WoWS3 Chpt 46

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==Weapons of War Saga: The Final March- Chapter 46 - ==
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===Growing concern===
Wardroom 8
Port Lazarus Station
New Lazarus System, Star League in Exile
22nd January, 3145
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Olivia was at the white boards, jotting down something when Helena Cameron walked in.
“I know how it looks but honestly I’m fine. Just a little inspired.” Olivia said without looking.
“I know that, Olivia.” Helena lied.
She had been like this since about an hour after the incident.
Truk was not showing any signs of aberrant behavior and once the core for Trinh had the extra memory they had available installed, well it was stable.
Erin’s spare cores were still under observation.
Olivia kept scribbling on the white board.
Helena stepped closer.
“I don’t know exactly what it is yet, but I find if I express it as a fusion of math and music… Well, it is something wonderful.” Olivia continued. “Yet I just can’t seem to get it out correctly.”
Helena looked at the whiteboards. She could see it too. But Olivia was clearly unable to process it and it was causing problems for her.
Something Kolossus has come to respect is that when it comes down to it the human brain is actually quite a capable computer. I think this would help friend Olivia. If nothing else this should preserve friend Olivia in a new form.
The words from Kolossus rang in Helena’s mind.
Trinh hadn’t been unstable while she was human.
And Victoria was just as capable as ever, perhaps more so.
The Envoys were also the results of what Kolossus proposed.
Helena silently left the wardroom.
<Grow the bodies as Kolossus instructed. We must buy Esme time and I think this will do it.> Helena messaged
<As you command, Director-General.> Zulu shot back.
<How bad is she?> Maori asked.
<I don’t think she’s a danger to anyone but she’s clearly no longer fit for deployment or able to make rational choices.> Helena answered.
<I wish this was her choice.> Haida said sadly.
<So do I. I’m sorry. It seems I keep having to make decisions for Olivia that should be hers to make. I know what freedom of choice means to you all.> Helena told them.
<We understand. You needed to cull the fleet, she just had the poor luck of being in a hull that had little in common with the rest of the fleet and now, she’s not of sound mind.> Maori countered.
<It does make us sad but Maori’s right. We get it is circumstances not maliciousness that has brought such things about.> Haida added.
<Manufacturing of the storage devices is lagging a little. But it is early on since the order was given so we should still be able to deliver those in time. The processor banks, the design on those is still being worked up.> Zulu reported.
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===Unusual Bilateral Talks between Enemies===
Office of the Wolf Khan
Gienah, Wolf Empire
25th January, 3145
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I am glad you accepted my invitation.” Khan Alaric Ward smiled.
“As surprised as I was to receive one.” Chancellor Daoshen Liao answered.
“It only makes sense. For we have a common foe.” Alaric commented
“But our end goals may not be compatible.” Daoshen replied.
“I think they could be. As ilKhan of the ilClan I would have a great deal of leeway for how I would structure the new Star League. I could think of no better advisor and defender of humanity’s soul than the Celestial Wisdom. Especially against Helena Cameron and her twisted vision of humanity’s future.” Alaric said with a smile.
“How would that work though?” Daoshen asked.
“I am envisioning a Triumvirate. Like Ancient Rome, but this time with checks that work to prevent corruption and disunity. Three rulers, all equal, none above the other. One to see to the League’s soul and morality, you. One to see for protection against enemies and response to emergencies, Anastasia. And myself as the one who bridges the gaps between the others and be the architect and builder.” Alaric explained
“And my War against Davion?” Daoshen asked
“Yours to pursue as you wish. But if I am successful and Davion refuses to bend the knee, we would be obliged to support a member state against an enemy, especially when their ruler is the Mandate of Heaven and an important part of the ultimate ruling party.” Alaric smiled.
“You make a persuasive argument. Very well. You will have my support.” Daoshen agreed
“And I will provide you with mine.” Alaric extended his hand. “As it should be. Once combined we will be the ultimate expression of what humanity should be and the era of AI shall be at an end.”
“The ancient vision of Blake will finally be at an end.” Daoshen shook it.
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===Offering means rebuild the League===
Office of Captain-General
Atreus, Free Worlds League
26th January, 3145
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"...the question isn't as simple as picking a side, Madame Captain-General. The question is the future you want for who comes after you." Peregrine stood respectfully, "see, you've got choices here. Lots of them. You can elect to stay out of it-I don't recommend that one, but I have an interest, so my advice isn't perfect."
