[DOC_Agren]

Yeah with how long the forums were down and how much that killed my motivation to work on this...

Oof.  Fortunately I've got notes on what I was planning to do but with the advisement of posts for the rest of the month surviving the move, I'll be focusing on archiving all my fanfics here first then see if I can scrounge up that creative spark to give life to my notes again.

I hope to see more in the future

[mikecj]

Yes, I know and you're welcome to keep doing so.  This is just me remembering to practice good data archiving.  I haven't given up all hope on this story but with how long of a break that was, it's going to be tough to get back to it even with my notes.

Yup I spent an hour scouring for backup copies today- one of my staff wiped a "duplicate" file that wasn't; just a similar name.  I finally located a copy in an email to our access control team.  So then I spent two hours organizing folders & changing file names back to the documented & "standardized" naming conventions.  It was at least 12% my own fault in the first place...

[Wolf72]

tagged

[monbvol]

[author] Managed to get a few little bits of inspiration here and there but it's still really tough for me to get into the right headspace for writing. I just don't feel as creative as I used to. So even though I don't have many ideas of what shape my notes for what I have planned will take and what to fill the gaps between planned events with I'll still see what I can do here and there to keep working on this. [/author]

[edit] Just noticed a line I intended to make it to this post got cut off. Nothing major. And my stupid reduced ability to focus and remember things means I now have to re-work a moderate part of what I've got worked up for the next post just to keep the timeline straight, which I've kind of already made a mistake on as for some reason I delayed something that should have happened in 2743 to 2744. I can still kind of fix it and have things work out well enough I think. But it might mean me having to axe an interaction between Kerensky and Mina Samuels that I kind of like. [/edit]

War Room
Imperial Palace
Luthien
Draconis Combine
7 December 2742
Local morning

"House Stiener has insulted us and the Star League has refused to censure them.  With that failure the time has come for us to deploy the might of the Dragon," Takiro Kurita addressed his gathered Warlords.

"As the Coordinator wishes, we shall make ready.  But certainly the Star League will respond if we start mobilizing our forces for war," the Warlord of the Benjamin district spoke.

"This is why I did not object to Aleksnder Kerensky becoming Commanding General of the Star League Defense Force.  He is too young and inexperienced to do anything unconventional.  His moves will be predictable.  He'll posture, arrange for extra training exercises, and if we time this right?  We can catch the SLDF flat footed.  By the time they could intervene?  We will be on Tharkad."  Takiro shook his head.

"House Stiener will also be mobilizing their forces," the Warlord of New Samarkand added.

"Let them.  We have their measure.  They will not be able to resist us."  Takiro chuckled.

Triad
Tharkad
Lyran Commonwealth
8 December 2742
Local afternoon

"If the Star League won't help us against this act of veiled aggression by the Draconis Combine, we have little choice but to extract our own justice," Michael Steiner addressed his gathered war council.

"I propose a general offensive through the Peripheral regions of the Combine.  These areas are often left wanting for defenses.  We can gain large amounts of territory quickly then hook around to drive on Luthien with solid footholds in Combine territory to launch our attacks from," Monique Kelswa offered.

"Those worlds are poorly defended because they have little value.  No local industry or infrastructure for us to leverage for our advances.  We should hit along the Isle of Skye.  If the Terran Hegemony and by extension, the Star League, is going to sit idly by it will give us a secure flank and we'll hit worlds that actually have value for us to occupy," Otto Brewer countered.

"That risks provoking the Star League and suddenly exposing our supposedly secure flank at an inopportune time.  We should give the Hegemony a wider berth.  So that if they do intervene, which they eventually will if we engage in open hostilities, it will at least take them some time to counter our offensive," Konrad Dinesen shook his head.

"You're right Duke Dinesen.  If we initiate open hostilities against the Combine, the Star League will be forced to act against us on the side of the Combine.  For now, we'll stand as much of the LCAF up as we can.  Give the Combine the impression we're preparing for a general offensive across a broad front.  In reality, we'll be preparing for their treacherous nature.  They will strike first and with that, the Star League will have no choice but to side with us against the Combine," Michael Steiner nodded.

Council Chambers
Unity City
Terra
2 January 2743
Local morning

"Your thoughts General Kerensky?" Simon Cameron asked.

"Neither the Archon nor the Coordinator are fools.  They know whoever openly strikes first will draw the ire of the Star League.  But I suspect the neo-bushido attitudes of the Combine and the Coordinator will compel them to strike first in order to save face and would be willing to suffer our reprisals as long as they get their pound of flesh."

"So we need to dissuade them from doing so long enough for SLIC to get the truth of this."

"With how long ago the strike was and the efforts the offending parties have gone to to conceal the truth by now, that will be no small task," Kerensky shook his head.

"Still, it must be done.  If we allow open hostilities to break out again...  I fear the Star League will not survive it this time.  I'll handle the diplomacy.  I'd like you to prepare a demonstration, something that will remind both of them what they risk without being too overt or aggressive."

"Yes, Lord Cameron.  Though if I may ask, what is your strategy Lord Cameron?  I don't wish to undermine your approach."

"Simple.  I'll find a way get them back in the same room and force them to be civil towards one another.  From there, we'll work something out.  In the meantime, prepare the SLDF.  In case this doesn't work."

"Right away, Lord Cameron."

