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Beyond Hope
- Chapter 73 - Consequences[]
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”There’s an old saying. If you try and be a hero for long enough you’ll eventually become the villain. We certainly saw examples of that before it was all over."
Jane Cameron
Ruminations of the War 3084
Unified Commitment[]
Star League HQ
Kowloon, Federated Commonwealth (Lyran State)
January, 3066
The Star League council Chamber was…
…almost silent. This, despite the presence of representatives from each member nation being present.
"It was foul play?" Chancellor Sun Tzu Liao was visibly stunned as he broke the silence, "What kind of imbecile would do that??" He wasn't 'shocked’, he was angry, "Talk stories of killing the golden goose!! That woman was a resource for all of us!"
"It is confirmed." Samantha Clees, saKhan of Clan Jade Falcon intoned, "The means were not…Clan, it was too…crude, too tailored, the Homeworlders might have had the desire, but lacked the means or the access, and we all benefited too much from her presence. My own Clan lost the opportunity to seek an Enclave on this world, because of this. The Council has voted to suspend that particular operation in light of the obvious disruption this causes…and we offer our intelligence and scientific resources to the Star League to help find the culprits and bring them to justice."
“Thank you, saKhan Clees. Your aid would be most welcomed and appreciated in this trying time.” Helena said calmly while staring at the Word of Blake representative.
"We are not the only ones offering." Clees added, “I have been asked to also offer the support of the other Clan member states of this Star League-we all lost a benefit scientifically and industrially with the death of Elizabeth Ngo-Steiner-Davion."
“It is most appreciated.” Helena was still staring at the Blakist representative.
"Where is her Royal Husband, Arthur??" Captain-General Thomas Marik asked.
"Arthur is taking time with his family." Evelynn Mosovich, speaking for Kowloon, stated. "He has become a single father, now, and with two small children grieving."
“Lady Cameron, my order has asked me to offer our condolences. We know you two were extremely close. But if I may? Is there a reason you keep staring at me?”
Helena's mask slid into place. "I was woolgathering, Precentor." she said, "Thinking of what was, and what could have been, and maybe what might be."
"This Star League needs an independent intelligence and security agency." Theodore's holoprojection stated, "to intercept and prevent this sort of thing from happening. They must have targeted Elizabeth because Kowloon is small, and has few such resources immediately available. This shows a risk pointed at every small or minor state IN the Star League as a member…and such inroads threaten the security of the major powers as well."
“But how do we establish such a ministry without it being rife with double agents?” Captain-General Thomas Marik asked.
"Open partnership." Rachel Jennings spoke up, using her elocution lessons. "It's going to be rife with doubled agents, but if everyone is above board about who else they work for…each can take reasonable measures to deal with it. You can't have treason, without first extending trust., and if everyone knows their co-workers have other affiliations from the get-go, that makes it lots harder to have betrayal."
“And for the roles where loyalty must be assured we’re not without training resources, so we can recruit vetted candidates and give them clear directives.”
"That is a long term goal, what about this murder investigation?" Protector Grover Shraplen's image asked. "We need to find the culprits NOW, not ten years from now after we've built a new interstate ministry!"
“A joint investigation. Each realm lost something here. So each has motive to find the truth.” Helena proposed.
"Who leads? We're all suspects here." President Mitchell Avellar said, "I say that, because we are all suspects here-not for gain or loss, but because each nation in this Star League has enemies who would suffer just as we will suffer, from that loss, each of you has the resources to do this deed, hell, we might even."
This drew a derisive laugh from the Clan representatives.
“Jane. She’s the logical choice.” Helena nominated her sister.
“The shut-in? I find that dubious.” Grover grumbled.
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Ms. Whyte
"Ms. Whyte." Evelynn said, "Would be better positioned to manage the joint operation as oversight. I recommend for field leadership in this investigation, Commodore Linda Sithers-Deen 261, the current chief inspector in the Coast Guard's Organized Crime Bureau-whom is not a 'shut in', and has a great deal of experience in criminal investigations." she folded her arms, "You all lost a scientist or financier, we lost a Duchess, the best one we've had since Majorie the Elder's day."
"I can live with that." Shraplen nodded, "your people SHOULD lead this, you lost the most."
