Chapter 39

Tharkad City, Tharkad

District of Donegal, Lyran Commonwealth

September 7th 3051

Hanse Davion and his realm had been facing hammer blow after hammer blow of ill news. It seemed only an hour or two would go by between fresh reports of further troubles. Morgan Kell's plan had been launched, and then the bad news began arriving.

A wave of assassination attempts had occurred, coinciding with an attack by Romano Liao's military, aided by ComStar. On the worlds of Liao, Saiph, New Canton, Wei, Matsu, and Foochow, AFFC personnel were targeted. In many cases, the assassination efforts failed, but many military security soldiers and innocent civilians were caught in the crossfire.

On Liao, Leftenant General Henry Akbar had been invited to partake in a ceremonial opening of a charity for displaced citizens of the 4th Succession War. Sadly, it had been a trap. He and his wife were brutally cut down by Maskirovka agents. On New Canton, Marshal Andrew Cuningham survived a truck bomb slamming into his motorcade. He lost his hearing and nearly his life due to a collapsed lung, but doctors reached him in time, and, thanks to advances in medical practices, he would likely make an eventual full recovery.

There had been an attempt to crash a civilian plane into the NAIS compound, but the defenses were too tight, and when it breached the airspace, it exploded in the sky. Another assassin, a sleeper agent in the St. Ives embassy, had managed to infiltrate the palace, though they still weren't certain of the target. The assassin had been killed, but it remained unclear where he had been headed. All of these attacks had sprung up in quick succession, at the same time several worlds fell under attack.

Sarna was almost certainly lost, given the massive number of DropShips inbound. Campertown, Tsinghai, and Sarmaxa were also facing inbound units, though with significantly fewer DropShips.

Still, probably enough to take those worlds.

He was already gathering counterattack proposals from his Marshals when additional news arrived. Keid, New Home, and Bryant, all worlds near Terra, had come under direct attack by ComStar. Myndo Waterly was making her move, and the timing made it clear that one of his greatest enemies was openly allying with a lesser one. Meanwhile, Clan Snow Raven marched ever closer to more important worlds—Tangua and Ellengurg were now in their hands.

The Wolves continued their rampage, taking Rastaban, Suk, and Domain. In some respects, it felt as if they had ground the Clan advance to a halt, but at other times, it felt hopeless. So many RCTs had been thrown into the shredder that his losses already eclipsed what he had faced in the war of 3039. Now, with ComStar opening another front, he had even more problems to deal with.

Some good news had arrived. Katherine's task force had freed two more worlds and HPG facilities. Black Earth and Golandrinas had both been easily retaken, and, wonderfully, the Com Guard garrison had surrendered. He was still awaiting a full report, but it appeared that, on Black Earth, there had been a schism, and ComStar had fought itself before surrendering the HPG facility. On Golandrinas, the Com Guard had the local Demi-Precentor in shackles and had surrendered their 'Mechs and vehicles to the 1st Royal FedCom Guards.

Fighting had begun on Koniz, and Morgan Kell had succeeded on Blair Atholl. Hanse was beginning to wonder where the Jade Falcons were. They had a strong position on Twycross as well, yet he knew they still had several Clusters of frontline units unaccounted for.

He knew that Melissa worried about the stress, but Hanse was in his element. His daughter had remained on Blackjack, and Victor was on Coventry. They were not fighting at the moment, so his worry for them was lessened. He was also hooked up to 24/7 medical monitoring, and his fixed heart was operating within normal parameters. Despite the stress, he felt alive, free of the crushing guilt that came with having his children in the midst of immediate battle – it was… fun. Planning a war and directing an entire nation in projecting power was always the most alive he had ever felt.

"What worries me is the Free Worlds League," he told Justin, the two alone as they filtered through some of the suggestions Federated Suns State Command had provided for responses.

"Thomas Marik seems to be a principled man, but he has always been an advocate for ComStar. The fact that his regiments are not moving and joining in the assault means he will likely attempt to stay neutral. He also took the Clan threat seriously. We should prepare for the worst, but I would lean toward the odds being against him betraying our pact," Justin replied.

The worst-case scenario was Marik regiments pouring into Lyran worlds and potentially pouncing on Hesperus. More 'Mechs were produced on Hesperus than any other world in the Inner Sphere. It was also only three jumps from the Marik border. If he chose to deploy them, it would be a disaster for rearming and reequipping his daughter's forces by 3052, to say nothing of the 10th Lyran or the Kell Hounds.

