Highlander Gambit

by Blaine Lee Pardoe

  "My people will not understand this, sire."

  "Your people are to follow my orders. Tell them that Major Loren Jaffray is on a special mission, an extended mission. He is considered to be on active duty. Only you and I will know the truth."

  "As you desire, Celestial Wisdom."

  "And Colonel," Sun-Tzu said.

  "Yes, sire?"

  "See my secretary and set up a time for us to have a game of chess."

  Colonel Hertzog nodded, then bowed and backed slowly out of the room. As the door closed Sun-Tzu couldn't help but beam at the thought of his success. He opened the desk drawer and pulled out a packet of holovid pictures. One of them was of a man whose features closely resembled bis own. The same eyes and high cheekbones. The face of his grandfather, Maximilian Liao. Sun-Tzu held the holopic in front of him and stared deeply into his own eyes staring back.

  "For nearly three hundred years we attempted to re-take Northwind from House Davion, grandfather. And then you were cruelly betrayed when Hanse Davion seduced the Highlanders from your service. And when they left, dozens of planets fell. We lost the war, and half our worlds.

  "I have righted that wrong. The worlds of the Sarna March—our worlds—no longer belong to the treacherous Davions. And I have also taken from him a potent symbol, the planet of Northwind and its Highlanders. What armies of BattleMechs and military minds could not do, I did with one man." In a single swift action he had also stolen the world from Katrina Steiner. The cost had been the honor of one man. For the Chancellor of the Capellan Confederation that was a cheap price to pay. Sun-Tzu Liao set the holopic down and took another sip of the delicate Foochow wine. The taste was sweet, like the taste of victory.

  "Ah, Grandfather, rest easy wherever you may be. This is only the beginning ..."

  41

  The Fort, Tara Northwind

  Draconis March, Federated Commonwealth

  6 November 3057

  Loren watched with a bored expression as the technicians rolled another BattleMech into The Fort. The days following Catelli's death had been hectic, fdled with turmoil. For the first time in the two weeks since the fighting, he had managed to get a full night's sleep and a fresh change of clothing. It had revitalized him physically, but now he felt empty, as if he had nothing to do. All that was left was the waiting. He had gone to watch the initial landings of the Second Kearny Highlanders and marveled at the pomp and circumstance of their parade through Tara. With the fighting over, Loren was painfully idle.

  His only regret of the entire campaign was having to sit out the battle for Tara rather than being able to pilot a BattleMech in the fight. The destruction of Catelli and the Consul Guards had not stopped the battle. Marshal Bradford had almost encircled Stirling's Fusiliers in the city as devastating pitched battles raged building by building at the peak of the fighting. The return of MacLeod's aerofighters fighting alongside those of the Fusiliers broke the back of the Royals' offensive and gave Stirling some desperately needed breathing room.

  The Davion forces attempted to flee to the south of the city and had almost succeeded in escaping when Major Huff arrived with several companies' worth of MacLeod's forces. Huff was heavily outnumbered but managed to turn his knowledge of the moors to his advantage against the Royals. As Huff held the Davions mired in the swamps, Colonel Stirling and her infamous Red Kilsyth Guards hit them from the rear. Huff's own 'Mech was so badly damaged that it took the techs and medics a full hour to cut him free from the cockpit when the battle was done. Given the losses in his command, most considered him lucky just to have survived.

  Stirling's own executive officer had not been as lucky. From reports Loren had read, Major MacFranklin had been swarmed by NAIS power armor and died when his own ammo exploded and blew off the head of his 'Mech. Loren had been on the battlefield and had helped recover the survivors. What he saw inside the severed head of MacFranklin's 'Mech was something he would never forget: the charred form of the Major trapped in a perpetual scream, still attached to the carbonized seat of his cockpit. Marshal Bradford and what was left of his command broke through to the west, pursued by MacLeod leading a handful of surviving 'Mechs, tanks, and ground troops. The Regimental Old Guard infantry and the First Gurkhas sprang an ambush on Bradford, pinning him in an abandoned industrial complex until his 'Mechs were all but crippled. From what Loren had heard from Jake Fuller, the Marshal had been held in the bowels of The Fort since his surrender. For most Highlanders his claims that Drew Catelli was the real manipulator of the events surrounding the invasion fell on deaf ears. There had been talk of a war crimes trial, but most agreed that the best interests of the Highlanders would be served by simply sending Bradford and his officers back to New Avalon in shame.

