The news was broadcast throughout the JumpShip and her attached DropShips, as well as to the prize crews aboard the cache ships. Before the crowd in the conference room dispersed, Commtech Ishora entered the chamber and bulled his way through the crowd to the open space around the council table. He hesitated for a moment, then seemed to recollect the new order. Addressing Elson, he said, "A message from Dragoon command, Major."

  "Colonel," Edelstein corrected. The first among officers was always a colonel, if only by courtesy.

  "I'm sorry, Colonel Elson," Ishora stammered.

  "It's all right. I'm not used to it myself." Elson took the flimsy and held it before him. He didn't need to read it; he had done that when Ishora had first brought it to him yesterday. Fortunately, the commtech was one of Elson's backers; the contents of the message might have tipped some of the wavering officers in the wrong direction. But now the message was his to announce, and his to interpret as necessary.

  "Dragon command announces that Colonel Jaime Wolf has taken ship for Luthien. He is responding to a challenge from Takashi Kurita." He let the murmuring die down before adding, "The Coordinator has proposed a duel to the death."

  There were shouts of disbelief and delighted cheers. Elson stood like a rock as the crowd washed around him, babbling excitedly. Some speakers expressed the opinion that Wolf had made a mistake, but they were in the minority. Most of the mission crew seemed glad to hear the news, although it was clear to Elson that their reasons for cheer were varied. The largest group, mostly younger Dragoons, were elated that the old Snake was going to get his, but some were simply relieved that the end of the feud with Kurita was at hand. Most of the latter were older Dragoons and their blood kin. They were the ones Elson needed to address.

  He raised his hand and waited until the crowd noticed him. Hushing noises from those- nearest him damped the sound, eventually quieting the gathering.

  "Do you think this will end it?" he asked, pitching his voice to carry to those in the corridor outside the room. Some of his listeners nodded, but most only looked at him curiously. "I may not be native to the Inner Sphere, but I have studied its people. Those observations have taught me that, among all the peoples of the Successor States, the Kuritans are most like the Clans, especially in matters of honor. Even if Colonel Wolf kills Takashi Kurita, this feud will not end."

  "If they are honorable, they will let it end," Atwyl said.

  "You have not been attentive to the details, Colonel. The message from headquarters contains no indication that this duel is a surrogate for the feud. By all appearances, it is a matter of personal honor, one man settling matters with another—a Trial of Grievance. Therefore, the Kurita clan will not be bound by its outcome."

  "I disagree," Atwyl stated. "With Takashi dead, Theodore will rule. He understands how destructive this feud has been and can be. He's no fool."

  "Theodore Kurita is accounted a fine commander," Elson conceded. "But he is a member of the Kurita clan. Does not their honor code insist that a man may not live under the same heavens as the slayer of his father?" Atwyl reared his head back. He seemed about to say something, but Elson gave him no opportunity. "You know it is so. If Wolf wins, Theodore Kurita will be obliged to kill him. If Wolf dies, Takashi will be rid of the one man he believes has kept him from eliminating the Dragoons entirely. Win or lose, Wolf has put his personal honor before that of the Dragoons. Among the Clans, that is cause for dismissal."

  There were objections from the crowd that the way the Clans was not the Dragoon way, but along with the protests were murmurs supporting Elson. Not enough to sway things, but enough ta satisfy him that he had increased his base of influence. For now, that would serve. It was a long voyage back to Outreach.

  "We can stand and talk or we can do our jobs. There are ships to reclaim for the Dragoons," he said. "That is a job we need to do, no matter what is happening elsewhere. Idle talk will only waste time."

  He gave specific orders, careful not to exclude those who had supported Atwyl. Elson assigned his defeated rival duties suitable to his position as JumpShip commander, but left Atwyl nothing of real importance. Mission command was transferred to the Alexander.

  Elson's personal kit had already gone aboard.

  23

  The Wolf summoned me to his ready room on the main operations deck of the Chieftain. He was seated behind his desk, shoulders slumped. I saw him straighten as the door slid open, but his eyes were ringed with exhaustion. Motioning me in, he indicated that I sit. As I did, he picked up a packet of computer disks and held it out to me.

