011. Looks like the pub back home

ROM Agent Omicron (no seriously, that's his name, shut up, it's not a fad mom) looked at the sheet of paper on his desk.

He looked at it some more.

Then he stamped 'approved' on the application to purchase the copyrights of some very old songs that nobody had heard for slightly less than a thousand years.

Who cared if this... Eggers Media... wished to purchase the songs.

Better, it would enlighten the scavenger states as to true culture, Terran Culture, and prime them for the return of the Star League.

With Comstar at its head of course.

Warner Incorporated just needed to send the materials through the HPG network and leave it at that. Their involvement was finished, Comstar did not expect more from such a small company.

+_+

Glory had been doing quite a bit of rushing in the last week.

New energy had invigorated her employer after he had spent quite a bit of time staring at the rockcrete being poured into the base of the first half-complete Cradle section. Itself being prepared to allow for future expansion underground once the full above-ground cradle was completed.

He had started giving orders after a long afternoon of contemplation regarding the Cradle, registration of two new companies. One of which had made total sense, the other was of a wholly different direction than that which had been expected.

The first was what his mother had been pushing for with great vigor. That of a mercenary unit, staffed with militia veterans to keep the Cradle safe.

Well.

More safe.

The militia and house Egger's retainers (now elevated to a Ducal house for the services that Katherine Eggers and Huu Eggers had provided to the Commonwealth) were patrolling with every weapon at their disposal. None wanted harm coming to the goose that laid the golden eggs. Several mechs on constant patrol, the Commandos of House Eggers augmented by several lances from the Blackjack School of Combat. Punishment detail they had said.

Headmaster Kleist meanwhile, was very happy indeed with the current situation. Thousands of different people from different parts of the Commonwealth, all representing vast industrial powerhouses. All ready for the Officer Aspirants to... practice their skills upon.

Skills such as graft, and blackmail. All the things that a Lyran officer needed to manoeuvre around the rules, social and regulation (sometimes both were the same). All the things that were needed, to ensure they could effectively act on the field of battle, free of entanglements. To survive the after-battle logistical combat, to find the right prices to ensure the unit survived.

This was, in some ways, a live fire exercise and Colonel-Duke Kleist was reportedly extremely pleased with how things had turned out.

Better yet, many remained on Blackjack to evaluate the Cradle. Its usefulness, its impact on production overall, civilian mental health and a variety of other important factors.

Regardless, the Eggers Defence Force (for all his business decisions, Huu Eggers was decidedly not very capable with naming things.) was ready for their first deployment.

Which was where the first hurdle had been created. Namely, that Huu had them sent off-world to fulfil a defensive contract. Armed only with whatever small arms Glory had been able to scrounge up, the Eggers Defence Force was leaving under equipped, under armed, and under strength.

When questioned, the reply had been that they were to handle that on-site. Setting up a factory on the world of Romulus, recruiting potential members, and creating their own arms on-site. Cheaper, he had said, compared to shipping them through.

Thankfully, Erwin had discussed the plan beforehand and established a branch of Eggers Armaments on-planet ahead of time. Liaising with already existing manufacturing on Romulus, it being important to ensure the spirituality of their new factories, Erwin had contracted the construction out to local firms.

People he knew, of course, always spread the good times to those closest to you first.

By the time the Eggers Defence Force arrived, they would have the arms they needed and transport. At the same time, Erwin in his role as head of Eggers Armaments had sent forth the plans for several arms for testing. These were held in the hands of the machinists heading off with the Eggers Defence Force.

It was seen as both a test of arms, as well as a way to build the Eggers Defence Force. According to the colonel, it was a way of practising a new form of warfare.

Completely against what Katherine Eggers and Glory herself had been planning.

They were meant to remain here to provide the defensive force to keep Huu Eggers alive in the event of a raid. Not sent off to the border for them to be savaged into relegation by the Combine.

Strangely enough, Phan Eggers had approved the decision, clearly he knew something they didn't.

At least Eggers Media had been smooth sailing.