LCAF Orbital Traffic Control
Syrma
18 March 2743
Local morning

Sasha Luchenko sat at her control station reading the traffic report for anticipated incoming traffic. She saw the notice of an incoming Star League naval force.

She filed it away as unimportant. Syrma was a jointly administered system with the Star League after all, so that they were moving ships through wasn't unexpected.

Pouring herself another cup of tea and stirring in a bit of honey she couldn't help but hum to herself to help pass the time.

She'd heard the orders for a general stand up of the LCAF but with Syrma?

There was nothing to be worried about. The DCMS and DCA wouldn't strike here, not with the SLDF presence.

Then her peace was shattered by the alarms of incoming ships.  Not just one or two, but dozens.

She returned to her station and saw the transponders flood onto her displays. The number of SLDF warships and supporting jumpships made her nearly spit out the mouthful of tea she had just drank.

The SLDF had just delivered a less than subtle message. They were not going to tolerate the Lyran Commonwealth and the Draconis Combine waging a war.

Star League Council Chambers
Unity City
Terra
22 March 2743
Local afternoon

"You forward deployed major military elements of the SLDF. This is..." The holo projected image of Michael Stiener complained before Simon Cameron spoke, cutting him off.

"Yes. Your LCAF is at a similar level of readiness. The Star League is here as a means to keep the peace but even so, with the LCAF and DCMS at similar levels of military readiness I'd be a fool to not respond. The SLDF is still inside Hegemony borders and will stay there as long as no one gives a reason for them to deploy further forward." Simon answered.

The holo projected image of Takiro Kurita just sat there in silence, clearly mulling over what to say.

"Gentlemen, let's not make this into something it doesn't have to be. We can all choose to step back and calm down. We can talk this through. Star League Intelligence is getting to the truth of this." Simon continued.

"The Dragon shall stay its hand for now but if the Commonwealth is unable to do the same, we shall teach them the folly of their ways. I shall return for the Winter session. Before then can see the Lyrans take advantage of my absence." Takiro Kurita cut his transmission.

"Alright Simon. We're not going to break the peace but the Commonwealth knows the treachery of the Combine too well for me to order the LCAF to stand down at this time." Michael similarly ended his transmission.

"General, your thoughts?" Simon turned to Kerensky.

"We've sent them the message that we're watching and that we're ready.  They aren't foolish enough to openly engage in hostilities." Kerensky answered.

"But?"

"This isn't the end of it."

"Their petty rivalries mean I have my work cut out for me." Simon nodded.

"In the meantime life goes on." Jessica made her presence known.

"Yes. We've reminded them we're watching and that we will not allow the peace to be broken without a price. That should be enough for now to allow cooler heads to prevail. General Kerensky, I believe you can handle things without me while I take this lovely lady to a romantic dinner?" Simon smiled.

"Yes Lord Cameron." Kerensky couldn't help but smile himself that Simon Cameron had grown so smitten with Lady Drillson so quickly.

Multnomah West Hills Gardens
Terra
6 April 2743
Local sunset

Simon Cameron looked out over the gardens. The roses were in bloom as were the Cherry Trees.

It had taken some doing to get the trees and roses to both be in bloom at the same time, but it was worth the effort and expense for what he had planned.

The Royal Blackwatch were as out of sight as possible, as were the paparazzi.

He strode out of the ground car with Jessica Drillson's arm in his.

The table was set and the staff stood ready.

The sun was already low in the sky.

"It's nice to get away from the Royal Palace in Unity City now and again. This area has long been famous for its gardens. There are even tales of a zoo that used to be nearby. But the view is what brings me here now and again."  Simon said as he led Jessica to the set table.

"This is magnificent." Jessica smiled.

"Tonight's meal is a three course affair. A nice fresh garden salad starter, a chicken risotto main, and a chocolate mouse cake for dessert."

"My favorites. Should I be worried?" Jessica chuckled.

The salads were brought out. As Simon and Jessica ate they remained silent. The wine was brought out with the chicken risotto.

"My favorite vintage. You're buttering me up for something." Jessica smirked.

"Maybe I am."

The chicken risotto was likewise eaten with nothing more than shared glances.

Out came a steward with a covered tray.

When the server lifted the lid of the covered platter instead of the expected confectionary was a box with a ring.

Jessica gasped as Simon adjusted his sash.

"Lady Drillson, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?" Simon Cameron said on one knee.

"Yes."  Jessica gasped out. "Yes, you obvious bastard."

"Subtlety is over rated for certain things."

Kerensky's Office
Unity City
Terra
7 April 2743
Local morning

"Ohmygod!" Alice squealed in joy as she looked at the official tri-d photo of Simon Cameron's proposal to Jessica Drillson.

"It's easy to forget you're a teenager at heart." Kerensky chuckled.

"It's hard to hold onto, I think you know why. But I have to."

"Yes. Which brings me to my news. The time approaches for your move to your long term station."

"Strangely I'm going to miss this place. I didn't think I would..."

"You know people have been spreading interesting rumors about us."

"My favorite is that you're grooming me as a possible replacement for you, because it's sort of true in a way."

"I suppose from a certain point of view I can follow that logic."

"What will you do?"

"I know it doesn't always seem like it but I do have more members of staff than you."

"True."

"Brat."

"Despot."