"Let us hope you are right. I believe we can handle Liao and ComStar while also dealing with the Clans. But if the Free Worlds League joins in, I do not see a path forward. It's not just the threat of a new offensive, but also the lack of the upgrade kits. Upgrading our 'Mechs quickly is important. With our elite units, it does not make a huge difference, but for our March Militias and local militias, it dramatically boosts our strength in leaps and bounds."

Justin gave a grim nod. "It does feel that way, but even if the worst occurs, we have strategic options." He hesitated. "My wife has mixed feelings over your conquest in the 4th Succession War. I will talk to her, as she still has many on Sian who hold loyalty to her."

Hanse looked up slowly from the datapad he was reading.

"What are you saying?"

"She might have a way to strike the head from the snake. Take out Romano Liao and her inner circle. Candace never wanted to do it because it would continue the bloody chapter of inter-house bloodletting among House Liao, which she did not want to contribute to. But now… now, I might be able to convince her."

Hanse was slightly miffed that he hadn't heard about this until now, but he knew Candace did not appreciate the subjugation of the Capellan Confederation and the erosion of her people's culture. He understood her reasons, and he even respected them, but with the threat of the Clans, no options were off the table.

"See what you can do, Justin. If we could take out Romano, Shang, Kali, and Sun-Tzu, it could likely spark a brutal internal civil war within the Confederation, which would cut off this assault on our worlds at the knees. Do what it takes."

***

ComStar First Circuit Compound, Hilton Head Island

Island North America, Terra

September 20th 3051

A series of frustrating mishaps had prevented her Precentor Martial from arriving on Terra sooner. ComStar had a large fleet of JumpShips and could call upon many others, but within the Draconis Combine there were very few merchant vessels that could operate independently, and the need for their use in aid of the war effort created a shortage. Even when they had arranged a partial Command Circuit for Anastasius Focht, an unexpected jump drive malfunction had thrown the schedule off track.

He's here now, that is all that matters.

Myndo Waterly knew Focht would be angry. The man had always jealously guarded the deployment of the Com Guards, but he hadn't been present, so she had issued the orders.

"Primus," he bowed respectfully, "I have some questions."

"Naturally, and I will answer them for you so you can prepare for the next stage of bringing the Federated Commonwealth to its knees."

The man's one eye narrowed. "I know about the troop movements and the attacks on Davion worlds. I know that my Com Guards have been deployed; tactical foolishness aside, I do not understand what you are doing. When the Clans conquered the Inner Sphere, the Com Guards, along with the Inner Sphere rebelling en masse, were to bring them down. How can this be done if we bleed our military strength? We will need every 'Mech, every tank, every Aerospace fighter we have, and the odds will still be long, and you waste it fighting the Inner Sphere?"

So predictable.

"I know you are upset about how the Com Guards were deployed. Tactically, you would have wanted them to invade the Lyran side of the Federated Commonwealth, as it was weakest due to the Clan invasion. A natural pincer, correct? But that is because you are a military man, not a politician. In order to bring Romano Liao and Theodore Kurita on board, I needed to target their primary foe. Sometimes good military tactics must give way when the greater political landscape is considered."

He blinked and seemed stunned for a moment.

"I… I am at a loss for words, but let us continue. Explain again how bleeding our forces fits into your grander scheme?"

She smiled serenely. "We must have our HPG facilities back; we are of no use to the Clans without it. There will be too much temptation for the Clans to handle communications themselves if we prove unable. We also need those terminals to coordinate Inner Sphere troop movements."

Focht shook his head. "We will never be able to take control of the HPG stations from the Federated Commonwealth. It is madness to think that will work. The Federated Commonwealth now hates ComStar and believes we tried to kill their favored daughter. The perceived loyalty to the Clans, especially now that we've assaulted their worlds, will have sealed that perception. You must come up with another plan to defeat the Clans. I had hoped…"

Myndo laughed. "Anastasius, you do not know the whole of my plans. The Draconis Combine will soon strike as well, though that is only the lesser part of our leverage. Our WarShips will make him do it. Even now a portion of our fleet has set out for Galax. Once it arrives, Hanse Davion will see that several of his worlds have fallen and that we threaten to destroy his precious shipyards. But that is only one element of the threat. For if we can destroy his shipyards, we can also destroy the NAIS in a single jump."

