Chapter 32 - The Advisor[]
Zenith Jump Point
New Syrtis Star System
'Federated Suns
September 12th, 3157
[Onboard a Small Craft...]
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Former FCS Melissa Steiner-Davion
"Holy Shit." Anh was invited to this, the Republic of the Sphere had come, offering a 'gift of friendship' to the Federated Suns. While she'd been busy working up the underpinnings of the 'Patrol service' for the AFFS on behalf of the Archon, she hadn't had much time to spend following developments closer to the core of the Inner Sphere.
The Avalon class Cruiser in a parking position at the zenith point of the system wasn't the Lucien Davion, lost over Palmyra thanks to Caleb Davion's lack of strategic...intelligence.
A pair of RAF marked Carracks Transports floated in formation with the Avalon class warship.
"It's the Melissa Steiner-Davion, Highness. A gift to the Federated Suns from the Republic." the Republic's Ambassador explained, "We found the former WOBS Beneficence and brought her back as a sign of the strength of our pact with the Federated Suns."
Anh watched through the windows of the shuttle but, then the Republic man added something that had to be directed at her.
"The Lyrans aren't the only competent naval power in the Inner Sphere."
She didn't even look behind her at the men. "Ayeh, nobodah say'd th' RAF warn't comp'tent." she turned, "y'alls set ong et lon' 'nough."
Captain LaFayette touched her arm, "Anh, parle plus lentement, tes mots sont brouillés à nouveau."
"It's a little bit of a shock, Captain, I think I understood her." the First Prince said, "Commander McCoy, will you join us aboard?"
Anh hesitated, watching as the vessel's smallcraft bay loomed. "Ah thank...I think the people we've trained should get a look before I do...Its your Warship, Highness. Your men should be the ones to evaluate her."
Julian studied her face for a moment, then, "Frank, are you ever going to do it?"
"Sir?"
"There is a provision in the old Federated Commonwealth treaties." He held Anh's eyes, "Portions of which weren't repealed when our nations went their separate ways, McCoy. I know you've been playing 'catch up' with officer training since the day they moved you to LCN from the Coast Guard, but your international law scores on the last exam sucked."
He handed her a PADD, "This is a message from your Archon, she's put the decision in your hands. I'm offering you dual-citizenship and a commission in the Federal Navy. If you accept it, then you will be one of...my men, as you put it, and Francois, poor bastard, can ask his question without compromising his commission...and you won't lose your Lyran Citizenship."
"In th'vennafawah." she stopped herself, the words were tumbling. focus... she began again, by using french. "qu’advient-il de cela en cas de conflit, de votre Altesse ? qu’en est-il si nos nations entrent en conflit, non pas en tant qu’alliés, mais en tant qu’opposants?"
"I think you need to answer the question for yourself, Commander." Julian said, "Loyalty is always a personal choice, where you owe your true allegiance is always a personal thing. You don't have to answer now, although it would be...convenient. come aboard as my guest, for the time being, and think about my offer, there is no rush...I think you'll make the right decision once you've considered things completely."