055. Takashi and Jasmine talk

Takashi Kurita knelt in front of the grand parade grounds on Luthien. Inside a pagoda that had been built for just this purpose.

At his right side was his wife Jasmine. 

In front was a grand parade. Showing off all the innovations that the Combine's industrial might, in the face of unrelenting pressure by the Davions and the Steiners, had managed greatness. 

One that was never necessary before this point...

The private parades by the Pesht district for the palace of Luthien, nothing compared to this grand demonstration.

But, as a Dragon that had suffered losses. It was natural for the Dragon to count its hoard, to reassure itself that it was safe. That it had not lost all.

It was for this reason that Takashi had authorised and planned this parade. One that would, itself, be spread throughout the Combine, so that all would be reassured despite the loss of much of the coreward Kirchbach Prefecture, located in the Rasalhague Military District.

The recordings would be displayed across the Combine, to show, that despite how society was rapidly changing around them... that they would, in turn, be able to survive these changes.

For, no matter how much matters changed, the military was still the focus of the Combine. 

A strong DCMS was a strong Combine. A strong Combine was a unified Combine.

Indeed, to drive his innovations, his reforms of the Combine forward, he must demonstrate that it was, indeed, worth it. That their people would not suffer as they did so.

In order to do this, Takashi had studied history. 

Not just Combine history, but history as it was taught at the Sun Tzu School of Combat. Where battles from all of human history were studied. For lessons could be learned anywhere that more than two people had harsh feelings for one another. So, too, had he put aside his pride and studied the histories of mankind from as far back as mankind had history.

For three weeks he had sat in his room, reading, learning all that he could.

Upon the fourth, he stepped out with a simple realisation that had been gained from his reading. 

In the wake of revolutions and enormous changes to society... the ones that lasted were the ones where the ordinary citizens were able to enjoy an increased level of prosperity. Or, at least, the same level of it. To receive, in simple terms, the message that nothing had changed, and that worry was senseless.

If this was maintained... change on a truly enormous scale was possible. 

And so, in the words of the founder of Luthien University, Doctor Paul Edwards, "knowledge shall be sought throughout the galaxy in order to promote the welfare of the Draconis Combine". 

His words were, once again, proving to be true. 

Takashi had turned, not to the Davions, the eternal foe, but to Rasalhague, or more specifically, his rival.

Huu Eggers. 

Not the Davion, for he fought on battlefields, yes. But their worlds were often overlooked. Small cores of industry surrounded by hinterland and failure.

But Huu Eggers?

Both ruled nations made up of Combine citizenry (or formerly), both were tasked with lifting up that which had fallen. Of creating a new society from that of the old, a strong society that could withstand all that was hurled against them, a people that would remain strong no matter the foe. Of generating strength from weakness, of creating a worthy foe from the dregs that remained.

They were alike, brothers in soul and mind. 

And so, Takashi had aimed his eyes at this rival. 

Had seen the innovations that his soulmate had made upon the Kingdom, and in turn realised the reason, had realised the implications and thought, again. 

A true rival, an enemy worthy of being called his soulmate.

For was he not preparing a grand stage upon which their struggle would become legend? Of a conflict so vast, so deadly, that all would speak of it in awe. A conflict that he would face his soulmate, and they would battle, they would die. 

And it would be a satisfying death.

He couldn't deny it, to himself, to those in his inner circle. For was this not the dream of any Son of the Dragon? To have a rival, that one would feel happy indeed to die to. Takashi felt a fulfilment that he was not sure he could feel with any other enemy. 

And Huu's success had Takashi's own heart beating violently. A true foe, one that he could respect, and one that could respect him. But he could not be sure in those early, heady days, he needed to test his rival. 

And so he had. Striking at his honoured enemy. 

Testing him with those in the DCMS who refused his reforms. Refused to acknowledge their necessity.

To see if he had inherited the weakness of the Steiner. Of an economy that provided them with the most powerful military, and yet their people were weak. Their military, their buke barely able to stand upright without urinating themselves. Not even worthy of being called foes. 

And the result? 

