ToGL5

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==Tales from the Golden Lion AUKatya’s Quest - Chapter 5==
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12/01/3051 - Antares, Contested World
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The Anhur VTOL departed from the Triad, an island of Clan territory within the sea of humanity that was the city of Alba had become. Tall and broad MRAP style vehicles, each carrying a decad/fireteam, used by Star Adder mechanized forces. Most were disembarked in riot gear staring down a mass of protestors marching up the ramp to the City’s Triad complex carrying Anti-Star Adder signs and banners. Black Aketon clad Elementals stood behind shield bearers with heavy longstaves, the front line troops in heavy riot armor presented singlesticks and held formation behind a row of barricades as the crowd kept their distance.
Katya heard the shouts of protest even this far behind the lines in a huddle with Sheriff Jason and his subordinate Team Leaders. The Team Leaders broke after clarifying the rules of engagement leaving just the two of them behind. “Why do you allow this to continue Sheriff?”
“The protests and marches?”
“Aff.”
“My predecessor tried to put a halt to them but was killed by a former police sharpshooter. I intend to learn from his mistake. 
We cannot keep order for two million inhabitants with only five hundred Patrol under my command. We have water and power, but the Star Colonel fired the civilian government and emergency services when he took command of the region, so food, work, and order are in short supply. So, I allow them to protest because if I did anything else they might rebel or descend into full anarchy, and I am not certain we could stop them.”
“You could shoot them.” Heavy machine guns atop the MRAPs were pointed up in the direction of the crowd.
“We could but we are at the forward edge of the occupation zone, it will take time for the civilian castes to be deployed to Antares to restore essential services. I have had to bring the city clerk and city manager onto my staff to even understand what is going on.” 
“You brought the Lyrans into your staff despite the security risk.”
“Of course, but I had no other choice.
What are you doing here, MechWarrior? Surely the Star Colonel did not send his favorite Star Captain to check up on me.”
“I am following up on leads from Kyros regarding the Two-Twenty-Second’s hidden base.”
“His death was an unfortunate loss. I did enjoy his company. He always had interesting conversation topics at the ready." 
Jason looked her over, from head to toe she was in uniform issued kit. “However, you will not be able to get very far as you presently are, I do not have enough men to assign as your bodyguard. We are a commodity out there.”
“I have authority to requisition them.”
“Indeed, you could, but it would not help you. No one will speak with you in your present state, you are very obviously a Clan Warrior. You will need to ditch your uniform and blend in if you want to have any chance. I also cannot guarantee your safety.”
“No one has ever guaranteed my safety except myself. I am a Clan Warrior; I have lived among enemies before.”
“Are you certain this is the path you wish to choose MechWarrior. Surely this is a task for another Watch Operative.”
“I have accepted the task, Sheriff. What will you do to aid me?”
“Well, I suggest you go shopping first. Perhaps purchase a dress.”
Katya couldn’t hide her confusion and outrage, “Shopping? A Dress? I have not worn one of them since I was in creche.”
“Aff, it would be the perfect disguise.” Jason pointed toward a large concrete building emblazoned with ‘Zettle Bancorp’ on it. “Ask my deputy for some cash. Merchants still accept Nashan scrip or Kroner on world. There is a department store several blocks over that might still have some stock. Stealing clothes are not exactly at the top of everyone’s priorities now.”
Behind them the Patrol officers beat sticks to their shields, slowly advancing as a phalanx to disperse the crowd withstanding thrown or slung rocks the entire way and rounding up agitators. “The area should be cleared shortly.”
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