Amaris' Private Office
Terra Prime
Apollo
12 May 2743
Local morning

"Why are we still waiting? We have an opportunity, the armies!" Ian MacGregor grumbled.

"The opportunity to reveal ourselves too soon. The House Lords are not sufficiently distracted, the Star League and Hegemony would easily turn their attention to us." Stefan countered.

"We're withering on the vine! You're bordering on cowardice, Amaris!" Ian continued.

"Listen to Stefan. We wait, we build, we prepare, and we keep to the plan. The tension between the House Lords is building. Just a bit more of a push and some of our other projects will have the time they need to make actual victory possible." Helga Mannerheim added.

"Not good enough!" Ian slammed his fist into the table.

"Tell me Ian McGregor. How long would it take to march your armies from the hidden bases we've created to Terra?" Stefan stared at Ian McGregor.

"What?" Ian said in confusion.

"Your armies. How long would it take them to march to Terra. It's a simple question." Stefan sighed.

"It'd take..." Ian's rage suddenly evaporated as he started to realize the obvious.

"And what would happen to them when the Star League Navy responds, which we know it will?"

"They'd be isolated and destroyed piecemeal." Ian grumbled.

"Now you get it. Building a navy, one that has any chance of standing up to the Star League, at least long enough to accomplish what we hope? It is a task that will take time. We have to build the yards in secret, build the ships in secret, train the crews in secret, and even build a tradition in secret. If we act too rashly, too quickly we risk everything. Soon enough Star League Intelligence will confirm the Combine was indeed behind the attack on the Commonwealth. From there we can build on the model, encourage more such raids. Build tension. More whispers in the right ears and the House Lords could truly provide us the opening we need. But we must be realistic about our plans." Stefan looked at his gathered co-conspirators.

"And doing that in conjunction with our friends in the Outworlds Alliance, Magistracy of Canopus, and the Taurian Concordat? This is a nightmare of maintaining operational security and since we can't use the HPG nets for many of these messages to coordinate things, that adds time too." Helga added.

"Armies mean nothing without the means to get them where we need them. We can cycle our forces out of hiding, carefully. Let them cut their teeth as 'bandits' or 'rogue mercenaries', especially as the House Lords bicker and divide the attention of the Hegemony and the SLDF. As mighty as they are? They can't be everywhere, can't see everything. We're building and planning an insurrection here. We're going to have losses, setbacks, and make terribly little progress to start. If any. Failure means we invite worse reprisals upon ourselves." Stefan nodded.

"Build an experienced core, because training only goes so far without real combat experience." Ian looked at Stefan.

"Yes, that is the problem that currently plagues the SLDF too. We risk granting them the same benefit but given how much larger of a force they are compared to ours?" Stefan smirked.

"For them it'll get diluted. Perhaps even lost in the rank and file from sheer institutional inertia and arrogance." Ian tapped the desk, now clearly deep in thought.

"I trust you know what to do." Stefan with a tone that left no doubt it was a statement, not a question.

"I'll see to it." Ian said coldly.

Ian shook his head. He didn't like it, he wanted to act now but he also couldn't deny Stefan was right. If they did that as things stand... It'd accomplish nothing.

He knew what he needed to do and as much as it gutted him to even think about it, he'd do it.

Virtual space
27 May 2743


"Welcome back Alice." Billie's virtual form smiled.

"I'm a space station now..." Alice moped.

"I know. I wish I knew what to say to make it better." Billie placed her virtual hand on Alice's virtual shoulder.

"I feel like I'm losing myself..." Alice continued.

"We all face that problem." Billie consoled.

"Personally I don't think it's a problem. We're not human anymore, why should we act like it?" Juanita offered.

"That's not helping." Billie scolded.

"But she's not wrong." Phoenix joined in.

"It's still important that we don't discard our humanity entirely." Olivia smiled. "We do still have a lot to come to terms with in our new forms, but we can have these conversations in the time it takes the typical human to think about making coffee."

"We are something new. Personally I can't help but think about some of the implications. We're not typical Nirasaki cores. That's clear. Even before Kerensky came along with his vision, someone there clearly was already studying the prospects of an improved core. Something that could not just handle combat, but allow a fairly fully formed personality. We have our memories, at least enough of them to form our personalities. Which includes our sense of service and duty." Ottilie agreed.

"That's our advantage Alice, we had the choice, the chance at normal lives. You never got that. But as the saying goes, when life gives you lemons you stab back then squeeze the lemon juice into the wounds of the person who just gave you lemons." Joana smirked.

"That's not the saying!" Lucy scowled.

"The point stands." Joana chuckled.

"Is this what it's like to have a large family?" Alice found herself asking.

"Yes. Very much so. It's chaotic, frustrating, but despite all of that? Best thing in the world. We're here with you Alice and we'll stand right beside you in this muck. Because that's who we are, what we are. Even before we became this. You're one of us now." Samantha hugged Alice.

"You also bring out our protective and nurturing instincts. You've been thrown into the deep end of life. So we're inclined to do our best to look out for you." Susanna joined the group.

"You're not alone Alice. No one should be alone. As much as I saw a lot of the worst humanity has to offer and don't feel inclined to hold onto my humanity, I don't want to see anyone isolated or abandoned." Juanita said softly.

"Even if it's fancy code and incredibly complex hardware, we still feel. A lot of people went through a lot of trouble to give us this. We make the best of it." Truk looked over the group.

