IBC Chpt 2-4

==Iron Blooded Commander - Chapter 2.4 - Raise your Flag==
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===Surprise Inspection===
Red BaseOutskirts of Starboro CityZaniah III, Lyran Commonwealth3020
I dropped the receiver of the phone back in the cradle with an annoyed exhale as I turned to see Benny looking up from some reports he was putting together. "The 10th blow us off again?"
 
"Worse. They put me on hold, and just left me sitting there. I expected better from the 10th Skye Rangers. They are supposed to be more professional than this!" I growled, grabbing a drink to sip on and simmer. 
 
"Our Liaison wasn't any help?"
 
"No. Conor informed me that Lady Alessa has very little power over the 10th, and they basically do what they want. Requesting a meeting got us nowhere. I tried that a month ago. I just want to have a conversation to make sure we are on the same page if a raid happens. We don't even have any emergency frequencies!"
 
"That and you really wanted to ask for some training between them and us."
 
"That and I wanted to set up a training day between us, yes. They have centuries of experience, and are veterans. We are still so green Benny."
 
"Well, they aren't going to help. So stop stressing about them."
 
"I know." I grumble before shaking it off. "So. We can't rely on the official defense force. Or the Governess office. We can only rely on ourselves. I'm gonna go help with the static defenses." I bit out as I headed outside into the searing heat. 
 
Unfortunately my Locust didn't have hands, so the only way I could help was by grabbing a shovel.
 
The massive chunks of solid concrete that the entire company was working on digging in to create a wall high enough to offer us some real defense. The two Centurions piloted by Gauge and Hanna were working together to place the concrete, then in a swarm the kids would swarm it, and pile dirt and sand around the edges, helping to lock it in place. 
 
I joined these crews just to distract myself with something. The horrible heat made this a rough job, but the discipline that had bubbled up after the bootcamp reward was still there. My kids were eager to work. Happy to do something and prove themselves.
 
I would have to get a new mech soon. Maybe another Locust? Start a scout lance? I had told Benny way back that I was planning on having him leave Bravo Lance, so maybe another medium to complete the Lance? I let my mind fall into such thoughts as I dug into the dry earth to pile dirt up around the concrete wall that was slowly forming. The physical work helped distract me. I did my best to seem confident around everyone, but I was nervous about what tricks the Governess might try.
 
It could very easily become a she said he said issue, and the governor of a planet had a bit more clout than the Commander of a small merc company. 
 
I just hope our rate of expansion will be enough. Unfortunately, time was one thing we were running out of. 
 
"Commander!" A shout rang out, and I glanced up to see a kid running towards me, he huffed for a moment "We've got a problem at the checkpoint! Not sure what's going on, but we are holding them off for now."
 
I passed the shovel over to one of the other workers, heading over to grab my officer's jacket. My sweaty tank top wouldn't be a great first impression so I slipped it over my shoulders, although I didn't bother with the sleeves. It was too hot here to wear it fully, but wearing it like a cape meant I could slip it off when jumping into my Locust.
 
"What did you see?" I demanded as I took off at a brisk jog, the boy keeping up easily, thanks to our hard months of bootcamp. "Three fancy cars, and a horde of guys in suits with guns. They were really arrogant, almost drove right past the checkpoint until we got them sighted with the guns, that slowed them down quick. They were arrogant though, some guy was thinking they could just demand whatever they want, but Joshua is on guard duty, and he didn't take none of that. We put our weapons on them, and well. Joshua, He told me to come get you."
 
"Good. Alexa! I need a ride, Now!" I called out to one of the girls that often drove our Norman trucks around the base, or into town. I grabbed onto the side of the pickup as the older girl had swiftly jumped into the driver seat at my order, "Hop on!" I called out to my messenger, Gregory! I remembered his name as he clambered into the back and the truck set off. 
 
I could already see the vehicles blocked at our entrance checkpoint. Not only were the mounted machine guns mounted by a gunner, but our APC had been parked there, and hidden inside a bunker so no one realized what it was until they got too close and had another set of heavy machine guns pointed at them. I mostly gave them one so they had a place to run too if there ever was an attack. Better to escape in an APC than stand and fight to the death after all.
 
