LUU Chpt 1-14

==Let Us Unite - Chapter 14 -==
<<Previous Chapter - Return to Story Index - Next Chapter>>
----
===ReBirth of a Nation===
Location: Northwind, Federated Suns
"I am Director-General Elizabeth Cameron, leader of the Terran Hegemony-in-exile. We have returned from exile and begun to reclaim our homes," she locked eyes with each of the representatives in turn, a fire behind her eyes. "We have endured and suffered. But now, we return stronger than before, a phoenix rising from the ashes. The Terran Hegemony is reborn. Let it never fall to such great depths again!"
As soon as she finished speaking, the chambers erupted into chaos, with various people screaming that it wasn't possible. But a select few remained silent, their actions more calculated.
 
While the lesser representatives and functionaries were panicking, the direct representatives of the Great Houses simply observed.
 
"I should have known that someone would try something like this," Gerald Marik scoffed. "There are always pretenders to the Camerons, and you will die like all the others," he spat on the ground. "The Free Worlds League will never accept this farce. In fact, why should we trust this at all, given that the Davions hosted this? Who has always tried to pretend that the Cameron branch within their borders is the heir to the Terran Hegemony?"
 
"The Lyran Commonwealth will require proof," Ilysa Aten smoothed out a wrinkle in her skirt. "But should proof be provided, then I am certain the Archon will be amicable to a peace deal."
 
Melissa remained silent, Jurden Aris taking his cues from the nation that he was currently at peace with and waiting to see what would happen.
 
Then, amid the silence, Franklin Kurita stood, and the chamber fell silent when he rested his hands on his swords.
 
"The Dragon welcomes the chance to face a worthy opponent once again," he locked eyes with Ezra Bradley. "I will accept this as truth given who accompanies you. Despite our issues in the past, the Eridani Light Horse have proven themselves honorable in the past, and I do not believe that they would begin lying now."
 
"Are we to reform the Star League?" Melissa finally spoke up. "Is this not a chance to return peace to our realms and bring back the Golden Age?"
 
"What fucking golden age?" The Canopian representative spat, her luminescent blue skin shimmering angrily with her body language. "All that the Star League led to was the death and destruction of all of us. Look around you! Do you see any of us rebuilding?"
 
"The Star League is gone," Elizabeth spoke for the first time since her speech from the stage. "It failed in many ways. I only seek to reclaim the realm my family is responsible for and to rebuild that which was destroyed by my brother's arrogance."
----
 
The Terran Hegemony may have returned. But know this," Franklin's hand tightened on the handle of his swords. "We will not give up the worlds we have taken by right of conquest to you. The Dragon is territorial, and it will not allow that which is a part of its hoard to be taken so lightly."
 
With that, he stood and walked out of the amphitheater, his two bodyguards flanking him as he left the chaos behind.
 
Once again, the area dissolved into chaos. Then, the violence began when one of the periphery guards drew a concealed weapon. Ezra and the Black Watch acted, vanishing Elizabeth into a side passage.
----
===Question of Reclamation of a Nation===
"Director-General, the Clans of Northwind are pledged to us," Colonel Hazen informed Elizabeth. "What are your orders?"
 
"Allow the representatives to leave peacefully for their nations," The leader of the Terran Hegemony ordered. "But if they refuse, we'll imprison them."
 
"Calvin's reporting that his regiment is ready to move in and pacify the area if there's any sign of rioting," Ezra reported.
 
"We'll pull back to Grandma's house," Hazen nodded. "And begin coordinating everything from there."
 
"I will make an announcement over all broadcast stations, including the HPG," Elizabeth replied. "I don't want the first day of our return to be that of war if I can help it."
 
"It's a little late for that, Ma'am," General Bradley laughed darkly. "If we're to restore the Hegemony, there will be a war. The only question is how we are going to wage it?"
----
===Vote and a toast===
Date: January 5th, 2859
Location: Strana Mechty, Pentagon Worlds
"We must discuss what we are to do with these Jarnfolk," Khan Sarah McEvedy of Clan Wolverine looked around at the rest of the Clan Khans and saKhans. "They have entreated on our space more than once of late, and while they are not harmful, they still trespass."
 
"We should capture their JumpShip and see if they have any intelligence on the Inner Sphere," Khan Stephen McKenna looked around. "Should we not see if it is our time to return?"
 
"No," ilKhan Andery Kerensky shook his head. "We will trade with them—information for goods that they may require. At least, that is what I believe will work best. After all, should we be late in reaching their computers in an attempt to seize their records, then they may delete them in an attempt to conceal such from us."
 
"I believe that my Clan would enjoy the ability to trade with a new group," Khan Nagasawa looked around. "They may possess technology that would benefit all of us."
 
"We will hold a vote," Khan Toramano Seng stated. "We should not debate this any longer. Should we destroy them or trade with them? It makes little difference. Instead, it matters more on what we decide together."
 
"Then cast your votes." Andery sighed.
 
The votes were compiled, and the expected result was reached.
 
"There are twelve Clans in favor of approaching them under the banner of peace," the ilKhan read. "The seven who oppose can mount a Trial of Refusal if they so desire, but the odds will be two to one."
 
"There is no need for a Trial of Refusal over such a simple matter," Franklin Osis glared at others. "I am not so bloodthirsty as to seek war over this."
 
"Does he speak for all of you?" Andery asked.
 
"Aff," Khan Davis Riley replied after consulting with the others. "We all desire to see what has become of what we left behind. It is the methods in which we disagree on what to do."
 
"Then it is settled," Andery stated. "We will make peace with the Jarnfolk and see what information they may have."
After that, each Khan moved to their own allies within the Council. Depending on what knowledge was gained, much politicking remained to be done.
 
But Andery simply left for his quarters on Strana Mechty.
 
"There are times when I wish that it was you who had survived to lead our people," Andery looked at the pictures of his now deceased family. "But then I remember what you were really like, and I am glad that you could not see all of your visions for the future come to pass. A full Caste system would have destroyed our people and led to more suffering. But now, we may live to see a brighter future. One that prevents the death of innocents."
 
Andery poured a glass of vodka and raised it in a toast to the photograph.
 
"To the future of the Star League, both in exile and at home."
----
<<Previous Chapter - Return to Story Index - Next Chapter>>
Chapter 1-14
6