Threads of Ambition Page 4

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  Aris Sung stood at the foot of the steps leading up to the stage. The black silk cloak of his dress uniform billowed as the wind rose again, its damp touch carrying a hint of salt from the ocean only a few kilometers distant. Beneath the cloak, hidden from sight, his right hand rested on a Nakjama laser pistol. Brown eyes narrowed, he swept his gaze across the stands, the high windows and rooftops of buildings overlooking the Castle Sands Staging Grounds, and the media islands where newspeople clustered with their holocams and recorders.

  Applause washed the grounds as Sun-Tzu Liao finished praising the local garrison force, in this case a regiment of McCarron's Armored Cavalry. The sound reminded Aris of rain thundering against ferrocrete, and though the sky remained clear of clouds he could not shake the feeling that a storm brewed. He brought his left hand from beneath his cloak. In it was a small microphone whose wiring trailed through his sleeve and then down to the remote unit on his belt. Bringing the unit close to his mouth, he whispered, "All posts check."

  His earpiece, also trailing a thin black wire back into his clothing, whispered tinny voices in his ear as posts one through nine all checked in clear. He then called for a check of the remote teams, the ones driving around in security vans, piloting BattleMechs along the perimeter, or monitoring activity at important areas such as hospitals and the spaceport. The contact for each remote team relayed back an all-clear as well. "Main stage, all clear," Aris reported back, then dropped his hand to his side.

  Though meticulous in the performance of his duties, Aris couldn't imagine a safer location. Relevow was as safe a world as one could hope for, with no history of insurrection or even a vocal minority. The staging grounds were directly controlled by McCarron's Armored Cavalry, a mercenary command that had faithfully served the Capellan Confederation for over fifty years. Each of the command's five regiments guarded a world bordering the St. Ives Compact, a position of enormous responsibility that bespoke the Chancellor's high regard for the unit. All media personnel and attendees to the Chancellor's speech had been thoroughly checked out—Aris and his people had reviewed the files themselves and monitored the security equipment. And on stage, four of the Chancellor's Death Commandos stood their own vigil. Large, muscular men who appeared carved from solid marble, they were like impressive statues draped in black uniforms. Two backed Sun-Tzu Liao and two stood behind Isis Marik.

  It appeared that everything was to run smoothly. No surprises. Sun-Tzu, however, smiling and nodding to the crowds as the applause finally died away, was apparently of another mind.

  "I have commended the garrison forces of the two worlds we visited before coming here," he said, the words catching Aris' attention. "The difference was that in those remarks I praised Capellan citizens for the sterling performance of their duties. And citizenship is never to be taken for granted, because in the Confederation each generation must earn it as their mothers and fathers did before them. Such garrison troops continue to prove they are worthy of their citizenship, by placing themselves in continued service to the vital interests of our nation."

  Sun-Tzu gestured to Colonel Marcus Baxter, commanding officer of all five mercenary regiments, who stood to his left alongside Isis Marik. "Has McCarron's Armored Cavalry done any less?"

  Sun-Tzu paused, allowing the implications to sink in and anticipation to build. Aris Sung found himself holding his breath, though he continued to dutifully scan the crowds while awaiting the Chancellor's next words.

  "Few mercenary commands have served the Confederation with such distinction," Sun-Tzu continued after drawing the moment out to heighten the drama. "I would say that fewer still, in this nation or any other, are even capable of such service. But the fact does remain that the Cavalry"—he turned again to Baxter—"your Cavalry, has shown that such ability does exist. You and your people have shown an even greater loyalty than some regular units from the Capellan Confederation's past. In our darkest hour of the Fourth Succession War, you remained at the Confederation's side when other regiments, when entire worlds, when even an entire Commonality, deserted it."

