Highlander Gambit

by Blaine Lee Pardoe

  Loren checked the sensors and saw that Mulvaney was moving her own 'Mech in between a few Strike Company hold-outs who seemed unwilling to break off. From what Loren was able to read, her 'Mech was literally stepping into the line of fire between the Consul Guards and her own unit to make them disengage. Reluctantly the Highlanders fell back.

  The Consul Guards continued to harass and follow them as they retreated to the far end of the spaceport. One wave of short-range missiles covered a Highlander Locust like a swarm of deadly bees, stinging madly. The light 'Mech struggled under each warhead's impact, fighting the pull of gravity and death. Somehow the pilot managed to keep his machine standing and moved to the rear. MacLeod signaled to Jaffray as the Huron Warrior took a stab from a large laser in the right leg. Jaffray felt a wave of heat rise in the cockpit. His own smaller cooling vest was less effective than MacLeod's, but it helped some in the hot, cramped cockpit. "Find me the communications channel that Catelli's men are using, and find it now."

  Loren's fingers danced across the jumpseat's keyboard controls. The sensors probed the compressed microwave signals until the display showed the spider web of signal patterns between the icons representing the Consul Guard BattleMechs. He isolated the signal and passed it to MacLeod's communications controls. "On-line, Colonel," he said.

  Colonel MacLeod opened up a transmission on the Davion channel. Their signal packets were scrambled, but he knew they would hear his because it was not being compressed or secured. "This is Colonel MacLeod of the Highlanders. I have ordered my troops to disengage. This battle is a trick somebody's played on both of us. I request a ceasefire until we can sort this out."

  The Consul Guards did not stop firing, however. Missiles raced toward the Highlanders, tearing into both the 'Mechs and the ferrocrete. Crimson blasts of laser fire cut into the armor of several of the Highlander 'Mechs, and Mulvaney's Marauder II took two heavy PPC hits. If the Davions don't break off, MacLeod is going to have to order his people back into the fight. Otherwise the Highlanders will be wiped out. This isn't how I expected my mission to unfold ... not yet anyway.

  The temperature in the Huron Warrior's cockpit dropped another dozen degrees as it dodged a wall of long-range missiles. "Damn it, Catelli, we're holding fire. Order your men to stop!"

  Gradually the Consul Guard 'Mechs ceased firing, killing power to their weapons.

  Loren sucked in the hot cockpit air and took a long look at the 'Mech's damage indicators. Four heat sinks had been knocked out and any armor left on the Huron Warrior's legs was more myth than reality. Two errant Davion missiles had dug deeply into the 'Mech's lower torso, knocking the fusion reactor slightiy out of balance. Thus far they had been lucky, but Loren didn't feel it yet.

  The communications channel crackled to life. "What is the meaning of this, MacLeod? First you attack us, then your troops blast apart the spaceport like a pack of vandals. Now you call for a cease fire." Colonel Catelli was obviously infuriated.

  "Permission to speak to the forces, Colonel," Loren said.

  "It's all yours, Major," MacLeod said as he opened communications again with all the gathered forces.

  "We've been tricked into firing on each other. Our sensors detected an attack, but neither side was actually firing.

  "What do you mean? The Highlanders fired on us first," came the voice of an anonymous Consul Guard warrior, followed by the babbled affirmation of several others. A clamor of Highlanders simultaneously rebutted with a direct counter claim.

  "That's what I'm saying," Loren insisted. "Somebody tampered with our 'Mech computers. They were running some sort of simulator-like program. It's the only explanation. Check your communications logs. You'll see the signature of a coded transmission being sent into our 'Mechs and feeding some program to the DI computer." While speaking, he was still attempting to find the hidden files from his keypad. "But I'll be damned if I can find a trace of it yet. This whole bloody thing was a trick to provoke an incident. Catelli's people were probably tricked into firing at us as well. Either way the Highlanders get framed for attacking the Consul Guards."

  "Command Company and all troops go to hot-standby status," said Mulvaney. "Wait for our orders. Colonel, what do you make of this?"

  "I see some evidence of what Jaffray is saying," MacLeod answered. "A signal was beamed to my 'Mech via microwave from the Davion 'Mechs. Something in my system got activated."

