BattleTech Legends: Warrior: Coupé: The Warrior Trilogy, Book Three by Michael A. Stackpole

Author:Michael A. Stackpole [Stackpole, Michael A.]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Publisher: Catalyst Game Labs
Published: 2018-12-22T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 27

ELGIN

TIKONOV FREE REPUBLIC

21 JULY 3029

Colonel Pavel Ridzik, Supreme Lord of the Tikonov Free Republic, stroked his reddish beard as he struggled to keep his temper in check. He glared at the tall, handsome, dark-haired man he’d lately come to think of as his “keeper.”

“But General Sortek,” he said, forcing lightness into his tone, “it is totally impractical for me to shift my ships from their ward stations at the jump points of Acamar, Terra Firma, Carver, and Pollux. Their removal from that last site I consider especially risky because of the potential for a Marik counterstrike.”

Ardan Sortek smiled in a manner Ridzik found decidedly patronizing. “I understand your apprehension, Colonel, but perhaps I did not make myself clear. I make requests of you. Prince Hanse Davion gives orders. His orders are, quite simply, for those jump points to be cleared of troops. He gives no reason, and he only expects compliance.”

Ridzik leaned back in his red leather chair and steepled his fingers. I am not so stupid as to believe that, Sortek. I have seen the change in your demeanor since you received that message from the Federated Suns. You have been edgy and worried. I know what goes on in your head, and I use it in our little game here.

Ridzik lifted his eyes. “Your Prince demanded that I strike out at the Free Worlds League, and I have done so. My troops have done remarkably well, but that is because they are fighting for me and a free Tikonov. Your Prince promised that the occupied portions of the Tikonov Commonality would be returned to my rule if I complied with his orders. I have done so, yet they remain under martial law and your thumb.”

Ardan laughed and shook his head in mocking disbelief. “Again you try to link two distinct and separate issues. You already have administrative control of half the worlds we took. We maintain garrisons on those worlds so you will not have to waste your precious troops on little rebellions. Our presence there makes your government all the more welcome, and you know it.”

Hanse Davion’s liaison pointed toward the huge map hanging on Ridzik’s wall. “Furthermore, my dear Colonel, we have made no demands on or claims to the worlds you have conquered in this campaign of yours. I think we have more than held up our side of the bargain.”

Ridzik slammed his fist onto the top of his heavy wood desk. “You know as well as I that we’re not talking about control of a dozen minor worlds. We’re talking about the world. How can my Tikonov Free Republic have any standing and validity when you still hold the jewel of my realm? Tikonov has ever been the centerpiece of the Commonality, yet you deny it to me. If Hanse Davion wants these worlds cleared, I want Tikonov!”

Ardan flushed red with fury. “You are in no place to make demands, Colonel. My Prince denies you Tikonov, but he could deny you things that will hurt more.

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