Highlander Gambit

by Blaine Lee Pardoe

  Loren had another, deeper reason for leaving the small pin in place. The Northwind Highlanders would have more respect for someone who came as a warrior, proud and fearless, and they would no doubt understand that to wear the insignia was a small symbol of audacity.

  The airlock outer hatch cycled with a slight hiss, followed quickly by the inner hatch. Loren did one more quick check of himself as the hatch slid open. His first step down the boarding ramp would put him on territory officially controlled by the Federated Commonwealth. The thought gave him just the slightest shiver. The Liaos and the Davions had been hating each other thoroughly for three centuries of war.

  Loren strode down the ramp quickly, his high leather boots tapping smartly. At the foot of the ramp was a handful of people in various uniforms awaiting him in the dim light of the setting Northwind sun. The warm night air was pleasing compared to the recycled atmosphere of the Bee de Corbin, but Loren found it harder to breathe at first, being thinner and sweeter-smelling. By the time he reached the end of the ramp he was virtually panting to take in enough air.

  Suddenly there came the mournful sound of bagpipes and the beating of drums as the honor guard behind the official greeting party struck up a fast-paced tune. The guard also carried the flags of the Highlander regiments, each held proudly aloft in the fading light. Remembering his grandfather's collection of march music recordings, Loren searched his memory for the name of the tune. It was not long in coming back to him ... "Scarlet and Green."

  The greeting party was a mixed lot of uniforms and faces. On one flank stood what appeared to be a Davion noble. Dressed in a flowing purple cape and khaki dress suit, the man looked almost disinterested as Loren approached. At his side was a shorter man in similar dress plus formal boots and spurs—the mark of a Federated Commonwealth Mech Warrior. This one did not hide his emotions, but glared at Loren, his hostility seeming to increase with each step closer.

  In the center of the entourage stood a tall man in a black uniform shirt and dress kilt of blue and green tartan, obviously a Colonel by the stripes on his warrior's sash. His bearded gray face was not unfriendly, but he stood there with fisted hands on his hips, making a formidable impression under the tarmac lights of the spaceport. MacLeod. Loren recognized him immediately from his briefing.

  At the Colonel's side was a female officer. Like MacLeod she was dressed in a traditional Highlander Stewart tartan, the uniform showing off the trimness of her figure. She also wore high black boots and a studded leather holster. Her gaze was nearly as hostile as the short Davion officer's and her crossed arms sent Loren a clear message about how she felt at meeting him. He noticed a long, brutal scar running down her right arm. Despite her bold body language, Loren found her appealing. Or maybe because of it.

  He stopped within arm's reach of the party and gave the older Highlander officer a formal salute.

  "Welcome to Northwind, Loren Jaffray," the officer said with great dignity, extending his hand.

  "It is a pleasure to be here, sir," Loren answered, returning the firm grip of the man's strong, callused hand.

  "Colonel William MacLeod," the officer said proudly. He gestured to the woman at his side. "And this is my executive officer, Major Chastity Mulvaney." Loren made a deep, formal bow.

  "A distinct pleasure," he said, rising from his bow.

  "Indeed, Major Jaffray. Calling this meeting a pleasure is slightly presumptuous on your part, given the rather unusual nature of your visit." Her tone was curt, almost tart.

  Loren let the remark pass like a blow that had missed its mark. "I'm quite pleased to say that I'm not visiting Northwind as a diplomat, Major Mulvaney. I'm a soldier, a MechWarrior like you. I have come here for personal reasons—R and R. The message I carry is for the convenience of Chancellor Liao. It saves him the time and needless delay of sending it through normal channels, not to mention the risk of tampering by Word of Blake or ComStar. The Chancellor also wished to send a gift and believed it most fitting that it be delivered by a kin of one of the Highlander clans."

  "What is your unit, Major Jaffray?" Mulvaney asked.

  "Loren, please. And I'm with His Excellency's First Death Commandos,"

  "Tough unit, Major," she said, ignoring the invitation to use his first name. "By Capellan standards, that is."