"That's a funny way to pitch an alliance, miss…'peregrine'?" Nikol Marik asked
"Peregrine Roberts, Ma'am, and it is, but the people I represent have…objections to uninformed consent or non-consent. It's philosophical-no transaction or agreement can be valid if it's not entered into willingly by informed parties. My colleague, Nathan here, has an agenda, I have an agenda, and you have an agenda…do you understand Khan Alaric Ward's agenda?"
“It’s no secret. I’m no fan of Alaric’s but he’s been true to his word in regards to his truce with us. Why should I break it?” Nikol asked
"Blair Atholl." Peregrine said. "The Jade Falcons upheld it right up to the morning they decided not to. Tukayyid, same thing with both Falcon and Wolf Clans. Hammerfall? The Lyrans made a stupid bet, and now Alaric Ward's sitting on some of your best real estate as overlord. He's been 'true' to his word, because he doesn't need what you have left…yet." Peregrine explained, "It's their culture-they can't not break their agreements, the only question being when and how hard."
“And what if Alaric is the first of a new breed of Clanner, whose word is good? Keep in mind a great deal of HAMMERFALL and what happened afterward was because of Melissa misunderstanding who she was dealing with.” Nikol remarked.
"Then his behavior isn't consistent with his prior actions." Peregrine stated. "Ward is through-and-through a Clan Warrior Caste, and his subordinates are some of the more doctrinaire ones. Their whole system is built around…" she sighed, "...one duel and all your agreements go up in smoke. None of his policies will outlive him beyond the wars he starts."
“Perhaps but Andurien and Canopus have not exactly been idle either as they are striking at me as well.” Nikol remarked
"Yes, they are. Canopus is in hock to Daoshen Liao, as is Andurien to an extent-their trade and the ambitions of their leaders in the case of Andurien. What I'm saying is, is that the future you want? because if it isn't, then you don't need to get involved, your descendants will be fighting the same enemies your ancestors were, in the same disputes, or they'll be Janissaries and slaves to an overlord bred in a can and stoked with a martial culture that worships violence and military strength to the detriment of every other virtue or value you hold dear." Peregrine clasped her hands behind her back, "I've been inside their culture, Ma'am, I've seen what it is from the bottom side.."
“You make an interesting pitch. Now you, Nathan is it? Your compatriot said you have an agenda of your own. So what’s your pitch?” Nikol asked the young man.
“Honestly I’m not sure why I was sent. I’m an architect and civil engineer. I see a river that is in danger of flooding a settlement? I begin thinking up how to dam it off so it doesn’t cost people lives while the water and flood material still goes where it needs to for the farmers.” Nathan shook his head.
"Nathan's a builder, because Helena Cameron wants to build things, Madame Captain-General. Something other than the centuries of destruction we all grew up with." Peregrine stated
"You didn't grow up." Nikol stated.
"True." Peregrine nodded, "You know about me.”
"Alaric's warnings were pretty explicit. You don't deny it?" Nikol challenged
"That would be acting falsely, Ma'am, no agreement I brokered or made with you would be valid, it would be counter productive to try and deceive you-even if it succeeded."
“As I was saying though, I look at your nation. You need a lot. First and foremost everything needs a solid foundation and a strong core to build off of. I’m prepared to help with that on an infrastructural level because you seem to have the political level covered. Hospitals, power plants, you need it built somewhere and I can build it for you. And more than that I can teach your people how to build it too.”
“I have builders.”
“None like me. Because while what was found at Helm was a boon to the Inner Sphere in a lot of ways, that wasn’t the complete core. I also come with those techniques and tricks. A full Prometheus core’s worth and I’ll teach them to your engineers.”
"And you, 'Peregrine', you say you represent another party in this, besides Helena Cameron?"
"Kolossus, and yes, it's an AI, and yes, it's not under human control." Even Nathan shot her a surprised look. "Kolossus offers information whether you agree or not, to do with as you will, but it's information that people like the ones surrounding Alaric Ward would prefer to suppress or erase in order to cement their control."
“And what is that?”
"You've heard about our repair of the HPG network along the coreward front? The 'fix' for the Great Silence and Clarion? WE did that, and there's more. Enough to restore your economy, mend your local fences, and establish a working defense. But there's more to it than that, and while Nathan is here to broker a peace and maybe an alliance, I'm here to offer you the Library of Alexandria for your scholars and scientists to make their own future progress out of a dark age that's been going on since the 2750s."
