She pointed at the world of Pesht. "The Ryuken are using Pesht as a base in preparation for a series of attacks against Clan-occupied worlds. This is a variation on the Davion strategy. Even if Theodore could recall these units to help defend Luthien, I do not think he would. Though an audacious warrior, he will continue with the attacks to the enemy's rear to distract them. Of course, he will bring in the Ryuken if the situation becomes grave."
Myndo flashed a smile at Riis and Vandel. "So you predict that the Clans could defeat Luthien?"
Precentor Dieron considered her reply just long enough to annoy Myndo slightly. "I believe, Primus, that the Clans can win against any forces they find on Luthien. I would not, however, wish to be present on that world during or after the fighting."
Myndo rewarded Sharilar's characteristic directness with a smile. "I think your prediction of serious fighting is accurate, Precentor Dieron. I also share your opinion of the outcome for the Clans. I see no risk in providing the Clans with the information they request."
Huthrin Vandel hissed like a cat. "Primus, now is a time for caution. Recall that the Free Worlds League has agreed to create 'Mechs and parts for both the Combine and the Federated Commonwealth. These reinforcements could make a big difference in how battles go."
"How good of you to remind me of trivial matters." Myndo slowly returned to her dais, proudly refusing to acknowledge that she was in retreat from Vandel's attack. "You know as well as I that Precentor Atreus is on his way to the planet Atreus to speak with Thomas Marik about just this matter. Thomas was once one of us. We can persuade him not to assist the forces of the Inner Sphere."
"But the agreement has not yet been overturned, has it?" Vandel pressed his advantage. "Thomas has been quite independent since leaving ComStar and taking over as Captain-General of the League. I understand from Precentor New Avalon that Joshua is responding to treatment at the NAIS, though he is still quite ill. Do you think Thomas will renege on the deal while his son's life is at stake?"
Why have I tolerated you all these years?"I would remind you, Precentor Tharkad, that patience is a virtue at which ComStar excels. The 'Mechs Marik has agreed to turn over to Hanse Davion and Theodore Kurita would not come on line for a year or so anyway. That gives us ample time to formulate our own plans, including one that will lead to Thomas' replacement, if it comes to that."
Vandel shook his head. "Any such overt move would tip our hand and reveal that we are working with the Clans— which I do not think is a good idea."
"Your continual objections to our alliance have been scrupulously noted, though I acknowledge merit to your concern. That is why I ask you all to return to your stations for consultation with the leaders of the Inner Sphere." Myndo smiled cruelly. "Tell them that ComStar is deeply concerned about the invasion and will, therefore, cut our fees for military communications by ninety percent, with guarantees of instant transmission of data from intelligence agents behind the Clan lines."
"What?" Gardner Riis blinked at Myndo. "If the Clans learn of this, they will destroy us!"
Myndo laughed lightly. "Someday, Precentor Rasalhague, you will learn that there are wheels within wheels. You will make those pronouncements to the leaders of the Successor States. We will check any information they pass through us for authenticity and then relay it to the Clans. You will also tell the Great House leaders that I, the Primus of ComStar, have gone out to meet with the Clans' ilKhan in hopes of working out a peaceful settlement of the conflict."
The only sound in the chamber came as Precentor New Avalon applauded the Primus. "This is masterful, Myndo. You should arrive at the Clans just in time to bring the ilKhan the news that Luthien has fallen."
"Precisely my intention." Myndo smiled coldly. "And when I return, I will bring with me the Clans' terms for the unconditional surrender of the rest of the Inner Sphere."
31
Unity Palace, Imperial City, Luthien
Pesht Military District, Draconis Combine
22 November 3051
The funereal silence of the briefing room shared by Hohiro Kurita and his father shocked Shin Yodama. Finding himself neither noticed nor welcomed as he crossed the threshold, the yakuza MechWarrior knew how grave matters had become. Without speaking, he went to his customary position at Hohiro's left hand and punched his recognition code into the computer terminal.
Behind him, the leaders of the military units stationed on Luthien filed into the room and took their places at the black table. Seeing Narimasa Asano, leader of the Genyosha, seated across from him, Shin drew strength from the man's calm demeanor. The other military men showed more apprehension and irritation at having been summoned so abruptly. Some still rubbed sleep from their eyes, probably having caught a few more moments of sleep as their aides drove them to the palace in the middle of the night.
Though Theodore did nothing to acknowledge their presence, he approached the head of the table when the last general was seated and the doors had been shut. The Kanrei hit several buttons on the console at his right hand, engaging the anti-listening capabilities of the room. Though Shin had grown accustomed to it, Theodore's plodding, methodical way of punching each button, like an executioner mechanically lopping head after head with an axe, struck him as a most dire omen.
Theodore kept his voice quiet and low. He enunciated his words carefully, as though precision could somehow mitigate the disastrous message he had to deliver. "I have learned through an unimpeachable source that the Clans have chosen their next target in our space, and that it is Luthien."
Nausea twisted Shin's stomach like a python trying to crush a rabbit. Luthien! They mean to decapitate the Combine, just as they have the Free Rasalhague Republic.His hands clenched into fists as he looked around at the shocked expressions of the other military men around the table. Only Narimasa Asano was able to conceal his reaction to the news, though his composure was not perfect.
"Are you certain?" someone inquired from further down the table.
"Hai."Theodore took a deep breath and exhaled it slowly. "I learned of this intended strike only an hour ago and immediately sent for all of you. We have five regiments on Luthien, and can call up another three of militia and retired military, though our equipment is not so good."
Tai-saOda Hideyoshi, leader of the fanatical Otomo, pressed his palms flat against the table's surface. "We must defend Luthien. If we lose it, we lose everything."
Across from Hideyoshi, a wizened older man whose close-cropped black hair and big ears made him look to Shin like a monkey-spirit, nodded in agreement. "Kanrei, the First Sword of Light stands ready to repulse these invaders, but we are not able to do it alone. Acknowledging the spirit of the Otomo, the Genyosha, and your Second Legion of Vega, may I suggest that you recall the Ryuken regiments from Pesht to reinforce us here."
Theodore looked at the Genyosha leader. "Do you concur, Tai-sa?'