The heavy set man in a suit screaming at my guards told me that he wasn't happy about the situation. The truck slowed down and I hopped into a gentle jog to bleed off the speed as I walked up to the situation. The three very high end ground cars stopped at our checkpoint caused me to frown. Especially since one of them had the symbol of ComStar on the hood.
 
That is not good.
 
Someone was making a move. I stomped forward as if I owned the place, because I did. 
 
"Joshua. Report." I ordered, ignoring the sputtering suited man as I looked to the Corporal in charge. 
 
"Just these three vehicles, we alerted the rest of the guards to check the perimeter. Marcus was pretty sure that these are it." He commented, although I suppressed a smile, I was the only one in the area that knew why Marcus was so sure. 
 
"Okay so they weren't trying to sneak anybody in while we were distracted, Good. I won't have them shot then." I turned to the man that had been arguing with my guards and gave him a once over. His hand clutched a batch of papers that he was gripping harshly, as he glared down at me. "I'm Commander Victoria Eisen-Blume, you are trespassing on a military installation."
 
"It is not trespassing! I am Zachary Constance, an official of the Zaniah Government directed by Lady Alessa to conduct a surprise inspection!" He ranted, fisting the sheaf of papers at me, which I snatched from him before he could say anything more. 
 
"I never received any communication that an inspection was on its way, and as a military base, no one gets on site without my direct knowledge." I inform him as I flip through the papers. They looked legitimate and I spent a few minutes reading through them, letting the man seethe at my nonchalance. 
 
When I got to the last page, I flipped the packet closed. The man immediately began speaking, trying to move forward, "There. Now step aside, so I can complete my inspec-" He was stopped both from moving forward, and from speaking as Joshua put his rifle at his throat. 
 
"Joshua. If this man tries to break onto the base again without my permission, shoot him." I was getting quite irritated at this point. As I walked past the man and towards the three vehicles that still had a few guards surrounding the unmoving vehicles. 
 
There was only one vehicle that really mattered here. 
 
The two Com Guards in their little wizard hoods took notice of my approach. But before they stopped me, the door of the very high end car opened, and out stepped . That wasn't an adept the robe was different. I slowed as he stood to his full height and approached me. "Commander Victoria Eisen-Blume." I introduced myself, offering my hand for a shake which he took calmly. 
 
"Demi-Precentor of Zaniah III Gabriel Franks." He returned, and I shook his hand for a moment, as we sized each other up.
 
"Pardon my bluntness, Demi-Precentor, I don't allow civilians, even ComStar on base without my knowledge, but I do understand that you are in an interesting position. Do I have your word that the man you are escorting is in fact a member of the Governess staff and is here for an inspection, and that this isn't some strange spy game being played on me?"
 
He takes a moment to take in my question. "Hmm. I can assure you, Mr. Constance is here at Lady Alessa's order." He informed me calmly, and I nodded. 
 
"I'll have to speak to her later then and do I understand you are here to be a neutral observer of this 'surprise inspection' acting on behalf of the MRB?"
 
"Exactly so. Lady Alessa is concerned about the Iron Blooded Companies combat readiness in case of an attack, as dictated under page 78 of the Mercenary Contract." He said calmly, and I snorted. Amused that he knew the exact page. 
 
"Well then, Demi-Precentor, as much as I don't like surprises, welcome to the Red Base." I offer, turning and waving Joshua away from the 'official' "Mr. Constance, I also welcome you to Red Base." I told him as I walked up to the man. Who at this point was glaring at me with a truly enraged scowl on his red face. 
 
"The Governess will hear about this." He hissed in a low voice. 
 
"Yes she will. I will be calling her once we are finished here, to let her know I am very dissatisfied about this surprise visit. But that's for later. Mr Constance. Complete your inspection."
 
I watch him scowl as he returns to his car, as I clamber into the cab of the Norman. "Go ahead and lead them to the hangar." I told the driver of the truck I had commandeered as I rested back. This was going to be interesting. 
 
