DMHK6

=Chapter 6=
==Dead Man's Hand: The Kowloon Job==
DropShip Ante-Up
Malibu
Jade Falcon Occupation Zone
12th April, 3054
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Adjusting her headset, Joker sat before the communications console, the rest of the bridge crew trying to look like they weren't listening in. The screen before her crackled to life, a text message warning of a thee second delay in communications between the ship and ground side, even as the swooping hawk insignia of Clan Jade Falcon appeared and then faded.
A man's face took its place, and Joker recognized it from the files they had received as that of Star Colonel Nathan Roshak. He was handsome, in a rugged sort of way, but certainly not Jokers type... not that she was sure she had a type. But there was an unmistakable intelligence behind his eyes, and she reminded herself to be care to watch her words and reactions during this final phase of negotiations.
"Joker, I assume." the Clan officer smiled, "Forgive me, but the file you transmitted gave no rank or position, and our existing file on you is... limited to a few notes as to how you escaped Tamar."
"Star Colonel Nathan Roshak, I am so glad you agreed to settle this is in a dignified manner. And no, the file we sent gave no rank, because I do not hold one. My team and I are equals, they just prefer to have me do all the paperwork. Hence, I am tasked with speaking on their behalf in matters such as this. I assume, given you have requested to speak directly, that there are so matters you wish to iron out before we make planet fall?"
"Aff: there are indeed certain, formalities, that must be observed, even if you were of the Clans. To star with, you have issued a challenge over an warrior under my command, someone in whom I have invested not only time and effort, but my reputation as well. Regardless of the outcome of the coming Trial, I will need to be able to justify my agreeing to it. I need something of value that I can claim I was fighting to gain in return."
There were several seconds of silence, before Joker realized that he was waiting for her to respond.
"Well, our cargo hold still contains a considerable amount of equipment we... acquired from Clan Wolf. But I have a feeling that you are after something less tangible."
"Indeed I am." Nathan Roshak chuckled, "Should I prevail, I ask that you answer a single question for me: Why is Khan Natasha Kerensky so interested in you? There are plenty of notable warriors, both of the Inner Sphere and among the Clans, but you she has singled out by name. I would very much like to know why that is."
"I will answer you that right now for nothing: I honestly don't know. We have never met, and to the best of my knowledge, I have never faced her in battle, something I feel sure I would remember. I know she was on Tamar when we made our departure, so maybe she is upset that we... embarrassed her, in some way? Or maybe I accidentally stole her favorite pair of fluffy slippers. You'd have to ask her that."
"Interesting." Nathan Roshak chuckled, "Who knows: maybe one day I shall. But, on to business. I have selected this area for the trial." the screen split in two, and a map appeared showing a cluster of large buildings, a number of roads and railways leading through it and out towards an open area large enough to land a DropShip, "Back before the Succession Wars, it was an industrial complex, but it was abandoned centuries ago. The local militia and garrison troops previously used it for live-fire training. Fortunately, the buildings were constructed to survive not only the wear and tear of daily use, but the occasional industrial accident, and are in no danger of collapsing on us. You may land your DropShip here," a blue circle appeared in the open area, "and then advance to this line," a red line flashed into existence in the edge of the complex popper, "before the trial itself starts." a green line appeared on the opposite side of the map, "My warriors and I will start from this location." a yellow outline formed around the complex, "This is the engagement zone. Once the trial begins, anyone who leaves this zone will be deemed to have been disqualified, and count as a loss towards their team."
"I believe that the phrase is Bargained Well and Done, Star Colonel." Joker smiled, "I look forward to seeing you again, face to face."
"I am sure it shall be an interesting experience, for both of us." the Clanner winked, "Nathan Roshak, out."
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