TBntG-2 Chpt 16

=The Bull and the Genie=
==Chapter 16 - Book II - The Ninety-five Theses==
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==Consequences: Comstar and the Combine==
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===Dealing with a Criss===
Chambers of the First Circuit, Hilton's Head, North America - Terra, ComStar Space
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Tiepolo's voice was calm. He congratulated himself for that. "So, Precentor Taurus, would you mind explaining how we missed… this?" he gestured at the screen, the security monitors showing the hulking battlesuits escorting Candace Liao into the HPG complex.
 
"They were better on Opsec." the subject of his ire said. "We did forensic accounting, figured they were sending money, and this body agreed. They'd probably found a complex that was letting them access lost civilian technology. Clearly, we were wrong. They have found…" He glanced over to where the window on far off Taurus was letting in the early afternoon light. "A library."
 
"What makes you so certain?", Primus Tiepolo asked
 
"The other assumption is that they found objects they could replace, or a repair depot—but what repair depot fixes both capital class weapons and infantry battlesuits—"
 
"Infantry battlesuits that they are deploying in mass units," Nicholas Cassnew said. "Infantry battlesuits that show extensive training. If any of you are hoping this is simply a cache, you may rest assured that you are wrong."
 
"I move that Precentor Taurus be removed for his complete failure." Precentor Myndo Waterly snarled. 
 
"Well, that is this august body's right, but I think we should first ask why Comstar, and in fact, you, Precentor Dieron provided codes for the Capellan agents that precipitated this affair."
 
Everyone fell silent. Tiepolo watched Myndo. He knew, and Will had provided him with the information. That would be enough to save the positoin of Precentor Taurus. What Myndo said would determine her fate.
 
"What?" Villius Tejh said, face turning white. "You were responsible for this? Our order is dedicated to maintaining the stability of the Inner Sphere and you did this?"
 
"It is our position to prop up the Capellan Confederation due to their weakness. Maximilian requested assistance setting up an intelligence conduit, in case the Taurians chose to ally with the Federated Suns. I agreed, in the interests of peace. It is clear that he, ah, exceeded his stated intentions."
 
"Exceeded?" Tejh blinked. "He killed 50,000 civilians! As of now, that is nearly 1/2 the total civilian death toll of the war! If the Taurians find out that we were behind—"
 
"Do you think we should inform them, Will?" A few others stiffened at the familiarity. It was a sign. Precentor Taurus' position was in no danger. 
 
"I'd like to. But if we do…" Will shook his head. "No. It was sheer chance that the organized crime syndicate decided they were bigger patriots than crooks, and the trail goes cold from there. After all, despite Precentor Dieron's lapse in judgment, she is only guilty of… letting some people make phone calls." 
 
Myndo's jaw tightened, but she said nothing else. 
 
"Of course," Will continued, "This all happened because someone got clever. The Tuarians know they're outgunned and outnumbered by everyone else, and they only deployed these tools because they were forced. If we don't poke them, they won't poke us." 
 
"I disagree. This technology will now proliferate. A house lord has been dragged off his own planet in Chains." Tejh said. "We have to find a way to control it."
 
"Holy Shroud could show us the way—" Myndo fell silent at Tiepolo's cleared throat.
 
"Holy Shroud worked during a major war. Second Holy Shroud failed. We must use other methods."
 
"Most of those methods will fail, Primus," Will said.
 
"Perhaps Precentor Taurus is not fully in tune with Blake's will."
 
"Enough, Myndo. But explain."
 
"What's to explain?" Will said. "This entire conflict has, for the most part, bypassed civilian facilities. No mech regiment sets nukes to deny a city to their enemy, or take out a city that their enemy is holding. That means people are more willing to invest, and investment means more money in the system for things like research and development—and not just for military development. This is not the place for this discussion, but I think we need to consider that Blake, for all that he was a wise man, was a man, and was not provided with the gift of prophecy. And that means we have to consider what course will be suited to the spirit of his desires, an Inner Sphere at Peace."
Tiepolo did a quick count. Myndo looked like she wanted to murder Will, but the others seemed to be interested—or they were better at concealing their feelings. 
 