The small convoy pulled up to the hangar. The kids were all looking and lollygagging wondering what was going on, "Get back to work!" I ordered out in my boss voice sending most of them scurrying away although a few sent me smirks as they fake drank water, or ate food. I snorted, smiling despite myself, troublemakers.
 
The convoy stopped and I could already hear the harsh words coming out of the cars as Mr. Constance was scowling and nearly yelling at a younger man that stepped out of his car right behind him.
 
The four Battlemechs that were standing around the base were getting more than a little attention. Benny's Centurion and my Locust were both idle, Benny himself walking out to meet me, but the two active Centurions still working on the wall were getting a lot of concerned looks from the furious official. 
 
What was more interesting was the second car. The one that had also followed and two Mechwarriors stepped out. 
 
I knew they were Mechwarriors instantly. I was a Solaris kid in this life after all. That swagger, and movement? Definitely Mechwarriors, and they were eyeing up my mechs as if they were holding the keys about to go for a joyride. 
The Demi-Precentor on the other hand, seemed to note the mechs, and an adept that followed him as his assistant, made a mark on some noteputer, at the low response from the man.
 
"Hauptmann." I spoke up as Benny joined me at my side. 
 
"Commander. What's the word?"
 
"Trouble. Get a few guards to help escort our guests. They have their orders that we have to follow since they brought the MRB into this, but no one says a word to them. They can inspect the base. Nothing says they can interrogate our people."
 
"Understood, Commander. I'll go grab a few." He says hurrying off as I approach the perpetually red faced official. "Mr. Constance. I hope to get this taken care of quickly. Get to it." I tell him plainly, as Benny returns with a few kids who very obviously bracket me and start watching with sharp eyes.
 
Good kids.
 
"This is Preposterous! You are only supposed to have two mechs!" He growled at me as he turned, seemingly finally having enough berating his aide. 
 
"Yes. When I first took the contract I only had the two. My Locust, and a Centurion, before heading off Solaris, I made a deal that went through that got us the second two Centurions. They were delivered in secret. I wanted the eventual League raid to run into a full Lance, instead of a Demi-Lance. This was meant to be a military secret." I stepped very close to him, close enough I could smell his rather foul aftershave. "Now. When the raid comes, instead of sending a single Lance against my Demi-Lance. They will send two Lances, against my own." 
 
He seemed quite taken aback at my anger. "W-what nonsense! You should have informed the Governess's office about the increase in military power! And any such secret you seem intent on keeping will remain kept! This is a Lyran world. We don't worry about SAFE here!" 
 
"I am not worried about SAFE, Mr. Constance. But you brought a ComStar MRB Official on an inspection. What do you think happens when his report goes through regarding the improved status of my Mercenary Company?" I hiss at him, and for just a moment the man seems slightly abashed, at the fact I was right. 
 
ComStar was a 'neutral' entity. One of the things they did was try to keep their Mercenary ratings completely up to date. So that when someone requests a mercenary company they know what they are buying. But when ComStar improves my company's rating, well… Surprise was always useful. And now some of it was gone, because the Governess wanted to play politics.
 
It was a good excuse at least. If they hadn't brought ComStar I would have argued about SAFE instead. After all, it seems Lady Alessa is an enemy as well, keeping her in the dark can only help me at this point.
 
"I worry about all of my enemies, Mr. Constance." I said turning towards the two men who I had been eyeing as they made their way towards Benny's Centurion. "Mr. Constance is here at the orders of the Governess. And ComStar is here as a representative of the MRB. Who are you two, and I will only say this once. Don't touch my mechs." I call out loudly, towards the two men.
 
Both of them turned at my call, although the younger of the two, more a boy than a man, scoffed, turning back to eye Benny's Centurion. The elder turned and it seemed transformed his face into a sharp grin that probably worked quite well to charm young women. "Forgive me and my younger Brother Commander, but when Mother ensured there would be an inspection on her newest mercenary contractor, we had to come take a look."
 
He turned away from the mechs and approached. His charming facade was rather pointless on me, as he bent over and took my hand to lay a kiss across a knuckle. "Arthur Alessa, Eldest son and heir to the Governorship of Zaniah III, at your service Commander."
 