Focht's lips thinned. "You speak of atrocities. You would orbitally bombard New Avalon?"

"If that sacrifice is necessary to fulfill Blake's vision, yes. Of course. But fear not, the Fox will bend before breaking. He knows that without his precious NAIS, 'Mech factories, and shipyards, he cannot fight the Clans. He will consent to us running those terminals; by now, he will have also realized he has no way to keep them running for maintenance and repairs. He needs us."

"He will call your bluff. For, if it is not a bluff, ComStar is dead across the Inner Sphere. This will not work, Primus," Focht said firmly.

"Bah, what do you know of politics? This is what he must do."

"Hanse Davion is a warrior first, and a political creature second. It is why he was so successful in the 4th Succession War. You foolishly underestimate him. Again, I must ask you – if we cannot get the HPG terminals back, how then do you wish to stop the Clans?"

Myndo was growing frustrated at her Precentor Martial's obstinance.

"We need not worry about hypotheticals that will never come to pass, but if the worst comes to worst and Davion remains intractable, we will simply use the Com Guards, Liao, Kurita, and Marik to conquer the Federated Commonwealth. With the Clans breathing down their necks on one side, three nations on the other, and with our Com Guards – he has no hope."

The man sighed. "There is another way. I once thought the Clans were near invincible, but now that I see what was done to the Jade Falcons, I know that they are not. Their supply lines are stretched thin, they are weak against counterattacks, and they do not handle insurgency well. Only the Wolves seem to understand how to deal with the Inner Sphere. Even now, the Clan invasion grinds to a halt. If the Com Guards redeployed to aid the FRR and Draconis Combine, they would run into a curtain of strength. If we help defeat the Clans, the nations will owe us a debt of gratitude." His voice took on an urgency. "Diplomacy can work, we can blame a splinter cell of ComStar for the attack on Katherine, we can say whatever we choose, but our actions, the blood of the Com Guards will have aided the Inner Sphere as a whole. We can use that, and our knowledge of how to maintain the HPG network, to win back those stations for ComStar."

What a disappointment. The man is so eager for war against the greatest possible military that he ignores everything else. Davion is not worthy prey for our Precentor Martial, but his narrow obsession does nothing for our cause. He would place his own glory above Blake's vision!

"And how does that lead the Inner Sphere upon the path Blake set out? What use is defeating the Clans if it does not lead the people to obedience to the Words of Jerome Blake? His holy vision and its fulfillment far outweigh your desire to war with the Clans."

Focht looked at her. "I disagree with your plan, Myndo Waterly. I would ask the First Circuit convene so that a vote can be taken. Having lived with the Clans for over a year, they should hear from me before we continue this... path."

"I am the First Circuit, you vain fool! I will have no more of this foolishness. I want your aid in defeating Davion, I do not need it. You are the Precentor Martial, but you can and will be replaced if you do not fall in line."

Focht eyed her and then slowly nodded. "Forgive me, Primus. The journey has been long, and I am eager to engage in war with the Clans. Show me the positioning of our Com Guard, and I will advise and then take command of them."

Good.

"We lost 17 divisions when the Federated Commonwealth HPG network was taken over. We are using 4 divisions with House Liao troops and have another wholly Com Guard command of 6 divisions that launched from Terra. We still maintain another 10 divisions here, but even with our WarShips and system defenses, I do not wish to overextend that force. We have six additional divisions in the FWL ready to take part if we can convince Marik to join us. So far, he has been hesitant, citing his 'given word' and the 'threat of the Clans.' I am considering having him replaced."

Focht grew still. "He has been a friend to ComStar, and it would be better to work with him than to replace him. You say Theodore Kurita has agreed to take part?"

"Indeed, it was costly, but the LosTech we are providing him more than makes up for it."

His features darkened as she explained the deal Precentor Dieron had worked out.

It was clear he did not appreciate losing so many of his war-toys. No doubt he wanted to use them against the Clans, but an extra front would further push Hanse to his knees.

"Give me a few days to rest and review, Primus. I will reformulate our logistics and battle strategy. I know how wars are fought, and while your initial push has merit, I will come up with a better plan, subject to your approval, of course."

Myndo knew that Focht would continue to cling to his stubborn views on how to deal with the Clans, but he would obey. The man had tried his hand with intrigue when he was Frederick Steiner, and it had ruined him. So long as she gave him a fight, he would continue to be compliant.