"Outworlds seconds the motion to appoint 'Ms Whyte'-aka Jane Cameron, as head of Star League Intelligence as oversight in this joint investigation, and the motion to have Kowloon's OCB agency lead the investigation."
“All in favor?”
Everyone raised their hands.
To smile, and smile, and still be a villain Helena thought to herself.
Victor spoke up, "You're going to need a budget." he said, "Kowloon's agencies are minuscule and this kind of work requires funding. The Federated Commonwealth will commit to ten billion Kroner to fund this operation, I would ask that each member that is capable of a similar amount, also commit to this necessary funding exercise. Intelligence investigations are expensive, at least, if you want them to turn up actual results."
"Comstar will commit to ten billion C-bills." Precentor Dow was sitting in for Primus Mori today.
“The Dragon shall match.” Coordinator Theodore Kurita nodded.
“The Word of Blake currently does not have the resources to match such generosity but we will offer five billion.”
And so it circulated. The Outworlds being cash poor barely could afford what they chose to commit, the Taurians took the opportunity to flex as the leading state of the Periphery by matching House Steiner-Davion's contribution, and the Magistracy committed to both finances, and specialist personnel to help chase down the likely sources and methods. The Clans focused on offering material and personnel resources, collectively, as none but the Wolves and Falcons had enough resources to match in other ways.
But I know who's behind it… "So ordered." Helena signed the council resolution as First Lord. The real game, is finding out how they plan to cleverly cover it up…and turning it around to ram it right up their guilty asses.
Hand of Blake Prepares[]
Hilton's Head, North America
Terra (Word of Blake Protectorate)
"They've started putting together a joint investigation." St. Jamais complained.
"No matter, we have both Comstar, and some of the Free Worlds League's SAFE agency, this makes it easier. We're left only with choosing who gets the blame." Precentor Kernov smiled.
St. Jamais scowled, "And what happens if they figure it out anyway? What's your play then??"
"There are contingencies." Kernov said placidly. "They won't, because they can't trust each other, and because they can't trust one another, it'll be child's play to keep them digging in all the wrong directions. Nobody will believe the truth by the time it's done, because of so many false leads that fit their pre-decided notions."
“The Conclave has approved this?”
“The Conclave no longer matters. We’ve purged the non-believers and the shirkers. Don’t worry, Cameron. Even if the worst does come about you’ll find we’re ready for it and you’ll get to do what you’ve always wanted. Lead troops into a righteous and glorious battle.”
Cameron St. Jamais understood and nodded.
We both serve The Master. He has his instructions and I have mine. We shall have to trust in the Master’s plan, but neither of us can confirm this to the other openly.
A Mistake was Made[]
Colorado Springs, North America
Terra (Word Blake Protectorate)
Early. She wasn't supposed to die this soon. The Master reviewed the data from Source Orca, and scowled.
She wasn't supposed to die this soon. There had been a mistake, somewhere. There were still elements and aspects that had not been accounted for, because Elizabeth Ngo was supposed to die, but not until later, not until her works had been fully infiltrated and prepared for conversion. Too soon...he fumed, Why?? The mistake HAD to be corrected.
But that was no small task. How does one correct for premature death? She could not be brought back to life.
I’ll have to instruct Kernov. To make them work for their pound of flesh, but to ultimately let them have it. Make it clear they did not kill her under orders. He should know who actually did it. Or the wrong person is in charge of ROM.
Duty Calls for a Name[]
Janet rose from bed, kissing Ox on the cheek as she did so.
A quick but thorough trip under the shower and she opened her closet.
She had been summoned. Today was a day for her other uniform.
The armorweave suit was fashionable and to the casual observer she’d look like an ordinary businesswoman.
As she finished putting her hair into a ponytail and applied only light makeup she stepped into the bedroom where Ox was fully awake now.
“Damn. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen those kinds of holovids that start this exact way. A gorgeous woman in a nice suit. A man who should have exactly zero shot with her inviting her into bed.”
“A shame I have to leave.” Janet smiled. “Work to be done.”
OCB offices
Janet stepped into the office space.
Today’s Miss Whyte was different from the last one she had previously met with after joining OCB and graduating from OCB training.
With her was another person she did not recognize.
