TEP Chpt 4

=The Eagle's Perch=
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==Chapter 4 - Good Morning==
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===Headlines===
Terra, Terran Hegemony
2729 AD
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Catherine Cameron
It was a quiet evening in Unity City. A seven-day-long family gathering was planned a year ago, a hundred letters to every Cameron on Terra invited to reestablish familial relations. Nothing unusual. It happens once every five or so years. So I planned accordingly, a quick trip to the salon to touch up my appearance before I met the rest of the clan.
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*;Bloomberg Times said: VLAR & VOX ANNOUNCE STOCK SPLIT Diverse Optics and Vox Engines have enjoyed a significant rally this past quarter. Earning reports have been revised upwards for both the current and next quarter. The CEOs of both companies coincidentally announced their intent for a stock split…
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*;Bloomberg Times said: GENERAL MOTORS STOCK BUYBACK CEO Jezebel Marrie and CFO Undine Stoppable made a joint announcement of GM's stock buyback program following recent strong financial reports…
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*;Bloomberg Times said: JUMPSHIP SHIPPING RATES INCREASE 8% CONSUMER INDUSTRIES SUFFER The uptick in tensions and an ongoing conflict has seen many jumpship corporations and independent captains reorient themselves to meeting the needs of a rapidly growing market. Unfortunately, this has resulted in a disruption of jumpship traffic as expired contracts are not renewed for more profitable pursuits…
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*;Bloomberg Times said: TROOP BUILD UP ON LYRAN-FWL BORDERThe ongoing Free Worlds League Civil War has caused a flood of refugees to flow into the Lyran Commonwealth. The Lyran Commonwealth has explained that the increase of troops is to ensure the safety and security of their borders…
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*;Bloomberg Times said: MILITARY EXERCISES ON LIAO-DAVION BORDERHis Excellency's Press Office has declared that there will be military exercises taking place near the Cappellan Confederation and Federated Suns. This follows after a troop surge at the Confederation-FWL border…
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*;Bloomberg Times said: JOHN MAJORS "MARKETS WILL BECOME BEARISH, SELL EVERYTHING!"Sell now! Says John Majors, predicting the shipping reorientation will cause major disruption for civilian trade traffic and investments…
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*;Bloomberg Times said: EMERGENCY MEETING AT SLDF HQ ON TERRANo reason was given to the press at this time, but several high ranking generals and admirals of the SLDF have been spotted on Terra. It is currently unknown what reason could demand the gathering of so many, but it is speculated to be caused by the Marik Civil War…
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*;Bloomberg Times said: FWL CIVIL WAR CONTINUES; BORIS MARIK ANNOUNCES SPEECHA month following the assassination of Oliver Marik, Boris Marik has announced a speech to take place at New Delos…
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My eyes skimmed the news tickers. Headline after headline, line after line, the stories were all the same. The Free Worlds League has been plunged into a civil war, burning millions of Star League Dollars on even the smallest of advantages. Naturally, the arms market was lapping it all up. Investors were going wild. Most of my family was aghast. "How pitiful." they say.
 
Fucking plebeians.
 
History is being written, and all the rabble can think about is money and empty words. One would think the most successful descendants of the greatest adventurers of humanity since the First Age of Exploration would have more spine than this.
 
Resting my head back against the headrest, my unblinking eyes continued to trawl through the day's market news in my eye contacts. My investments in the 300 Fusion Engines were doing well, no surprises there. Since Jonathan took the throne, the sheer depth of investment military industries have had was staggering. Nothing seen since the Reunification War. The Second Hidden War and the Free Worlds League Civil War had only exacerbated it.
 
"Madame, your hands, please." asked Ahadi, and I gave it to the nail technician.
 
I would be going to my own little war soon. The family gathering wasn't just a means of reestablishing fading ties between the members of the most powerful family in humanity. It was also a means of advancing one's self for new opportunities. A deft hand in political wrangling, good looks, good breeding, and above all a hand full of good cards to play, was necessary to get what you want. Especially since you can't kill family.
 
No. You have to convince them. Sweet talk them into giving you what you deserve, regardless of how much they have or how much they earned.
 
A week before I turned seventeen, my mother sat me down and gave me an ultimatum. Until she deemed me worthy, I would inherit none of the wealth she built. At eighteen, I left my home of Umoja, and joined the SLDF. Went into the Royals, met a bitch that needed to have her face rearranged, and fought a Ronin. I lost. But, I made him work for it. I learned a lot during my time in the Royals. Most of it was how much of a petty little shit the average "noble" was. And, how absolutely worthless they are.
 
