library?"

"Yep. Preferably right next to the orphanages, so it's open for them."

"A library… Fine. Do as you like, I have no idea what goes through that mind of yours. I will assist, but since you seem to be doing so well, you will purchase, or rent the land. I hope you have no issues with that?"

"None at all. In fact it makes it easier."

The governess watched me with her hawkish eyes for a few moments before exhaling. "My son speaks highly of you, and your men. Despite everything he assures me your intentions are as they seem. It is something I am not used to dealing with. I do admit I hate the idea of having a group as powerful as you, on my world. Especially one I have no control over.

"I just want to help. Make the Inner Sphere a better place. I'm not your enemy Lady Alessa."

She snorts, a loud and disparaging noise. "We shall have to see won't we? As always Commander, your conversations continue to give me a headache. Get out. One of my aids will reach out to you regarding the purifiers and what locations you can build your library."

"Thank you."

—-

With that awkward conversation started. Things got started fast. The Government desperately wanted the water purifiers. The fact I had so many was questioned but I simply smiled.

The engineering work began quickly. Replacing the old broken and battle damaged purifiers with my new ones. Sure the ones I brought weren't meant for hundreds of thousands of people, but when you put multiple of them together… It balances out.

Within just a few months, places that hadn't had clean water on tap for years suddenly did. It was a massive undertaking by the Government of Zaniah, and considering how many times I got strongly worded messages from the Governess. She wanted me to know it.

But it was something I had put off for too long. More importantly? It gave some of my kids that were more interested in building or improving things a place to belong. The IBO Engineering group. Gauge for once not at all interested in being a part of it.

"I'm a mechanical Engineer! Not an Architect! Find someone else!"

So that was how I had a group dedicated to building things. Which is why I threw them at the idea of the library and told them to make it work.

Of course I also had their blueprints run by an architect. I'm hopeful, not stupid.

Which is why I was now standing outside an old building that the land for was purchased by the IBO. I had decided to make a day of it.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"Benny, you ask me that too much." I point out as we watch the mechs stomp down the road.

"That's not a denial."

"It's a great idea. It gives our kids some fun, and speeds up the process."

"I don't think I've ever heard of mechs being used like this."

"It does happen sometimes, although usually mechwarriors refuse to be seen doing construction." Hanna mentioned from beside us. The three of us were set up beside a truck watching as the kids slowly started the process.

My kids were destroying a building today.

I had made it a contest, four winners who did the best on the scores for the last month of Sim time, would get the chance to head out in real mechs and smash a building. That was happening now. I settled in smiling as the whoops and hollars coming over the radio as the kids got to reach into the building and pull it apart. Like they were destroying a lego tower.

"What's wrong Benny, angry you aren't the one doing it?"

"Please, if I was here in my Atlas, that building would already be flat."

"So would half the street." Hanna whispered over Bennys head to me, earning a shove from the boy.

"There will always be more. This is a test for the future after all."

"I still don't know if this is a good idea."

"Not talking about the construction, or destruction this time, are you?" I asked, noticing Benny was speaking quietly, to make sure his voice wouldn't travel.

"Building a library? Vicky. This is overt. It's gonna bring attention."

"Yeah. But this is the plan Benny. Right here. Right now. This is what we are going to be doing on every Planet in the Inner Sphere. And beyond."

"Are we ready? You told us about how many people will try to stop us. It's dangerous."

I nodded there. "Everything is dangerous Benny. But if we wait until there is no danger before acting, nothing will ever get done. This is dangerous but necessary. Besides, no one knows what the Library will really be for. We should have some time."

"I hope so." Benny finally offers. "But I'll follow your lead Vicky."

"Ugh don't say it like that. It makes me feel even more nervous."

"Yeah Benny. Don't say it like that, you will give Vicky a bigger head than she already has." Hanna poked him.

"Hey!"

"Yeah that's true. Sorry Vicky. I know I shouldn't expect you to actually think things through before acting. I won't make that mistake again." Benny offered solemnly as he lowered his head.

"Okay Rude. I'm out of here, since you jerks are acting like that!" I huff but throw Hanna a wink over Bennys chuckling head as I walk off.

There is a reason Hanna and Benny spent so much time together after all.

Walking off I headed towards Erica. Who had taken the job of being in control of the work.

"No Elric, I don't care how cool it would be. Leave that wall alone, we need it to hold until we are done with the rest." Erica spoke into the radio only rolling her eyes as we both heard whining on the other end.

"Giving you trouble?"

"Only somewhat. Elric really wants to just smash the building down."