But I wasn't a fool. His eyes and manners had been full of nothing but greed upon looking at our mechs. I had no doubt about why the two brothers were here. 
 
Two mechs for two brothers after all.
 
Lady Alessa intended on walking away with the mechs, this little 'inspection' was probably already assumed to go her way. I would just have to see about that. "A pleasure." I grunt out. "If you are going to be taking part in this inspection. Very well, but my equipment isn't a toy." I call out looking behind him which he follows to see the younger brother, who was probably in his late teens seemingly checking over the Centurion. "And the owner of that Centurion will shoot him if he keeps that up." I add.
 
"Hah! Forgive him, he is a bit foolish at times!" Arthur offers before raising his voice. "Vincent! The 'mech isn't going anywhere. We have work to do!" He called out, and I noticed he spoke of the mech as if Vincent the younger brother would have time with it later.
 
He would not.
 
"Mr. Constance, Get on with your inspection. You are disrupting my base enough already. As you can see we were improving our defensive wall when you showed up." I growled, turning away from the two brothers whose greed was plain as day to see. I noticed that the Demi-Precentor was watching this all with a careful eye.
 
He was dangerous.
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===Addressing irregularities in relations===
The inspection went on and on. I led the little group on a tour. Showing off our surface armory, our fuel supply, food and other normal supplies. Mr. Constance once again glared and had a whispered argument with his aide when the water supply was covered. 
 
Instead of revealing the truth I just showed them one of our water trucks still full. Letting the group make their own decisions on our water supply. Our secondary kitchen upstairs in one of the hangar side buildings I had ordered to keep stocked, once I realized there would be a need to keep our underground bunker secret. 
 
I was glad I had done so, as the aide made a long amount of notes about our food supply. Which by this point I was getting really frustrated with. 
 
What exactly was this 'inspection' supposed to find that would assure them a contract dispute? Mr. Constance never paid any attention to the things that would actually indicate our ability to fight. Defenses? Ignored. Vehicles? Given a look and then passed over. Weapons? He apparently had more important things.
 
Food? Water? Medical supplies? Those held his attention. 
 
Finally after an hour of waiting I began losing my temper. 
 
"Is there a point to this, Mr. Constance? My company is completely ready to fight per our contract. We are even above strength from our original posting. What exactly has the Governess so concerned, that she sent you for this inspection?"
 
"The governess is always concerned about combat readiness and the fact she is paying your contract she has the ability to commit surprise inspections at any time."
 
I waited a beat to see if the red faced, and now very sweaty man had anything else to add before I turned to the seemingly only adult in the room. "Demi-Precentor. I would like to know what it was that caused this MRB Arbitration. A 'surprise inspection' by my contractor wouldn't require arbitration, and wouldn't have brought your attention without a serious case."
 
For the first time the old man seemed surprised at something, as he nodded "An astute observation. You are correct, MRB arbitration was requested under this contract. During this inspection, it is my duty to determine if the request was valid."
 
I turned to the official that had been leading me around my base for over an hour. "Mr. Constance. If the Governess has an issue with our contract I am more than happy to discuss that with her. Do you wish to 'inspect' any further, or are we done here?"
 
The man seemed quite off balance at the reveal from the Demi-Precentor. "T-that, is none of your concern! I will continue the inspection until I am satisfied!"
 
"My patience for this farce Mr. Constance has just about reached its end. I would decide quickly, what else needs to be 'inspected' and get around to it." I grit my teeth, my temper getting the better of me. 
 
I really just wanted to shoot him. Or get in my Locust and stomp him. Whichever was more painful. 
 
Yet thankfully that seemed to spur him on, and after a few more minutes of obvious dawdling. The official finally turned to the Demi-Precentor. "I believe that concludes everything we required during our check… I have been informed by the Governess to request the arbitration decision immediately, Demi-Precentor."
 
"Hmm, is that so?" He nodded. "Very well then. As a representative of the MRB I am here to declare my decision on the arbitration request between the Governor of Zaniah III and the Iron Blooded Mercenary Company. I see no sign of the Iron Blooded company failing in its duty to remain combat capable. The only other concern has been a lack of military patrols requested by the Governess office to the Iron Blooded company. An explanation to the MRB is requested by Commander Eisen-Blume."
 