  "Brian, I'd like you to carry this packet back with you when the Chieftain returns to Outreach."

  I reached across and took the pouch. It was sealed and looked important. As this was not a formal situation, I presumed on my privilege as a member of his staff and asked, "What is it, Colonel?"

  "Some instructions for the officer council. This trip has given me the opportunity to work out some of the details for the integration, force utilization, and defense plans. I don't want to risk transmitting them, so you'll have to hand-carry them."

  The packet in my hands suddenly became very weighty. "Why, sir? You'll be coming back with us."

  He smiled wearily. "Most likely, but I've learned to take as few chances as possible."

  "Coming to Luthien was a chance."

  "Yes, but it seemed worth the gamble to settle things with Takashi. It's time to bury the past. Next time you see Stan, tell him that I finally came around to his point of view." He swiveled his chair so that I could see only his profile. "I'd like you to take over communications with Unity Palace. Clearance for the Chieftain's shuttle to land at the private field has just come in, but the flight paths need to be coordinated."

  I didn't like the tiredness in his voice, the hints of resignation to a preordained fate. I had never before seen him like this. I liked less the implications of what he was saying. "The shuttle won't carry your Archer, Colonel," I pointed out.

  "That's true," he said, nodding slowly. "But I won't need it. Takashi has a BattleMech ready and waiting for me."

  "Isn't that risky, sir? I mean, using a machine they provide. It could be rigged."

  He sighed, then rocked his head back and closed his eyes. "You would never think to question the equipment your Dragoon trainers provide."

  "They're Dragoons, sir."

  "And therefore honorable."

  I thought about Kantov and how the Colonel had paid for that man's dishonor. "As much as possible. You wouldn't have them as Dragoons otherwise."

  "Not everyone believes as you do."

  "Not everyone is as honorable as you, sir."

  He swiveled his chair back and stared at me with his hard gray eyes. "Implying that Takashi has some dishonorable motive in this?"

  "He might. "

  "Ever met him?"

  "You know that I have not, sir."

  "But I have." The Colonel lifted a computer disk on which I could see the crest of House Kurita. "He didn't send the assassin."

  "How can you be sure?"

  "This is a personal message disk from him. He says that he had no part in that affair."

  "And you believe him?"

  "Yes."

  "He could be lying, sir."

  "Would you lie about it, Brian?"

  "I wouldn't have sent an assassin."

  "Neither would he. Not in this case." He put the disk down. "Takashi won't step outside his code of honor. He wants this duel. I think he feels that he needs it."

  "What about you, Colonel?"

  He swiveled the chair until his back was to me before saying, "I'm here, aren't I?"

  That seemed to be all he wanted to say, but I was reluctant to leave. "When will we be leaving the Chieftain, Colonel?"

  "We won't," he replied sharply. "I will. I will be the only passenger in the shuttle to the surface."

  Steeling myself, I said, "No, sir."

  The chair swung around. "What?"

  I refused to be intimidated. I knew Founder William Cameron had died at the Wolf's side after insisting on accompanying Wolf into danger that William was not equipped to handle. I might be committing myself to the same fate. Back in the sibko I had adored the tales of the founder's unswerving courage and dedication. How often I had dreamed that I would be the same way, but now it was so much more than an abstract ideal. That didn't make me less scared, however. I felt that if I looked Wolf in the eye, he would see that fear and I would be lost. So I stared at the wall behind his head. "Hans and I will be accompanying you, Colonel."

  The Wolf sat back, surprised at my refusal. His eyes narrowed. I saw the motion and knew I could not afford to meet his gaze. "I can order you to remain aboard the Chieftain."

  "I hope you won't, Colonel."

  We sat there for a long time. It seemed like hours, but I know it wasn't. At last, he said, "Stan put you up to this, didn't he?"

  I wasn't surprised that he guessed. "Yes, sir."

  "I could make it an order."