Two days later, she realized she had misjudged him when the First Circuit Compound was taken over by Com Guards, and she herself was placed in a holding cell.

***

Ramsau

Skandia Province, Free Rasalhague Republic

September 28th 3051

Ragnar Magnusson felt fear, but he knew that feeling would not stop him from doing his duty. The Wolf Clan had come for Ramsau, and he would stand ready to defend his homeland. The enemy had taken Carse and Diosd, and it had only been a matter of time before they came to Ramsau.

Överste Jeffery Cizek of the Fourth Kavalleri took the batchall, with Ragnar and Colonel Caroline Seng at his side.

"This is Ulric Kerensky, Khan of Clan Wolf. We have come to claim Ramsau. What forces do you have to defend this world?"

"I am Överste Jeffery Cizek, and I defend this world with the Fourth Kavalleri, the 1st St. Ives Lancers, and the First Ramsau Irregulars. Should we be victorious, we request something of equal value to this world and its people. We request ten of your OmniMechs and an agreement not to attack this world for five years."

"You have studied our ways – good. Then you know that we will not tolerate any cheap tricks. Send me a detailed accounting of every asset you intend to use to defend this world. Identify the ground you wish to fight on, and my warriors will scout the region before the day of battle to ensure there are no ploys. If this is agreeable, you will have your Binary of OmniMechs and your five-year reprieve should you prove victorious. Know that this reprieve only applies to Clan Wolf."

Ragnar's mouth grew dry. The enemy commander left nearly no room for surprises. He remembered the lectures on Outreach: if they violated the terms of the batchall, then anything would go, and prior agreements would be voided. They couldn't keep anything secret.

"Ulric Kerensky, we would also request Hegira if the battle turns against us. In exchange, we will not sabotage or destroy any industry or resources on the world."

"The granting of Hegira is dependent on how well you fight. Your people do not fight with the honor of Zellbrigen, but I will consent to a modified version. You will be allowed to leave, but any equipment you have is forfeited in the condition it's in. Additionally, only two of the seven DropShips on the planet will be allowed to depart with you; the rest will be Isorla."

Ragnar bit his lip. "If we begin to lose, we can also try to retreat back to them. It will cost more lives, but we won't be giving them our 'Mechs. Or we could fight to the bitter end."

Jeffery shook his head. "There is no choice here, Prince Ragnar. They have given us an option that allows you to leave if the fighting goes poorly. You are the future of the Free Rasalhague Republic; other considerations must come second."

He sent the next transmission.

"Bargained well and done, Ulric Kerensky. I will send you the information, and in return, I expect the same from you. We will decide the fate of this world on the battlefield."

The confident voice came back on the line, "Bargained well and done."

Several hours passed before the unit information came through. From there, he and the two commanders of the 'Mech regiments looked through what they would have to fight. Ragnar felt a sinking feeling in his stomach; the Clans were not leaving much to chance.

Attacking them was a mixed Trinary, which included 8 'Mechs, 6 aerospace fighters, and 20 Elementals. The next unit listed was a Cluster, which had 60 'Mechs, 75 Elementals, and 20 aerospace fighters. Finally, they had a Binary, or 10 'Mechs, that were listed as artillery. All told, it was 78 'Mechs, 75 Elementals, and 26 aerospace fighters.

"From a 'Mech-to-'Mech ratio, we have 232 'Mechs against 78, so we outnumber them on a three-to-one basis. However, they have better 'Mechs, and the tonnage is higher than ours across the board," Ragnar explained. "Our own infantry outnumbers the Elementals, but they don't stand a chance in a straight-up fight. I'm not sure why, but they didn't bid very aggressively. Our only chance is to combine as much firepower as we can on individual targets and take advantage of our numerical superiority."

Seng looked at the numbers. "We have two wings of Aerospace support, so we slightly outnumber them in the skies as well, but I don't think we should fight them there. This sounds heartless, but I think we should use the Irregulars as bait for the Elementals, even have their commander challenge the Elementals."

Ragnar frowned. "They don't stand a chance; it will be a massacre."