Aggression, with sheer, unrelenting aggression. He had seen in those months, why Huu was worthy of being named his soulmate. Of having a conflict with Takashi that was worthy of legend. The pinnacle of a warrior's Bushido, an epic struggle that could not be found elsewhere. 

Taking that which Takashi had abandoned. His Ronin were concentrated in a single thrust. And annihilated them.

Those that were unable to change, those that were unable to adapt. All were purged from the Combine. Sent on one final charge to demonstrate just how deep the corruption had spread, just how much of it needed to be purged. A lesson to his people, a lesson to the DCMS. 

Demonstrating the superiority of Takashi's rival over all others with the sheer ferocity of his rebuttal compared to the anaemic thrusting of the Steiner. Pounding away at the worlds left undefended for the test. And then, even further, striking into fortified territory and claiming it as his own. 

An enemy that had driven the Dragon to the very edge, forcing him to adapt.

The Dragon must adapt. 

His people must adapt.

His industry must adapt.

His mustered soldiery must adapt.

He himself must adapt.

Or, they would perish. 

"First Lord, the DCMS has adapted well to the changes you have insisted upon." Said the Warlord of Pesht. A brute of a man, one who, was not quite able to understand that if he did not live up to Takashi's expectations, he would be replaced.

As he had done so with the man's predecessor, as he had done so with 689 officers so far. Those that failed to meet his expectations, low as they were of these officer class, would find themselves on the frontline, in Ashigaru suits. There was much in the way of potential promotions... when so many had departed their posts for a permanent grave on New Oslo.

He did not have high hopes for this one.

Armsman suits adapted to meet the needs of the DCMS. Produced inside the Combine, as thanks to the Lyran weakness, an exploitation of his soulmate, that no doubt experienced its own retaliation. For what else could one call what had happened to the fools that had betrayed their Dragon? 

Gave away their strength for measly coin? 

Death. 

"Yes. They have. The Mustered Soldiery have met my expectations. For this, they have done well." Said the Coordinator, his eyes placid, his voice calm. For while the Dragon my burn with a furious flame inside, it must never be obvious to the peasantry beyond.

"Tell me, Warlord Imavon, what do you see before you?" Takashi's voice was light. The sudden tension he could feel to his left was... irritating. He had played a role in this. Had he not planned this, why, now, was he feeling tension? This was the release, the moment of truth. He had done all he could, to worry now was to demonstrate one's own useless nature in truth.

"I see the might of the Draconis Combine's Mustered Soldiery, emboldened and ready to destroy our foes as if it were nothing at all." The reply was firm. As expected of one of his Warlords.

Also, an answer that conveyed nothing. What was even the point of that? He found himself simultaneously irritated and pleased that he had not been present on Luthien to learn the intricacies of the Court. Of the meaningless mouthings of useless nobles, the kuge, of the culture of courtesies... of uselessness. 

No, he had been spared that. 

His mind was free, unclouded by the miasma of court. 

Yet, it left him cold when these same mouthings were used on him. Telling him what he wanted to hear, yet providing nothing of worth. His lack of time in court leaving him struggling to understand their meanings hidden in empty mouthings.

He hated it. 

What, useless pedantry. 

That which did nothing but threaten the realm as a whole. Instead of being able to spend time in any court, adapting and learning. His graduation and immediate escalation to Coordinator meant Takashi, as he was now. Could look at the situation of the Combine from eyes that were unbiased. Eyes that were not blinded by the glorious lie they call tradition. 

It set him apart from his people, and yet, he would not have it any other way. Even with the difficulties it presented. For only like this, could he, as Coordinator, guide his people with clear eyes.

"What you see before you, Warlord, is the glorious claws of the Dragon. One that has been adapted to meet the enemies that we will face in this new future. War has changed, the DCMS must change." Takashi said simply, directly.

Really, Imavon was rather useless as district leader of Pesht. In fact, it was something that he had to consider now, the fact that... putting it simply, the older generation under his father were useless. Two generations of useless Coordinators had created commanders that were more terrified of their shadows, than they were of actually doing what was necessary. 

