Wolf Pack

"Brian, I'd like you to carry this packet back with you when the Chieftainreturns to Outreach."

I reached across and took the pouch. It was sealed and looked important. As this was not a formal situation, I presumed on my privilege as a member of his staff and asked, "What is it, Colonel?"

"Some instructions for the officer council. This trip has given me the opportunity to work out some of the details for the integration, force utilization, and defense plans. I don't want to risk transmitting them, so you'll have to hand-carry them."

The packet in my hands suddenly became very weighty. "Why, sir? You'll be coming back with us."

He smiled wearily. "Most likely, but I've learned to take as few chances as possible."

"Coming to Luthien was a chance."

"Yes, but it seemed worth the gamble to settle things with Takashi. It's time to bury the past. Next time you see Stan, tell him that I finally came around to his point of view." He swiveled his chair so that I could see only his profile. "I'd like you to take over communications with Unity Palace. Clearance for the Chieftain'sshuttle to land at the private field has just come in, but the flight paths need to be coordinated."

I didn't like the tiredness in his voice, the hints of resignation to a preordained fate. I had never before seen him like this. I liked less the implications of what he was saying. "The shuttle won't carry your Archer,Colonel," I pointed out.

"That's true," he said, nodding slowly. "But I won't need it. Takashi has a BattleMech ready and waiting for me."

"Isn't that risky, sir? I mean, using a machine they provide. It could be rigged."

He sighed, then rocked his head back and closed his eyes. "You would never think to question the equipment your Dragoon trainers provide."

"They're Dragoons, sir."

"And therefore honorable."

I thought about Kantov and how the Colonel had paid for that man's dishonor. "As much as possible. You wouldn't have them as Dragoons otherwise."

"Not everyone believes as you do."

"Not everyone is as honorable as you, sir."

He swiveled his chair back and stared at me with his hard gray eyes. "Implying that Takashi has some dishonorable motive in this?"

"He might. "

"Ever met him?"

"You know that I have not, sir."

"But I have." The Colonel lifted a computer disk on which I could see the crest of House Kurita. "He didn't send the assassin."

"How can you be sure?"

"This is a personal message disk from him. He says that he had no part in that affair."

"And you believe him?"

"Yes."

"He could be lying, sir."

"Would you lie about it, Brian?"

"I wouldn't have sent an assassin."

"Neither would he. Not in this case." He put the disk down. "Takashi won't step outside his code of honor. He wants this duel. I think he feels that he needsit."

"What about you, Colonel?"

He swiveled the chair until his back was to me before saying, "I'm here, aren't I?"

That seemed to be all he wanted to say, but I was reluctant to leave. "When will we be leaving the Chieftain,Colonel?"

"Wewon't," he replied sharply. " Iwill. I will be the only passenger in the shuttle to the surface."

Steeling myself, I said, "No, sir."

The chair swung around. "What?"

I refused to be intimidated. I knew Founder William Cameron had died at the Wolf's side after insisting on accompanying Wolf into danger that William was not equipped to handle. I might be committing myself to the same fate. Back in the sibko I had adored the tales of the founder's unswerving courage and dedication. How often I had dreamed that I would be the same way, but now it was so much more than an abstract ideal. That didn't make me less scared, however. I felt that if I looked Wolf in the eye, he would see that fear and I would be lost. So I stared at the wall behind his head. "Hans and I will be accompanying you, Colonel."

The Wolf sat back, surprised at my refusal. His eyes narrowed. I saw the motion and knew I could not afford to meet his gaze. "I can order you to remain aboard the Chieftain."

"I hope you won't, Colonel."

We sat there for a long time. It seemed like hours, but I know it wasn't. At last, he said, "Stan put you up to this, didn't he?"

I wasn't surprised that he guessed. "Yes, sir."

"I could make it an order."

I was sure he knew where that would put me, but I told him anyway. "If you don't come back, I'll have to explain to Colonel Blake why I didn't follow hisorders, sir."

The Wolf stroked his beard. "Do you expect me to lose this battle?"

I opened my mouth, but said nothing for a moment. How could he think I doubted his ability in combat? Takashi Kurita might be among the best of the Inner Sphere warriors, but he was not Clan-trained like Jaime Wolf. There was no comparison. "I have every confidence that you can defeat Takashi Kurita in combat, Colonel."

"Carefully spoken, Brian. We've trained you well, maybe too well." He was quiet for a moment, then he leaned forward a little. "The Dragoons need you. Whoever leads the Dragoons needs you. You are too valuable an asset to risk."

"I have been in combat with you, risking both my life and yours simultaneously. You did not shield me then."

Sitting back, he said quietly, "Times change."

"They may, but I have already been risked by coming to the Luthien system. So has the Chieftain,which is more important to the leader of the Dragoons than any individual commo officer."

"You'll be safe enough in orbit," he said as I drew breath.

"Respectfully, sir. I will not be in orbit. You are the leader of the Dragoons, and if I am an important asset to the leader, I am important to you. Wherever you are."

His eyes were hard and his tone angry, but something about his expression held a hint of another emotion. "Will you refuse a direct order?"

I didn't want to answer that question directly. Hoping I had the strength for it, I met his gaze and said, "It's not just duty, Colonel. This is a matter of honor."

It was the Wolf's turn to be silent. His eyes stared into mine until there seemed to be nothing left in the universe but him and me. I thought I would flinch, but I didn't. After what seemed an eternity, he found whatever he was looking for. Turning away, he sighed. I might have heard him whisper the word, "honor." I also heard the words, "Don't worry, son. I won't put you in the position of refusing a direct order. If you survive this, you still have a career with the Dragoons."

24

"Is this wise, husband?"

Jasmine's voice was neither imploring nor accusing, but Takashi's answer was gruff.

"It is my will."

"If you are to be obstinate and duel Jaime Wolf today, you must be rested. An athletic match will tire you."

"I am not so old as that. Kendocalms me."

"You never claimed that in your matches with Subhash -sama. "

"Those days are gone."

The Coordinator busied himself adjusting the straps of his do.Silently, Jasmine helped him. Her fingers were more nimble than his, and no less sure. The body armor secure, he stooped for his gloves and mask.