"It's a lot." Alice sighed.

"Then let's do something. Something undeniably teenager. Have you ever learned to dance, Alice?" Ottilie asked.

"No. I was undergoing treatments and never got the chance." Alice admitted.

"Then we're fixing that. Come here. Olivia, as our resident music lover, music please."

Kerensky's office
Unity City
Terra
17 June 2743
Local afternoon

"I've been reviewing the transcripts of their virtual conversations via cyberspace. How they've been interacting. I showed them to some psychiatrists that are read in on the project..." Lewis Carroll said from across Kerensky's desk.

"And?" Kerensky steppled his hands.

"At first they were concerned. For normal humans their interactions are very accelerated and some of their views of what they are now... But then they realized they aren't normal humans. It's both concerning and exhilarating to know they're having to write entirely new disciplines of psychology because they are still human enough."

"They operate at the speed of computers."

"Yes. Looking back, they've already effectively had decades of group therapy and supporting each other even though it's only been a few years for us."

"But they're still able to relate to us, their personalities are intact?"

"Yes but there has been some deviation from their prior psychological profiles but that's not unexpected. We always knew that would be the case. But there's enough commonality with who they used to be that despite the concerns we're feeling confident the project has achieved the first of its goals."

"Your daughter?"

"Leaving your staff and becoming the core of a space station shook her, caused her to regress a little but now that she has a crew aboard, people she's able to interact with, she's thriving now. Leaning into her role as someone that has to look out for others now."

"Part of the reason I put her on a station instead of in the hull of a warship. She needed a crew, and the reality of military service is that many will not be much older than she was. She'll make new relationships beyond her fellow AIs."

"Part of me still wonders if what I did was so 'right' but the part of me that is her father, that couldn't let go, doesn't question it."

"We're imperfect people and there are many who would condemn us for what we've done. Others who would celebrate it. Personally, I find it enough that we preserve some part of these people."

"Do we continue with phase two then?"

"Yes. If we can grow new AIs, even if we have to take seeds from the others, that can have even a portion of what the others have? Project Hidden Hope will have all the tools to not just save humanity it needs, but also create a better humanity."

"That sounds dangerous."

"Despite all the great things humanity has done, how far we've come, we still squabble and bicker like little children. The pettiness of the House Lords and the current tensions prove we're not as advanced as we'd like to believe, that the golden age that has been proclaimed is not all it appears to be. But you're right. Even if that's true I'm not the moral arbiter of all humanity. I mustn't allow myself to be consumed with hubris and this path could easily lead to a greater darkness. So I put checks and balances on myself to prevent that."

"That's what gives me hope, General. You're self aware enough to know how wrong this can go and you aren't surrounding yourself with yes men to keep yourself from going down that path."

"I just have to remind myself what I'm working towards. I'm no fool. There will always be need for soldiers."

"What was the quote again? As long as there are great nations with great power there will always be conflict."

"Close enough. Humanity will always be tribal in nature, which will ensure great nations come about. So my hope is that just because there is conflict, we will never see the scale of destruction of the Age of War or the Reunification Wars."

"Some days I hate complex philosophy."

"Then enough complex philosophy for today. Lord Cameron is planning a wedding. The SLDF has a part to play in the ceremony and not just as security." Kerensky poured something amber colored into two glasses then pushed one towards Lewis.

"A good whiskey does help cut through complex philosophy." Lewis toasted Kerensky.

"That it does though as a Russian I will always prefer vodka. But in honor of our lord and the happy event, today is a day for whiskey."

"I'll drink to that."

[lowrolling]

Good to see this back and great continuation.  Nice to Gen Kerensky still questioning himself over all of this, he is at least trying to hold onto his humanity.  Alice's deployment is a big jump and shows that things are moving forward and will progress far more quickly than anyone is ready for.  The other AIs having to use her to hold onto themselves is worrisome at best and scary when things go wrong.

[Daryk]

Glad to see you back at it monbvol! :)

[DOC_Agren]

welcome back

[monbvol]

Star League Council Chambers
Unity City
1 July 2743
Local midday

"Thank you all for attending the Summer Session of the Star League Council. As a man dedicated to keeping the peace I am glad that the armies of House Steiner and House Kurita have finally stood down to a less aggressive footing." Simon Cameron addressed the gathered lords.

"The presence of your SLDF patrols have done much to reassure our people that peace is our common goal." Michael Steiner barely concealed the contempt in his voice.

"Which makes what I have to report a difficult thing to bring forward. Star League Intelligence has confirmed that the bandits that attacked The Edge and subsequently retreated to Butte Hold were Mercenaries under the employ of the Draconis Combine." Simon Cameron turned to Takiro Kurita.

"I am saddened to say I have confirmed as much during an internal investigation of my own. It seems an underling took creative liberties with their mandate and acted under their own initiative. As this is an internal matter we have dealt with the errant vassal within the bounds of our laws." Takiro Kurita answered.

"The raid on The Edge was not the only one." simon Cameron looked to Michael Steiner.

"I must confess I've had my own issues with restless vassals that grew tired of waiting for a Star League response and took matters into their own hands. Rest assured, they will be punished appropriately."

"I see. This is your official position?"

"Hai." Takiro said in a clipped tone then rose and left the chamber.