Unable to move without the Coordinator's permission, terrified of overreaching. Showing, in other words, little to no initiative of their own. 

People who he did not need, trash who would only harm the Combine. This meeting was Imavon's last chance to prove he was worth something. 

Clearly, Takashi had been overestimating him.

The sound of the narrator. The crowded civilian grounds behind palisades. The main parade down the main boulevard.

All could be heard from the viewing pavilion. Through speakers, of course, there was a great deal of social unrest from those that could not see the necessities of his reforms. Here, they were, at the very least, safe. Their unceasing cheers were proof of its success as regiments of newly born Ashigaru militia marched past. The innovations of the realm alongside them.

Turning to Imavon, Takashi said simply, "thank you for your time, Warlord. You will hear from me soon." 

Watching from the corner of his peripheral vision, the bowing and scraping, Takashi felt that it would be better to replace him as soon as possible. 

Ideally, with someone who had a spine.

"And here we can see the Ashigaru Exosuits! Designed with Combine ingenuity and intelligence, the Ashigaru allows even infantry to fight against the might of a Battlemech! With their 50mm Type 89 Grenade Dischargers or Juteki, they launch their incendiary shells over 600 metres! There exists no exosuit that can survive the fire of the Dragon's Breath!" 

Alone in the room with Jasmine, Takashi turned his head. 

"The Dragon must change if we are to survive the coming storm. You are... a woman. Traditionally, your role would be one of bearing children and continuing the Dragon's line. Yet, this is unacceptable in this new Combine. All must serve beyond what is considered traditional. There is much responsibility that will be placed on you." He said, looking at Jasmine with a small amount of discomfort.

Even here, in the family, there must be reform if the Dragon is to face the new age. His wife, a woman of 18 must take on more responsibility. All must work for the strength of the Dragon, especially if he was expecting to match the might of Rasalhague.

"Yes." She spoke simply... spoke what was only to be expected of a wife in the Combine. Doing her duty.

Yet, he felt irritation.

"Now we have the Meiyo o sainen sa seru Automachine forces! Designed to counter the Lyran Smialy, these machines are ready to annihilate the enemies of the Dragon! With their cannon and blade, the steel of the Dragon shall crush all foes! Using incendiary shells, produced solely for the DCMS, there exists no Automachine that cannot be burnt alive by their fiery impacts!"

"Speak your mind. We are to be partners in the future. We both, must act for the strength of the Dragon. I would hear your thoughts on these matters." 

Jasmine, for her part, never broke her poise at all. Demonstrating, that, yes. At 14, he had indeed. had great foresight.

"Lord Hus-", her voice was cut off.

"Enough with the courtly frippery. We are to be partners in this new future, and you must embody the new Combine woman. You must be strong, to have thoughts of your own. To have a strength that benefits the Combine. We have been married for 1 month and I have not heard an honest opinion from you once. Speak your mind." His voice was harsh. He had chosen her for a reason, she would live up to his expectations. 

"Husband, while you may detest 'courtly frippery' as you call it. It is, a fundamental part of the nobility. Without it, there would be constant disputes and conflicts, most of which will be resolved with honour duels to the death." 

Takashi frowned. 

"Like dogs that have been raised to only bite. They have been trained to bark through courtly manners. Is this what you are saying?" His voice held no rebuke, only honest curiosity. Perhaps it had been more of a disservice than he thought. To not have been present in court... no. If he had, he would have become like them, useless. Those who do nothing but devour the work and effort of others. If he had pushed for reform, it would have been a weak thing, unable to meet the challenges of this rising millennium. 

"Husband, your kuge may find the comparison to dogs to be particularly upsetting. Especially with your desired reforms to society." 

"Yes, you are correct. I will only refer to them as dogs in private, when it is yourself and I." He said courteously. 

A muffled sniffle came from his right. Ah, she had a sense of humour. Perhaps of the Manzai variety. The straight man and the funny man, low brow humour for the common masses, the heinin. Yet, having spent his time first at the Sun Zhang Academy, and then the Wisdom of the Dragon. It had given him a rather wide net from which to cast his entertainment. 