"Eh, He is part of Rough Squad."

"That's half the problem." Erica jokes before pulling the radio back up. "Slow down everyone. I know you want to let loose, but we need to make it easy to put everything into the trucks. Slow and steady. The Commander is watching."

"What am I watching?" I ask just loud enough to be heard on the radio, and I could hear a lot of muffled affirmatives coming from Ericas headset. I give the girl a wink, and she returns it with a thumbs up as her job seemingly becomes a lot easier.

That is where I stayed, watching our mechs smash an old abandoned building into piles, and then help carry the remains into the large dump trucks that came to clear it off. It honestly went incredibly fast. The mechs easily able to smash the building down, and carry the remains out.

It was a fun day, and we had a crowd. We were just down the street from one of the orphanages after all.

The little kids that were too young to join us were having a massively good time. It did help that I made sure to bring drinks and snacks for them, and tents. This was still Zaniah after all. The heat was brutal.

Luckily Gauge had figured out a good way to keep our Cooling suits running when out and about. It was basically a battery that we charged off a fusion generator at base. Of course the thing was about four hundred pounds. And was mounted in our Normans. But it made it easy to walk up and plug in our suit to get the cooling liquid moving.

So we had a pleasant field day of destruction, before the Engineering Corps rushed in to start building. I had already 'purchased' all the materials they would need. Some of it I actually had bought with money. It was always a good idea to support your local economy after all. So even as the sun fell the building was already starting to go up.

The crowds disappeared once the mechs went away. Which was normal for the Inner Sphere. And I went to work. In a location that had already been prepared, once I was alone, I used my noteputer to dig down. A stairwell went down a few floors, the whole thing made using strong materials, this was the only 'secure' section of the library. Building a secret room was pretty fun. I was starting to get the Star League's fascination with them.

So a secure Server room was setup below the library. The place where the neutered copy of the Memory Core would be secured. Gauge had already put together a 'School Core' That didn't have any of the advanced stuff, but did have enough information stored on it, to be far above anything a school on Zaniah would have.

Basically we were creating a center of learning, and just pretending it was a Library.

The computers upstairs would connect to the Core and be able to pull data. And there would be a lot of computers.

It still took almost another month for the building to be done. And we did hire some local contractors to work with the Engineering corps on some of it. None of the kids knew how to install carpet or hundreds of other little things. Like I said, this was a learning experience.

—-

"I am pleased to have worked with Commander Eisen-Blume and the Iron Blooded to open this library! The Iron Blooded Public Library is a center of learning and knowledge for our sometimes most vulnerable people!"

I had planned on cutting the red ribbon myself. I had a speech and everything. But then the Governess had showed up and taken the golden scissors from me without a word. Her speech was okay I guess. It wasn't as good as mine.

But at least she hadn't tried to change the name of the Library. I would have stabbed her with those scissors if she had tried. No, the Governess was smart. By showing up here like this, she was basically telling people she was partly responsible for the Library.

She certainly knew her profession, I would give her that. The grand opening of the library was a moment I wasn't about to let her ruin even if I didn't get to give my speech.

"Congratulations Commander." She offered as she walked up to me, handing over the oversized scissors.

"Thank you Lady Alessa. It's an important day. This is a big step for what we want to do in the future."

"The future. You do tend to look towards the future, but you never did share your full plans with me Commander."

"Nor will I Lady Alessa. Nor will I."

She huffs a quiet laugh before walking off, into the Library. Apparently she wasn't done 'showing off' for the cameras.

The news crew were looking around talking about this as something the Lady Alessa had pushed for.

I didn't care. Let her steal some of the glory. None of that really mattered to me.

"Vicky." Gauge nudged my shoulder with his own pulling me away from watching the crowd. "I'm proud of you Vicky. This is big. A Library, and with what is available inside. It's amazing."

"Well I'm glad you think so, since the plan is to put one of these on every planet in the Inner Sphere we are going to make sure we really work all the bugs out." I smile evilly as I pat him on the shoulder. "As the Head Librarian. Of course, that will be your job. I hope you are ready."

"Wait, what? Vicky! I'm not a librarian! You can't just put this on my shoulders. I already have so much to do! Vicky! Stop walking away! I'm yelling at you!"

It was good to be the boss.

—-

A different perspective

Vincent Alessa

Zaniah III

Vincent was getting annoyed with being told that lesser noble supported him, were ready to fight with him, but when he demanded action they would balk.

So much for being on his side instead of his brother.