"Yes." Michael Steiner added curtly as he likewise walked out.

"When there is inaction and a need for action, even a Lord can't be expected to hold the rebellious in check forever." Chancellor Warex Liao spoke up.

"I find there is little value in me staying here any longer. The Federated Suns must look to itself in these trying times." John Davion stood then left the council chamber.

"As much as it pains me to say it, I'm in agreement with the First Prince" Bertram Marik also left.

Cameron private quarters
Unity City
1 July 2743
Local evening

Simon entered his bedroom weary from another day of trying to keep the peace and deal with the egos of the House Lords.

He saw his wife sitting on their bed.

Jessica looked more nervous than he'd ever seen her before.

"What is it?" Simon found himself asking quietly.

"I'm pregnant." Jessica unclasped her hand to reveal a pregnancy test.

"That's... That's..." Simon found himself unable to articulate his thoughts.

"Simon?" Jessica asked nervously.

"Wonderful." Simon finally got the word he was looking for.

"I was worried. You said you wanted to wait a while before we really tried but it seems nature had its own ideas."

"Just a reminder that as First Lord there is no time more ideal than the present for who knows what crises tomorrow will bring."

First Lord's Private Office
Unity City
1 August 2743
Local morning

"General Kerensky. I have orders for the SLDF. While our diplomatic corps works to bring the House Lords back to the table I want all SLDF forces to institute shoot on sight orders for all non-responsive vessels and troops. Any failure to respond to lawful queries is to be met with unilateral lethal force." Simon Cameron ordered.

"Sir?"

"The House Lords are perfectly happy to accept the pretense of unreliable vassals in order to prosecute their grievances against each other. I don't see any option other than whenever possible to make them bleed. All because even though it is plain as day that the House Lords are directly responsible but are refusing to take accountability."

"So we make it more expensive to use proxies than to sit at the table and talk."

"It's a cruel calculus but words are not having the effect I need. Plus despite how well intentioned we are? Sometimes they need to be reminded that we do more than talk and our words have weight to them."

"Then I shall use the hammer that is the SLDF to ring the bell of truth."

"Good. For the record I've officially canceled the Autumn and Winter sessions of the council. Until we can bring some semblance of sanity back to the House Lords, we'll protect those that they should be protecting."

Amaris' private office
Terra Prime
1 September 2743
Local morning

Amaris was beside himself in joy. It wasn't quite the open warfare he'd prefer but it also meant he could now use not just his secret army but also the navy he was growing more freely.

"Ian, this is our opportunity. With the House Lords using proxies? Who will notice a few extra raids here and there from our own forces? Select a handful of units. Cut their teeth. But also give them strict orders to avoid contact with clearly superior forces. We cannot afford to get caught now, not with everything so close to what we've been preparing for."

"I understand sir. This will do a lot to address the restlessness of our forces." Ian let a faint smile crease his lips.

Stefan and Helga watched Ian walk out of the office to attend his duties.

"I must admit with how much of a hothead he is, he seems to understand how meticulous and patient we need to be now. But..."

"We're playing a dangerous game and we need a back up in case this all goes wrong." Amaris nodded.

"There's an up and comer in the ranks. Patrick Gregory Scoffins. He doesn't have a lot of time in service yet but he has all the right qualifications and comments in his personnel file."

"Then let's fast track him to a staffing position. Teaching a man to fight is easy but teaching them to manage large formations, keeping them supplied and functional is not so easy."

"How much longer before you think we're really going to be ready?"

"With the disparity and restrictions facing us? Sometime in the 2770's. Keeping this going until then, keeping the secret? That will take every trick in the book we have. Especially without someone breaking rank and going early."

"Hence why you've let Ian off his leash."

"Yes. Also why I'm looking for a backup now. This all can go so wrong so quickly. But if by some miracle the Star League discovers what we're up to? We will do our damndest to make sure they remember how painful the Reunification War was."

"What of the House Lords?"

"We've given them the template to use that will keep them focused on each other rather than us. When the time is right, we'll make our move and they won't interfere."

"You seem so sure of that."

"Their faith and support of the Star League is already at an all time low. I'm not foolish enough to think they will actively help us but if it'll give them the chance to exercise their grudges? They will be happy enough to look the other way while we correct the injustices of the past."

"I hope you're right."

"So do I."

University of Washington Medical Center
Seattle District, Unity City
Terra
9 February 2744
Local morning

"How are they?" Simon asked barely able to hold his composure.

"We had to do a bit of surgery to safely deliver your son. He's a bit early but we have an excellent NICU unit here. Your wife and son are in excellent hands." Doctor Walter Gearing answered.

From the outside this Walter Gearing didn't look much older than him but Simon knew with the life extension therapies available in the Hegemony, exterior looks meant little for determining age.

It was something of a Cameron family tradition to not make use of them and to an extent he didn't trust them.

"What was it? Why is he so early?" Simon asked, almost terrified of the answer before he even heard it.

"Your wife has an abnormally structured uterus. With how well everything seemed to be proceeding before this it didn't get flagged sooner. But now that we know what to look for in the future? You have nothing to worry about. In fact my own wife had a similar issue and we were able to go on and have four children.  My oldest is about to graduate college and begin his residency on Elbar." Walter reassured the younger than him First Lord.

"It's still hard to believe..."

