Theodore punched some orders into the keyboard at his position. A holographic map of the Lyran/Combine border burned to life above the center of the table. It slowly rotated so each person in the room could see it plainly, then locked in place facing Theodore.
Jinjiro studied the map intently, though he knew each world, each battle, each defeat by heart. We have lost greatly in the Rasalhague District—even my homeworld of Gunzburg is now behind enemy lines. Steiner's initial thrust into the Dieron District destroyed Theodore's Eleventh Legion of Vega.Through the glowing map, Jinjiro's gaze focused on the nearly healed scar running from the center of Theodore's forehead to the outside edge of his left eyebrow. He barely escaped with his life, but managed to rally forces enough to blunt the Steiner advance. All that he has accomplished—and yet with so little support from Luthien—is incredible.
Theodore leaned forward heavily on the table. "It is clear, gentlemen, that the Dieron Military District's defenses have succeeded in stopping the Steiner offensive and have even won back most of the worlds we have lost."
Jinjiro felt pride flutter in his heart as Theodore praised efforts of which he'd been a part, but that hopefulness died instantly as Theodore's look and voice became filled with anger. "Warriors are not defenders. We are meant to attack the enemy on his territory, not wait to dispute his right to our worlds."
Tai-ShoPalmer Conti cleared his voice. "I hear and understand what you say, but we have been given little in the way of offensive assignments, Highness."
Theodore's cold smile snapped up Conti's look of smug self-confidence. "And you've made damned little of those opportunities, haven't you? Yes, you hit the Davion world of Northwind at the beginning of the year and destroyed the Fifth Deneb Light Cavalry, but you no longer hold that world, do you?"
The dark-haired Tai-shostiffened. "There was no way we could anticipate the arrival of Davion reinforcements."
Theodore looked at the other officers at the table. "I seem to recall your Fifth Sword of Light had no trouble dealing with the first wave of Davion reinforcements. You broke Team Banzai easily enough." His eyes narrowed. "But then you had help from the Genyosha,didn't you?"
Conti's brown eyes flashed with anger. "Their aid was nothing. It was insignificant. And they left before the second wave of Davion forces arrived. That second wave brought four regiments of the Northwind Highlanders down upon us. We were lucky to withdraw in good order and save some of our strength."
Theodore Kurita laughed heartily, and Jinjiro saw Conti recoil from the ridicule as if physically assaulted by the sounds. "Palmer, tell me no stories about the battle prowess of old Liao units. It does you no credit. Yes, you saved the Fifth Sword, sparing my father undue embarrassment, but you sacrificed a battalion of the Thirty-sixth Dieron Regulars to do it." Kurita glanced at the dark-skinned officer across from Conti. "I'm sure Tai-ShoHadji Rajpuman welcomed the opportunity to cover your retreat. Had you been less concerned about preserving your honor, you would have seen the way to preserve his forces as well."
Palmer Conti stiffened, a beet-red flush creeping up beyond the collar of his dress jacket. "There was no other way, Kurita- sama.I did what I had to do to salvage a flawed bit of strategy. We were attacking at the behest of Maximilian Liao," he said scornfully. "A questionable thing to do."
Theodore shook his head, and Jinjiro saw anger and pity wash over the Prince's face. "There are times, Palmer, when I wonder how you have risen to the position you now hold. Then I remember most clearly. Had you chosen to pull back to the Granite Fang mountain range instead of retreating, you could have covered for the Regulars. No unit, not even a Liao unit, would have been foolish enough to pursue a Sword of Light regiment through that twisted maze of canyons."
Theodore narrowed his eyes. "In fact, using that strategy, you could have launched out from the Condor Pass on the north side of Kuroiyama and hit the Highlanders hard."
Jinjiro saw Conti's eyes glaze over as he considered Theodore's suggestion. The flash of pain over his face told Jinjiro that Conti had seen the wisdom of the strategy. Instantly, the Tai-shoregained his composure, and Jinjiro knew that Conti would deny that the plan could have worked. That marks Conti as more concerned for himself and his future than for the well-being of the Dragon. The brilliance of a Theodore Kurita is lost on such officers, to our detriment.Jinjiro felt bile rise in his throat and glanced at his own commander. It is a pity that there are so many Contis in the Dragon's service.
Conti opened his mouth to say something, but Theodore cut him off with a sharp wave of his hand. He looked up at Jinjiro Thorsen. "Many of you are probably wondering why I have included a Chu-iat a meeting of such important military leaders."
The Coordinator's son paused long enough for that question to impress itself on those who had not even deigned to notice the inferior officer seated against the wall. Jinjiro blushed as two Generals studied him critically, and his Tai-saglowered at him. Jinjiro swallowed hard. What have I done? I must have been a murdering Lyran pirate in a past life .. .
Theodore waved Jinjiro to his feet. "Look at him, gentlemen. He comes to this meeting dressed for combat. He has not forgotten what war is about. This man is prepared to fight, whenever, wherever we demand it." Kurita shrugged almost helplessly. "However, looks can be deceiving."
Jinjiro's heart sank as Theodore's gaze settled on the weak-chinned profile of Tai-saSanada. I am here because Sanada reported my insubordination. They will make an example of me. I am doomed.Jinjiro fought to hide his fear as Theodore un-snapped his holster.
"In combat on La Blon, Chu-iJinjiro Thorsen ordered his medium lance to advance into a city apparently abandoned by the Lyran forces. This contradicted an order given by Tai-saSanada here. Sanada, who was bringing up his command lance, planned to take the city himself." Theodore smiled pleasantly. "He intended to claim it for his battalion."
Theodore drew the pistol and charged it. "Jinjiro, it is reported, had a 'feeling' that something was wrong and entered the city. He claims he just wanted to scout it, and planned to be back out by the time Tai-saSanada arrived. Unfortunately for him, Lyran commandos ambushed his command with SRMs and inferno rockets. Though his lance's 'Mechs were covered with fire from the infernos, they managed to evacuate the city, and infantry was brought up to clear the resistance."
Theodore brought the pistol up and Jinjiro found himself staring down its barrel. "For this act of insubordination, Tai-saSanada has ordered a court-martial and reduction in rank for this officer."
Jinjiro breathed in deeply and found a well of calm deep inside himself. When I became a warrior, I accepted that death in service to the Coordinator would be my lot in life. If it is to come this way, it is not to be fought.Jinjiro glanced at Sanada, seated at the end of the table, and smiled. Insubordinate or not, I saved your life, you old fool. No one else will ever do that for you.
Theodore turned and shot Tai-saSanada through the head. Jinjiro jumped with surprise, but unlike the others in the room, he did not stare at the fallen body. Instead, he watched the silvery cartridge from the pistol dance and spin across the black table-top. As his head came up, his eyes met Theodore Kurita's hooded gaze. He knows. He knows I was prepared to die to satisfy the vanity of an officer. What he almost took away, I now pledge to his service.