“Lieutenant Janet. This is Commodore Linda Sithers Deen 261. She’s going to be the senior field investigator into the Duchess’ murder investigation. I’ve decided to assign you to her staff. You’ve got the instincts and I won’t lie. This is going to be a dangerous assignment, so your combat expertise is likely to come into play.”
“Ma’am.” Janet nodded at the other woman.
“Just Janet? No surname?” Linda asked.
“That is correct.”
"Okay. So you're Clan origin, I'd say given you've adopted the accent and habits locally, from the Steel Viper incursion?" Seether asked.
“Yes, ma’am.” Janet stood at attention, rigidly.
"Bare rank or first names will stand out. I'll give you a choice, you can pick a surname, or I can give you one." Seether stated. "Choose now, the rest of the team's arriving in half an hour."
Janet’s face took on an expression of concentration as she thought for a moment.
“My partner may object, but I believe it is customary when two have become as close as we have for the woman to take the man’s name.”
Seether nodded, and held out a phone, "Call him up and tell him you're taking his name, we'll settle the rest of the paper later."
“Yes, ma’am.” Janet stood at ease, took the phone and dialed Ox.
((”Hello? Who is this?”))
“Ox, it’s Janet. My new assignment requires me to pick a surname. Given how close we are and the traditions of your people I would like to adopt yours, Horstein.”
((”Janet… Wow. Over the phone. Yes. Of course. I’d be happy to marry you.”))
“Ox. We’ll talk later. I understand we’ll have a lot of details to go over for the ceremony.” Janet smiled.
Miss Whyte smirked. “Technically speaking you two don’t have to get married to take his name. His permission would have sufficed but still, about time you two tied the knot.”
“Perhaps. Still it seemed the right thing to do given our relationship status.” Janet nodded.
“Now that is settled for the moment, get your implant checked. Don’t want it failing on your abbreviated honeymoon and having to send you back home on maternity leave early on in the investigation.” Miss Whyte ordered. “Any other formalities you need to observe, Commodore?”
“Nothing that I won’t be repeating when the rest of the team arrives.” Linda shook her head.
The need to complete a task[]
Nha Tranh House
Kowloon, Federated Commonwealth (Lyran State)
"Daddy! LOOK!!" Hannah Ngo-Steiner-Davion insisted. Arthur Steiner-Davion turned from the calculation that was bedeviling him today.
"What have you got there, punkin?"
She'd been copying his calculations off the whiteboard.
"It makes a circle!! See?" Hannah announced proudly.
Mother of god it does, the calculus repeats itself!
Cyclic. Recursive.
"See, Daddy? It makes a circle!!" Hannah was so proud of herself.
“So it does. You worked really hard on that didn’t you?”
"YES!! I did it like Mommy didn't I?" her eyes were so wide.
“I’m proud of you, Hannah.” Arthur put on a brave face for his daughter.
That's why the gateways stayed open. It's a recursion loop. Something in Hyperspace provided the energy after it was shut down…that's why it did that.
Why they had to actively disrupt the vortexes.
"Where is your brother?" He asked.
"Cousin Nikki is playin' with him outside." Hannah said, "they're playin' a game."
"Would you like to take a trip, Hannah? I think we should have a look at something."
"Will I have to go to school?" she asked.
"No…I don't think you'll have to go to school on Monday."
This opens possibilities. "Stay here, Hannah, I must get your brother and….'cousin' Nicole." I'll need a pilot at least.
"Okay."
He found Nicole sitting with Simon under a tree, the boy was napping. "Nicole, I need to ask a favor of you." he began.
"What kind of favor?" Nicole asked.
"I need a pilot, who isn't going to file a flight plan, or ask permission, we're going to Herbania, and I would as soon attract as little attention as possible. It may become very important...something Elizabeth and I were working on."
“Must be really important.”
"It could be. Please keep this confidential, it would not do to upset Helena…or cause problems by attracting undue attention."
“Okay, Art. I’ll get you there. But maybe consider having a cover story? I mean who’d really question one of the project developers of Gateway showing up to check on their project and make some tweaks?”
"I will arrange…something." he promised.