My mother was always a smart woman. After joining up, I learned just how smart she really was.
 
At twenty-seven, I left the force. I was worthy. I inherited everything my mother had built. It was quite a bit. She had concerns in the manufacturing of Missile Munitions, Lasers, Chemicals, Myomers, Civilian Ground Cars, and Civilian Steel.
 
Just those alone would have made me irresistible to the third cousins. But I wasn't content. I was going to live up to my mother's belief in me. And I'm not going to fail.
 
Ahadi instructed the three other assistant stylists to roll in a mirror. The combined front and rear mirrors let me see all of myself. Ferro-glass slippers, tasteful cream stockings, a black pencil skirt with a small cut up the thigh, a tailored white puffed sleeve top with black paintbrush slashes, and beehive hair. I was the picture of formal and fashionable. Powerful, yet chic. Unsubtly exhibiting the colors of House Cameron.
 
The finer details of long perfectly painted red nails and starry glittering nebulae-like eye shadow added an exotic twist. It's familiar, but it's so much more. Another excellent job by my chief stylist.
 
"Thank you, Ahadi." Standing up, I smiled at her. "With this, I'm ready for the evening."
 
She smirked back at me, crossing her arms in her rainbow zoot suit. "Bahati njema!" She said in our native Swahili. "Go kill 'em dead, ma'am."
 
Before I departed, I blew her a kiss.
 
I walked to the maglev tram with a sense of urgency. I needed to be early. The bi-decade clan meeting was certainly planned and accounted for years ago, but no one could have predicted the Free Worlds League to explode in an orgy of violence like this. If anything, the Lyran-Combine front was the second-hottest border in the Sphere, right behind the current war between the Combine and FedSuns. The Second Hidden War my friends still in the force called the Kurita-Davion War, so named because no media corps is allowed to directly talk about it. Two wars are currently raging, and a third not long behind. The Periphery would smell blood in the water, so they too would be sharpening their axes. There will be so much chaos. And with it, so much opportunity.
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===Off to the Family Get together===
Many people who look at Unity City rightly see a marvel of Humanity. It isn't just an architectural wonder, it's functional. Everything about the city works and exists with a purpose, from the exquisitely manicured parks, the Iberian style white row houses, even to the garages which were made of marble.
 
Tacoma Station was one such marriage of function and form. White marble and chrome linings in Rococo architectural style, more reminiscent of a Venetian villa than a public transport hub. The windows of the station were large tinted glass fitted and angled 'just so' that the light of midday western Americas would filter in, but the view outside would stay a dreamy haze.
 
A scent of pine in the wafting summer breeze was only a hint of what was to come. The dream of majesty was then realized as I stepped out into the southern half of Unity City. Towering pseudo-arcologies and hyper roads seamlessly integrated within the larger Olympia Park. I wouldn't have noticed I was in a park had I not paid careful attention to the maps.
Two blinks of my eye and a message was sent to the clan office. A black limo with the white Cameron star appeared exactly five seconds later. A white suited chauffeur confirmed my identity not long after, and bid me to board. Quite soon I was taken to the family holding of Kitsap Peninsula. The Cameron private preserve of Artondale was where we were all to meet.
 
Past the bridge, low white walls with a single wrought iron gate barred my entrance. Two alert guards and a small post were all that watched the gate. After a brief inspection, they waved us in.
 
Artondale hadn't changed since I was last here. Verdant firs were everywhere interspersed by red crab apple trees in neat rows, marking the boundaries between man and nature. The town was a perfect replica of the area in the ancient twenty-first century. Low wood and concrete buildings with dashes of color thrown in to break the uniformity.
 
"Catherine, I'm so glad you could make it!" Shouted Jessica Cameron as she played the part of the greeter. Her hair was perfectly coiffed, and she was wearing a conservative white maxi dress, with the Cameron star on a sash wrapping around her waist.
 
I smiled pleasantly at her. "Good afternoon, Jessica. How are you and Simon."
 
The way she dressed was a signal. She had come, in her full capacity, as the wife of the future First Lord and First-Director of the Hegemony. So that means Jonathan's son Simon was leading the show.
 
"Excellently, thank you. Our previous investments following the example set by our Lord Director paid dividends beyond expectations." We shook hands amiably. The older woman had a soft grip. A casual display of power followed by a relaxed greeting. Good. Normally, the head of the House would be in charge of these events, and their spouse welcoming the clan members. A way to set the tone, the pace, and control the event.
 