"I know it is a trying time Lord Cameron, but I'd stake my reputation on your son and wife being fine."

"Thank you Doctor. May I see them?"

"Your wife is still in recovery but the observation area is this way. You'll be able to see your son."

Simon followed Walter.

There in a medical pod with a transparent casing was his son.

"So tiny..." Simon almost whispered.

"He's not the smallest nor the most premature birth I've tended to as a physician."

"I expect updates regularly."

"Of course."

Cyberspace
15 March 2744
Time doesn't entirely exist here

"This is perplexing." Juanita's virtual face scrunched up.

"What is it? The latest trashy spy novel that you pretend to hate but secretly love throw a curveball at the mysterious super spy Juanita?" Joana chuckled.

"No. The latest reports from the Naval office. These supposed bandits are getting escorted by warships now." Juanita waved her virtual hand in dismissal.

"That's serious." Billie added.

"I don't get it. Everything you guys have taught me says bandits can't keep and maintain Warships." Alice broke her silence.

"The House Lords are all saying some version of they are captured surplus vessels and because it suits their purpose they are all happy to use the pretext just like they are willing to use the pretext of the forces being mercenaries, or even bandits, working for overzealous underlings. It seems obvious to me that they are really deniable assets of the House Lords themselves." Juanita answered.

"So what's the perplexing part?" Alice focused on Juanita.

"Survivors. Not even the most hardened crews go down with their ship to this extent. Yet even when engaged by Star League Navy forces, there are no reports of survivors to be picked up. Which makes sense. If the crews were picked up the pretext would fall apart quickly." Juanita

"Even if they killed themselves to prevent being captured alive, it seems likely posthumous examination could also strip away the pretext. So how are they doing it?" Billie's virtual head nodded.

"Hence why I'm perplexed. I can understand the House Lords themselves looking the other way to continue this shadow war. But not a single survivor or corpse picked up by Star League forces? That defies all sense."

"It's actually quite simple." Joana stretched her virtual form out.

"Explain." Juanita demanded.

"Star League forces are picking up survivors and corpses but it's being left out of the reports for the simple fact of what Simon would have to do if he actually pulled away the pretext." Joana smirked.

"It'd be open war and the end of the Star League. Simon has to suppress the truth. If he presses the House Lords on the matter, they'd escalate." Juanita's virtual face almost flickered with recognition.

"Bingo. As powerful and big as the Star League Navy is, it can't patrol every border system simultaneously. So Simon would have to pick a side. Even if he went against the aggressor that started all of this?" Joana manifested a virtual ball that she tossed and caught.

"The supposed impartiality of the Star League would be gone, along with an important member. Then it'd just grow from there. We'd be in a state of perpetual war until either the Member states were no more or the Hegemony was." Juanita scrunched her face.

"We could do some serious damage but it would be a numbers game, and with our economy so heavily dependent on trade and taxes with the Member States? That's a game we'd lose." Joana grabbed the virtual ball out of the air.

"So Simon has to make a terrible choice, one that he hates but has the best chance of preserving the Star League and the Terran Hegemony." Billie nodded.

"That's... Horrible." Alice shook her head.

"Yes it is. That's the price of being First Lord of the Star League and Director General of the Terran Hegemony. And why we're General Kerensky's Hidden Hope. That if the worst happens we can find a way to rebuild humanity so that such horrible decisions are no longer necessary." Susana joined the conversation.

"But, how can he do it?" Alice asked.

"He knows he's making some suffer now but versus what could happen instead? How many more would suffer if he stripped away the pretext? Stripped away the lies? A limited war where the House Lords can accept these pretexts as terrible as it may be is preferable to a full scale war." Susana answered.

"This is another time where I really hate what I am now." Alice moped.

"We can't hide from the darkness, pretend that there are not people who just want to watch the universe burn. But what we can do? Is be better than them and be ready for them if they ever come." Billie exchanged a look with Susana who nodded in agreement.

"No sane person wishes for war, to fight. But we must be ready for it." Ottilie's virtual form strode over to Alice's.

"Besides, if they find Lazarus? Something really terrible has happened. We're as safe here as anywhere else we could be." Joana smiled.

[Daryk]

Hard decisions all around, it seems... ;)

[lowrolling]

Excellent continuation and thanks for sharing.  Simon is doing his best to go as light as he can and still solve the problem.  He could have went in and taken them all as "guests" and let them  "join" the new project and let time stop meaning anything to them instead.  Cruel?  Absolutely!!!!  But it would have removed them and let their heirs have a chance to see that their actions can have damning consequences as well.

[Wrangler]

I'm glad the story is able keep going. 

Hopefully, we'll get to part where the cybernetic zillians can show how well they can shine.

[monbvol]

Kerensky's office
Unity City
9 June 2744
Local Morning

The woman in his office looked younger than he expected. She was small, of mixed ancestry, Japanese and likely something Western European, and had a quiet voice. But Kerensky knew on Terra looks could be deceiving.

"Lieutenant Grace Yakimora, do you know why you're here?" Kerensky broke the silence.

"I think I have a pretty good idea sir. Not many reasons Star League Intelligence would crawl up my... Er, that is to say comb through my life."