  Thundering applause, dwarfing any previously given Sun-Tzu during this speech, drowned out the rest of the world for a moment. Aris felt a swell of pride for his nation and even some small measure of justice at the Chancellor's words. In one sentence Sun-Tzu berated units such as the Northwind Highlander regiments, who had deserted their posts in the Fourth Succession War, and worlds that then had failed to put up even token resistance to Davion aggression, and even now in the Disputed Territories might oppose being reclaimed by the Confederation. And, of course, Candace Liao and her St. Ives Compact, with their ultimate treachery in abandoning the Confederation in favor of the Davions and their damnable Federated Commonwealth. Aris realized that he was witness to a speech that would shake worlds throughout the Inner Sphere, and would certainly be recorded for Capellan history books. Especially if Sun-Tzu Liao follows through on this line of reasoning.

  Sun-Tzu waved down the applause as Aris performed a quick check of all posts. "My mother," Sun-Tzu said slowly, sure in the knowledge that he held his audience captive with every word, "named McCarron's Armored Cavalry a regular Confederation unit with regard to preferenlia) treatment by our logistics corps and with regard to contract payments. I would take this further, awarding the warriors of the Cavalry and their families full citizenship on behalf of the Capellan Confederation. It is within my power, yes, though I have decided not to usurp that honor from your new lord."

  Aris blinked his surprise. Until that point, he had read Sun-Tzu's intentions. An unnatural silence fell over the parade grounds as everyone waited for what was certain to be Sun-Tzu's most dramatic proclamation.

  The Chancellor did not disappoint as he continued in a still-quiet, matter-of-fact tone. "Before today's speech, I privately offered Colonel Marcus Baxter the Barduc title of Lord of the Realm. And he did accept. As a new and valued member of the sword nobility, and following proper ceremony on the world of Sian, we will agree on a Warren of no less than two star systems that he will rule in the name of Liao and that McCarron's Armored Cavalry will now and forever more call their home. It shall be his honor to name any of you who desire it as Capellan citizens, and of course under his direction that the Cavalry will eventually take to the field in the Xin Sheng effort to reclaim what was once ours." The Chancellor waved Marcus forward to the front of the stage. "May I present to you, Lord Marcus Baxter."

  Aris refrained from the applause he wished to give. Not to Colonel—no, Lord—Baxter, though the man certainly deserved accolades for his appointment to the sword nobility of the Confederation. But to Sun-Tzu Liao, who had in one speech reaffirmed the loyalty of a most important military unit, which in turn strengthened the border with St. Ives and would strengthen Capellan national pride. And, of course, to the Xin Sheng effort that promised a stronger nation as the Capellan Confederation reclaimed what was once theirs.

  Aris pitied any worlds that failed to acknowledge the Confederation's manifest destiny. His only wish was for the glory of BattleMech assignment when the call finally sounded.

  4

  Royal Compound

  Tian-tan, St. Ives

  St. Ives Compact

  10 August 3060

  Cassandra Allard-Liao watched her mother stab down on the remote control button that shut off the huge tri-d display on the wall. Immediately, the image of her cousin Sun-Tzu basking in an enthusiastic ovation on Relevow faded to black and white just before winking out altogether. The applause and cheers seemed to wash over Candace Liao's private sitting room for an extra moment before giving way to the normal stillness of the St. Ives Royal Compound. Cassandra had to admit that her cousin certainly knew how to put on a show. Only his security detail had shown signs of trying not to be moved by the rousing pro-Confederation rhetoric, though Cassandra had read their positive response in the way they grew taller even while remaining at a parade rest. The holocams had almost picked up the cracks of their strainin
g vertebrae.

  "It's impressive," Cassandra said.

  Candace Liao frowned at the dead screen where Sun-Tzu's face had faded away to nothingness, as if wishing it could be so easy. She glanced sidelong at her daughter. "It's trouble."

  Cassandra returned her mother's frown, and for a moment the two women seemed to share the same face, one just slightly older. Though pushing into her mid-seventies, Candace Liao still retained the same timeless Asian beauty she had passed along to both of her daughters. As yet few gray hairs lightened her shiny, jet black tresses. Her skin retained a healthy glow, with only some tiny laugh-lines near the Asian folds of her eyes. Cassandra could only hope she aged half as well.