  Loren felt his adrenaline rush slowing down. To one side he saw Fuller's Shadow Hawk slowly stagger to its feet. Smoke still trailed from the hits to its back as the light 'Mech hunched over from the loss of support strength. From the looks of it Fuller's 'Mech would be spending several long days in a repair gantry. The cockpit heat dropped enough to make Jaffray reset his cooling vest controls.

  "I'll be ... we have been tricked," came back Fuller's voice.

  "I received some sort of signal, but damned if I know what it was, Colonel," came another voice Loren did not recognize.

  "I see some traces of a transmission here as well," Mulvaney said. "Colonel Catelli, are your forces also picking up the same evidence?"

  MacLeod didn't waste any more time trying to find answers among his own ranks. "Colonel Catelli, perhaps you'd like to explain? Are you afraid to fight your battles like a real MechWarrior? Is that why you hide behind sabotage?"

  Both sides of the brief battle silently faced each other across the spaceport tarmac. From the Huron Warrior's jumpseat Loren surveyed the impact of the brief few minutes of fighting. Several dead or wounded infantry were being removed from the field. Many 'Mechs on both sides were mauled and pitted from missile and laser impacts. Given the ferocity of the battle it looked as if MacLeod and the Security Lance had taken most of the damage. The left-side PPC on young Lieutenant Frutchey's Warhammer was battered so badly that it dragged on the ground alongside its battered legs. The SRM pack on its shoulder was totally gone, as was its massive searchlight and most of the shoulder where it had been mounted. The other 'Mech in the lance, a new model Watchman, had its rear leg jump jets ripped wide open and its back looked more like a section of potholed road than armor plating.

  Colonel Catelli didn't answer for several moments, perhaps waiting for the Highlanders' fury to subside. "How dare you accuse me of stooping to such a ludicrous plan. It's no wonder you've been removed from your position, MacLeod. If you want to accuse somebody of sabotage, I suggest you look to the man I came to apprehend. Your insinuation stings my honor. First, you very nearly lead the Highlanders into a war with the Federated Commonwealth and now you have the gall to claim that it was we who tricked you into firing at us. Now then, surrender Major Jaffray and we will call this matter closed."

  "Major Mulvaney, pull your forces back with the rest of the Command Company so we can finish this once and for all," MacLeod ordered. He switched to wide band. "If that little bastard wants a fight, laddies, I say we send him on an express transport to hell."

  As if to emphasize his point MacLeod moved the Huron Warrior forward toward the Consul Guards. His 'Mech was in no condition for any sort of prolonged or drawn-out fight, and despite the discovery of the subterfuge, the battle was about to be joined again. He kept his sensors focused on the Davion line and walked diagonally toward the Command Company. The Consul Guards were pulling back slightly, but not enough to make a difference if or when the battle erupted.

  Loren wondered about Mulvaney. Restraint was not her hallmark. If fighting broke out again she was going to be forced to choose sides.

  Not surprisingly, she was the one who broke the communications stalemate. "Colonel MacLeod, we've got to withdraw. This whole confrontation is wrong, ethically and morally." Loren was shocked that she spoke in such a defiant tone over a wide communications channel audible to everyone.

  "Not now, Major." MacLeod was leveling the Huron Warrior's massive Gauss rifle at the Davion 'Mechs. Across the tarmac Loren saw Catelli pulling back but obviously preparing to dig in for a battle. He'd rather press a losing battle
than admit his guilt in the sabotage. He's either a calculating genius or an incredible fool. Outgunned and outclassed, Catelli would not last long. There was no place to hide, no terrain he could use. At best he might be able to flee or eject, but either way this fight was destined to be a short one. That had probably been Catelli's intention all along, Loren thought. Men like Catelli always managed to survive. And either way, the Federated Commonwealth would have a reason to attack Northwind. He's no fool. He devious and dangerous.

  "Colonel Mulvaney, this is Colonel Catelli. By order of Field Marshal Morgan Hasek-Davion you are in command of the Regiment now. If you are party to this fight you risk all that the Northwind Highlanders have fought for over the centuries."