  I was sure he knew where that would put me, but I told him anyway. "If you don't come back, I'll have to explain to Colonel Blake why I didn't follow his orders, sir."

  The Wolf stroked his beard. "Do you expect me to lose this battle?"

  I opened my mouth, but said nothing for a moment. How could he think I doubted his ability in combat? Takashi Kurita might be among the best of the Inner Sphere warriors, but he was not Clan-trained like Jaime Wolf. There was no comparison. "I have every confidence that you can defeat Takashi Kurita in combat, Colonel."

  "Carefully spoken, Brian. We've trained you well, maybe too well." He was quiet for a moment, then he leaned forward a little. "The Dragoons need you. Whoever leads the Dragoons needs you. You are too valuable an asset to risk."

  "I have been in combat with you, risking both my life and yours simultaneously. You did not shield me then."

  Sitting back, he said quietly, "Times change."

  "They may, but I have already been risked by coming to the Luthien system. So has the Chieftain, which is more important to the leader of the Dragoons than any individual commo officer."

  "You'll be safe enough in orbit," he said as I drew breath.

  "Respectfully, sir. I will not be in orbit. You are the leader of the Dragoons, and if I am an important asset to the leader, I am important to you. Wherever you are."

  His eyes were hard and his tone angry, but something about his expression held a hint of another emotion. "Will you refuse a direct order?"

  I didn't want to answer that question directly. Hoping I had the strength for it, I met his gaze and said, "It's not just duty, Colonel. This is a matter of honor."

  It was the Wolf's turn to be silent. His eyes stared into mine until there seemed to be nothing left in the universe but him and me. I thought I would flinch, but I didn't. After what seemed an eternity, he found whatever he was looking for. Turning away, he sighed. I might have heard him whisper the word, "honor." I also heard the words, "Don't worry, son. I won't put you in the position of refusing a direct order. If you survive this, you still have a career with the Dragoons."

  24

  "Is this wise, husband?"

  Jasmine's voice was neither imploring nor accusing, but Takashi's answer was gruff.

  "It is my will."

  "If you are to be obstinate and duel Jaime Wolf today, you must be rested. An athletic match will tire you."

  "I am not so old as that. Kendo calms me."

  "You never claimed that in your matches with Subhash-sama. "

  "Those days are gone."

  The Coordinator busied himself adjusting the straps of his do. Silently, Jasmine helped him. Her fingers were more nimble than his, and no less sure. The body armor secure, he stooped for his gloves and mask.

  "I shall see that your cooling vest and best uniform are laid out. You will wish a bath?"

  "That would be good."

  "Husband ..."

  "Say nothing, wife."

  Tears welled in her eyes, filling them. Takashi reached a gentle hand to wipe away the fugitives that coursed down her cheeks. With a sudden, fierce move, she clutched one of his hands in both of hers and pressed it to her lips. Sobbing, she fled the chamber, her feet drumming on the veranda that led to the main portion of the palace. Takashi held a hand out to her, but said nothing. His hand fell to his side and he stood staring at the empty door.

  From within the dojo where Homitsu waited, he heard all that was said between the Coordinator and his wife. Like any servant of House Kurita, he gave no sign that he had heard what was not his affair. Takashi finally stepped from the mats at the edge of the room and onto the polished wood. Homitsu, now a part of the Coordinator's world, greeted him with a deep bow. The Coordinator bowed in return, deeper than the proper response to a mere servant.

  "I apologize for keeping you waiting, Homitsu-san."

  "I am at your disposal, Coordinator."

  Takashi chuckled at some private joke. "You know, I used to practice with the Director of the ISF. They were hard matches, well-fought. I did not always win."

  "Does the Coordinator have a complaint?"

  "Iie," he said absently as he slipped into his mask and secured the ties that would hold the men in place. "No complaint."

  "If it would be the Coordinator's wish, I had thought to suggest bokken today."

  Takashi's expression was hidden behind his protective mask. "Bokken? Yes, the wooden swords will be more appropriate than shinai today. You know what is to happen today?"