"As you have said. This is not the time for such discussions. However, I expect that first all of you who help lead Our Order, will remember the virtue of caution in your actions, especially when those actions might harm your comrades. Secondly, Precentor Taurus, this upcoming trial gives us an opportunity to stress the importance of neutrality. As unnerving as these developments are, it will be some time before the rest of the Inner Sphere can make use of them—unless an alliance is made, and so we will do our best prevent that alliance."
 
"Yes, Primus." 
 
A few minutes later, and Tiepolo was alone in his office, the monitors dark. He winced at a twinge and took a pill, washing it down with some water. 
 
Damn you, Myndo. The Taurians just wanted to be left alone, and it was clear what Myndo had been playing at—arranging a war between them and the Federated Suns, possibly breaking their alliance with the Lyran Commonwealth. She was ambitious and unwise, a dangerous combination. But I can't get rid of you yet. She had supporters, and for all that Myndo didn't have a religious bone in her body, she wasn't unwilling to play to the belief of some in the Order that Blake looked down upon them and judged them.
 
Not that I can say I don't play to the same mindset, now and then. After all, he would, tomorrow, publicly be conducting a service of meditation and mourning at Blake's Tomb, reminding all to think of the dangers of technology turned to unrighteous use. 
 
He sighed and shook his head. Time to get some sleep. 
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===Dragon Plans for the Days Ahead===
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Imperial Palace - Luthien, Draconis Combine
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"The Capellens are done, Father." Prince Theodore Kurita said. He was alone with his father, standing over a map in the situation room. "We have reports of Federated Suns units taking worlds with barely a shot being fired. The Free Worlds League has started an invasion, and they have taken most of Shiba and Altorra Duchy, although the threat reinforcements from the Federated Suns border may be slowing them down. The only thing that will keep House Liao from being utterly destroyed is Hanse's likely unwillingness to occupy an entire nation that would tie his forces down. 
 
So much for your alliance. It had come apart at the seams the moment it had been tested. While you were chasing the Dragoons, the Lyran Commonwealth and Federated Suns have secured a near insurmountable advantage. 
 
"What of the Taurians?" Takashi asked. 
 
"They have withdrawn their forces from the Commonwealth, with the exception of…" he gestured at the map. "These provinces, including Menke Duchy. They have not invaded however, and according to our ambassador, are remaining at the request of Chancellor Candace to maintain order and protect from pirate incursions." 
 
"This will keep the Davions from devouring more of her nation. Do we have any official statements?"
 
"Just one, but it is listed as preliminary and likely will be expanded on. The Protector of Taurus has declared that his nation will not annex worlds, save by their "Freely expressed will." Take that as you will."
 
"I spoke with their ambassador today," Takashi said. "About purchasing more battlemechs to make up for our losses. He was not certain how much he could expand trade, but pledged to fulfill the current contracts. What does that say to you?"
 
"They wish to maintain their neutrality." Theodore said. "That… idiot Max."
 
"Agreed. My… focus on the Dragoons was unwise. I must consider wisdom, even if it is painful."
 
"Father?"
 
"We will seek a truce. The Lyrans do not have the same belly for conquest as the Federated Suns, and the Federated Suns will be occupied with the remnants of the Confederation. You have done… well, with the groups you command. We must form more regiments like that."
 
Theodore blinked, for a moment wondering if this was some test. 
 
Takashi laughed, the sound bitter. "Do not mistake me, Son. A Samurai's blade is the equal to ten lesser warriors…" Then he expanded the map. "But soon our enemies will be able to match every samurai with twenty warriors. We must improve our industry—it is clear that the Free Worlds League will let the Dragon stand or fall on its own." He paused. "There will be much resistance, for that reason I believe it is time for you to take the position of Gunji-no-Kanrei, so that all know you speak with my voice."
 
"Father…"
 
"Do not be mistaken, we will not always agree." Takashi's smile was bemused. "But I have been given to thinking of my father. Hohiro knew that he was right, and never entertained a thought to the contrary. Much of my early time as Coordinator was spent undoing the results of some of his decisions. But it is clear that in order to survive, the Dragon must be united."
 
"As you say, father."
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Book 2 - 16