  MacLeod lost his temper. "Blast it, Catelli, shut up! She's a loyal Highlander and I am her superior officer."

  "Not anymore. You've been relieved."

  "Highlanders, on my mark," MacLeod said in a determined tone. Loren watched as the Colonel precharged and loaded the Gauss rifle and targeted Drew Catelli's cockpit. Catelli's not giving him any option. If anything happened, MacLeod apparently wanted the first hit to be square into Catelli's Atlas. The heads up display indicated a full weapons lock on the skull-like head of the Atlas.

  "No!" Mulvaney's voice echoed loudly. Her Marauder II broke rank and moved forward. "I can't do this, not this way."

  "Major, fall back in line." MacLeod's voice was angry but controlled.

  "With all respect, sir, no. Victor Davion is our liege lord, our rightful ruler. Fighting the Consul Guards is wrong, sabotage or not. Disobeying orders from the High Command is wrong. I can't just stand by while all this happens."

  Loren heard the strain in her voice, but his eyes remained fixed on the short-range scanner for any sign of activity from across the spaceport. No matter what was unfolding on the communications channel, Loren's training wouldn't let him lose his focus.

  Colonel MacLeod must also have sensed her conflict. This time his voice was softer, almost paternal. "We can settle this later, Major. For now, fall in and prepare to follow my command."

  "No, sir, I can't. I've been fighting in service to the Davions my entire life. They gave us back our homes, helped us reclaim our birthright. I can't turn my back on that."

  "The Regiment is your home. The Highlanders are your home. Major—Chastity, we are more than warriors, we're family."

  Mulvaney's voice was firm now, unhesitating. "Yes, and that's why I can't stand by and watch the Highlanders destroyed from within. Our people must survive despite this conflict. This is the way." With that her Marauder took several steps toward the Davion line.

  Her words were now directed to the Highlanders at large. "I've spoken with many of you who agree with what I'm saying, many of you who voted against the proposal from Liao. Rather than fight here and now, you can join me. We'll fight, but not against the Davions. Let this be our test of honor as a people. Follow me and we will preserve our dignity and commitment." Her Marauder II picked up speed as it made its way across the tarmac.

  Loren cut in without asking permission to speak. "Mulvaney, Jaffray here. They tricked you into this. They tampered with our computers and deceived us into firing our weapons. You can't trust them."

  "All this from a Capellan spy sent to subvert the Highlanders," Catelli said. "Where should the loyalties of true Highlanders lie? With a government at war with the Federated Commonwealth or with your rightful liege lord?"

  Loren would have given anything to be piloting his own 'Mech at that moment. Mulvaney won't fall for such an obvious play on her emotions ...

  But then several other Command Company 'Mechs also stepped forward. A Griffin, a Scarabus, and a Goliath all fell into line behind Mulvaney as she left MacLeod's Highlanders behind. Loren's sensors showed other 'Mechs breaking ranks and moving away as well. In all, just short of a battalion of 'Mechs, tanks, and vehicles moved in a snake-like formation over to the Davion lines.

  "Excellent," Catelli hissed over the frequency. "Now the odds are even."

  "No!" Mulvaney said. "This is not the time or the place. Attack now and I won't hesitate to order my troops to attack your troops."

  "Sir," cut in Fuller. "Your orders, Colonel MacLeod?"

  MacLeod lowered his Gauss rifle. "Hold your fire. We don't fire at our own, not like this ... not now. The time will come to settle this matter."

  "This is your last chance, MacLeod. Step down, turn Jaffray over to us. End this senseless division of your people," Catelli pressed.

  "I suggest, Colonel Catelli, that you and your troops withdraw from this area immediately before I reconsider my position and blast you off the face of this tarmac."

  "Cromarty City is more mine than yours, MacLeod. It is a landhold of the Federated Commonwealth and I represent Prince Victor Steiner-Davion's will here. I won't be run off like a common criminal." Referring to Tara as Cromarty was obviously calculated to irritate MacLeod and the other Highlanders, as was his claim to represent the Prince's will. The statement implied that it was he, not Drake Burns, who was truly calling the shots for the Federated Commonwealth.