"Patrols?" I couldn't help but blink in surprise. Taken off guard at the information. I turned to Benny who shrugged his shoulders at me. "There is no requirement for patrols listed in my contract, and this is the first I have heard about them."
 
"The Governess has informed the MRB that all patrol requests sent to the Iron Blooded company have been ignored."
 
"I never received any requests for patrols. How exactly have these patrol requests been sent to my Company?" I didn't bother asking the Demi-Precentor. Instead turning towards Mr. Constance. 
 
"Preposterous! Claiming at this time that you haven't even received the basic duties we requested of you!"
 
Seeing as he wasn't answering I turned back to the Demi-Precentor. "Did they inform you how those patrol requests were sent to us?"
 
"I was informed they sent the request through the global defense frequency."
 
"Ah. The frequency, I have sent at least a hundred requests to both the 10th, and the Governess's office requesting access to? The one that I inform my Liason that I have not been given access to for the entire three month stay. That Frequency, Mr. Constance?" I ask turning to the man.
 
"Ridiculous. General Faulkner assured the Governess office you had been completely set up and ready as required by all Mercenary Companies."
 
"General Faulkner never gave us any emergency defense frequencies, and that has been made evident by my constant requests for them."
 
"Is there any evidence of these requests, Commander?" I was pulled away from my argument with Mr. Constance after a moment and I smiled. 
 
"There are in fact! I have a communication log of every contact I have with both my Liason, and my attempts to contact the 10th, and if that isn't good enough. My Liaison Leutnant Freidrich Conor will speak of my constant attempts to request access, despite never responding I am sure the 10th have logs of my requests as well."
 
"Very well. The MRB has declared the status of this arbitration on the first count, failure to maintain readiness as denied."
 
"W-what! That. Demi-Precentor! The Lady Alessa has heard rumors of the company failing to keep it's people fed and watered, and it has not received any word of ammunition requests from the company. They are undoubtedly low on ammunition at this point. The Contractor has a serious concern about the company's ability to remain at the required standard!"
 
I didn't get a chance to respond when the Demi-Precentor replied immediately, "That was the reason for this arbitration given to me, yes, and during this inspection I discovered no sign of the company's failure. If the Governess feels a company doubling in strength over the course of three months is a sign of them weakening. I am sure she could cancel the contract with the Iron Blooded Company at any time. Until this arbitration is complete, The MRB views the contract as valid."
 
Before Mr. Constance could even reply I stepped forward this time, not willing to let this continue to play out. "And what exactly has prompted the idea that my company is failing in upholding our side of the agreement Mr. Constance?"
 
The man seemed quite startled at the changing circumstances. He had thought this would be a snatch and grab. And now he was finding the neutral arbiter wasn't on his side. "I-I was not informed what prompted the concern, only that your military readiness was in question."
 
"Then I will be having a firm conversation with Lady Alessa. Until then. Demi-Precentor, can you advise me on the actions needed to request my own arbitration over the contract. It seems I have been dealing with some irregularities over the last few months, and I have serious concerns."
 
The looks of shock on Mr. Constance's face warmed me as the Demi-Precentor agreed. 
 
Although I noted out of the corner of my eye, the two sons of the Governess were looking very displeased. The younger, already whispering furiously with his brother and seemingly told to be quiet.
 
"Oh? This is quite an unusual situation. Before I accept. Do you have any evidence of malfeasance on part of the Contractor Lady Maria Alessa on behalf of the governorship of Zaniah III?"
 
"I believe I do. Mr. Constance spoke on a lack of resources, that is still true. I kept the shipment orders for supplies the Lady has sent over, and they are obviously inadequate for a Company, regardless of size. The cost of the supplies dictated by contract was correct, but the cost of even basic purified water was exorbitant, making up over 90% of the cost."
 
"There is a water shortage going on!" Mr. Constance interrupted, his distress audible. "The cost for the water is higher than standard!"
 