Seng nodded. "I know. But if we lure them out of position while our 'Mechs fight, after the Irregulars give up or retreat, claiming the honor duel is over, our Aerospace can strike. Elementals have no real defense against them, and we can take out quite a few. All the reports on Clanners would have me believe their own Aerospace will then contest the skies, and that's when they can be lured. I've read Hauptmann General Steiner-Davion's tactical report on how easy it was on Icar and Blackjack to lure their Aerospace elements. We lure them to some of our Rifleman, Blackjacks, and Catapults we keep in reserve, and then we have air superiority and can try to make use of it."

Överste Cizek was nodding. "Yes, this could work. It will be a cruel duty, but we will ask for volunteers."

Ragnar felt ash in his mouth. Using infantry in this way seemed… wrong. But try as he might, he couldn't think of too many better solutions. He did have one thought, since he knew the Wolves would be scouting the area. Since so many of the old 'Mechs did not have CASE technology, Ragnar thought they could dump half their ammo after the battle began, and use it at prepared fallback positions as traps that could explode when enemy 'Mechs drew near.

Not as ideal as proper landmines or quality explosives, but if they are within twenty meters, it could do some serious damage.

That was just an addendum to Colonel Seng's plan, not a true replacement. Ragnar would be fighting against the Clans for the first time, and it seemed like he was up against an enemy commander who knew about the tactics people like Katherine and Natasha were using against them.

Just my luck, I get to fight a Khan in my first battle.

***

Ramsau

Skandia Province, Free Rasalhague Republic

October 2nd 3051

"Neg, Point Commander, you will refuse the challenge. Our Binary of Artillery will deal with the infantry."

"My Khan, I must protest…"

"In war, do not give the enemy what they wish for. There is no sense in leaving their inferior soldiers out to die against Elementals. It would be a bloodbath, so if there is no purpose, it is clearly a trap of some sort. Continue your present course." The finality in his tone left no room for further discussion.

Ulric Kerensky did not always explain himself, but within Alpha Galaxy, he did so freely when appropriate. This Galaxy had many bright and able warriors who were destined to one day take charge of other Galaxies within the Wolves, or potentially even become a Khan.

Warriors like Star Colonel Lana Ward, whom he was grooming to one day take on Galaxy Commander leadership. He had explained his reasoning clearly. He knew Prince Ragnar was on the field. When they asked for Hegira during the batchall, Ulric had used the poisoned chalice of safe departure, but without their equipment. Destroying two regiments of 'Mechs was not a challenge; he could have easily just sent a few Clusters down and annihilated them. But by arranging the battle this way, and requiring them to forfeit their equipment if they wished safe passage back, he won more needed material to help garrison the Wolf-captured worlds.

Either she or Star Captain Phelan Wolf will rise to a Galaxy Commander position when one opens in the coming years. Though that will depend on whether he can win the Trial of Bloodright for the Ward Bloodname. Phelan has great potential, but his field of vision is too narrow. Granted, if it had been broader, he might not have so easily thrown in his lot with my Clan. But that loyalty, once given, appears to be ironclad.

He had great plans for Phelan and was eager to see if he could bear up under the responsibility. There were a host of other Spheroids who were now warriors, but most of them were vehicle operators and thus had no real standing within the Clan. It still helped with bringing in the captured populace; using local warriors as garrisons made resistance more difficult from a psychological perspective, especially when life did not alter much under Ulric's hand.

The Naga 'Mechs launched their payloads at the infantry, who died despite digging into the terrain. The unit had not lost total cohesion, but casualties were mounting. Meanwhile, the groups of 'Mechs began to draw near each other. The enemy moved around hills that blocked direct line-of-sight, attempting to bring the Clan 'Mechs in close to negate their range.

Ulric had no need to indulge them. Instead, he sent his units far around the hills to flank. A tense hour of movement passed between each force as the Inner Sphere refused to engage or move from their cover.

They are not unskilled at this; I must pay my compliments to the commander afterwards.

Unfortunately for the Spheroids, Ulric had chosen to include a Binary of artillery for a reason. When he saw the opportunity to direct the artillery onto the enemy 'Mechs, forcing them to run to the next set, his Stars were already racing forward. Catching them between the lines of cover, the superior range came to the fore and ripped into the St. Ives Compact 'Mechs. Realizing that the superior speed of the Clan 'Mechs made it nearly impossible to escape, they turned and, in earnest, charged the Wolf 'Mechs.