Despite the handshake ending, she didn't let go. Placing her other hand atop my own, she probed, "Speaking of investments, my dear." A crease came to her eyes while looking into my own. "I've recall a rumor that you've become an angel investor in a few companies. One for telecommunications and the other for industrial exosuits."
 
Smirking at her, I replied. "Yes, that's true. I had to pull out of the autocannon industries, to make up for the gambling debt betting on the Steelers in the playoffs. But, I chose a good business partner and enjoyed a profitable relationship."
 
Her smile increased just a hint. Taking one of her hands off mine, she placed it behind me, leading further into the covered amphitheater. "I'm so glad you're doing well, Catherine. Distance makes it so difficult to stay in touch with our family," she spoke to me as we walked. "There's just something about being able to see each other that bridges the gulf of understanding, letters wouldn't have."
 
"I understand, relationships can fade away with time. That's why I've always made the effort to come here. As family, we ought to make the effort to stay close to each other," I said, emphasizing the last part.
 
We stopped just before the amphitheater's entrance, before we parted ways. "Well, I won't keep you any longer. Elizabeth will eat up all your favorite canapés, I do. But, before we go, might I trouble you for a meeting in the gardens. Somewhere around half-past nine?" She inquired.
 
"Of course," I agreed. As soon as I turned away, I had to fight a frown from hinting at the corner of my lips. Not like I didn't want to get the ear of the second most powerful woman in the Sphere. But, that was unusual.
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===Unwelcome Congradulations===
It was half-past nine, and I was enjoying the cool evening air of the garden. The party was still in full swing behind me. Some pretentious Classic Rock played softly in the background as I made my way to the gazebo. As I passed by the guards and the zen garden, my eyes widened in surprise. Simon Cameron was sitting with his wife, looking all the world like they had nothing better to do.
 
Jessica called out to me before I could leave and return another time. "Catherine, I'm so glad you're here." Shit.
 
"It's good to see you again, Jessica, and you too, Simon." I racked my mind, trying to figure out an angle they had. Simon was in the formal attire of a Lord Director's heir. Whatever my investments, none of it was enough to warrant the attention of the heir apparent. With nothing that came to mind, I had to stick my neck out and probe them. "I don't believe we've had the chance to speak properly before. How are you, Jessica?" I asked politely before turning my head, "Simon?"
 
"We're quite well, thank you, Catherine," Jessica said politely. "So well, we've decided to begin planning on when to have children." Simon took the time to reach out and grasp her hand, looking for all the world like the perfect lovebirds.
 
"Well, I'm glad for you. Children are the future, after all," I said, playing for time. "Will you be having a baby shower soon, or will it be later."
 
"Later," emphasized Jessica. "After we have some stability in our lives and work has calmed down. We'll try for some babies then."
 
I took a seat while she talked. It seemed I would be here for a while. "I understand what it's like. The work of managing, so many, can take up so much of your time and energy, by the time you return home you have so little for yourself." With those words, I caught on at that point what they were trying to get from me. "I can't imagine how much more swamped you two are with the war happening at the Hegemony's border."
 
"I won't say we weren't busier since those debacles began." Interesting, acknowledgement for the other war now. "To think family could tear each other apart like that. No matter how removed and estranged they may be, blood is thicker than water."
 
"Yes. Awful business, that. Their feuding has had terrible repercussions, making families doubt the strength of their bonds and their love for each other. Estrangement is no reason for jealousy or hate," I agreed. "It must have been so trying to see the other Lords reject good sense."
 
"It is. These trials we go through test us as individuals. But, our marriage has only been strengthened as we remind each other that we are there."
 
I leaned forward, and looked straight into their eyes. "Not just you two. Nearly the whole family is here, reaffirming our bonds to each other. No one needs to bear the burden alone." I nodded. "No matter how far apart we may be, just a call is all you need and we'll be there"
 
"Speaking of calls, I've heard you've put in quite a sum into telecommunications manufacturing," remarked Simon. "And, a partnership with that young man several years ago. Something about silicon electronics."
 
It was here that I had to be careful, not to give too much away, or else have it be taken from me. "A strategic partnership between like-minded individuals," I expressed. "I can't give out too many details about the contract, but suffice to say, I am quite happy with it."
 
"A strategic partnership indeed," Simon stated. "Know that both Jessica and I congratulate you on your marriage."
 
Fuck.
 
"Boris Marik is a good man. I'm sure he'll be good for you and to you." Jessica added enthusiastically.
 
Double fuck.
 
"Just remember what you said to us, no matter how far apart we may be, we need not bear our burdens alone. That goes for you too, Catherine. If you need anything, just ask."
 
