FSRB Chpt 210

==The Federated Suns Reborn - Chapter 210==
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August 3070Interlude: Recruiting the 1st Kentares Grenadiers RCT
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Fort Vengeance 
Kentares, Kentares PDZ 
Robinson Operational Area 
Federated Suns 
Marshal Galen Cox looked over the assembled officers and troops of the 2nd Battalion of the Kentares DMM along with the the crews of 1st and 2nd battalion of the 1st Kentares Armored Cavalry and the infantry troopers of the 3rd Kentares Rifles as well as the various support troops, astechs and the like that made up the detached combat command stationed at Fort Vengeance and stepped up to the podium that had been prepared for him. Beside him Duke Eric Dresari stood in full military uniform in support of him. "Men and women of the Kentares DMM. Firstly, I would like to thank you for your attendance to listen to me - even if you were ordered to do so by your commanding officers." 
A dry chuckle echoed around the large drill field that the benches from the Fort's mess hall had been dragged out and assembled in front of the hastily assembled podium. Along with probably half the chairs as well. Cox nodded as the laughter died down and continued. "By now you will know why I'm here, I have every faith in the AFFS various grape-vines to know that you have been told why the First Prince sent me. Yet I still want to speak to you today about it." 
"The First Prince has sent me to Kentares to ask the Kentares DMM, your brigade. To step up and help him to form a new and elite brigade of troops. In centuries long gone, the armies of Old Earth used to concentrate some of their strongest and best troops into units which were referred to as Grenadier units. Men chosen for their physical stature and abilities were grouped together into either Grenadier companies or sometimes entire regiments in order to best utilize their skills for the toughest fights. When a general dispatched a Grenadier formation forward into the thick of the battle, it was a sign. A sign that this was the key moment. The knifes edge upon which the battle hung. And the general was sending his best troops into the fight to win the day. Similarly, the commitment of a Grenadier regiment to a campaign was a sign of the importance of said campaign to whichever army it belonged. A sign that whichever ruler or general who was allocating them to the fighting knew that victory was necessary." Cox looked out over the crowd of men and women assembled listen to them and leaned forward. "Even today, within the AFFS few could doubt that when the High Command dispatch the 1st Kestrel Grenadiers RCT to a fight it is a sign that the battle must be won! They are an elite and valued part of the AFFS and one which is held in high esteem by any who have seen them in battle or even merely read their long list of battle honors. It is upon that model that the First Prince wishes to build. Just as he has done so with the Federated Suns Armored Cavalry, he has decided that a single regiment or regimental combat team, no matter how elite and how devoted to the Federated Suns cannot be in two places at once. Which is why he formed additional FSAC units to better protect the worlds of the Federated Suns and to better take the fight to their enemies." 
"That is what he wishes to do now. To take the single regiment of the Kestrel Grenadiers and to build upon their traditions and legacies to build a new brigade. One worthy of the honor." Cox paused for a second. "That is the key. It is not enough, even for a First Prince, to wave his hand and decree a new regiment or regimental combat team into being. We have all seen the result of that - in the late actions of the Mad Chancellor who ordered multiple units of the Sian Dragoons restored to the honor rolls... And then filled their ranks with chaff. Chaff that went down before the skilled soldiers of the AFFS like the cannon fodder they were. No. You all know that I have know Victor Davion since the Clan Invasion. He is no arm chair general like Sun-Tzu Liao, he also isn't mad. He knows that if you are to form an elite brigade then you need the required quality of men and women to form the regiments and the battle hardened officers to lead them..." 
The Prince's Champion smiled warmly at the troops listening to him. "The First Princem, however doesn't just want skilled troops. The AFFS has those in abundance as the recent battles and campaigns have shown. He wishes troops who have displayed nothing but the most stalwart and resolute loyalty to the Federated Suns and House Davion. Once again in the model of the Kestrel Grenadiers. In February 3063, this unit showed that level of loyalty when they threw themselves upon the 3rd Benjamin Regulars and were instrumental in wiping the entire regiment out! As a mark of the deep respect that both Duke Robinson and Prince Davion hold for this unit the Kentares DMM has been allowed to rebuild at a slow and steady pace, more in line with a front line command, with ample time to absorb the replacements into the unit, and train them up to the high skill level of the survivors of that battle. To this day, your unit remains under strength following that bloody battle. Yet when the call came to reform the storied Robinson Chevaliers, the Kentares DMM stepped up once more. Despite specifically being exempt from tithe to build the Chevaliers you sent your very best. Proving once again that there is not a single formation within the entire AFFS that the Kentares DMM need feel ashamed to fight alongside!"
"It is THAT very resilience and depth of spirit that drew the First Prince's eye when he decided to form a Grenadiers Brigade! The name of Kentares was immediately spoken during the very first discussions!" Galen's voice deepened and seemed to grow through the speakers as he leaned forward as though he was talking directly to each trooper. "Not a single voice amongst those officers queried so much as raised a single word in contradiction off offering the Kentares DMM a position within the Grenadiers Brigade. There is no worthier recipient of the honor... That is what I was sent to personally tell you. The First Prince would have preferred to come himself, but with the war against the Word of Blake he had no other option but to send me in his stead. But believe me, this offer comes directly from him. Prince Victor knows the sacrifices and worth of the Kentares DMM and it is that spirit and skill he wishes you to bring to the Grenadiers. That he trusts you to bring to the Grenadiers." 
"Yet he will not force you. He also made me make that very clear. If the men and women of the Kentares DMM wish to remain as such, then they will do so. With no repercussions, no ill will or feelings directed at them. You have not only the First Prince's word on that, but also Duke Sandoval, and my own." The Prince's Champion assured his listeners. "However, if you agree... You will be reformed. Upgraded. Expanded. New equipment. The finest recruits and training. No expense will be spared. You will slowly and surely take upon your new mantle of the 1st Kentares Grenadiers... And the First Prince will personally fund the reformation of a new Kentares DMM to take your place in guarding your homeworld as you carry it's spirit with you as you take up your new role within the AFFS..." 
In the silence that followed Marshal Cox looked out over the rapt audience and inclined his head. "It is my hope that should you accept the First Prince's request, that one day he will do me the great honour of allowing me to serve alongside the men and women of the 1st Kentares Grenadiers... I thank you for your time soldiers..." 
As he stepped back, Eric Dresari stepped forward without permission to the side of the podium and barked an order to the sitting men and women. "Kentares DMM! The First Prince!" 
As one the troops of the assembled units sprung to their feet and came to attention almost roaring back. "THE FIRST PRINCE!" 
Galen Cox without conscious thought joined them in the verbal salute even as his body stiffened and he matched their physical salutes...
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