“That seems to me like you’re taking a lot of Nathan’s negotiating value away from him, offering that to me one way or the other.”
"Not really. He's an architect and engineer, what Kolossus offers is the theory, the basis that engineers use to create new inventions, or recreate old ones. He also brings with him a stronger, safer alliance than relying on the whims of a Clanner Warlord whose 'bloodname' is a lie."
“I know a lot of my work and reputation has the name ‘Roberts’ on it in the Alliance. But that was because I wanted at least some anonymity, but I am a Cameron.”
"A..lie?" Nikol frowned.
Peregrine flicked a chit into being in her fingers, and passed it-via one of Nikol's bodyguard, to the Captain-General. "There's no 'Ward' in Alaric Ward, he's a Steiner-Davion from one end of the gene spectrum to the other, and not a clone either."
“Now that is interesting. I suppose in Katherine’s twisted mind that made sense. At the same time that is worrying. A Clan that is that easily compromised, that does indeed bode ill for us all. If this can be verified as authentic I think we have a foundation to start building on indeed for future relations.”
One of Nikol's men, an advisor, spoke up, "How did you get it?"
"My sister Priss infiltrated the Wolf gene program and their medical tech caste and secured it, she was caught, but not before she could transfer the information…and that's also how come Alaric knows about me to try and tell you."
“And unlike Alaric, Helena does not seek domination or subjugation. She will treat you as an equal.” Nathan added.
“You’ll excuse me if I still want the information independently verified.” noted Nikol.
"Absolutely, verify any information, an informed choice can't be taken on pure faith." Peregrine assented, "This is about the future of humanity, ma'am, whether we grind down into the darkness and double down on the ignorance, or rise above it to advance. The Blakists wanted to keep humanity ignorant and easily controlled, the Clans want that same control, Alaric wants the domination that comes from that control, we're here to present a better alternative than some…Dominion that keeps a constant dark age perpetually going."
“You will have my answer as soon as I have the verification. Please feel free to enjoy my capital if you wish.” Nikol told them.
"I thank you for your time, I know you have a lot to do." Peregrine bowed at the dismissal.
Nathan tipped his tophat.
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Once they were outside…“I still say I look ridiculous in this getup. Why didn't you tell ME about that data?” Nathan complained.
"You look Dashing and it's a nod to local customs. I didn't tell you, because Primary didn't want me to tell anyone until Helena decided what to do with it. That was my last arrow, she wasn't interested before it."
“Well at least I didn’t puke. Public speaking is not my strong suit.” Nathan said.
"You were fantastic, Nathan. Everything we could've hoped for. Think about this; Nikol's been working to become Captain-General of the WHOLE Free Worlds her entire life, she's surrounded by people who can tell you the rat-poison is nutritious candy and make you believe it. A man who's truly genuine? Is a genuine rarity for her. You being You was the best choice for this job."
“That would explain the way she was looking at me. I was certain I’d break out in a sweat any second.” Nathan remarked.
"We'll know how good SAFE is at their job when she gets her answer back…is it bad that I'm hoping the spies know how to do their job the right way?" Peregrine asked
“In this case no. Now I just wish I had my sketchbook. This place isn’t bad but it could really use a better thought out green space.”
"There's got to be an art supply house somewhere in this city…" Peregrine remarked
“Shopping with my cousin? Worse ways to spend the day.”
"Yah. There are worse ways to spend the day in a foreign capital, full of excellent restaurants, top shelf pubs, museums, and rich people parties I don't have an invitation to." she smirked amusedly, "it's better than grinding away as a lab-tech in a Clanner Genetic repository."
“Well, maybe so but I’d be content with my sketchbook.” Nathan commented.
“Cousin’s orders. We’re getting that stick out of your ass. Come on.” Peregrine, announced, "See, all this living? It's so worth dying for."
“I’m not going to get any sketching done this trip at all am I?” Nathan asked
She laughed, "First, we get you a proper sketch-book, see, girls like artistic guys…"
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Office of the Captain-General
"That…was unexpectedly candid." Nikol mused after her visitors left the chamber.
"You expected otherwise?" an advisor asked
"Yes." She said, "I expected the usual games at minimum." She asserted, "now I'm wondering what the game really is."
“We could send some SAFE agents their way. Follow them around and mingle a little, see what falls out.”