  MacLeod frowned slightly. "Major, need I remind you that Mr. Jaffray is here as a guest of the Highlanders? The Jaffray clan name is one that graced our rolls for centuries." Loren could tell by the exchange of glances that the two officers must have had similar discussions prior to his arrival. He'd known that his visit would cause some tensions, but it wouldn't suit his purposes to have them surfacing so soon.

  The taller Davion official chose that moment to step between Loren and Mulvaney, almost totally obstructing Loren's view of the Highlander officers. "To what do we owe this unexpected visit, Major?" the man said in a nasal tone. Loren winced slightly at the heavy whiff of cologne.

  "I don't believe we have met," he said.

  "Oh, of course not. I'm Drake Burns, Planetary Consul Drake Burns. I represent the interests of the Federated Commonwealth here on Northwind." Burns extended his hand and Jaffray shook it, noting how different it was from the forthright grip of MacLeod. "It is most unusual to have a Capellan MechWarrior visit Northwind. The news took me very much by surprise."

  Loren pressed his thumb against the security ID system of his briefcase and pulled out a small packet of papers bearing his verigraph passport and travel papers. He handed them to Burns, who looked them over briefly. Standing behind the Consul, the short Davion officer peered at the paperwork as well. "I am not here on official business with the Federated Commonwealth," Loren said. "My visit is strictly personal."

  Burns stared at Loren, his gaze running from head to toe as if searching for some defect. "Personal, eh?" he said, handing back the paperwork and Loren's ID badge. "Your passport seems to be in order, so on behalf of the Archon-Prince I welcome you to Northwind and," he added with emphasis, "to the Federated Commonwealth."

  "Thank you, Consul."

  The shorter officer next to Burns spoke up. "I think you will agree, Major Jaffray, that it is rare for a man on vacation to bring along his BattleMech. Your flight manifest lists a 'Mech. You must have some unique ways of relaxing."

  Loren smiled politely. 'The 'Mech is a gift from Chancellor Liao to Colonel MacLeod and the Highlanders. A brand new Huron Warrior. It represents the bond that our two peoples once shared. I realize that such presentations are usually accomplished through more formal diplomatic channels, but as I said, the Chancellor decided to take advantage of my visit. I must admit, though, that I had hoped to present the gift in a more private setting." Loren extended his hand to the short man. "We haven't met formally. Your name, sir?"

  Burns shook his head in feigned stupidity. "Silly me. Of course. Permit me to introduce you to my aide de camp, Drew Catelli."

  "I'm pleased to meet you, Mr. Catelli."

  Catelli gripped Loren's hand tightly, making it obvious that he would be ever so delighted if the handshake were painful for Loren. "Actually, I'm a Colonel, but the Consul and I do not usually stand on such formality. It is a rare experience to receive someone of your background on Northwind, Major." His eyes wandered to Loren's lapel and to the death's head insignia of his unit.

  Yes, I'm a real Death Commando. What propaganda have you heard about us? What fears does it arouse in you? Enough to draw you into my trap, I hope. "A Colonel? I thought that the Highlanders garrisoned Northwind alone." Loren had read the intelligence reports, but wanted to hear the "official" version of Catelli's command for himself.

  He had hoped the Colonel would offer it, but it was Consul Burns who cut in. "Well, it's a kind of formality. You see, Colonel Catelli commands the Northwind Consul Guards."

  "I see. Perhaps we will get a chance to talk shop sometime, sir. I always look forward to learning more of the ways of my fellow Mech Warriors." Loren made sure that his tone was properly
respectful as he contemplated the shorter officer. Every planet maintained some sort of embassy or consulate, some less formal than others. Having a platoon of infantry for defense of a consulate was not uncommon. According to the information in his briefing, the size of the Consul Guards on Northwind was significantly more. Loren wondered how the Highlanders felt about having a Federated Commonwealth garrison on their world. He made a mental note to find out. Having seen Drew Catelli's icy expression, he knew it was a card he might want to play.

  "Chancellor Liao has sent me a 'Mech?" Colonel MacLeod sounded surprised and pleased. The price of a brand new BattleMech was staggering for any ordinary individual, but that wasn't the only thing that made the gift unusual.

  "Yes, sir, he has. As a gesture of goodwill between our peoples. There have been differences in the past, but now that Sun-Tzu is Chancellor, he wishes to assure you that the Capellan Confederation looks forward to better relations with you and your people."