Sitting with her now was Chisaki Nagao. Headhunted by Glory for this role, serving as a member of the Lyran Intelligence Corps. Specifically, the Propaganda Department, maintaining patriotism and the cultural integrity in the Lyran Commonwealth. Using mass media to ensure the cultural fortress that was the Lyran Commonwealth was never breached.

Using culture offensively to attack other nations.

It was whispered that Steinerheart, a historical (not completely accurate) retelling of the lives of the Steiner Dynasty from humble space technicians to Archon of the Commonwealth, to Alessandro in the here and now, was itself a masterful play by LIC's Propaganda Department. Running for over 50 seasons, it was a space opera of epic proportions. Broadcast 6 months behind in other parts of the Inner Sphere, it's said that the Draconis peasantry felt more sympathy to the Steiner dynasty than they did for the Coordinator.

In other words, Chisaki was perfect for this job.

Both had respect for the other, one did not work Military Intelligence without running risks. Detailing military build-up, troop movements, equipment transfers and more were issues that often needed physical eyes on to observe.

The other, less glamorous role was to keep an eye on the LCAF as itself, Military Intelligence, as a subsidiary of the LCAF was often tasked with keeping the worst excesses of their social generals and sycophants from pushing things too far. It was not a role they received much appreciation for, that much was certain. A report, maybe a quiet fall from their battlemechs in the aftermath of a battle, and a problem would be solved.

On the other hand, LIC Propaganda operated in a variety of roles. Often on the front line to gather the footage needed for the 'glorious Lyran troops triumph over the enemy' vids. But to also sneak deep into enemy territory to uncover certain, unwelcome truths that would further entrench the Lyran disdain for their neighbours.

Other times they sat in offices, dictating media strategies that would affect the entire Lyran Commonwealth. Campaigns to elevate certain nobles, others to discredit. More to push products of particular interest to the Commonwealth. So, long as it was seen as strategically necessary, the Propaganda Department would move heaven and earth (sometimes they even used CGI).

Masters of a form of warfare that simply had no equal on the battlefield of stompy robots, the Propaganda Department was often seen as a joke, forgetting the insidious influence of culture on a society.

The woman before her now, Chisaki Nagao was one of the former that had successfully transitioned into the latter. LIC had pushed her forward so they had someone in Eggers General Utility. Ostensibly to keep an eye on the new, upcoming corporation that had created such change in the Commonwealth.

In reality, a lever to push the LIC's objectives onto Huu Eggers, a counterweight to MI's lever in the form of Glory. Obvious in the fact that Chisao had certain features that resembled those that Huu found attractive. While a visionary, he was also a male teenager. More receptive to certain ideas, from certain people... or so LIC had assumed when pushing Chisao into the role.

Though they might be allies, in service to the same government. In practice... they were often rivals seeking advancement of their agencies... for the greater good of the Commonwealth, of course.

That wasn't to say they were the only agents. Eggers General Utility was riddled with them, all there to keep an eye on the corporation as it was making some very unprecedented moves. Information about his plans, the effects that the move had on the people directly involved, on the economy, and the levers of power. 

They also had a more pressing concern, that of keeping Huu Eggers alive and safe, so his mind didn't leave the Commonwealth before its time.

"Miss Nagao, it's good to finally meet you face to face." Glory's hand reached out for a handshake.

Both hands met and, with the slightest pressure, released and returned.

A crossing of blades maybe, but the blades were blunted.

Professionals measuring each other, finding the other capable indeed.

"It's good to meet you, Miss Brantzollen."

The two sat down, opposite sides of... the kitchen table.

It was.

Uh.

Kitschy.

Huu's cottage was the most secure place available, and he was currently out supervising the construction of Eggers Cradle. Which left Glory and Chisao on their own to handle the birth of Eggers Media.

With the sheer number of militia surrounding the home, the Military Intelligence agents combing the area on a regular basis, and LIC trying to get in on the operation, this was the cleanest house in the Commonwealth save the Ducal palaces and the Triad.

It might even be more secure given it was a three room structure, living room with bed, bathroom, and entry. Nowhere to hide, in other words.

