Resurgence - ilKhan of what?
Alaric considers the state of the Inner Sphere...
September 3152
Terra
Alaric Ward was seated in his office, the Cameron Star decorated the ceiling above. Out his window were Battlemechs moving in formation as a show of a powerful new Star League. The magnificence of Unity City would be restored. Much of the global resistance on Terra was dwindling. A few remaining Knights had been rounded up and executed for their terrorism. However, Japan was still nowhere near in his control. That was the only place on the planet that a Clan force lost in the end.
Losses were devastating but, slowly and surely the ranks were being replenished. A number of former Republic bondsmen were proving themselves worthy while others left the Clan to become mercenaries or pursue a different life. By now, the Jade Falcons on Terra were fully on board under the watchful eyes of Tara Jade Falcon and Stephanie Chistu.
But now, things were going very wrong outside the wall and even inside. The might of the naval fleet was the one element that was keeping Terra under his control. He looked at the list of problems, then looked up, A side door in his office led to Chance Vicker’s office, where she was attentively handling various affairs.
“saKhan Vickers, I need to speak with you.” Alaric called.
“At once, ilKhan.”
She rose, collected a few items and moved into his office, he pointed out a chair next to the wall behind his desk. Upon sitting, she organized the items in her lap and prepared an air projection holoscreen with a hologram keyboard to take down any information and orders.
“Chance, is there any new information from the Empire?”
“Yes Alaric, Star Colonel Othar continues to request reinforcements as the situation has worsened. Even the forces he has assembled, while formidable, are not able to handle the new fighting. Over a dozen worlds have been invaded by both the Lyrans and Free Worlds League. Most of the worlds lost are anti-Spinward, however, both nations are within reach of Gienah. If one were to draw a straight line coreward and anti-spinward from Gienah, we have many of the worlds anti-spinward. It appears they are not interested in hostilities closer to Terra.”
“That is my assessment as well. Reduce the number of sibko warriors we call here by twenty five percent in the next waves, I trust your decision making, Chance, on how long that should extend for. Even though that many worlds are lost, that reduces the total ground to fight upon and he will hold with what he has or be replaced. What of the Draconis prisoners?”
“Interrogations have given us nothing. Half of them have been tortured and executed, yet the others still do not explain how they breached the wall. All we know is from our own reconnaissance that there is a fleet in the Altair system.”
“This is the problem, as we rebuild, we continue to see enemies lurking nearby. This is further an issue because of sustained fighting here on Terra. We are constantly in states of skirmishes and repair. While this keeps our warriors sharp, it keeps us distracted.” Alaric said in frustration.
Giving a few moments of silence, Chance was considering even giving him the information she had. Devlin Stone’s final words shook him to his core. His aide, Janella Lakewood was very clear in showing she had no access to his files and had been very cooperative, bargaining mercy for resistant citizens. However, when she disappeared, it unnerved Alaric even more.
Looking past him as he silently thought to himself, she could see the names on his desk that haunted him. The scientist caste was working every single day trying to breach the encryption but, they could not. “Shadowed Depths” and “Lightsbane” were constantly on the top of his desk. He demanded updates every single day. There were still Terabytes of data that was inaccessible. Stone had plans within plans. Alaric believed Stone intended to die that day when Chance covered his face with the pillow.
Breaking the silence, Alaric asked, “Was the Ghost Bears a bad decision?” He looked her straight in the eye, straight faced.
Taking her by surprise, she needed a moment to find the appropriate words to address the ilKhan on this topic. He knew all the happenings in the Dominion space since he rejected their vote.
“Given the eruption of violence since Hjalmer’s failed assassination attempt against Galaxy Commander Lars Magnusson and the majority of Alpha Galaxy last seen moving towards the Federated Suns after decimating the Hjalmer loyalists… I would say that yes, that plan did not work toward our plans.”
“And now the most powerful Clan is ripping itself apart.” Alaric added, grimacing, slowly turning his head side to side.
“Yes, but there is more.” Chance added. He looked at her quizzically, not expecting additional news.
“It appears the entire Inner Sphere is coming undone. While the Free Worlds League and Lyrans are invading the Empire worlds, there are additional flare ups of violence. The Watch is still trying to confirm what is happening but, the new “Khan” of the Jade Falcons, Jiyi Chistu may be invading Lyran space. However, the lack of HPGs makes those communications difficult.”
“There are also reports that the Capellan Confederation is invading the Free Worlds League and Federated Suns in retaliation for the destruction of Sian, which has alleviated some Rimward pressure here, however, they still have adequate forces Rimward of Terra. Also, the Hells Horses have invaded the Rasalhague Dominion. This could be a positive thing if it unites the Dominion against a common foe.”
Alaric was stunned. He, as ilKhan, gave no such order for any Clan to invade other factions of the Inner Sphere. His confusion turned to rage that slowly warped his face into a snarl.
“That will be all saKhan, thank you.” He said without looking at her, turning to his desk. He looked down and read the words for the hundredth time today as she walked back to her office. “Shadowed Depths”. “Lightsbane”.