"Truly young lord. I am your man, not your brothers, but what you ask…"

"What I ask, is not just within your power, Lord Siyenna. It is your job. You are the man in charge of our tank legions. I want assurances, you and your men will follow me when the time comes."

"You know if you become the Governor I will be behind you my lord, but asking me to ready men to fight? This I cannot do without alerting your mother."

"You let me worry about her. You need to have your men loyal to me. If the-"

"My Lord. You ask for too much from me. At the very least you ask for it too soon. Putting in place men loyal to you and you alone? That will take years. Decades. That's if I can even find enough men. You and your brother are both well liked."

"You mean my Brother is well liked, and I am just known enough." Vincent grumbled slamming a hand on the chairs arm he was sitting in. "Dammit. My Brother holds all the cards! You think he will appreciate your skimming off the top when he finds out Lord Siyenna!?"

Vincent had first learned of Lord Siyenna, a minor Lord on Zaniah when he discovered that some of the funds for the tank legions had been disappearing. He had looked into it, and since he was the son of the Governor had discovered Lord Siyenna quickly enough.

And then started blackmailing the man. Having the Lord in charge of maintaining the readiness of the Planetary Defense vehicles had been a godsend.

But the man was both too incompetent to be caught, and too much of a coward.

"You know I do not, but I also know the punishment for my own crimes, is far below the punishment for treason my Lord." The older man sighed, stroking his head.

"You would accept the loss of your titles?"

"I would accept being alive after. I said I would support you my Lord, but you ask for things that don't exist. You want the military on your side? Go and talk to the men, become known to them. That is how you can get them to follow you over your brother."

"I don't have time for that! Do you think I could do such a thing without Arthur finding out? My Brother is a coward, but not a fool. He doesn't have the spine to fight. Too quick to surrender. I just need to force him into that position and I will become the new Governor, not him!"

"You don't have the army."

No. No he didn't. It would take too long to get the Planetary guard on his side, and since Arthur was still the heir he would swoop in long before Vincent got anywhere with the men. It always happened that way. The friends Vincent would make, soon become Arthurs once the older boy met them.

Arthur had a way with people. He could talk to them, and get them on his side, while Vincent often had to use other means.

"Enough. You have your orders. Even if it takes decades."

"Understood my Lord."

Swiftly leaving the Lords little hovel Vincents mind was racing so many plans, if only his brother would die in battle… But Vincent sighed. That would never happen.

Arthur was a coward.

He didn't say that in jest, or because he was angry with his brother. It was simply the truth. Arthur would surrender long before any battle was over.

It was how he had lost their family Shadow Hawk.

Vincent had been so deep in thought he noticed suddenly his driver was going in the wrong direction. "This isn't the way to the manor!"

"Apologies my Lord. You remember your mothers orders. You are to appear at the opening of the new Library along with the Governess and Lord Arthur."

Vincent did recall his mothers orders and sighed leaning back into his leather seat. "Fine."

The drive over was slow, crowds were gathering to see the new Library. Vincent didn't get it. Zaniah had plenty of Libraries! What was so special about the brats one?

He stepped out into a safe area, mother was always good about making sure her vehicle had a clear path in and out.

She wasn't a fighter, had never even been in a battlemech, but she knew how to keep herself alive. Unfortunately, the fact she was so good at it, is partially why Arthur was such a coward. He was always too quick to give up, to run.

Looking out of the little path that was cleared for their vehicles Vincent grimaced at the crowd. Not just orphans and young ones at that, but there were plenty of civilians crowding the area. Mother was right, showing up here, and waving the flag would be important.

He pasted a small smile on his face as he headed through the secure points his mother had obviously set up, stepping up onto the Library's front steps, where Mother was currently speaking with the Brat Commander.

As usual he did get a bit of enjoyment in seeing his mother, usually so powerful and in control look quite annoyed with whatever they were talking about.

Mothers complaints about the brat were practically a daily highlight, but Vincent scoffed. Mother didn't like her because she wasn't under her control. Vincent thought it was hilarious that the brat was doing so much for their world, while tweaking his mothers nose at every opportunity.

Watching his mother nearly stomp into the library in a huff he snorted. The brat wasn't even that annoying, nothing like that bastard in the Swayback. He was a little shit, and Vincent quite enjoyed 'accidently' putting some friendly fire into his back during some of their training matches.

He always flipped out. Which let Vincent focus on Arthur as his brother tried to calm the situation. Not that it mattered. His Rifleman was strong, but it wasn't an Awesome.

Grimacing at that thought Vincent turned, making sure to wave at the crowd that was gathered so they could see he too was walking into the library.