  "Hai, Coordinator."

  "Do not hold back."

  Homitsu finished tying on his own men. He was glad his face was hidden. "I will not."

  They donned gloves and Homitsu offered two bokken to Takashi, letting his karma choose his course. The Coordinator hefted the wooden sword he'd selected and nodded in satisfaction. Homitsu gripped the remaining sword, feeling its weight. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Karma.

  They bowed and began. The Coordinator's form was sharper than usual as he pressed his attack. Homitsu gave ground, blocking only. He shifted balance, bokken canted away from the best line of defense. The Coordinator's weapon slipped through, striking Homitsu on the do with a resounding crack.

  Takashi backed away. "You are holding back more than usual."

  "It is so, Coordinator."

  "Ha! You finally admit it."

  "Hai, Coordinator."

  "Why?"

  "This will be the last time we fight," Homitsu said gravely.

  Takashi stiffened. "I did not know you thought so little of my skills as a warrior."

  "I respect you as a warrior, Coordinator." That was no lie. Takashi's skills as a warrior had no bearing on other matters.

  "But you believe I will lose to Jaime Wolf."

  "Iie, Coordinator. You will not lose to Jaime Wolf."

  Takashi frowned, his puzzlement overcoming his emotional control. Then, as if suddenly sensing the threat Homitsu posed, Takashi snapped his bokken up between them.

  Homitsu brought his own weapon up as he moved forward. Now that they were engaged, it must be resolved quickly. No one must interfere.

  The Coordinator did not let him take the initiative. Takashi struck quickly, murderous strength in his blows. Homitsu parried. And parried again as the fury of the Coordinator's attack forced him to retreat. Takashi's blows shifted target from the restricted zones of kendo, darting for areas unprotected by armor. Wielded with lethal intent, a bokken could be as deadly as a sword, breaking bones and smashing muscles instead of slicing them.

  Homitsu could not let himself be defeated. His life would be nothing if he failed today; his honor would be wind. The fire of his need burned him clean and the flames filled his limbs.

  Takashi snapped a feint to the men and twisted it into a rising cut from the off-side. Homitsu took the blow on his armor, flowing with it. The impact made his head ring, but the bokken was deflected and Takashi's rhythm was broken. Homitsu's bokken darted out, thrusting for the Coordinator's face. Takashi danced back, as Homitsu intended. Pressing forward, Homitsu rained blow after blow on Takashi, forcing him further back. Always the flat of Homitsu's weapon contacted the Coordinator's flashing bokken. Flaws appeared in Takashi's defense. His breathing became ragged, a sign of slipping concentration. Homitsu smashed the Coordinator's bokken aside, whirling his own weapon up for a pear-splitting stroke. Helpless, Takashi stood to take the blow, but Homitsu halted his weapon as it kissed the Coordinator's men.

  He took a step back, allowing the puzzled Coordinator to raise his bokken to a warding position. Thought one with action, Homitsu struck at Takashi's bokken. This time, the edge contacted the Coordinator's weapon. Wood parted. The shining blade concealed within the wood burst free to slice through Takashi's bokken just above the guard. Homitsu completed the great circle, stilling his movement only when the blade's point hovered at Takashi's throat.

  The Coordinator let the useless hilt of his bokken fall to the floor. The sound was loud in the sudden silence. Homitsu waited while Takashi mastered his ragged breathing.

  "You could have killed me."

  Homitsu said nothing.

  "That you did not tells me that you have more in mind. Do you expect to torture me?" Takashi tugged loose the knot securing his men, releasing the mask to fall to the floor. "One shout will bring the Otomo. Any suffering you inflict will be of inconsequential duration, and I assure you that you will be disappointed in my response. Even if you manage to kill me, you will die shortly thereafter."

  The Coordinator's baiting meant nothing. Holding his sword steady in one hand, Homitsu removed his own men. The Coordinator made no move to escape or cry out. Homitsu didn't care what Takashi's reasons were; he was grateful that the Coordinator remained calm. Perhaps Takashi sensed the importance of the moment.

 

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