  It was obvious from his expression that Colonel MacLeod was impressed by the gift. "Major Jaffray, this is a fine present and I for one would not look a gift horse in the mouth. Thank you, and thanks to your Chancellor."

  Consul Burns stepped forward. "On behalf of the Federated Commonwealth, I accept this gift."

  Colonel MacLeod also took a step forward. "Forgive me, Consul, but as the planetary leader of Northwind, I will accept this gift as the sovereign of the planet." The two men exchanged stern glances.

  Burns sneered slightly, biting his lower lip. He was not about to relent so easily. "My Highlander counterpart and I have always differed in defining sovereignty when it comes to Northwind. I understand that you carry a message for Northwind as well, Major Jaffray."

  Loren looked at the Consul and at MacLeod, hoping not to become involved in the conflict between them. It was Colonel MacLeod who spared him. "Again, Consul Burns, I believe that the message is for my eyes as the ruler of Northwind. I have the option of passing on that message to you as a courtesy, a courtesy that at this time I am not inclined to extend."

  Burns was obviously infuriated but did not want to concede defeat, at least not in front of Jaffray or the others gathered at the spaceport. "Perhaps we can continue the discussion over a few drinks, Colonel. Now that we've completed the formalities, I invite you all to the Consulate for cocktails. It will give us a chance to get to know each other in a less formal setting and perhaps for Colonel MacLeod and I to reach some accord on this issue." Consul Burns looked over at Colonel Catelli, and Loren could not help but notice the officer slowly nod in approval.

  "I appreciate the offer, Consul, but it has been a long and bumpy flight. I think I'd like to spend some time with Colonel MacLeod tonight, then perhaps retire. I doubt I'll ever get used to JumpShip travel. It's exhausting, not to mention unnerving."

  Drew Catelli stepped in quickly. "When Colonel MacLeod told us of your pending arrival we made arrangements for you to stay at the Consulate, Major."

  The prospect of being surrounded by Davions did not much appeal to Loren. "I appreciate the offer, but I'm not accustomed to such luxury. If Colonel MacLeod wouldn't mind, I'd like to bed down in the Highlanders' BOQ."

  Though the request apparendy caught him by surprise, MacLeod stepped forward and slapped Loren on the back. "When you said you weren't a diplomat, I wasn't sure. But now you're talking like a real MechWarrior. You'll bunk with my officers while you're here, Major."

  Catelli's face flushed red. "It is customary to accept the honor of lodging in the Consulate. To refuse borders on offense."

  Chastity Mulvaney stepped into the conversation circle again. "Come now, Colonel. There's no need to turn this into a diplomatic incident. Major Jaffray has come far and brought us gifts. And personally I'm not much for social hobnobbing myself. Great Gaff a knows we've had our share." Loren threw her a look of gratitude.

  "And besides," she verbally slapped, "if he's too tired, we shouldn't push him."

  Loren bristled. "I would like to assure the Major that while I am not in the mood for formal social affairs, I am more than willing to carry my own weight."

  "Excellent, then!" Colonel MacLeod said. "A limousine awaits us. We'll go to The Pub for a few drinks. At least this way I can please two people—Mulvaney and Jaffray." He turned to the two Davion officials with a cheery grin. "As Major Jaffray said, his business is with the Highlanders, and as you both know, The Pub is off limits to anyone not of Highlander blood. Otherwise I'd be happy to have you join us."

  Consul Burns bowed, hiding the irritation Colonel Catelli made no attempt to disguise. The shorter man ran his fingers around the tightly twisted ends of his handlebar mustache in a nervous fidgeting manner as his superior responded.

  "As always, Colonel MacLeod, the Federated Commonwealth acknowledges the traditions and customs of the Northwind Highlanders," Burns said stiffly.

  He turned his gaze back to Loren. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Major Jaffray. If there is anything that we can do for you during your stay, please let me know."

  Loren nodded cordially and followed MacLeod and Mulvaney to their waiting vehicle, but something in the Consul's tone made him think back on the words later that night.

  * * *

  As the hover limo moved away from the tarmac and the Highlander honor guard marched off toward a nearby hangar, the Davion Consul leaned over to his aide de camp. "Interesting fellow."