  Loren's friends, on the other hand, had fared well. Frutchey's stature as a young officer had grown considerably. Loren had seen him in the commissary recounting his exploits while other young Highlanders listened in awe to the once green lieutenant. Carey had lost her 'Mech in the fighting, but was first on the list for a replacement and had received a field commission for her efforts. Jake Fuller had received a promotion to the rank of Captain, but had lost his Shadow Hawk in the furious fighting in Peace Park. Loren was proud to know them all, and he secretly hoped that one day they might have the chance to fight together again.

  Cat Stirling had brought with her a quorum of the Assembly of Warriors. And in the week that followed, long closed-door debates were held in the Hall of Warriors. The local news covered the highlights as public opinion behind the drive for Northwind independence built and grew stronger. Loren considered that good news, but it did nothing to lighten his own feelings of dread and gloom.

  Other public opinion polls were split on the matter of Mulvaney's and even MacLeod's roles in the fighting. Some of the more outspoken critics claimed that one or both should be held for trial, though the charges were not specified. The Northwind Highlanders had won, after all. Perhaps that was the most important thing to the general public. It was no surprise that the Davion loyalists who had protested outside the gates of The Fort a month ago all but disappeared with the Highlander victory.

  Loren turned and walked along the edge of the parade grounds toward The Pub. He had been on Northwind only a short time, but to Loren it seemed like a lifetime had passed. In that time he had taken part in a full-blown civil war within the Highlanders. He had seen Northwind break its decades-long ties with the Federated Commonwealth. Northwind, no matter what the vote, was never going to be the same.

  And neither was Loren Jaffray.

  He watched a lance of light 'Mechs assume a review stance at the far end of the field as he thought back to the choice he had made. Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao had given him the authority to either bring down or avert the destruction of the Highlanders. On Krin the Chancellor had told him to sacrifice even his own honor if necessary. Good thing, too. I did sacrifice it. I chose to save the Highlanders. I doubt this is how he thought it would turn out.

  Up until the battle in Peace Park, Loren had not known what he would do, for sure." He'd carried two copies of the command orders, one for each solution. Having fought beside these people, lived with them,'seen some of them die,

  Loren could not betray them. To do so would have shattered his soul and all but destroyed the memory of his grandfather. Loren was also sure it would have turned him into a heartless killer like Catelli.

  I honored the intention of my orders. The Highlanders were neutralized and Northwind is no longer part of the Federated Commonwealth—not like it was anyway. But the choice I made leaves me all alone. I can't return to the Capellan Confederation. My former comrades would kill me on sight. I broke my oath of service and blood to the Chancellor. Now I am dispossessed No 'Mech, no unit, nothing.

  To some men, the loss of everything in their life would have crippled them emotionally. But not Loren. He had known loss before. His mother had died when he was a child, his father had disappeared, and eventually his grandfather had left him
too. What he had in the way of personal possessions would constitute a minor loss at best. Though he had virtually nothing left, he felt at ease with himself. No matter what happens from this point forward, I know that what I did was right. Knowing the difference between right and wrong and knowing that he had chosen the moral high ground, made his life, and his choices, easier to deal with.

  Loren stepped into the darkness of The Pub and slowly made his way to a booth in the back. "Lad, ye shouldna be so down," Pluncket said, sliding a stein of amber Northwind ale in front of him. Loren had been pleased that the Sergeant Major had managed to escape from the Consul Guards and make his way to Tara on foot by the time the fighting had ended. The story of his exploits had already been circulating among the Highlander command staff and he was fast becoming something of a legend ... a role he did not resist.