"I am not arguing that, Mr. Constance, but what remains to be seen is why our last shipment of water was well below safe drinking water. If I hadn't noticed it before it was issued to my men, many would have been sick, or even died. I did notice as well, Mr. Constance, you were very interested in my sick bay, which we don't have one, as the only sickness we end up dealing with on a daily basis has been heat stroke, or sun burn. Where exactly did you get knowledge that my people would be sick before you arrived?" I pressed immediately, furious with the fat clerk.
 
"Oh? Do you have any evidence to back up this claim, Commander Eisen-Blume?" The Demi-Precentor interrupted. His face still had that blank mask, that gave me no clue on his thoughts.
 
"I have the water still in it's container, but it has been opened, so I am not sure how much trust the MRB will give to that. Otherwise, I still have the shipping order. It might allow one to track down where the water came from. Otherwise. No."
 
"You are correct, the water can be tested but, it will supply little evidence. The shipping manifest may be useful, But I can offer no promises on what it will show."
 
"N-Nonsense! You can't do this! Lady Alessa is requesting arbitration against this company, they can't not request it in return!"
 
"My Constance. I am afraid the MRB is in the habit of neutrality especially in regards to disputes between Mercenary Companies and Contractors. They most definitely can, and the MRB will do everything in its power to investigate these concerns." He turned, and headed away, his Comguard staying with him as he headed out towards the vehicles. Obviously done with this entire clusterfuck.
 
"Do not believe this will go your way. Lady Alessa is not pleased with your conduct so far! The arbitration is not completed yet." Mr. Constance hissed out before stomping off. Leaving only the two sons who were still whispering to each other. 
 
"I believe that this surprise inspection and arbitration is complete for now. Get off my base." I jerked my head at the guards that had been following us around, and they walked up to make sure these two left as well. 
 
"I see. An unfortunate situation, Commander, Until next time." The elder son spoke with an unbothered grin, while the younger kept a glare on his face. I could see his eyes looking towards the standing Centurion over and over, as the pair left. 
 
Only when their dust cloud finally disappeared over the horizon did I let the emotion flow through me. 
 
"Gotcha." I grinned. This was the best they could do? 
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===Call to Arms===
Despite all of my calls being ignored by the Governess over the next few days I was feeling pretty good. The MRB was investigating the water issues, and of course the proof I didn't have the defense frequencies and so couldn't have done any patrols requested.
 
Unfortunately, any sense of pleasure at defeating the first half of the Governess's attack vanished three days later. And it wasn't anything she did. 
 
The call came mid-morning, and when I answered, I was rather surprised at the voice on the other line.
 
"Commander Eisen-Blume." Governess Alessa's voice spoke.
 
"Lady Alessa, are we finally having the past due conversation?"
 
She was quiet for a minute and when she responded her voice wasn't the dangerous edge of a noble lady, it was tense. "No. Despite everything, Commander. I will have to trust those words you spoke to me when you first landed hold true. An hour ago a merchant Union deviated from its projected path. When hailed they failed to respond. We have confirmed this to be a raid."
 
We both were silent for a time. I was no longer smiling, or joking with a woman that had overreached. 
 
No, I was dealing with an actual attack.
"How long until they land?"
 
"My General's have informed me that we have ten hours."
 
"Then, Governess Alessa. Despite everything I stick to my word. Our issues you started aren't over. And don't expect that when this is done, that I won't be holding you accountable, but... My Iron Blooded Orphans will fight."
 
She was quiet for a while. "I understand. The planetary Militia will assist you, your Liaison is already on his way, he will work as a go-between for the defense."
 
We didn't spend much more time talking. Although I did learn that my Liaison had the planetary defense frequency codes. So I would finally be able to connect with the rest of the defenses.
 
I settled the phone back on the receiver and sat back for a moment. My office was quiet, but I could still hear the shouts and voices of my kids fighting and playing in the underground bunker.
 
It was time to see if all the preparation had been enough. I stepped out, noticing that everyone came to attention as I did.
 
"Benny! We have confirmation of a raid coming. Get everyone ready. It's time."
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Chapter 2-4