AATiPDC Chpt 3

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==Chapter 3 - An American Tanker in Prince Davion's Court==
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NAIS College of Biology & Medicine
February 7th, 3028
Early Evening
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The discussions that LTG Hodges had with Hanse Davion and Quintus Allard are long and involved, focusing on the differences between Hodges’ timeline, the timeline of the Inner Sphere and where the two diverged. Field Marshal Yvonne Davion from the Division of Military Information joined the discussion and, among the group, it was realized that Hodges’ appearance presented an unparalleled advantage to the Federated Suns (especially when the existence of the Star League caches on Helm & New Dallas and the future appearance of the Clans were brought up).
Field Marshal Davion speaks up and says “your highness, it is plain to me that we must seize the Helm and New Dallas caches before the Draconis Combine, the Capellan Confederation or the Free World League become aware of them. Of course, given your upcoming marriage to Melissa Steiner, Archon Katrina should be made aware of what happened…”
Minister Allard interjects and says “I completely agree with you, Field Marshal. However, given the sensitivity of General Hodges’ information, it is my recommendation be conveyed via a Command Circuit of JumpShips.”
Hanse Davion nods and replies “Yvonne, Quinus, this project has absolute and unconditional priority over eveything else; make it happen.”
“Yes, highness.”
“Dr. Stewart, is there any reason why General Hodges needs to stay in hospital any longer?”
“None, your highness. All that needs to be done for my patient is to update his immunizations. Beyond that, I was planning to discharge him tomorrow morning…”
“Very good. General Hodges, there are duties which I must attend to. For now, I’ll leave you in Quintus’ capable hands. As for visiting your house, would tomorrow afternoon be convenient?”
“Your highness, I’d be delighted; in fact, I’ll throw some steaks on the grill and we’ll have a barbecue. I have an extensive video and music library, so there will be entertainment available.” The First Prince’s curiosity is immediately piqued, and he responds “tomorrow afternoon, then.”
“Thank you, sir.”
After the First Price and Field Marshal Davion leave, Quintus Allard says “General Hodges, I can’t even begin to comprehend the shock that you have gone through. To ease your transition, I am assigning one of my agents to you as a liaison.”
“Harrumph. Don’t you mean ‘babysitter’?”
“Hardly anything like that; she’ll get you anything that you need.”
“Minister Allard, who do you have in mind?”
“Countess Kym Sorenson.”
General Hodges thinks silently to himself ‘Kym Sorenson? Aww, f**k.’
“The name is familiar to me, minister. Sorensen, Kym, Countess; does not have a good relationship with her father. Father owns Sorenson Mechanics and is the main supplier of engines for the Typhoon Hovercraft in service with the AFFS. You sent her to Solaris VII late in 3026 because you and the First Prince had doubts as to Morgan Hasek-Davion’s loyalty; Sorensen’s operations removed those doubts entirely.”
“Err, yes; you are correct. Agent Sorensen will be here to pick you up tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM. Given your value as an intelligence source, would you mind having your home placed under surveillance by my agents?”
“Not at all, sir; if there’s one thing I am cognizant of, it’s the need for OPSEC. I do have one question, however..”
“Ask away.”
“Are you and the First Prince smoking men? I’ve got a good supply of Gran Corona cigars in my humidor; probably the last genuine Cuban cigars anywhere in existence.”
“The First Prince does enjoy a good smoke, now and again; so do I.”
“Excellent; dinner is on me, then. So are the cigars and the beer…”
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