  Loren wanted to tell Pluncket about what he had done. It hurt him to have to keep it bottled up, not to be able to talk about it to anyone. But if it ever got out, even The Pub would not be safe for him. No, it was a secret he could never share.

  Loren took a long, thirsty drink of his ale. "I'm not returning to the Death Commandos," he said, setting the stein down on the table. "I just don't think my place is there anymore." It was as much a lie as the truth.

  A group of five figures entered The Pub and before Pluncket could reply, walked up to Loren's booth. Sergeant Major Pluncket stood rigid and stepped back and away, wordlessly. Loren looked up and the sight of Colonel William MacLeod brought a smile to his face. He jumped to his feet and extended his hand to find it warmly grasped. "May we join you, Loren?" MacLeod said.

  One of the faces he knew already, that of Chastity Mulvaney. She met Loren's eyes only briefly as he glanced one by one at the various members of the group. MacLeod made the introductions lightly. "This is Colonel Stirling, Major Senn, Colonel Cochraine, and I think you already know my executive officer." Loren was honored. These men and women were the leaders of the Northwind Highlanders' four regiments. More than that, they were the leaders of the people of Northwind.

  To the Colonel's right was Andrea "Cat" Stirling, long dark hair framing her lean face. Even in the dim light of the room Loren could make out her green eyes. Apparently what he had heard several days before was correct; Colonel Senn had not yet arrived on Northwind but had sent his son, Major David Lee Senn, to take his place. The young man looked almost out of place among the seasoned Colonels of the Highlander command staff. The other ranking officer was Colonel James Cochraine. His weathered and worn face seemed to command respect and demand attention.

  Loren gestured to the table, suppressing his emotions of awe and respect. The leaders of the regiments took seats one by one. Loren sat between Stirling and MacLeod, two sharp contrasts. "I am honored to meet you," he said.

  "There's no need for formality here, Major Jaffray." Cat Stirling rested her elbows on the table and nudged him slightly. "Bill here has briefed us all on your exploits since arriving on Northwind."

  "In painful detail, I might add," Colonel Cochraine said, his sarcasm seeming odd for a man wearing such a serious expression.

  "From what we've heard," said Major Senn, "you've proven yourself an outstanding MechWarrior. Having reviewed some of the battle ROMs, I'd say Colonel MacLeod's praise is not exaggerated."

  "Thank you," Loren said.

  "It's time to cut to the chase, laddie," MacLeod said. "There's a reason we came looking for you."

  "Other than to get out of another boring Assembly session and debate," Colonel Stirling put in.

  "Both Colonel Stirling and I lost a number of veteran MechWarriors in the recent fighting. We're going to have to rebuild our forces. Better yet, reorganize the battalions and command structure.

  "I know you came here at the request of your Chancellor and that you're still on active duty with the Death Commandos. But you are blood-bound to the Highlanders. And in all honesty, Loren, we need people like you; fresh blood, with training and experience outside of our own ranks. I, we, wanted to ask you to consider resigning your commission with the Capellan Armed Forces and joining us." MacLeod's words rang with emotion.

  "As a Highlander?"

  "Indeed," Chastity Mulvaney said. "You have more than proven you are a Highlander."

  Loren was stunned. He could imagine how hard it was for her to speak those words. He knew once and for all that he had earned her respect.

  He shook his head in wonderment. "I was trying to get up the courage to ask if there was a place for me, and now you come asking me to join. Having fought alongside you, I've learned there's something I needed here." A sense of belonging. The Highlanders are my family. I didn't think I had one anymore. All I had were memories. I executed orders, but never really for my own reasons. The Highlanders are the embodiment of reason for me. Besides, the only thing that awaits me at home is execution at the hands of one of my former Commando brothers or sisters.

  "Excellent," MacLeod said. "The position we were thinking of is a difficult one, however. Of course you'd retain your rank, but I must warn you that you'd be reporting to someone notorious as a hot-headed firebrand. She's been known to disregard orders, and is said to be unpredictable. None of our officers are exactly clamoring for this open slot."