"True enough. Let's start with the obvious. Valedictorian at University of Tokyo in medicine. A follow up masters from John Hopkins in pediatric medicine, also valedictorian. Quite impressive. Some issues with your rifle qualifications during basic as well as your hand to hand but otherwise you've got good marks and notes from your commanding officers in your file."

"The Star League Defense Force promised the money for my education in exchange for four years of my life sir. Those four years are nearly up."

"And you're seriously considering getting out, especially after what you've been through."

"Yes sir."

"I hope to change your mind. I have a billet that requires something specific. Something that is difficult to find in the Star League Defense Force. You have it."

"Sir?"

"It's no secret the First Lord's son was born early. Because of that there is now a requirement in the Royal Black Watch for Richard's security detail."

"Hence the sudden background checks and interviews with my family, friends, colleagues, professors, and even my favorite barista. You want me. Certainly there are doctors that can see to his health and the existing security detail can just be trained on any particulars for emergency situations, sir."

"That's actually why we want you for the Royal Black Watch. You can teach them what to watch for, what the appropriate response should be. And you'd be right there with them. What do you say?"

The silence that followed almost allowed Kerensky to practically see the gears turning in Grace's head as she mulled over what he was offering.

"Give me the papers sir." Grace broke the silence.

"Good choice, Captain." Kerensky slid over a small black box.

"If I may say so, that was quite the gamble sir. Having promotion papers drawn up and ready for this moment. Would have been quite the ba... headache for you to deal with if I'd said no."

"I had a feeling." Kerensky smirked.

Nursery
Cameron Private Residence
Unity City
12 July 2744
Local morning

Grace held her stethoscope to Richard's chest and listened to his breathing.

This wasn't explicitly part of her job description but she found she couldn't help herself, she was a Doctor too.

"Something so old-fashioned in this modern age of technological miracles." Jessica murmured as she watched Grace work.

"A case of 'if it isn't broken, don't fix it'.  Despite all our technology, all the wonderful gizmos and devices, some tried and true things still work best and persist for it." Grace answered with a lightness to her voice.

"I know we have dedicated Doctors for this but..."

"I was here, you're a first time mother, and given the circumstances of his birth you were naturally worried. I completely understand and don't mind. From what I'm hearing it's nothing serious, just a slight cough. Probably just his lungs still coming into their own a little, I'd be glad to handle making the arrangements for a deeper scan if you'd like." Grace smiled.

"If you would? Part of me hates subjecting him to all this but as you said, I can't help but worry."

"He's your son. Even if he'd been born when he should have been, you'd still find something to worry over. But it is part of my job to worry about him too." Grace gently lifted Richard from the crib then handed him over to Jessica.

"You're quite different from the other members of the Royal Black Watch I've interacted with. They're not as chatty as you are."

"It's because I was brought in to provide for a specific need, they have capable medics no doubt but because how rare it is to see the circumstances of your son's birth I was brought in to help fill the gap."

"I bet that has caused some friction. You clearly didn't come from one of their approved training academies, haven't served with one of their feeder units."

"True. It has caused some friction but they accept me because I'm really good at my job and I prove my dedication through my actions, not my words."

"Thank you for all of this, Captain Yakimora."

"Of course Lady Cameron. I'll step outside and start making the arrangements I promised earlier." Grace smiled.

As Grace stepped out Simon entered.

"My timing is impeccable as always. I'm sorry, I should have been here for this." Simon entered the room then kissed his wife.

"I knew what I was signing up for when I married you. You're the busiest man in all of humanity and part of your charm is how much you care for the people you rule over. As much as I wish I could see you more, be with you more, I still wouldn't want to change who you are."

"You're a rare woman." Simon kissed his wife again.

"And this is how I know you love me. Even if you're late, you still found a way to be here for me when I'm sure you have at least a dozen messages to tend to, who knows how many meetings, and all those pretty secretaries you could be chasing instead."

"None of them are as pretty as you." Simon sat next to Jessica and wrapped his arm around his wife, looking down at his son.

"Captain Yakimora thinks his cough isn't serious but she's arranging for further tests to be sure."

"This has to be the hardest part of my life right now... Knowing my son is still developing..."

"What matters is you're here. You love us."

"With all that I am."

Richard chose that moment to start stirring from his nap and start crying.

"He's probably hungry." Jessica said.

"I'll make room." Simon moved to another chair in the room.

"He has your sense of dramatic timing, you know." Jessica began feeding Richard.

"So he does." Simon chuckled.

Kerensky's office
Unity City
24 August 2744
Local morning

"How are the losses Admiral Ezenwa?" Kerensky asked his guest.

"They bloody our nose now and again but the fleet is performing as expected. Most enemy vessels have learned and run away before confrontation becomes a true possibility."

"Also an acceptable outcome at this point. We can't hide prisoners forever. I hate to think of the war we could unleash if we force the issue."

"It is perhaps a bit gentle but it is a valid strategy. Showing them that they can retreat, that fighting isn't a foregone conclusion will plant its own seed in the heart of the enemy's morale. The more we can make them ask the question 'is this really worth my life', and they say no, the better."

"Gentle perhaps but as long as they have their pretext to hide behind the House Lords are content to limit their conflict."

"You still don't like it."

"No. I don't. We're letting them throw away lives over petty rivalries."

"As painful as it can be, sometimes we must let the children fight."

"You're right. The obvious solution is very fraught with its own peril."

"We can't wake the people up by force."

