RENC2-22

=Chapter 22=
==Random Events (Nebula California) - Take 2==
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Daniel's office
Stalingrad
Toreel, Nebula California
June 13th, 3153
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Morning
Daniel limped into his chair.
Gilly chuckled at the sight.
Gwain almost looked like he was smirking.
"Spill." Gilly beamed.
"I'd rather not talk about it." Daniel knew some of the welts and bruises his wife had inflicted on him last night were still visible.
"That confirms it. Was pretty obvious anyway." Gilly seemed to be enjoying the spectacle entirely too much.
It wasn't terribly difficult to figure out what had gotten into her. It was the only way she could express her frustration without outright breaking her oaths.
"So what demands my attention today?" Daniel winced as he finished settling into his chair.
"Our expeditions are encountering more locals each day." Gwain was giving Fezzik the day off.
"After the recent battle that would make sense. Our merchants do indicate Kevin and our neighbors are clearly getting ready for something." Daniel nodded.
"I'm not sure how it's our problem." Gilly spoke up a little confused.
"Simple. Kevin showed his hand. In our conversations with the locals even though they seem uneducated in what Battlemechs are and what it takes to pilot them. They are aware that even best case scenario that Kevin has now improved the capabilities of his forces and are expecting him to make a strike against his enemies. That we are encountering more locals seems to back this as if they strike first it improves their odds. Why this is our problem is we're the weak link no matter how you look at it. Our neighbors are more established and have much better defensive terrain." Daniel answered.
"Indeed. We are even being carefully probed to see where our loyalties lie." Gwain added.
"So our choices are stick with Kevin and have an army come through our trench lines or flip on Kevin and get stomped by 'Mechs we can't stop." Gilly leaned back in her chair looking at the ceiling.
"Pretty much and Kevin's pretty well ensured we can't betray him without paying a very heavy price." Daniel added.
"This is not good." Gwain grumbled.
"So what do we do?" Gilly asked still looking at the ceiling.
"Unfortunately we have no choice. We have to do exactly what Kevin put us in place to do. Hold this section of the line." Daniel sighed.
"I hate it but you are right. More we must make Kevin answer for." Gwain grumbled.
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