Safe enough for the verbal transmission of plans for the construction of something potentially great. Glory had no idea, why was he even trying to use these outdated songs when there were so many better options available? Like 'I'll hate you forever' by the Skidmarks.

"Here are the initial plans that Huu has left us with, you are free to modify them as you wish, so long as the use of these songs are included."

Chisao nodded and received the loose documents, bound by the paperclip.

Her eyebrows rose.

"Creating the wave. He's creating the wave." The murmur of appreciation left her lips.

"Creating the wave?"

Chisao gave her an exasperated look.

"You military types are always 20 years behind the rest of the cutting edge of culture. You need to understand that every few decades, there will be a... cycle of culture. Usually, this is 20 to 30 years. Where what was old, becomes new, a repeat of culture, but slightly altered. A wave of nostalgia. Riding that wave is how corporations make money, Miss Brantzollen. Fashion, stories, music, culture. It all moves in cycles."

"Well, yes, I know that. The third trilogy of Forsaken was just released remember? It was shit, as if it was made by the Combine for the Suns. But this is music from pre-spaceflight Terra. There is a cycle, and there are 1000 years of troughs between the waves."

"Ah, but that is the genius. Instead of riding the wave, he's creating a wave for everyone else to ride. While it won't make as much money, it will create the image that Eggers Media is an innovative and forward-thinking company. We will become the spearhead and everyone else the shaft to follow along."

Glory looked a little dumbfounded.

"With a few old songs? Really?"

"With a few old guns? Really?"

Nice riposte. Glory acknowledged the point with a nod of her head.

"It seems you already know what you need to do. I'll leave it in your hands."

Chisao nodded.

"Leave it to me. By the end of the month, everyone in Lyran space will know the name of Eggers Media. Give me a year and everyone in the Periphery will know it."

+_+

Marzio Cocci, Colonel of Eggers Defence Force stepped out of the chartered Union dropship.

Peering around the still warm air, the fusion funnels still cooling down, the crackling of metal returning to its original size filling his ears. Thunderous, like a self contained lightning storm.

Some distance away were several individuals waving with cheerful abandon. Rather necessary given the space between himself and the figures, any more subdued and he wouldn't be able to tell at all. Necessary to keep themselves safe from the dropship plumes as they arrived, the superheated plasma crisping them like bacon in a volcano.

Same smell as well.

Pork. Or rather, fatty meat in general.

Skinny people smelled different in his experience.

Leaner.

Marzio stepped down the ramp and waited for the nigh-universal, Universal Carriers to arrive to pick him up now that it had cooled enough.

The sheer drop in cost for transport meant that anyone could afford one.

Afford one and their guns.

With Eggers Armaments setting the price at 1000 c-bills for a set (ammunition and fuel not included), it meant that quite literally everyone in the Lyran Commonwealth could afford it. Even those on the poverty line living in government provided housing could afford it. With a payment plan of course, but they could still afford it.

Hell, even those who were rich would be purchasing them, a sign of their patriotism and an acknowledgement of how they were partly responsible for the annihilation of two Combine Mech regiments.

With a set price, trying to raise the price would have some very unfriendly public eyes on them. None would dare, lest they face the tsunami of public opinion when the tide was low.

In the end, mobility for all members of the Lyran Commonwealth was no longer a dream.

For the militia and common soldiery on the other hand? That had surged. Mobility was key to control of the battlefield and with the messages he had sent ahead through Erwin, he should have his battlefield already laid out. Everyone else was trying to fit the paradigm of every soldier a mechanised soldier but, Cocci was sure he had figured out at least part of the puzzle. He had been infantry, after all.

"Colonel Cocci! It's good to see you. I'm Tyr Jaxon, representing Eggers Armaments, Romulus branch." Hand shaken with extreme enthusiasm, Marzio found it hard to keep the smile off his face.

Even though Eggers General Utility was only a few months old, the relation between the different departments was positive to the extreme.