  But MacLeod was not so easily goaded. "Colonel, the city of Tara is off limits in our dispute. Too many Highlander families are there, not to mention thousands of other civilians and your own government offices and facilities. Any fighting there will make New Delos look like a walk across the moors." It was a saying that had grown up among mercenary units ever since the day the Mariks had attacked the families of another mercenary unit, the famous Wolf's Dragoons. In response, the Dragoons had nearly burned New Delos to a cinder.

  Catelli backed down. "You want Tara treated as neutral territory, then?"

  "Yes. Destroying any of the city or its innocent civilians will not do either of us any good."

  "I concur, but on that point and that alone. Any pursuit by your troops and we will respond in force. You must remove your forces from the city in twelve hours. Otherwise the agreement is off." As Catelli spoke he turned his Atlas and began to move away.

  "Colonel, shouldn't we pursue?" It was Lieutenant Fuller's voice. "They're headed away and are vulnerable. If we wait they'll organize and prepare a defense. Now is the perfect time to strike."

  "Colonel, sir," another voice cut in. Loren recognized it as that of a Captain named Laurie Carey. "We can't take them now, sir. It's not the Highlander way. Not from behind and in the open." Her words were seconded by several others.

  MacLeod's voice sounded almost weary. "Mulvaney has chosen her path, and like it or not, I respect her decision. According to what some of us read, our 'Mechs have been tampered with. I won't go into battle not knowing the full extent. For now, we withdraw and regroup. Tomorrow morning we set out in force after them."

  "And when we find them next time, sir?" Fuller asked, echoing the question in Loren's own mind.

  "When we find them, we take them down. Honor or not, there can be only one leader of the Northwind Highlanders—and I am he."

  17

  The Fort

  Tara, Northwind

  Draeonis March, Federated Commonwealth

  24 September 3057

  Loren watched as a squad of techs began to work on MacLeod's Huron Warrior, and wondered if the damage could be repaired by the next day. The cockpit monitors had told one kind of story about the damage. To actually view the physical destruction was another. Seeing the ripped and burned armor plates, the severed myomer muscle strands, the deep laser cuts was a lot different than seeing readouts on the secondary screen. Watching the repair crews always reminded Loren of how mortal a warrior was in the cockpit of even a mighty fighting machine like a BattleMech.

  The march back to The Fort had been somber and long, with only an eerie silence filling the commlines. A silence that seemed to underscore the feeling of guilt welling up in him, guilt for what had happened to the Highlanders, in more ways than one.

  He had not been counting on the defection of Mulvaney and the other Davion sympathizers. Now, becau
se of his presence and actions, the Highlander regiment on the planet was split into two fighting factions. And that's how they would be when the Death Commando unit came to crush them.

  Strangely enough, Loren had been impressed with the way MacLeod had honored Mulvaney's decision. For a Death Commando, the Colonel's response was almost alien, but from what Loren knew of the Highlanders, he thought he understood it.

  Jake Fuller walked up just as the work crew began repairs on the Huron Warrior's reactor shielding, removing much of the insulation and control circuits. "Looks like the old man and you were lucky to hold that baby together. Another bump there and you'd have been history."

  Loren grinned. "The thought never entered my mind."

  Fuller grinned back. "The word is that a number of our technical folks have bugged off to join Mulvaney and Catelli."

  "We have a saying in the Confederation," Loren said. "Firepower can defeat a foe on the battlefield. Rumors can slay a regiment from within."

  "Point taken," Fuller said. "It's just that we're all a little stressed. I for one never expected Mulvaney to break ranks like that." Loren remembered her Marauder moving across the tarmac away from MacLeod's Regiment and felt a sense of loss. It had nothing to do with the mission, but everything to do with her leaving.

  "How's your Hawk?" Loren asked, thinking to change his mood with a change of subject.

  "According to the crew she'll be ready to field in eight hours. Frutchey's 'Hammer is more replacement parts than original and he's a little shook up, but he'll march with the rest of us." Fuller watched as the tech crew literally climbed into the back of the Huron Warrior with tools and replacement myomer bundles in hand. "I still can't believe what happened."