Once inside his smile dropped. He didn't care what the brats got up to. He had interacted with them and their Brat Commander enough he knew they had no real ambition. At least not on Zaniah. So Arthur schmoozed. The idiot even trying to marry the Brat Commander.

Like Vincent said. Idiot. It was obvious the Brat was so focused on her future she hadn't even noticed his brother's attempts, Arthurs attempts to woo her had failed so completely that the brat hadn't even noticed.

Really asking her if she wanted extra training?

Of course she fobbed more of her brats on him. The look on his face though had been utterly priceless.

Plus it made Mother furious. When Arthur had revealed his plan, Mother had absolutely flipped her lid. Although in the end she couldn't deny Arthurs plan.

She of course was struggling to accept that the girl she was practically in a diplomatic war with would be her daughter in law.

Neither of those morons realized that was never going to happen. Really Vincent was surrounded by idiots.

"Oh it's the young Baron." Vincent turned, taking in the older girl who was wearing the brats armor. This one he actually recognized.

"The medic."

"I am indeed. How's the wrist?" She asked looking him over, obviously checking the injury he had received the week before.

"Fine. My doctors looked it over, said your work was acceptable. It's already healed."

She nodded at that "Good to hear it. Wouldn't want you tough mechwarriors to end up unable to pilot."

"A sprained wrist wouldn't get to that point. Aren't you the bra-Orphans doctor? Shouldn't you know that?" Vincent already didn't want to continue this conversation. Just because she was a little older than most of the brats didn't make her not one of them.

"Not one for jokes are you? Well there goes my attempt to be nice for the day, go ahead and enjoy the Library, I'm sure something will interest you."

He watched her go for a moment, that was definitely a new experience. The brats did have one thing going for them, they all seemed to copy their Commanders disinterest in sucking up to him or his family.

"Wait!" He called out walking after her. "I apologize. I was being rude. You did good work. Thank you."

She stopped as he talked, looking him over. "You know you aren't as bad as they say you are. C'mon. This is the boring part of the library, let me show you the interesting stuff." She mentions waving him to follow. And despite himself Vincent found his steps chasing after her.

"Wait. what do they say about me!?"

—-

Days turn to weeks, and weeks to month. I was relaxing, happy that everything was going well when Eris walked into my office.

How did I immediately know this was going to ruin my day?

"Commander Eisen-Blume."

"Eris. How can I help you?"

"You can explain why I am getting messages… Directly from the Archon of the Commonwealth asking why you haven't been messaging her. That is how you can help me." The woman was trying to keep her cool, but despite her usual chill, I could tell this was stressing her out.

"Ah yeah… I did forget The Archon wanted me to keep in touch."

"Commander Eisen-Blume! The Archon requested you to stay in contact with her! You can't just-"

"I can actually." I point out standing to poke a finger into Eris's armor clad chest. "I find making this joke a little tedious, but she is not my Mother."

The glare Eris gave me made me sigh. "Alright. Alright. I'm going right now to the HPG terminal to send a message to the Archon." I tell her my hands raised in surrender at her glare. As I walked out only noticing because of the echoing footsteps that I was being followed. "Is there a reason you are following me?"

"Indeed."

"You were ordered to make sure I sent a message to the Archon weren't you?"

"That is a correct summation of my orders."

"I could consider it treason to swear yourself to the Iron Blooded, only to follow the orders of the Archon."

"Funny Commander Eisen-Blume. To the HPG station."

"So it's treason then!" I hiss as I let her prod me along.

Driving out of the base with an intelligence agent watching your every move isn't the most comfortable, so I did my best to make it easier on myself. Mostly by talking.

"How are you fitting in? I know Delta Ops has taken a liking to you."

"No they don't trust me, but they enjoy learning what I can teach. They are… Secretive. Refuse to show me everything. They have something. A trick I'm not aware of."

"Ah well. Kids will be kids I suppose."

"Is that supposed to be re-assuring Commander?" she asks deadpan as always.

"I suppose it is, Eris. No matter what, you chose to join us. You just haven't had a chance to fight alongside us yet, but once you do, well you will understand. Us orphans stick together, no matter where we came from."

"I don't believe that Commander. I believe your naivety will certainly be a source of betrayal in the future."

"Is that coming from the woman that knows she has to juggle working under two different groups?" I asked, watching her jolt just the tiniest amount before settling in.

"I did not mean me. I am of course on your side."