Two of the lighter 'Mechs succumbed to Inner Sphere traps of planted explosives, but it was not nearly enough. The battle was brutal as the elite of Clan Wolf took full advantage of their superior technology and skill. The enemy tried to flank with a swarm of light 'Mechs, but here, the Elementals shined. A single Point of Elementals was more than a match for a primitive Wasp. It wasn't as if Ulric only had screening Elementals; Ice Ferrets and Timber Wolves swiftly dispatched the swarm as well.

What have we here.

Star Colonel Ward, in her Warhawk, was facing off against an enemy piloting a Clan Timber Wolf. Ulric tilted his head in appreciation at the Spheroid warrior. He handled his 'Mech well, and despite being ten tons lighter than Lara Ward's, it was a closer fight than Ulric had expected. However, the power of those ER PPCs and their pinpoint placement had brought the 'Mech low, forcing the pilot to eject.

A wide beam broadcast went out – the Spheroid commander was surrendering and requesting Hegira. It was obvious that the ejected pilot could only be Ragnar. It was a pity he couldn't take him as a bondsman, but the FRR's days were numbered. There would almost certainly be another opportunity.

The clash had been destructive and fierce, but his own losses were minimal – less than a Star of Elementals and only eight 'Mechs destroyed, though many were damaged. In exchange, he had won over 50 of rather poor and borderline useless 'Mechs, but also 60 additional 'Mechs that were above the Inner Sphere average. Only the Battle of Ridderkerk eclipsed how much materiel had been gained by fighting as opposed to lost.

***

Luthien

Pesht Military District, Draconis Combine

October 10th 3051

Hohiro Kurita had suffered injury when he had to eject from his 'Mech. A broken arm and a concussion were wounds that would not ordinarily have been enough to send him back to Luthien. However, he had seen much success in the first two worlds taken in their counteroffensive, and his father wished to honor him by allowing the 2nd Genyosha to be partially reequipped with the first batch of 'Mechs that had been Command Circuited from Terra. He had several options to choose from but ended up choosing a King Crab, which had apparently undergone modifications from the old Star League design, personally approved by the ComStar Precentor Martial.

It was a colossal 100-ton 'Mech, the King Crab – KGC-001. Armed with two Gauss Rifles, an LRM-15, a large pulse laser, and two SRM-2s, it brought formidable firepower. The dual Gauss Rifles granted exceptional potency at extended range. With the arrival of these 'Mechs, they would not only be able to replenish the losses sustained by the 2nd Genyosha, but also form a new regiment, the 3rd Genyosha, utilizing the equipment provided by ComStar.

Hohiro bowed deeply to his father before taking his seat in the near-empty room, where larger command meetings had once been held. Today, however, only his father, the Precentor Dieron of ComStar – whom Hohiro knew to be a highly placed spy for the Draconis Combine – and Subhash Indrahar, the head of the ISF, were present.

"Now that he is here, I must repeat my question," Indrahar said, his voice carrying a sharp edge. "Why was I not informed that we had an intelligence agent within the ComStar First Circuit? You are the Kanrei, this was not your domain."

His father's face remained impassive as he responded. "Given past unfortunate events, the Keeper of the Family Honor deemed it wise to keep Precentor Mori's true allegiance to the Order of the Five Pillars concealed. Considering the bountiful harvest she has reaped for the DCMS, I find myself in full support of that decision."

Indrahar shook his head in frustration. "Some good has come of it, but now Terra is aflame. Had I known, we could have completed the coup ourselves…"

"Forgive me, Director," Mori replied, "but such an undertaking would have been doomed to failure. As it stands, I cannot divine what ComStar will become after these events. Attempting to bring ISF agents onto Terra would have ended in disaster."

Hohiro realized he had been brought to this meeting for a purpose, but he remained in the dark about the events that had transpired on Terra. With respect, he asked to be informed, and Precentor Dieron obliged.

"ComStar launched an attack with House Liao against House Davion. The Precentor Martial was recalled from his duties as emissary to the Clans. Upon his return, he arrested the Primus, accusing her of intending to use the power of the ComStar WarShip fleet to commit crimes against humanity in her grudge against Hanse Davion. After her arrest, loyalist ROM agents freed her, and war erupted on the cradle of humanity."

Hohiro had no love for the Davions, and in more peaceful times, he would have gladly seen them brought low. However, with the Clans approaching like a storm on the horizon, such actions were akin to bickering over a broken fan while the house burns.