  Loren shot a glance at Mulvaney. It had to be her. But she was smiling and shaking her head as she pointed to his side.

  Loren turned and saw Cat Stirling eyeing him like a challenge. "As my executive officer, you'll find me more than willing to keep your life interesting," she said, carefully placing a badge of the Kilsyth Guard in front of him. "Besides, I want to see how you are away from Bill's influence."

  Loren laughed slightly and caught MacLeod's eye. I'm being offered something of great value. Not in terms of money, but in terms of life. This would be the first time that I've fought for Loren Jaffray and not another man or a nation. There is nothing else in life I'd rather do. "I accept your gracious offer."

  Loren Jaffray knew that no matter what, he was at home. And after thirty years of exile Clan Jaffray once again took its place among the ranks of the Northwind Highlanders.

  Epilogue

  Davion Palace Avalon City, New Avalon

  Crucis March, Federated Suns

  1 January 3058

  Jerrard Cranston poured himself a snifter of brandy and sat down opposite Prince Victor Steiner-Davion, his friend and his lord. "Matters are more interesting than either of us would have expected," he said, leaning across the table to pour for the weary Prince. "There are several dispatches that we need to review."

  Victor Davion's expression was dark despite the holiday atmosphere that had overtaken the city and the palace. The full weight of the throne was beginning to take its toll on the young Prince. He sat back in his chair, opening his unbuttoned dress uniform coat further and kicking his spurs loose. "I take it that these aren't matters that can wait till tomorrow."

  "Maybe so," Cox said sheepishly, looking first at Victor, then studying the brandy in his glass as if it might offer some answers. "But they involve Sun-Tzu and the events on Northwind. I think we should at least consider them."

  Victor winced slightly at the sound of Sun-Tzu Liao's name and gulped down a big swig of his favorite liqueur. "Jerry, please tell me that it's not another dispatch filled with bad news," he said in a tired and strained voice. Jerrard Cranston fully understood. The events of the past few months had not gone well for the Federated Commonwealth. Victor's sister Katrina had split the once mighty realm in two, calling her half the Lyran Alliance and refusing to help Victor when both Liao and Marik invaded the Sarna March. That invasion had taken back almost all the planets Victor's father had conquered in the Fourth Succession War almost thirty years before. What had formerly been the Sarna March, a political division of the Federated Commonwealth, was now being called "the Chaos March." While Liao had taken back a number of his worlds Marik reclaimed every planet he had lost in the Fourth War, other Sarna worlds had gone independent. Now Victor sat at
the same desk where those conquests had been planned decades ago, and watched as his father's dream seemed to evaporate into thin air.

  Cranston raised his glass in salute, then took a long draught of brandy. "It's not so much news as arrivals. I just received word that Marshal Bradford and his aide have arrived insystem from Northwind. According to the message we received from Colonel MacLeod the Highlanders have decided not to press charges against him but are returning him as a gesture of good will towards us. He came on a slow commercial jump transport and is now en route to Avalon by DropShip. He's due to arrive in about a week, and has asked for an audience with you when he does."

  Victor shook his head, not in anger but in frustration. "Northwind ... what could that idiot possibly have to say to me about it? He and that blasted MHO agent of yours ... what's his name?"

  "Catelli, sir," Cranston said softly, recognizing the barely controlled anger in the voice of the Prince.

  "Yes, Catelli. The two of them concocted this little operation to crush the Highlanders without any approval whatsoever. I didn't send him there to defeat them. I sent him there to restore order. Only a fool would attempt to seize control of the Highlander families and to wipe out their regiments. Damnation, we needed those troops to help hold the Terran Corridor together. Now Northwind proclaims itself independent, and with all four regiments in the system, there's no way I'd even consider reclaiming the world for a long time."

  "From reports I've received from our other operative on Northwind, Lepeta, this Catelli apparently went rogue on us. We may never know for sure since both of them are missing without a trace and the Highlanders aren't exactiy telling us what happened to them."