  "More like a potential problem, I'd say," Catelli said coldly.

  Burns shrugged his disagreement. "And I'd say you're seeing ghosts in the closet again, Colonel. This is no Capellan general plotting an invasion, but a very junior officer here to meet with his grandfather's former unit. He is seeking his roots. You yourself gave me the intelligence file on the man. His great-grandmother was a hero to these people."

  "You forget that he's also a Death Commando, not some ordinary MechWarrior. You know what they are. The Liaos use them for nothing short of state terrorism. They're trained assassins and terrorists."

  "And your intelligence file on Jaffray shows none of that in his record."

  "That we know of."

  "Quite. I apparently place more faith in Federated Commonwealth's intelligence services than you do. Odd, given your own background," Burns returned in a snide tone.

  Catelli changed this tack. "What of MacLeod's posturing on the sovereignty issue again, Consul? You bowed down to him on the gift of a BattleMech and this message Jaffray is carrying—whatever it is."

  Burns shook his head. "Our Colonel MacLeod and I have been dancing around this issue for several months now. You worry too much. He has won nothing. I would have turned over that 'Mech to him anyway and that message is probably no more than greetings from the Chancellor. What victories MacLeod wins in private meetings like this are lost when he deals with the Federated Commonwealth as a whole. For all I care, the Highlanders can think whatever they want about the rule of Northwind. Reality is what counts. Reality is that they are part of a greater whole. Period. You must stop fretting so much, Colonel."

  "With the increased unrest we're hearing about from the Sarna March, I take all threats seriously, sir. Our visiting Major may be gathering intelligence for a Liao strike against Northwind in retribution for the Highlanders' defection back in 'twenty-eight. Or worse. Remember those reports we went over last week, the ones describing the marked increase in Capellan-based subversive activity. If I were Sun-Tzu Liao, this man's visit would offer the perfect pretext for starting trouble. For all we know, he may be plotting to foment an all-out revolution here on Northwind."

  "You can't be serious. Northwind is at least five jumps from the Capellan border. The thought of this fellow leading a rebellion in the name of the Confederation is ludicrous. Why use someone so openly when undercover agents would do the job so much more efficiently?"

  "Trust me, Consul. I have more than a passing acquaintance with these kinds of intelligence operations. And I know the Capellans well enough not to trust them. With your permission,
I'd like to have this Jaffray followed. To make sure he is what he says he is."

  "Indeed," Consul Burns replied. "As you wish, Colonel. Let me know if you learn anything interesting."

  Catelli watched as the Davion official walked away. "Yes, sir," he said. "You can be sure of that."

  5

  The Fort

  Tara, Northwind

  Draconis March, Federated Commonwealth

  11 September 3057

  Loren stiffened slightly and looked at his refilled tankard and the rich head of Northwind ale that was slowly collapsing in the warmth of the officer's club. He picked up the drink and looked directly at the commanding officer of the Highlanders. "Colonel, I bring an offer of sorts, a message, to the Highlanders from Chancellor Liao. I ask only that you allow me to present it to your ruling body."

  "You came all this way for that, Major?" MacLeod said. "Such a message could have been sent by courier or transmitted by HPG."

  "No, sir. Not this message. Chancellor Liao asked that I personally deliver it to you and the Highlander Assembly of Warriors."

  "What is the nature of this communication that a personal envoy must deliver it?" MacLeod asked, lifting his own tankard and taking a long cool sip of the reddish ale.

  Loren looked around to be sure that no one except Mulvaney and MacLeod could overhear the conversation. He had hoped for a more private meeting place, but the time seemed too ripe. "The Chancellor is concerned about the future of Northwind and the Highlanders. He makes you a proposal in hopes of honoring the spirit of our former alliance."

  Mulvaney chuckled slightly. "How touching. Somehow I have a hard time believing that the Chancellor of the Capellan Confederation lies awake nights worrying about the Northwind Highlanders."

  "Perhaps you're right, but all I know is that Chancellor Liao heard of my petition to travel to Northwind and decided to use it as an opportunity to open the lines of communication with the Highlanders. That is all that he told me."