Mori continued, her voice steady, "Terra, unlike other worlds, is home to multiple HPG facilities, and it seems that various factions have their moments of influence over them. As with any great institution, there are currents that run beneath the surface of ComStar. Some have joined out of faith, others out of belief in the good they perceive ComStar brings. Yet there are those who owe their loyalty to ComStar for its provision of medicine and sustenance when the Great Houses would not. The Precentor Martial's actions, violating the First Circuit's leadership, are at odds with the deep loyalty he himself helped nurture within the Com Guards."

Her serene face took on a hint of frustration.

"Before the usurpation, the Primus had executed two members of the First Circuit, which complicates matters further," Mori continued, her voice measured. "Precentor Tharkad had been plotting his own coup, convinced that Myndo Waterly would bring ruin to the Inner Sphere. In addition, I have agents well-placed within ComStar's ranks, but communication with them remains difficult." She turned to Theodore, her expression softening as she bowed slightly. "I must again offer my apologies for the instructions I gave to the commander of the Montpellier. I believed securing it would hold greater value than risking it to aid our traditional enemies."

Hohiro found himself once again adrift in confusion. He was told that four WarShips were enroute to the Galax system, tasked with forcing House Davion into compliance with ComStar's will. Theodore Kurita had considered the possibility of a decisive ambush, suggesting that if the Montpellier – a Dante-class WarShip – struck swiftly in conjunction with AFFC Aerospace assets, it could cripple the enemy fleet and perhaps even capture the other WarShips. However, the situation was complicated by the inability to relay further instructions to the agents aboard the WarShip. Her last orders had been clear: as the rest of the fleet would jump to Galax, the Montpellier would instead maneuver toward Combine space, leaving the fleet to believe a misjump had occurred.

"It is for the best. Should the Galax shipyards fall, it will serve the Combine's strength in the long run."

"It matters little now," his father reasoned. "However, with the disastrous news of the new front opening in the Galedon Military District, we need our temporary allies as strong as they can be. That is why Hanse Davion will be informed of the impending attack."

Hohiro's eyes widened. "A new front?"

His father's face took on a grim countenance.

"A simultaneous strike upon New Samarkand, Monywa, Soul, Huaide, and Hongor."

This is a disaster. A strike upon the Dragon's soul itself.

New Samarkand, once the birthplace and capital of the Draconis Combine before its transfer to Luthien, now stood as a shadow of its former grandeur. Though diminished, it still housed several major industrial factories responsible for the production of BattleMechs. Additionally, it remained the home of the Internal Security College, where future agents of the ISF were meticulously trained and indoctrinated.

"What do we know of this new Clan?" Hohiro asked.

"Little," Mori replied. "They are known as the Star Adders. They were not part of the initial plans for the invasion, and the Precentor Martial, having been absent from the Grand Council, lacks understanding of how they became involved. He believes there was some form of compromise, akin to the one that permitted Clan Snow Raven to launch their assault on the Federated Commonwealth. The Precentor Martial had previously assessed the Star Adders as a moderately powerful Clan, but little else could be discerned."

Hohiro found himself at a loss. They had freed worlds from the Smoke Jaguars, and the Ghost Bear offensive appeared to be faltering, yet with this new incursion, he could not see a path forward for the survival of his nation.

His father must have sensed his thoughts. "Do not let despair take root, my son. The Dragon still stands strong, and with the aid of ComStar and the Free Worlds League, we have options. Precentor Dieron believes she can sway some of the Com Guards stationed at the HPG facilities to our cause. Should Focht or his allies prevail on Terra, we may find further support. If Waterly and her allies emerge victorious, Mori can claim the mantle of the Precentor Martial's cause and seize control of the Combine's HPG facilities – not as a loyalist to the Combine, but as one to ComStar."

That could work.

"What do you require of me, Kanrei?" Hohiro asked.

"Bring your regiment to full strength and coordinate with the 1st Genyosha, for we must be prepared to weather any storm. Until we understand the Star Adders' intentions more clearly, we must proceed with caution. Their tactic of bypassing systems—over 100 LY—to strike at their chosen world is unlike anything we've seen from the Clans. It troubles me greatly. I have ordered the evacuation of most military units from less critical worlds, redirecting them to fortify our industrial and culturally vital worlds. Only a lean, resolute force will remain behind. Though their methods may not adhere to bushido, their resistance and sacrifice will be remembered with the utmost honor."

Hohiro vowed to do all his father asked – and more. He knew that the Dragon must stand resolute against its greatest foe.