"We offer you a solution. In doing so, we trust you with a confidence and rely on your honor to keep it. Through the years, we have trained and established a force of arms. Originally, these warriors were intended to defend our blessed Terra from aggression by treacherous lords, a secret last line of defense. We have come to see the necessity in these dark days of protecting our own interests and facilities throughout the Inner Sphere. As you know, we have already secured the right to garrison our compounds on all planets in Davion space. We also maintain substantial numbers of mercenaries under contract, both Mech Warriors and conventional forces.
"Under the guise of manning our stations in the Combine, we propose to provide a military force that you may use to repel any invasion against the sovereign territory of the Draconis Combine. Such forces would come equipped with considerable stores of vehicles and supplies. We can also provide, at substantially reduced rates, the contracts of a large number of mercenary units.
"Also, in the event of another outbreak of war, we shall provide interstellar communications to the Combine at reduced rates. Good communications have done more to win wars throughout history than well-armed battalions.
"You cannot afford to refuse our offer."
Theodore hid his surprise behind what he hoped was an interested and thoughtful expression. The Primus was offering what he needed to save the Combine—an army. But who would really control those forces? Only a fool would believe that ComStar would totally relinquish control. The troops would be an outsider's army coiling within the Dragon's bosom. ComStar offered a promise of salvation, but posed a definite threat to the Combine's safety. They were too much of an enigma to be trusted. They had already gotten an agreement to place similar troops in the Federated Suns. Had they made the same offer of defensive aid to Hanse Davion? There was still much to learn. There had to be a catch. "How do I know I cannot affordto refuse your offer? I have not heard the price."
Myndo sat back, measuring Theodore with her gaze. "We wish to see the District of Rasalhague as a free and independent state. We expect you to support the Tyr movement in their bid for independence."
"That would cut valuable worlds from the Combine."
Myndo scoffed. "Most of the systems are already in Steiner's grip, even though peace negotiations are continuing. Do you expect to regain them at the table? The Lyrans have always been tight-fisted traders, with little inclination to give up what they already hold.
"Your support, even if only tacit, will encourage the Tyr movement. They will cry as loudly to be free of the Lyran Commonwealth as they will to be quit of the Draconis Combine if they see a chance for full independence. Besides, Rasalhague has ever been a thorn in the Dragon's side, draining resources better spent elsewhere. Without Rasalhague to defend, you would free up more forces to concentrate against your opponents. You would also have a buffer zone extending over half of your pre-war border with the Lyrans.
"You are very aware of strong separatist sentiments in the Isle of Skye. We are assured that they would take Rasalhague's freedom as a sign. Their leaders could easily decide it was time to declare independence from the Lyran Commonwealth. Think about that."
Theodore knew too well what that could mean. Driving Skye from the bosom of House Steiner had been one of the goals of his aborted Operation Contagion. During Frederick Steiner's final days on Dromini VI, he had been most talkative about the separatist movement, confirming Theodore's evaluation. If Skye went independent, Davion would be cut off from Steiner, and the Federated Commonwealth would die aborning. And House Steiner would lose a large portion of the industrial heartland upon which their economy depended. With two isolationist border states between the Combine and the Commonwealth, that entire border would be secure.
"You could turn all of your attention to Hanse Davion," Myndo prompted.
Theodore found that thought very seductive. He could succeed where Takashi had failed. Once Davion was . . . Wait! He suddenly realized what was wrong with the Primus's offer. "Why haven't you gone to my father?"
Myndo looked at him as though the question were foolish. "We have. The Coordinator was blind to the benefits of mutual interest."
"But I don't have the power to do as you wish."
"ComStar does not live in the past, or even the present. We are the future, and thus know much of what is to come. When the time is right, you will have the power."
Theodore did not bother to hide his skepticism. "Mystic prognostication, Primus?"
"If I thought you would believe it, I would say yes. You are too well-informed for that. We have learned that you are soon to be named Gunji-no-Kanrei.The post of Deputy for Military Affairs could be quite powerful. You will oversee the reshaping of the Draconis Combine's military. Some of that might could come from unconventional sources."
"So ka.And I am to turn a blind eye to Rasalhague, ignore reports of secessionist movements, redirect military strength, and in general make your political play easier."
"You have excellent vision."
Vision enough to see that I have no wish to be your pawn, Primus,Theodore thought. He ran his fingers along the dragon image graven on his coat plate. The Combine needed the strength ComStar offered, but the necessity for outside help made him burn with shame. If there were a way to minimize the influence, and threat, of ComStar, he would find it.
"You've given me much to think about, Primus."
Myndo smiled in satisfaction. "Do not think too long, Prince. The stars move onward in their course."
39
Deber City , Benjamin
Benjamin Military District, Draconis Combine
8 October 3030
From his vantage point across the busy street, Dechan Fraser watched the three men walk in jovial companionship. Sheltering under the roof of a noodle shop, he waited until they turned down a side street. Dechan signaled Jenette Rand with a tug of his cap as he left his stool and walked swiftly to the corner. A glance around told him that the targets were proceeding unaware. He breathed his relief to see the lane empty of innocent traffic. Behind him, a sudden ruckus drew the attention of the crowds in the street.
Dechan slid around the corner just as the trio stopped before an unmarked door inset in a shabby ferrocrete structure. As they hesitated, confirming the address scribbled faintly on the wall, an armored figure stepped from the shadowed alley at the building's side. Wan sunlight glinted on the oversize muzzle of the weapon he held ready.
The three were quick to react. The tallest, already in motion before the gunman cleared the alley, stepped sideways. The short and stocky one at the back of the group reached beneath his overcoat, clearly going for a weapon. The third, a redhead, cut across in front of the first. His arm moved in a blur as he threw something and shouted, "The Bounty Hunter!" Any further words were drowned out by the brief banshee wail of the armored man's Ceres Arms Crowd-buster.
The three dark-clad Kuritans crumpled to the refuse-strewn pavement.
Dechan moved in, rapidly stripping the bodies of weapons. Swords and pistols clattered into an untidy pile. The armored man plucked a dull black throwing knife from his ballistic cloth jumpsuit before joining his partner in searching the bodies. Dechan knew the weapon was likely to be poisoned.