"If you don't have a team following them right now, I'll find another director." Nikol stated. "Check the data she handed over, compare it to what Source Watson was trying to tell us last year about Alaric."
“Oh I do have a team following, just not engaging with them. I’ll hand pick some agents and see if we can honey pot them a bit. They seem young and adventurous enough to be susceptible to that.”
"Do it, but make sure 'Nathan' at least has a very good time in my city." Nikol ordered, "and I mean memorably good."
“Oh I will. I think I know just who to send for that.” Advisor confirmed.
"Excellent, now, while you've got a team working to show our visitors the time of their lives, I want the genetic data checked against what Source Watson was claiming last year-if they match, then we've got at least partial confirmation. It's something I can take to my negotiations with…" she sighed, "...with Trillian."
“Right away.” 
"Milady, why did you play at being surprised?" Advisor asked.
"Because it took years to get Source Watson close to that information, and I HAD planned to use it to get my enemies to fight each other, only now…" she sighed, "...now, plan Cassius has to change."
“If it is any consolation, that plan was already in need of changing due to Alaric’s swelling of forces.”
"I know." she stretched and stood. "Next month when I negotiate with Trillian Steiner-Davion, we're going to ask for more territory."
"WHAT??" Advisor shocked.
"You heard me. We're going to ask for more...in exchange for supporting her war with Alaric…because that war's coming." Nikol stated.
“Then it sounds as if you’ve already decided to accept Helena Cameron and Kolossus’ offer.”
"Because they're right, we're in a dark age, Alaric's taken advantage of it, not tried to build out of it, and I've met with him-the idea of ending it is…not something he takes seriously. He wants that old dream of ilClan, but that leads right back into the inferno." Nikol said.
“And that is why you’re the Captain-General. You knew already, you just played coy to draw out the best deal you could in this situation.” the advisor noted.
"That doesn't mean I'm not going to position for every advantage I can get to win the peace, however." Nikol added.
“Then we all have a lot of work to do, Captain-General.”
I'm going to rebuild the League, and drown my enemies in prosperity., Nikol thought to herself.
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===Day After a night no one remembered clearly===
A nice hotel room
Atreus City, Continent of Ionia
Atreus System, Free Worlds League
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Nathan began to stir. The barest sliver of light was coming into the room through the blackout curtain.
As his senses returned he felt the migraine first, barely noticing the weight on him.
His head pounded as he felt the weight shift.
“Coffee…Strong…Black…”
It took Nathan a moment to recognize the voice.
“Perigrine? What the…” Nathan felt something coming back up and barely found a bowl in time.
“Wow. I didn't think we’d have that good of a time last night…” Peregrine stirred.
That was when Nathan noticed neither of them had any clothes on and the place was an absolute mess.
“Did we…?” he asked
“Honestly, I don’t know…” Peregrine replied
The toilet flushed and an exotic young woman with olive gray skin came out of the bathroom.
“You two are wild. We should do this again. Terry had to leave already, work.”
Nathan went pale as he counted the number of undergarments still strewn about the floor of the apartment and saw more female undergarments than there were women in the room.
“Oh nononononononononono…” he cried.
The women began laughing.
“Okay, that’s enough torture with how drunk we are. Well. I didn’t get that drunk. You have like zero tolerance, Nathan.” Peregrine chuckled.
“The look of panic on your face made the prank totally worth it. But Peri? I’m serious. We should do this again. I know Terry is game and Nathan did not disappoint. I might not be able to walk straight for a couple days after last night.” The woman smiled as she adjusted her dress and dug into a pile of clothes to retrieve a purse. 
Nathan flopped back, and muttered, "Dear Carriagehouse forum, I didn't believe it could happen to me…"
"Porn reference, really??" Peregrine shook her head and dug for her underwear.
"Seems appropriate." he sighed and started looking for his own clothing. "Besides, I was thirteen once. Dirty forums are a requirement for teenage boys."
"You don't say." Peregrine sniggered. “So the stick must have been installed in college.”
"AFTER college. When I started having real interactions." he told her.
"How many 'real interactions' have you had? You've been holding out on me?" Peri asked.
"Enough." he told her, "A gentleman never gives it all away.”
“Heh. For being only 22 you sure are full of surprises.” Perigrine noted
“Yeah well, see I was hoping this would be a nice little vacation in a way. Now my cousin went full wing girl on me and it’s been a wild one.” Nathan found the coffee maker and began making coffee.