“When?” Nicole ask
"Tonight. We should embark tonight. Please consult with Admiral Wells for me, I will need the use of the MS Gloria and we'll be taking Hot Rod."
“Sure, Arthur. I’ll make some calls so we can have a crew who won’t ask too many questions and be ready by then.”
“Thanks, Nikki. If there is trouble from this, I’ll take the heat for it.”
Mysterious Departure[]
First Lord's offices
Kowloon, Federated Commonwealth (Lyran State)
January 30th, 3066
"What time did they leave?" Helena Cameron demanded.
"Midnight last night. He had the right access codes and his flight plan was logged, just…he didn't arrive." Admiral Wells said, "Not at the Lab site, anyway. We got a report from another station that MS Gloria had arrived and Dr. Steiner-Davion spent a few hours collecting instruments and supplies before leaving again, this time, without a flight plan on file at all."
“Great. Stupid foolish man. Pulling a disappearing act on us now of all times. The children, are they with him?” Helena fumed.
"Witnesses claimed that both Simon and Hannah were with him, and we know from logs at the station that Nicole Martins was acting as captain of the boat, which has run past her allocated leave time as of this morning."
“Even better. I have to issue warrants now. He really should have come to talk to me…”
"It might be nothing more than some research...or a family vacation perhaps?" an Aide hazarded hesitantly. "Doctor Steiner-Davion has been known to be somewhat spontaneous…?"
“Not to the point of making an officer go AWOL. No, there’s something more at play here and my hands are tied in terms of how I can respond. All because he didn’t feel he could talk to me.”
The Admiral laid a tablet-like ComPad on the First Lord's desk, "He left this in his quarters at the Nha Tranh house, could it be significant?"
Helena glanced at the Compad. Something was familiar about it.
Ballistics equations, and hyperspace coordinates…but even with years of study…"Admiral, could you get Ms Whyte to have a look, and maybe Rachel Jennings?"
Helena didn't quite grasp the meaning of those particular equations being in the same set, but she had a BAD feeling…
The Storm of the Jihad[]
Outreach System, Federated Commonwealth
February 1st, 3066
Colonel Wayne Waco crossed his arms, "We've got all we're going to get, boss." he said, "What's the plan?"
Precentor Martial Cameron St. Jamais didn't smile, "We're going to force matters, Colonel. Have your friends assemble at the drop port tonight. By this time tomorrow, Wolf's Dragoons will be in the past-tense."
Kernov kept delaying, kept dithering…it was past time for action.
Heat of Third Transfer is Felt[]
Comstar facility
Tukayyid, Free Rasalhague Republic
Reached 10,000 degrees in under a second, Primus Sharilar Mori, and Anastasius Focht, were present…for a few milliseconds.
They didn't feel a thing.
No one would ever know just how heavily infiltrated the early warning systems had been as those too were rendered past tense, along with the personnel manning them.
The infiltration happened at the lowest hour of the early morning, the Knights of the Inner Sphere had no idea, right up past the point that forces loyal to the 6th of June movement finished them off. Gibson's planetary ruler had no warning either
Dieron, Draconis Combine
The Precentor for the Dieron residing at planet's Class A HPG station settled into their bath, and the lights in their quarters went out. When the lights came back up, who could say that they hadn't dropped an electric hair-dryer in the bath by accident?
Federated Commonwealth Burns[]
New Avalon, Federated Commonwealth (Federated Suns State)
A second running battle broke out at the Comstar A station on New Avalon, spreading into Avalon City within minutes, while a group of ex-SLDF Warships slid into reality at the L1 Lagrange point, and began burning in-system for the capital of the Federated Suns member state.
At the same time, garrisons in the Sarna region, recently taken up by Clan troops under Star League flag, began to sprout mushrooms.
Whatever plans anyone had, well…someone decided to pull the trigger on theirs.
The conclave may have been content to wait, but now, they would have no choice, but to force the issue now, instead of later.
"The disappearance of Arthur Steiner Davion was lucky…well, maybe not so much 'lucky' as 'well in advance of what was coming for him'..."
-Vice Admiral Grace Wells
"For a wounded man shalt say to his assailant, if I live, I will kill you, if I die, you are forgiven.."
-found scrawled on a bathroom wall in the wreckage of the Avalon city spaceport.