Threads of Ambition by Loren L Coleman

Author:Loren L Coleman [Coleman, Loren L]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science-Fiction:Battletech
ISBN: 9780451457448
Amazon: 0451457447
Goodreads: 448332
Publisher: Roc
Published: 1999-05-01T00:00:00+00:00

Very little green was to be found in the Celestial Palace's outdoor gardens so late into Sian's long autumn. Trees thrust naked branches toward a gray sky, and flowers slept in the earth. Talon Zahn, now Sang Jiang-jun, or senior general, walked the gardens' flagstone path at the side of Sun-Tzu Liao. Two Death Commandos trailed a dozen paces back. Only the shrubs and a few evergreens hinted at the life that would bloom up again in the spring. Spring, the rebirth of life. Xin Sheng.

Almost self-consciously, Zahn reached up to touch the new collar devices that went with his new rank, neither of which had been seen since the time of Jasmine Liao's 2455 decree that limited Capellan officers to the rank of colonel.

Sun-Tzu Liao glanced over, a flicker of amusement playing in his eyes. "What is the status of the Confederation's military forces?"

Zahn dropped his hand back to his side and looked down to lock his gaze to the path. Though secure in his position, he still did not like to bring bad news to the Chancellor. Not that any fault rested on him personally, but it always made him feel as if he had somehow failed his lord and master.

He drew a deep breath, tasting the air. Damp and cold, it carried the slightest hint of pine and the promise of more rain. "Overall," he said, "the Confederation Armed Forces are in high spirits. The change in our ranking conventions has been very well received in the spirit of Xin Sheng, and the release of news from Hustaing demonstrates our strength with House Hiritsu's victory."

"And the Hustaing Warriors?" Sun-Tzu kicked a small rock to the edge of the path.

"Formed up to battalion strength and given the best possible training that House Hiritsu could manage in such a short time." And with their rapid deployment, any rough edges will soon be beaten off of them.

"But?" the Chancellor asked, voice flat.

Shoulders only slightly slumped from their usual military attention, Zahn nodded. "But. Our efforts in the Disputed Territories do not hold to initial estimations. We are expanding, but slowly. Worlds such as Wei and Aldebaran are causing problems out of proportion to their actual importance, though Wei I expect to be less of a problem with a battalion of McCarron's Armored Cavalry dropping onto the world in two weeks." Another deep breath and sharp exhale. Zahn watched the play of steam his breath had caused in the cold air. "And in the Chaos March we are stopped cold."

Sun-Tzu fixed his Strategic Military Director with a hard jade stare. "How is that possible?"

"I do not know," Zahn admitted, "yet. The worlds are too well-armed and organized for it to be the product of independent effort. But Maskirovka agents have yet to pin down which Great House is responsible." And now to broach the problem. "I have studied your latest directive, Chancellor. You wish to use Capellan troops as part of the SLDF occupation forces?"

"You promised me the troops would be available.

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