One could not expect those raised as the heinin to know better. 

It was good that she felt at ease with him. It would not be a burning, passionate love that one might hear of tales imported from the Steiner's lands. Yet, a partnership was something he could accept.

"Here come the Charger 1A1P AutoMechs! By replacing the Gyro with the Haptic Control System, this venerable line of Assault BattleMechs has gained a Halberd and an Inferno 37mm retro-cannon to hunt down the enemies of the Dragon! Anything lighter and smaller is to be crushed beneath its feet or pierced with its blade! Those at distance will be set alight by this example of the Dragon's might!"

"The nobility must change, all must change. We will, as the Dragon Always has, take on that which is strong from the lands of others and make it serve the Dragon. We look to the honoured rival, Eggers as a guide. For as the avalanche cascades, a smart man studies the instigator."

His eyes narrowed again. Already imagining what their next confrontation would look like. Already imagining the sensation of them crossing blades. 

The sensory recordings from his rival's Armsman suit had been brought to his private residence. It was like studying an opponent's Battle Rom. Unlike a BattleRom, however, it was something that allowed the user to feel… exactly what the original experienced. 

To be able to understand his rival on such a level? 

What an age that they lived in. 

He, had naturally spent quite a bit of time in the simulated battlefield. Learning everything he could about his foe. Understanding, that above all else, Huu Eggers prized aggression. To strike, strike, and strike again until the foe is defeated. Glorious.

"There is talk in the court that you are turning away from the traditional foe to this Rasalhague. They are a small part of the Steiner, not an independent state." Jasmine replied calmly. 

His eyes turned towards her.

"Then they are blind. They do not see how we are the same, that if the Dragon wishes for a true rival. Then it is not merely martial prowess that matters. The Davion have been growing weaker, they allow their buke to demand and take. In time, perhaps, they will have a leader worth considering a rival. Rasalhague, is the birth of a struggle. And struggle begets strength, as Shiro Kurita spoke, so too shall I. Of the same stock, of the same blood, of the same culture. One who is led by one of the same generation as myself? We were destined for one another, to continue to clash, again and again. To struggle. And to, in one final climactic duel, to die. A tale that will pass into legend." Takashi's voice was passionate, showing emotion for the first time before his wife. 

Jasmine for her part looked surprised.

"Husband… Rasalhague has but 60 worlds. The Combine has over three hundred. How can they be a rival?" 

Takashi's eyes turned back to the parade.

"These 60 worlds martial every resource possible to wage war on a scale never even imagined, not even in the age of war. These 60 are worth 300 in the Combine, for their everything has been marshalled for total war. A war of culture, of martial might, of people. How can we compare?" Takashi's voice was filled with awe. He had thought that the Combine had marshalled itself totally for war. And instead found it was nothing compared to his rival. 

"The Dragon is strong, able to challenge all foes, as it has since the first steps of Shiro Kurita. So, the kuge tell me."

"Here come the Kamikaze tanks. A divine wind that they replicate with the sheer firestorms that they can create. Enough to slay any formation of Automachines and Exosuits. Their batteries of inferno rockets are guaranteed to drive fear into the heart of any foe! The Dragon's might is once again visible to all!"

"If that were true, then the Pillars would not be changing. I would not be speaking to you as a… partner. I would not have been forced to bring changes to the Dictum Honorium. There would not be a grand parade to remind the heinin that the Combine is strong. Yet, it is so." 

"Yes, this parade. I hear from my ears in the court that many... question its reason for existing." 

"Your ears?"

"Yes, husband. My ears. Your actions in court have many turning to myself to speak on their behalf. You tell them you hate their petty mouthings. But they know no other means to convey their wishes, and so they turn to me." 

The foolish were attempting to use those more intelligent than themselves to solve their problems.

Takashi felt himself grow increasingly irritated. 

The Kuge, the nobility, existed to guide the Combine, to act as the brain amongst the other organs of the Dragon. The coordinators, the managers, the leaders. 