  "I don't understand, Mother. I've heard you give similar speeches, reaffirming to the people of the Compact that we made the right choice in the Fourth Succession War by leaving the Confederation. How is this any different?"

  The Duchess turned in her high-backed chair and settled herself more comfortably to be able to face her daughter. Her expression lightened as she looked into this mirror of her own youth, but the concern was still there. "It is hard to explain to one who did not live through the courts of Sian under my father," the Duchess said, speaking slowly. "Symbolism was important, both to our Chinese heritage and also because symbolic victories were often the only ones open to us. My sister Romano, for all her madness, learned to integrate true victories with the symbolic. I know Sun-Tzu to be capable of this as well. He does not make empty gestures, or empty threats."

  Glancing briefly at the dark screen, as if her cousin might again be peering out from its depths, Cassandra considered her mother's words before replying. She drew a deep breath, drawing in the light scent of incense Candace occasionally burned. "You think he is threatening the St. Ives Compact? How can he?"

  "I think he is trying to provoke us. Exactly how I cannot say. But my nephew understands one thing very well: the St. Ives Compact is a house of cards built on a foundation of quicksand." The Duchess steepled her fingers together. Eyes narrowed in thought, she suddenly looked very Liao. "The Confederation does have a claim against the St. Ives Compact," she said. "And our people share too much history, too much culture. It would be difficult to resist assimilation."

  Shaking her head, Cassandra refused to acknowledge that point. "We would fight," she said with conviction.

  Smiling, Candace regarded her daughter with eyes no less sharp for their age. "Justin's fire burns in your spirit," she said, naming her late husband. "The same fire that burns within your brother Kai, though tempered by careful insight."

  Was that a rebuke? Cassandra was a fine MechWarrior in her own right, and eager to prove her ability. But if her mother was trying to tell her that she could not hold a candle to her brother, that Cassandra already knew only too well. Kai was one of the best MechWarriors the Inner Sphere had ever seen. That does not mean, however, that I cannot make my own contribution.

  Candace folded her hands into her lap, then returned to the subject at hand. "Yes, we would fight." The Duchess hardened her voice. "And we will. But in a military engagement, we would be hard pressed to hold the Confederation forces off for long without aid. You know that as well as I. We must, of necessity, rely on the Federated Commonwealth to supplement our defensive posture."

  "But we cannot count on that protection," Cassandra said. "Not with the Clan threat. Not with Katherine already dividing the realm and in all likelihood just waiting for a chance to cause trouble for Yvonne." She paused to think, grateful to her mother for giving her the time to work though this herself. "So we must avoid the fighting," she finally said, as if the solution were simple. She was sure that was the answer her mother wanted, though personally she believed the Compact strong enough to defend itself.

  Candace nodded again. "We have somehow gained Sun-Tzu's notice. He looks for an excuse, and that we mustn't give him. Eventually, another project will occupy his attention, one with more immediate gains." Candace took a moment and drew in a deep breath of the perfumed air. "In reviewing our border defenses, I have noticed a potential problem. We have a large mercenary command, two regiments, sitting on Indicass that might take this opportunity to go after Sun-Tzu. Their fanatical hatred of the Chancellor is too well-known not to have reached his ears, and his comments from the Relevow speech do call into question the loyalties of most mercenaries."

  "He said as much about the average St. Ives citizen," Cassandra noted, "but yes, with the elevation of McCarron's Cavalry he does seem to be trying to diminish other mercenary commands."

  Candace smiled her approval of Cassandra's evaluation. "I have ordered one of those mercenary regiments back to St. Loris, the worse of the two with regard to self-control."

  Cassandra performed some quick math in her head, spotting an opportunity and wanting to slip into her mother's train of thought before she moved on to other matters. "I could mobilize a battalion of the Second St. Ives Lancers and be on Indicass in three to four weeks. Providing I can use Kittery as a lay-over to recharge my JumpShip at their recharge station. That should be well before Sun-Tzu reaches either Hustaing or Purvo," she said, naming the two Confederation worlds closest to Indicass. "I will reinforce the garrison regiment and keep them heeled."

