"That's no question," Waco snapped. "Don't try to talk him out of it."

The baron shifted in his seat as if to disassociate himself from Waco. "I apologize to the commission. The esteemed colonel is correct; I did not pose a question. I shall do so. Colonel Wolf, will you not let Major Kantov stand for his own actions and receive this judgement?"

Beside me, Kantov began to squirm. "The unit bore the Dragoon name and colors," Jaime Wolf answered. The baron clearly didn't understand why the Wolf was doing this, but the slump in his expression showed that he recognized the Wolf's response as a negative. I wasn't surprised by the baron's confusion. He was a politician, not a warrior. Politicians don't understand taking responsibility.

Ambridge waited until the baron nodded before rapping her touch pad again.

"It is the finding of this commission that the mercenary unit known as Kantov's Battalion of Gamma Regiment of Wolf's Dragoons is guilty of breach of contract. Additional charges of insubordination, improper use of civilian facilities, theft, and cowardice in the face of the enemy have also been substantiated. In this matter, the employer, the Duchess Kaila Zamboulos and the House of Marik, have been found to have operated within the bounds of normal expectations and practices.

"At the beginning of arbitration, both parties agreed to be bound by the commission's findings. The commission has determined a reasonable compensation. Let the record show that Colonel Jaime Wolf stands as commander of the defaulting mercenary unit. Do you still agree to be bound by the findings, Colonel Wolf?"

"In the name of the Dragoons, I do."

Kantov sighed heavily. He looked relieved, as if he were ofF the hook. His reaction was noticed by most of the panel, but Colonel Waco was the only one who didn't seem annoyed. Ambridge had to visibly compose herself before continuing.

"Those gathered here will be the first to hear the decision of the commission, but you shall not be the last. ComStar will broadcast the findings and post them at all our Blessed Order's stations. Let the light of truth illuminate our lives."

She paused to draw breath.

"Now hear the unanimous decision of the commission.

"The payment bond placed in the care of ComStar by Duchess Zamboulos will be forfeited in full by the Dragoons. All monies and goods rendered for services shall be restored to the duly authorized agents of the duchess or the government of the Free Worlds League. Further, additional compensation in the amount of one hundred million C-bills shall be paid to the complainant. These funds shall be gathered by a ten percent deduction from all mercenary incomes of the unit in question, which by Colonel Wolf's acceptance of responsibility, shall be taken to be Wolf's Dragoons in its entirety.

"The officer responsible for the unit is placed under hiring ban for one year. Should he actively participate in a contract, either as a field commander or in a staff function, the ban shall be made permanent and he shall be declared a war criminal under the Ares Conventions, at which time the plaintiff may undertake civil or criminal prosecution at will.

"If the unit and officers in question refuse to abide by these findings, the commission recommends that the signatories of the Mercenary Review and Bonding Commission Compact place the mercenaries under ban. These stern recommendations are in accordance with the response to a grave situation.

"Colonel Wolf, do you accept the findings of this commission?"

"Madame, the actions of any mercenary affect the reputation of all mercenaries. Though Wolf's Dragoons has long held a reputation for honest and distinguished service to our employers, our performance in this most recent contract has been dismal. This is not the way the Dragoons will conduct business in the future. What happened with Kantov's Battalion has happened. Nothing can change that. The commission has conducted a fair and impartial enquiry into the affair and has reached a reasonable verdict. I can do no other than accept the judgement."

His voice was firm and calm, but I thought I detected an undertone promising that the issue was not yet closed.

"Thank you, Colonel Wolf," Ambridge said. "I declare the proceedings closed."

The commission members filed from the room through the same door by which they had entered. As the Marik party headed for the main exit, their chief counsel approached Jaime Wolf.

"It was not our intent to involve you personally, Colonel Wolf. I hope you do not hold this against the Free Worlds League or the noble House of Marik. We only wished justice."

The Wolf responded softly, "You've gotten justice, counselor. You'll get more."

The counselor stiffened. "Is that a threat, Colonel Wolf?"

"A promise."

The counselor might have taken the Wolf's word as directed at him and his state, but I could see where the Wolf was looking. His eyes were on Kantov. Jaime Wolf ignored the counselor's mumbled leave-taking. When the room had emptied of all but Dragoons, the Wolf beckoned Kantov to him.

"Kantov, you're from the Inner Sphere, but you've been with the Dragoons long enough to understand some of our less public customs."

"Sure do, Colonel. And believe me, I'm grateful. Those prissy diplos got snowed by the Marik sissies. Might have been different if that Wacko wasn't pouring venom in their ears, too. I really appreciate your standing up for us."

The Wolf cut off the torrent of words.

"Do you acknowledge the Trial of Grievance?"

"The what?" Kantov went pale beneath his swarthy skin and dark stubble. I smelled his sweat again. "You can't mean—"

The Wolf smiled tightly.

"As the challenged, you may choose to fight augmented or not. With our age and size difference, Dragoon custom will allow me to appoint a champion if you decline augmentation. But I assure you that if you select augmented combat, I will not demand BattleMechs of equivalent tonnage. You may use your Awesome."

Kantov's Awesomewas an assault class machine. It would outweigh the Wolf's heavy Archerby twenty tons. Twenty very significant tons that would give Kantov an advantage.

"When you have made your decision, tell Lieutenant Cameron. He will inform you of my choice of battlefield. Until then, stay out of my sight."

"Hold on, Colonel," said Colonel Parella, commander of Gamma. He sounded annoyed. "Ain't you overreacting a little?"

The Wolf turned to face him. I would not have wished to be the object of that stare. "Your own place is not so secure, Colonel. Had you done your job, this problem would never have arisen."

"You gave us all leave to run our regiments as we saw fit."

"I have been known to make mistakes," Jaime Wolf said coldly.

Parella's eyes narrowed. "Well, I think you're making one now."

"Do you, Colonel Parella?" The Wolf hesitated for the briefest of moments. "You may be right."

Turning on his heel, Jaime Wolf headed for the exit. I followed.

"Colonel Wolf." My voice was hesitant and soft. I was confused, but hoped he'd think I just wanted to keep the words private. "I don't understand why you're taking Kantov's punishment, then challenging him. If-"

"You need to look at the bigger picture, Brian. I have a lot more concerns than one regiment's problems. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't sort out Gamma's problems even if I beat the stuffing out of its members one at a time."

"Then why the trial? Kantov's a lot younger than you and his Awesomeis more than a match for your Archer.'"