And yet, there they were, acting as if they were nothing more than headless fools? What was the point of their existence if they did not adapt, did not learn… did not use their vaunted intelligence to solve their problems? It was the heinin that were the foolish, raised in the Shinto religion, believing the kappa and the grump skins that hid under the bed. 

Why, now, was it that the Kuge whispered to his wife, as if she were a shaman that could whisper to the mountain Kami beyond their reach? 

Just how deeply had the Combine failed that their leaders were so useless?

"The reality we face is no longer one that can be ignored. One that cannot be pretended away as if it were nothing. When the people are protected, are self-sufficient in their fortresses, they change. They require even greater indoctrination. Greater ISF oversight. All to keep them loyal, pacified. Yet, already, the ISF is overstretched, already they have been indoctrinated in every aspect of their lives. Religion, culture, work, thoughts. There is no longer a path at the end of this road." Takashi once again felt in his heart of hearts the burning of rivalry. The appreciation of his rival. Connecting all, as he had done with his jumpships and communications, bridging them with culture and commerce. Binding his people as surely as the Dragon had. 

The first steps in their grand struggle.

"The whispers tell me that it is not an issue. That it need not be concerned with, and the troubles with the heinin will pass, as it always has." Jasmine answers back, her eyes quirked. 

"Then I have been too lenient with them if that is the level of their mental acuity. If the worlds of the Dragon are to withstand future assaults. Then these worlds will be fortified against, not just the Davion or the Steiner... but also the Dragon. The heinin must have the restrictions upon them loosened. Or they will cease to be ours. Already the Eggers has done so, bound that which was ours to him. Education, healthcare, arms. They will not turn upon him like the heinin will at a moment's chance. Why else is the ISF constantly setting examples? It is because of the simmering need in the hearts of the heinin. The Dictum Honorium states that to struggle is to become strong. They say that it is because of hardship. Of a shared hardship because of a lack of resources that gives the Dragon strength." Takashi's fist was tightened in anger.

"Is it not? The shared struggle of our people grants them strength where the decadence of the Steiner breeds weakness. Is this not true?" Her voice was one that spoke less of her own thoughts, but those drilled into all children of the Dragon over the long course of their indoctrination.

"No. It is simply an excuse to focus on the DCMS above all. See now, how my rival, my soulmate has revitalised the worlds we thought dead. Has turned them into weapons, bar none. Has shown me how one must proceed in this new age. The heinin are no longer the useless, but the vital. It was not the universities that were the source of the Meiyo o sainen sa seru machines. It was the heinin labourers in their factories. It was not the kuge that provided me with the Ashigaru, it was the heinin. It is not the kuge that man my fortresses, it is the buke and heinin. Perhaps, if the kuge were more useful, demonstrated skills and abilities appropriate to the resources they take. I would be more inclined to care of their concerns." Takashi felt dismissive of those that naysayed him, not after they demonstrated their inability.

"Finally, the Dragon 1A! Again, it replaces the gyro with a Haptic Control System to allow the pilot to Battlemech as if it were their own bodies. The AC/10 and LRM 10 has been replaced with a 203mm retro-cannon and a thermobaric missile launcher! Allowing it to strike enemies from beyond their puny eyesight! The thermobaric missiles will annihilate exosuits inside their fortresses, the Dragon's might cannot be denied!"

His father had been foolish. It was not struggle for daily survival that built strength. It was the struggle of nations that built strength. A people struggling for survival became desperate, weak, their minds dulled, foolish. A nation? Strength and unity. His ancestors had forgotten this simple truth, seeking short-term gains, destroying the Combine piece by piece.

"Husband, are you not afraid of assassination? In court, your actions invite consequence. There are mutterings you are not the right Coordinator, that someone more martial, more experienced should take your place." 

He laughed then, boisterous, exulting.

"The fools were eager to launch a decisive strike against my rival. He demonstrated, yet again, why he is worthy of being called such and annihilated them. Those that remain opposed to my reforms either mewl uselessly at yourself, have been eliminated by the ISF, or have fled. If they do not understand the necessity of this change, then they must be discarded. I cannot continue to cater to the weak, the stupid. It does nothing but create weakness, weakness our enemies, even those incompetent as the Steiner, will exploit." 