They weren't trying to fight each other for influence and the like, kept in check by CEOs and managers. Instead, their base instructions were strict, but were instead given great freedom to seek out their objectives and complete them. Cooperation was encouraged by the simple fact that they were not competing for resources. What benefited one would benefit all.

The trust in their abilities was great and Marzio found himself appreciating it greatly, especially after the horror show that was LCAF command.

Born on Blackjack III, he had done his service as a conscript as part of the 5th Lyran Guards as an infantryman. After his experience he decided, quite simply, that staying any longer would see him dead from sheer incompetence at the staff officer level.

Leaving while he was still alive was his best option.

Being offered command of Eggers Defence Force was a minor shock. That Glory Brantzollen and through her, Phan Eggers, his nominal superior had thought highly enough of him to offer him the command. Had he really been capable enough to warrant a command posting? Yet, here it was, with colonel pips on his sleeves even.

Pips that had come with the freedom to decide unit composition, contract location, and more... well, that was even more of a shock.

"Good to meet you Mister Jaxon. Any relation to Erwin Jaxon?"

A grin filled the stocky young man's face. His muscles lifting in a shrug.

"He's my uncle you know, sent a HPG message a few months ago, said there was something big in the works and to wait here for it to play out. Next thing you know a courier is dropping by and I've got a new company to get off the ground."

His easy grin and shrug hid the fact that Erwin had planned this out ahead of time, that this Tyr Jaxon was acting as Erwin's hatchetman. He probably wasn't even Erwin's nephew in truth. Nobody had that widespread of a family!

For all the union talked of the benefits of its members and how they sought to improve matters in the Inner Sphere, the reality was that there required a certain ruthlessness to ensure they survived. That their needs were met in the face of corporate sabotage and unwillingness to cooperate.

All who were even mildly intelligent understood that, with the constant tug of war between corporations and the workers, sometimes both sides sharpened their knives and took long walks in the dark.

Granted, Eggers General Utility appeared to be fully on-side with the unions, how that would play out in the future was a question that needed to be answered. Especially once things became difficult and the unions demanded higher cuts of profits or more benefits.

How Huu Eggers handled it was going to be just as important as creating the guns in the first place.

But that point was not now, and Marzio was fully cooperating.

After all, how else was he going to get his guns?

"It's a crazy thing you did you know, arriving on this planet without anything but your rifles. Crazy, I tell you. If you were attacked on the way or something, I don't want to even imagine it. Nobody else has ever done something like it. But. It worked! You're here, and we've got enough arms to turn you into a mechanised regiment!"

Tyr chatted away, ushering Marzio into the Universal Carrier's passenger seat as he took the driving position. The speed wasn't exactly high, but the image was important.

Eggers Defence Force using Eggers products was a propaganda throat shot that needed to be hit.

"We've got Daimler Armoured Cars, 2-pdr gun on a mobile chassis. Needs a crew of 3. The 25-pdr artillery gun, and the Morris transport that moves it around. Built to their pre-spaceflight configurations but! We've got enough to turn a full regiment of infantry into a mechanised one. All 6000 of your boys and girls are going to be ready for whatever is trying to invade, you've got my word on that! Hell, the ones that were recruited from Romulus are itching to give Draccie a shell up where the sun don't shine!"

Marzio nodded in satisfaction.

What would have cost millions of C-Bills to equip an armoured force, to ship it all on a hundred different dropships, had instead taken a full jumpship collar and a handful of dropships. Each packed with infantry and nothing else.

Upon landing, pending training, they were going to be fully transformed into a mechanised regiment, filled with armour and artillery.

A grin filled his face.

Combine military intelligence saw the transfer of thousands of mercenaries to Romulus.

Saw that they were infantry.

Saw that they were Eggers personnel.

Saw that they were without armoured support.

Saw a chance to avenge their honour.

He wondered if they were stupid enough to forget the lessons that Lyran Commonwealth had been teaching for the last three months and attack.

His grin turned savage as he imagined the horrors he would inflict on them for the temerity to test Eggers Defence Force.

Come into my lair said the lion.

I promise I won't bite.