BattleTech: Conflicts of Interest: Eridani Light Horse Chronicles, Part One by Joel Steverson

Author:Joel Steverson [Steverson, Joel]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Catalyst Game Labs
Published: 2023-02-07T00:00:00+00:00

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YELIZOVO, NORTH AMERICA

TERRA

ALLIANCE CORE

TERRAN HEGEMONY

15 FEBRUARY 2784

The campaign to reclaim the Terran Hegemony ended successfully on 12 November 2779. It had taken far longer than anyone predicted, cost one hundred million lives, and consumed half of the Star League Defense Force. The Usurper had been executed for his numerous crimes, but rather than ignite the Terran Hegemony’s resurgence, the end of the war had been simply the prelude to a new conflict.

Political brinksmanship had dominated the past three years, and it was all but certain the Star League was doomed to a slow and painful death. The Eridani Light Horse had survived the Hegemony Campaign, but martial skill could not overcome the looming threat.

Yesterday, Aleksandr Kerensky, Commanding General of the Star League Defense force, had gathered his senior officers at a secret meeting on Terra and shared his bold plan for a Star League in absentia.

Following that meeting, Kerensky made time for one-on-ones with many of his officers at his retreat in the town of Yelizovo. The den he now shared with Colonel Ezra Bradley was cozy and lived-in, with tasteful décor reminiscent of his great aunt’s birthplace in Kungur. Kerensky had inherited the modest home after her passing in 2730, and often used it for quiet contemplation when he needed a respite from bustling Unity City.

He set his scotch on the ashwood center table, leaned back in his antique leather chair, and gave Colonel Ezra Bradley a warm, reassuring smile.

“Believe me, Ezra, I understand your feelings. It’s not hyperbole when I tell you this is one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever been faced with.”

“You really expect another war?”

“I'm afraid I do. The Council Lords all failed to do their duty to the Star League when the Usurper struck, and they have only grown more recalcitrant.”

“I take your point, but it doesn’t mean they’re looking for war.”

“I’m quite certain they’re not looking for war, but I believe it will find them nonetheless. The absence of House Cameron has created a power vacuum. Each of the House Lords believe they are the smartest person in whatever room they occupy. This naturally suggests each is the best candidate to fill the First Lord’s shoes. If there’s one think I’ve learned for certain, it’s that not one of them would deign to take a position subordinate to their peers.

“I suspect—within the next decade at most—one will anoint themselves successor to Richard Cameron. They’ve already stripped me of my role as Protector of the Realm. It's the obvious next step.”

Bradley frowned. “We’ve been friends, what, twenty years? You’ve always been a man of integrity and honor. How can exile be the answer? What about our duty to the citizens of the Hegemony? We cannot abandon them in their time of gravest need.”

Kerensky looked as though the questions sapped all of his strength. For several long minutes he wore a thoughtful expression, as if considering which answers to provide. When he finally spoke, his voice was weary.

“I have wrestled with that dilemma more than any other.

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