"Welcome to the Legion of Vega."
"I know what you've heard, because I've heard it, too. That this is the cesspit of the Draconis military. That your careers are over. That no one ever returns from the Legion."
"You can believe it if you want. You can make it true, by becoming the scum others believe you to be. I won't stop you. And I won't stop you because I can't. If you have no honor left, you will be what they say. Marfik will become your personal hell."
"It doesn't have to be that way. Ignore what you heard before coming here, and look to your honor. It is the strength that will sustain you and the armor to shield you. The Legion offers you a new start. I challenge you to prove that you are warriors, men and women of worth. Earn my respect, if you can. It won't be easy."
"It's up to you. Think about it."
"I'll be speaking to each of you individually. For now, head to the barracks. Sho-saOlivares will show you where to stow your gear. Check the roster for your interview time."
"Dismissed."
A tall black man caught Theodore's eye. Something about him was familiar, but Theodore could not recall having seen him before. His service cap was no help; the unit badges had been torn from it.
"You," he called, pointing at the man. "Come over here."
As the soldier approached, Theodore observed the left side of his collar. The fabric was frayed in places and a slightly darker color outlined the shape of a different insignia from the Chu-i'striple blue bars that glinted in the sunlight. The man had been demoted from the rank of Tai-i.
Theodore noted the curly black hair and the carefully tended mustache and goatee. He searched the lines of the man's face that was so naggingly familiar.
"What's your name?"
"Fuhito Tetsuhara, sir," the man replied in a deep, clear voice.
"I thought you looked vaguely familiar," Theodore said with a smile. "Minora Tetsuhara was one of my tutors. You must be his grandson."
"His son, sir," Fuhito said, shifting uncomfortably. Whether his discomfort was from having to correct his superior or due to the mere mention of the old warhorse's name, Theodore couldn't tell.
"Strong hara,"Ninyu commented from behind him.
"Ease off, Kerai -kun," Theodore said, giving his friend a glance that meant he was serious. Ninyu looked offended.
Theodore reached out a hand to Fuhito's shoulder. "Come inside. I just rescheduled your interview for now. Leave your bag. Tai-iKerai will stow it." He ignored Ninyu's annoyance, knowing he could square it with him later.
"Tell me, Fuhito -san, how is your family?" Theodore asked as he led the Chu-iinto the building.
"Father and Mother are well, Tai-sa,"Fuhito began haltingly. He was clearly not used to discussing his family with a superior officer. "Eldest brother Chu-saMinobu has recovered from his accident and commands the Ryuken-m on the Galedon border. My other brother, Tai-iYoshi, has received the red-and-back banner. I am here."
Theodore heard the rising bitterness in Fuhito's voice. He waved a hand at the couch to indicate that Fuhito should be seated, and then perched himself on the edge of his desk.
"Please accept my condolences on the death of Yoshi. He must have died valiantly to have received the banner. It is a great honor for a minor officer's name to be inscribed on the Great Wall of the Fallen Samurai. Your family is honored."
"We are ever servants of House Kurita," Fuhito intoned mechanically.
"I remember once seeing your eldest brother, Minobu, when he visited the court at Luthien. I was ten years old and quite surprised to see a black samurai, especially one with a Japanese name. I didn't know then that one did not have to be Japanese to embrace the code of bushido.Nor did I know that being Japanese did not automatically make one a believer in the code. I've learned much since my youth, including how to judge each man individually and to be wary of what others say about him."
Fuhito said nothing.
"Minobu is doing well for himself. His Ryuken experiment is a success. The regiments have none of the problems we face with the Procurement Department, and he has the blessing of the Bureau of Administration as well. Even here on Marfik, we felt the sting of the orders to supply the 'Mech pilots he requested when he formed the Ryuken. I had to send Chu-iSandersen from my own command lance. The Legion hasn't lost a man that way since the Genyosha was formed."
Fuhito remained silent. Theodore, wondering if he were getting through, picked up a folder from his desk. He thumbed it open and perused the contents. "I've got a slot open for a good recon lance commander, Fuhito -san,"he said casually. "Do you know of any among the transferees?"
"I have heard that Hanson is good, Tai-sa."
"Hmmm. You commanded a recon company, didn't you?"
"Hai,on Galtor. The company no longer exists."
"Tell me about it," Theodore ordered. "You may speak freely."
Fuhito hesitated a moment and then began to pour out his story. Theodore sighed inwardly. Tetsuhara- sensai'scaution had not taken deep root in this son. Despite himself, Theodore was soon caught up in Fuhito's tale of the misplaced loyalties and political infighting that had contributed to the debacle on Galtor. Warlord Yoriyoshi's ego had been bruised by the continual insults of his rival, Warlord Samsonov. When Samsonov's strategy placed Yoriyoshi and his troops in an untenable situation, the exasperated Yoriyoshi had abandoned the planet. His departure had left Samsonov facing overwhelming Davion forces and forced him to leave as well. Yoriyoshi was relieved of command and demoted, blamed for the Combine's failure and branded a coward and incompetent. A false picture, according to Fuhito. He claimed that the Warlord had known that the campaign was already lost, and had simply saved his men to fight another day. Theodore's own study of the campaign tended to confirm that assessment.
Fuhito had defended his commander, loudly, to the inquiry board. When the decision went against Yoriyoshi, Fuhito was caught in the fallout.
"I spoke from my heart, and told the truth as I saw it," Fuhito concluded. "In doing so, I made some powerful enemies. I thought they would cashier me. That's what they did to the others who spoke out."
"But now, having learned your lesson, you would act otherwise?"
"Iie, Tai-sa,"Fuhito blurted indignantly. "I have my own honor to guard."
Theodore smiled sympathetically.
"I think that you are the man to take over First Battalion's recon company. You are certified in a Griffin , Tai-i."
"Tai-i?"Fuhito repeated, puzzled. "But I was demoted to Chu-i."
"Men in the Legion find their own ranks, Tai-i.I can't have a lesser rank in command of a company."
Fuhito was clearly overjoyed for a command again, but something hid behind his joy. He hesitated, chewing on his lower lip.
"There is a problem," Theodore prompted.
"I am certified for a Griffin , Tai-sa,but 'Katana Kat,' the family Panther,was shipped to Marfik with me."
Theodore understood at once. "How can I stand in the way of family honor?"
Gratitude shone in Fuhito's face.
"But before you take the assignment, I'll want to see if you have the Tetsuhara touch in a 'Mech. Meet me on the practice field in twenty."
"Hai, Tono!"Fuhito shouted.