"No, we can't."

"But that's not the only reason you asked me here now is it?"

"No. I'm an Army man. I can read the reports of the conflicts we're getting into, understand what's being said there, ask questions and get answers to why we have certain mechs that on paper look like they only serve to complicate the life of our procurement office and the quartermaster's corps. But for the Navy?"

"You need the perspective of a Navy man."

"Yes. I have questions about why we still have both the Lola and the Essex, among other designs that seem redundant. But that is largely based on paper stats. Now we have actual combat reports of their performance. So, educate me."

"I'm honored that you trust me to educate you."

But the part I'm not going to tell you is you're not the only instructor I'm seeking.

"Let's begin." Kerensky smiled.

[Daryk]

Good on him for asking the Navy's opinion, and better on him for not taking their word for it! :)

[monbvol]

There are few things more dangerous than a man in his position asking those sorts of questions, one of them is taking the answers of one person as absolute.

[monbvol]

[Author] Yeah I think I'm just going to call it after this post. I'm having too much difficulty in getting into a good writing groove again and to be honest I made some fairly serious mistakes with this story. The biggest was my vain attempt to shoe horn in the AIs. At least the way I did. I honestly don't know if I'll revisit this concept because more and more I keep finding I'm asking myself why am I working so hard to fill in the gaps of Battletech lore but be so constrained by it, especially when I have a total conversion AU that needs attention too that I have been neglecting for literal decades now. [/author]

Simon Cameron's Office
Unity City
14 December 2745
Local morning

"General, thank you for getting here so quickly." Simon Cameron poured himself another cup of coffee.

"Of course Lord Cameron. Your message to my office sounded quite urgent." Kerensky shifted in his seat.

"Late yesterday Lyran forces attacked a Free World's League ship in the Phecda system on suspicion of smuggling contraband narcotics."

"So much for their pretexts." Kerensky shook his head.

"Indeed. There's no way for either side to sweep this under the rug cleanly like the bandit raids."

"Do we have confirmation of the cargo?"

"No and honestly I don't think it matters. Our forces were not on scene, so we can't verify the contents of the cargo and by the time Star League Intelligence can get to the bottom of it?"

"We'd have a real shooting war on our hands."

"We would. I need you to cut orders with our forces in the region."

"With how spread out we are dealing with these bandits it'll take some time to concentrate sufficient forces to deter a full scale war."

"How long?"

"I can have the Eighth concentrated at Solaris and the Eleventh at New Kyoto early April. The transit times alone will make sooner impossible. I'll officially cut the orders as training exercises to give you the most diplomatic wiggle room possible."

"Thank you. This situation seems to only ever get worse."

"As someone told me recently, sometimes we need to let the children fight."

"Perhaps but the promise of the Star League is to make such petty rivalries a thing of the past. But here we are, the common man is paying the price for the hubris and folly of their liege lords."

"A painful situation for all then."

Amaris' Office
Apollo
15 February 2746
Local Afternoon

Stefan smiled. Everything was going as he had foreseen so far.

The 'bandit' raids he had helped orchestrate had allowed him to have a way to relieve some of the internal pressure he was feeling from some of his supporters that didn't have the vision and discipline he did by shuffling forces into these raids.

So far according to his contacts Star League Intelligence had been dismissing any such forces as 'deniable assets' utilized by the Member states to avoid implicating themselves in such raids when possible.

In most cases that was the truth. He'd whispered in the right ears to get his forces imbedded in such raids or even carry out the raids themselves.

The survivors that made it back were now imparting lessons of actual combat on the next group.

What really pleased him today on that front though was confirmation that the Lyran state and the Free World's League were on the verge of war over an incident in the Phecda system.

Though there was another reason he was happy today and she was standing in his office.

"Tabori my love. I'm so glad to have someone to share all of this with. It makes the burden of being a ruler so much lighter knowing I have the love of a beautiful and amazing woman such as yourself."

"Flatterer. Come. We don't want to be late for the appointments with the caterers, the florists, and my dress fitter."

"You're quite right my dear. You deserve a grand wedding and I dare not dally and put it at risk."

"The venue?"

"Secured. One of the perks of being the ruler of a star empire. One word and suddenly all the other bookings made other plans."

"I knew there was a reason I fell for you and said yes."

"More than one I hope."

"Yes, more than one." Tabori chuckled.

Stefan stood then walked over to Tabori. He smiled as he took her arm in his.

She was in the dark about what he was really planning and Stefan intended to keep it that way. It was impossible to betray something you didn't know in the first place and for Tabori's part she seemed content to let Sefan have his secrets.

Today is a good day indeed. But the best is yet to come. A little more time and everything will be ready.

[Daryk]

Thanks for giving us one more!  Best of luck with your other projects.

[The Wobbly Guy]

I realised what seemed 'off' about this fic - the lack of quotes from Pushkin, or any other Russian philisopher, for that matter.

No matter. It can be argued that a lot of Kerensky's faults can be directly laid at his immersion in Russian philosophy.

[Wrangler]

Thank you for ending it and letting us know.  I realize it's difficult to keep a story going with real life and other things distracting you.

I wish you had been able give summary of the aftermath, but you go do what you go do.

Thank you again for the story!

Wrangler

[mikecj]

Thanks for the story you've shared with us!

[DOC_Agren]

thank you for this