"Lies!" I tease, smiling. "But that's just it. You seem to think I am a fool for not thinking that some day you may betray me, but Eris. On the day that it eventually comes, and I am sure it will at some point. I like Katrina, but I'm not her servant. If I have to fight her to do the right thing I will. But on that day? I think you will have a far harder time stabbing me in the back than you think you will. I think on that day years from now?" I turn to her, letting her fully see how serious I am.

"I think you won't be able to pull the trigger." I smile warmly as I turn back to the road. Letting the silence fill the cab for a while.

"Foolish, you mixed your metaphors, am I stabbing you or shooting you?" Oh I could hear the snark in her tone!

"Hah! You showed emotions that means I win right?" I tell her winking happily at her annoyed look.

"Just drive."

So I did. Convincing traumatized indoctrinated orphan women takes time after all. Time? That I had plenty of.

As I drove into the HPG terminal the heated stares of Eris following me, I decided since Katrina was going to be annoying so was I.

Settling in for a very expensive HPG message, because even with Katrinas 'code' to allow me to send her messages, I couldn't just send a written message or something to the Archon. I settled in as the video player started.

And of course as a teenager still. At least for a few more years I decided to be a pain in the ass.

"Aunt Katrina! I hope you and Mel are doing well! I am doing great. Let me tell you all about the Library I just set up!"

I couldn't help the smile on my face. Go ahead ComStar deal with the fact I just called the Archon 'Aunt' let's see how much confusion that is going to spread!

—--

A different perspective

Precentor Zaniah Elard Snint

"Yes, I have had someone look into this 'Public Library' they are opening. Nothing too unusual. They are offering some lower education courses." Elard offered. He was resting back staring into the Holovid showing a hood similar to his own.

"I am not concerned with education courses. I worry that the child will release data that will restart the succession wars. There is data that ComStar guards! Data that the Great Houses must not retrieve. For the safety of the Inner Sphere."

"I had one of my own men check on it. Each course is standard education… although I have confirmed it did come from the Star League. Some of the courses held some minor data that was lost."

"I was afraid of that. At least that answers one of my questions. I now know who it was that slipped through my fingers."

"Is it so serious? The data here is… Useful to the Great houses, but nothing that will alter the political landscape."

"You believe this is all that was found? The Archon has begun moving resources, in ways that hint at only one thing. Factories are restarting."

Elard inhaled deeply. Although he wasn't anymore he had once been an agent of ROM. He understood the details of Operation Holy Shroud like so few even at his rank did.

"You are sure?"

"We are. Already the signs are there if you know where to look. Katrina… She is no fool. The chances of us crushing this knowledge have already passed. Your 'Commander' somehow slipped under all of our noses."

"I see. What should be done? Shall we remove her?"

"The Commander? Why bother? She may have some copy of the data. But the Library she opened is nothing we need to worry over. It is the Archon that now has our full attention." The man sighed, rubbing his chin for a moment. "This is an unprecedented disaster."

"What will the Primus do? Do you know?"

"The Primus is in hourly meetings, last I heard. But the First Circuit is in an uproar. This is… unprecedented times old friend."

"That it is."

"Keep watch Elard. I don't like that this girl was able to cause this disaster. She was there. In the Helm Facility. Who knows what else she found? Even we don't have a complete inventory."

"We do have something new. She sent a message today. To the Archon."

"Truly?"

"For the most part it was… Ramble. I am sure it is a code of somesort, but every adept I have given the task to translate it comes back with nothing. But the message started with a greeting. Here."

"Aunt Katrina! I hope you and Mel are doing well! I am doi-"

"Aunt Katrina?"

"My thoughts exactly my friend. I am not aware of any Steiner children not accounted for."

"There are none. I made sure of it… None fit the right age… Lisa Steiner is ten years too old…"

"Shall I collect a blood sample? Shouldn't be too difficult to attain."

"No. Let's not do anything to reveal ourselves here. She may very well be a trap. But keep an eye on her actions. File a report on anything you find."

"I will. That is the least I can do to help you protect Blakes will." Elard sighed again. This meeting with his old friend had been going on long into the night.

"I see. I am keeping you late."

"Nothing unusual my old friend, do you remember our late nights on Terra?"

"As I recall half of them were your fault, the other half was Jennifer Wellington."

"Hah! That's a name I haven't heard in a while. Jenny always loved her ships."

"Still does. Not that we speak. I don't think her job lets any outside contact."

"No, probably not. Alright. Elard, it was good talking to you, even under the circumstances."

"You as well Emilio. May Blakes light guide you."

*Transmission End*

Last edited: 19/2/2022

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