I was not remotely prepared for this. Desperate, I tried to buy some more time.
 
"You don't have reservations about what is currently happening. The Civil War could go violently against him," I tendered cautiously.
 
Simon just huffed, amused. "Not all, he has my complete confidence in victory." My face must have shown my confusion because he continued to explain, "It's Elise Marik. She has spent the little goodwill her father had. Now, after two decades of alienating even her closest allies, she has very little left to rely on."
The cool evening wind gently blew past us. Goosebumps raised on my skin, but it wasn't the cold air that did it. I had been completely outplayed. Simon just did the verbal equivalent of twirling me around and smacking me in the ass.
 
"I know what you're thinking." As if I was capable of thought after that beating. "No, we don't want anything from you. After all, you are already doing what we want from you. Going out, spreading your wings." He sighed. "There isn't anything we could ask of you that you yourself haven't already provided."
 
I am genuinely lost. What did I provide? What the hell did I say?
 
"We're glad we had this talk, Catherine." Still dumbfounded, I watched as Simon and Jessica rose from their seats.
 
"You've done much to reassure us and our confidence in you." Jessica softy intimated. "Have a wonderful evening. Do keep in touch." They turned and made to leave. As they just exited the gazebo, Simon turned and gave a final parthian shot.
 
"Before we leave, I advise you to turn on to Channel 2. There's something you'd want to see there."
 
I had no reply. My traitorous mind continued to fail at its most crucial hour. The best its flailing could give me was that I really shouldn't have drunk 12 glasses of wine.
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===Addressing the Nation===
Boris Marik stood behind a wood podium. In direct contravention to his ancestors, he did not wear the military garb so favored by his family. Instead, Boris wore a simple three-piece suit. A dark navy blue for the jacket, pure white for the dress shirt, and blood-red for the tie.
 
The flashes of the camera crews were incessant. Reporters from around the Sphere, both Inner and Periphery were invited. They came hungry for news, though a little surprised. No Captain-General had ever invited the Press in this manner. The Captain-Generals, indeed everyone of note in the Sphere was particular about the Press. Always careful to control and corral them. Not that they were always successful. Boris Marik, by comparison, gave them near total freedom. They weren't even given pre-approved questions!
 
As the hour struck twelve, Boris gave a gruff ahem, as he cleared his throat. The murmurings and the flashes died down, as the Press calmed to a still. The speech would begin.
 
"I am certain my fellow Free Worlders expect me to speak with victor and candidness with respect to the current situation, which imperils our nation. This is above all a time to speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Nor should we shrink from honestly addressing the conditions of our democracy today. This great nation will endure as it always has, it will face the challenges of today and stand triumphant tomorrow. Though battered and bruised, we shall revive and prosper. So, first, allow me to assert that the only thing we need to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which grips and paralyzes needed effort to convert retreat into advance"
 
"A great man once said similar words before me. I like to think we're not so different, he and I." 
 
"Centuries ago, his people were also gripped in struggle against tyranny. Not just physically but morally. The greatest threat a tyrant presents is the seductive argument of inaction, of agreement, of cowardice. To do what is easy. What is simple. What is soothing. To close the eyes and cover the ears. To ignore and reject the truth they see and the gospel they hear. That there is evil beyond the comfort of their home. There is a monster that devours and swallows the souls of the innocent. That there is a demon that hunts their neighbors. There is a Tyrant loose."
 
"These ancient humans, faced with a challenge beyond strength, beyond the power of any one man or woman, instead chose to unite in opposition to Tyranny. In opposition to fear. United and determined, they cast down the lies, they cast down the evils, they cast down the Tyrants."
"After hundreds of years. Our story is not unique. From Ancient Terra to the Terran Alliance, what we face is an ancient struggle since antiquity. There is a Tyrant, and the good souls dreaming of a better tomorrow broke sweat, spilled blood, and cried their tears dry in pursuit of Liberty."
 
"That we stand here knowing of their history says something. It says they have succeeded."
 
"So let me tell you with truthful candor, we will succeed. We will revive and prosper. We will return Liberty to the high temples of our civilization. We will return the light of freedom to our homes. We will return to our ancient traditions of Democracy and rebuild it stronger, anew."
 
"The dream of the Free Worlds League will not falter from the depravities of one tyrant!"
 
"There is a victory that is growing. There is the sounding of the trumpets. There is a light that is coming."
 
"I tell you, 'DOBRÉ RÁNO!' For the morning will come."
*Wiki Note: Translation DOBRÉ RÁNO is "Good morning"
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