  The idea gave Candace pause, and she reluctantly nodded her permission. "Justin's fire. Very well, take your people out there and monitor the situation. In the meantime, I will order garrison units on other border worlds to conduct military exercises. That should allow them to flex their muscles enough to not feel threatened by Sun-Tzu's actions. I will also release letters to my regimental commanders, reaffirming my faith that no danger is forthcoming." Candace Liao allowed some steel to creep into her voice. "We will hold the peace."

  Admiring the strength in her mother, at that moment Cassandra held no doubts. Let Sun-Tzu come if he dared. The St. Ives Compact could hold its own.

  Pinedale, Denbar

  St. Ives Compact

  Standing against the back wall of Denbar's Whiteriver Base recreation hall, sipping ice water and trying not to choke on the room's smoke-filled air, Major Trisha Smithson quietly conferred with her executive officer in between outbursts from the rest of their unit. For the fourth time the Blackwind Lancers' second battalion watched Sun-Tzu Liao's Relevow speech, knowing it so well that they began their growls and shouts of objection before an offending statement was even made.

  "What do you think?" Warner asked, gesturing to the MechWarriors who flung oaths and obscene gestures at the giant holovid wallscreen.

  Trisha surveyed the rabble her unit had become in a few short hours. In light of the hard, anti-Sun-Tzu sentiments she had cultivated in them in her six years as battalion commander, she expected no less a reaction. Though, in truth, she still thought them fairly tame. But they will have to do.

  She glared at the image of Sun-Tzu Liao, for good form if nothing else, as he first presented Marcus Baxter as a Lord of the Confederation and then, after the applause finally died away, launched into some more vague slurs against the St. Ives Compact. "I think they're ready to start a low-grade riot," she said, pitching her voice low and covering her pleasure with a note of concern. "But we can't allow that." Yet. "Colonel Perrin might just relieve me of command if that happened."

  Captain Warner Doles merely nodded, though Trisha read his understanding in that simple gesture. Despite some private dressing-downs the Blackwind Lancer CO had given her, and once Doles, Colonel Perrin had kept her record clean. At times it seemed that Perrin tried to forget that Second Battalion, or even the entire world of Denbar, even existed. He spent his time on Milos or Texlos, with First and Third. When one of Second's warriors, more often than not Trisha herself, did step out of line, he preferred to handle it within the unit and not send reports up the chain.

  His three-dimensional image cloaked in green and red silk, Sun-Tzu Liao continued his verbal barrage. "McCarron's Armored Cavalry will always be one of the premier Capellan units. We shall rely on it to defend the natio
n against all enemies, foreign and domestic. With your help, what once was ours, will be ours again."

  A domestic target. Pieces of the Chancellor's speech continued to narrow her choices down. "Comment?" Trisha Smithson asked of Warner as her warriors shouted denials and more disparaging genetic remarks at Sun-Tzu.

  Warner brought his pipe out, long-stemmed with a clay bowl. Very traditional, but also a not-so-subtle dodge to give him time to think. Noticing Trisha's look of distaste he nodded an apology and slipped it back into his pocket. The powerfully built man ran fingers through his light brown hair, then folded large arms over his chest and leaned back against the wall. "Liao could simply be talking about the Disputed Territories," he said finally.

  "But you do not believe that?" Or if you do, I'll have to change your mind.

  He shook his head. "No, I don't. Too many of his comments have hit too close to the mark. The fact that he recently referred to the formation of the Compact as a military coup staged by units too cowardly to meet the Davion threat tells you his opinion of us. And let's face it, if he wants the Compact he can take it. Only the reformed Star League stands in his way. That, and a reluctance to attack the FedCom units that Duchess Liao has allowed inside the borders."

  Trisha nodded, her XO's thoughts mirroring her own. The Chancellor is obviously looking for an excuse. He's coming, one way or another. She sipped at the ice water, letting it cool her smoke-burned throat. "Sunny-boy and his psycho mother before him have never formally relinquished their claim to the Compact. But does he have the qiu to try and take it?"