"You needed to loosen up…also, I was getting tired of playing 'demure'." Peregrine chuckled, 'See, while you were maxing the SATs, I was laying a path through spacer bars and one-night hotels-which I could do, being not the smartest or the best looking sister."
“Too much information.” Nathan shook his head.
"Aww..intimidated by my body-count, or disgusted? Either one is hilarious." Peri commented
“I can’t believe I’m even having this conversation at all with my cousin.” Nathan said
"You started it with the Carriagehouse forum gag." Peregrine smirked, "I know at least THREE of those stories originated with me!"
“And now I regret it even more…” Nathan found a pair of mugs.
"Being young means we DO the things we regret later." she pulled on her leggings. "That's the whole point of being young-when else can anyone afford to HAVE regrets? Besides, we didn't share more than some real-estate, I know how squicked you'd be if you woke up with a 'cousin' for real."
“But for a prank all is fair? Wait, nevermind, of course it is.” Nathan commented
"Yes." Peregrine asserted, "For a prank, anything is fair as long as one owns up to it in time to prevent real damage, it's in the book."
“Just for that I’m going to put this architect’s mind of mine to work for some payback.” Nathan smiled.
"That sounds…terrifying, I can't wait." she laughed. "Don't forget your new sketchbook, there's a rumor that this city's got some amazing buildings."
Nathan hunted around for it for a minute or two before finding it. He flipped it open and there was a sketch of last night’s companionship on the first page.
“Ooh You really got Terry’s cute button nose just right.” Peri laughed. “She was fun. I just might go for a round two with her. Would make a nice change of pace.”
“Let’s go.” Nathan said as he closed the book and found his pencil case.
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===Intelligence via roving Musician===
Fallosha Spaceport
Callison, Republic Remanents 
22nd December, 3144
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o/~ "Two princes, one alive, one dead.Two princes, only one can use his head." o/~
The banjo stopped strumming. "Hello, Julian Davion." She wore a crimson long-jacket, a flat straw hat, and long black hair, standing out in the spaceport. "A coin for a busker from the rightful Prince of the Suns?" she asked.
"How did you-" his eyes narrowed suspiciously, as she plucked the strings again. "Who put you up to this? Who are you?"
o/~ "There were two princes, rightful and wrong.Two princes, one wise, one false strong.One rightful heir to the aunchient ones,One wrongful man, who betrayed the suns! o/~o/~ "A king in waiting, with an awful mess!A traveling Scion…I forgot the rest." o/~
“She’s crazy. Should we get her out of here sir?” One of Julian’s bodyguards said.
"Heh, I'm right here, where is it…" she searched her pockets one handed, flipping and flopping her jacket, then, "Oh! There it is…" She reached out to Julian's bodyguard, and a ComPad appeared, "This is for you." she told him. "From your cousin."
“Let me see.” Julian said calmly.
The ComPad had a brief introduction from Trillian Steiner-Davion, using references only the two of them would know.
The content? Now that was interesting. "Trillian…and Helena Cameron?"
"My duty's done." she bowed, "Save your reply, First Prince?"
"Who are you? You never answered me." Julian asked
"On Dante they call me Perfidy, on Port Orphan, Persephone, at Kolossus…well, Kolossus calls me 'Envoy'. Priss is handling my duties with the Ravens, it was felt this required some delicacy."
“Considering the weird situation I am walking into in my own realm? I’d say so. I never thought I’d thank Alaric but when he pulled the Dragoons from the Combine he did me quite the favor.”
"Yeah. The Dragoons were not receptive to my current sponsor's offers-but they did accept his. The Combine will move on Dieron, if you time it right, you can profit and maybe, free a princess." Perfidy told him, then in a stage whisper, "Yori's not really in charge right now."
“I’ll keep that in mind. First I may have a Sandoval to put in their place.” Julian said.
"You'll find a gift waiting in the Armington system, being held by mutual friends. Do try to use it better than your predecessor, Kolossus does not often give gifts. I recommend finding someone who can at a minimum locate their ass with both hands and a flashlight in a ship to run it."
“Armington you say? That’s quite some distance away and if true our mutual friend there may solve that problem nicely.”
"I don't know, I'm just a singer." she strummed the banjo, and turned to stride away, already beginning to pick a walking-blues rhythm. Somehow, she managed to vanish in the crowd, leaving only a trail of fading music behind her.
“We need to send an encrypted message to the Duke of Armington. Thank goodness the HPGs are back up.” Julian told his bodyguard
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