"I presume, my role is to work on matters of culture and art? To create a new image of the people?" His wife was showing more assertiveness. This, he could appreciate. It was small, yet even this much was praiseworthy.

"You presume too little. Your role is no longer simply mother of future Princes of the Dragon. No, are the wife of the Coordinator, my voice in the court. The model by which all women in this new, changing realm must emulate. For it is no longer sufficient for women to serve as mothers. You must do more... be more." 

"This will cause upheaval among the people, not just the kuge. The chains of loyalty of wife to husband, sister to brother, daughter to father, will be broken. Upheaval never seen since the Age of War will result." His link to the nobility spoke. Still placid, never raising her voice. For as much as the Coordinator spoke of partnership, she was not willing, clearly, to challenge him. In time, she would. For struggle bred strength, and the struggle of partners would grant that and more. 

She did not understand yet, the necessity for this change. 

No longer was innovation in the realm of the kuge, with their access to higher education. His Automachines and exosuits were in the realm of the heinin and the unnamed middle-class. It was they that innovated, it was they that leapt at the chance to prove their capabilities. And in doing so, showed Takashi the way forward.

Retro-technology, introduced by his rival. It meant, in simple terms, the battlefield had been levelled. All were now equal at the starting point, and he who utilised the strength of his realm first and wholeheartedly? 

He would emerge victorious.

And so, he worked now, the process would not end within his lifetime, not after 700 years of indoctrination. But he would lay the foundations, to ensure the Dragon did not die within his lifetime.

"There is much that you will be required to do. But, most urgently. You must drive art and culture for the heinin. To model what is appropriate... so that they will bind themselves to the Dragon by their own efforts. To demonstrate meals with the produce becoming available as our jumpship fleet expands, our worlds made whole again. To explain the policies of the Pillar of Gold for all to understand. In short, you will become the mother of the Combine, the voice of the Dragon." Takashi's eyes did not waver as he looked into her own.

The shock in them was evident. He spoke of partnership, he knew. But she clearly did not expect this. Did not expect the sheer scale of her role. 

But, it was necessary. 

His reforms would likely bring about civil war. Already the ISF and O.5.P had schismed, the DCMS prevented from doing so, with its more recalcitrant elements annihilated. They would flee, no doubt attempt to kill him, to reverse the changes. With so many dead, a new buke would emerge from the militia, the Ashigaru. Loyal to these changes, loyal to this new Combine. The ISF and O.5.P would be the same, the initial years would be... turbulent... but he was confident in weathering them.

In this matter, and this matter alone, he was glad of his realm's low life expectancy. Death by late 40s, early 50s. 15 years between generations (that he was changing). It meant, that he had to weather just 3-4 generations and the realm would rebel at going back to how they had been. It was not perfect, of course, but it would settle, at least partially. 

They might hate the changes to the Dictum Honorium he had pressed in the now. The breaking of chains between female and male, for all were needed to work in his factories, in his farms. No longer could half the population remain to care for children. 

That the excess of the nobility was no longer a laudable subject. That it was now a waste, of foolishness, of failure. Intolerable. 

That putting all into the DCMS was no longer necessary. For a strong DCMS was useless if it could not sustain itself after pillaging its own people. 

Changes that invited backlash, changes far greater than the Keeper of House Honour, and the Head of the ISF had thought possible in their first meeting. But the storm would subside.

The reform must occur. 

For his Destiny spoke to him.

His Soulmate would not wait, nor would the Dragon's historical rival, the Davions.

Takashi would force the Dragon to rise up to meet them. Their struggle would become legend, and Takashi, a warrior, would die content.

For was it not the simple truth, that the way of the warrior was death? 

He had to arrange the most glorious death of all to be truly satisfied. To know all his works had been successful, to know his reforms had born fruit. He had already written the haiku to be sewn onto his clothes. Had prepared a set of garments in which to die, so that he might be best presentable to his foe. 

He would raise the Combine up, so that when he died in battle with his rival, he would know.

That his was a worthy death.