When Theodore had complained of their absence to Tomoe, she told him flatly that he didn't need them anymore, that he had outgrown them. When his resolve was strong, he believed her. But most days, he knew that couldn't be so. He didn't feel as assured as he acted. He felt out of his depth, in need of guidance, but had no one to lean on but himself.

People passed the row of benches and game tables. Intent on themselves or their business, they paid scant attention to the couple speaking quietly to one another across the gray mushroom. After a few minutes, a woman wearing a caped overcoat much like Theodore's took the seat next to him.

"Ninyu says she's entered the park," Tomoe said. Her words were for Theodore, but her eyes were fixed on Sharilar.

The ComStar Precentor returned her stare. She-wolves,Theodore thought. They are measuring each other, assessing their positions in the pack. Friend or enemy?Theodore found himself wondering if ComStar emissaries would be friends or enemies.

A woman strolled into sight. She was dressed in elegant but understated clothes, their muted colors appropriate to the drab morning. Nothing the woman wore betrayed her rank or origin; she might have been any well-off matron taking a morning constitutional through the park. As she drew nearer, Theodore realized that she could only be Myndo Waterly, Primus of ComStar.

All the participants in the clandestine meeting had concealed their identities. Of them, only Theodore showed any symbols of affiliation. A large disk held his overcoat closed just over his solar plexus. The plate showed the Kurita Dragon, though an observer might assume it was merely a badge of allegiance, feigned or true, to the Draconis Combine. Tomoe's similar disk was blank.

Greetings were brisk and swiftly completed. All four sat down, to outward appearances merely a group of chance-met friends. But nothing had been left to chance in arranging the meeting. They might all seem friendly at the moment, but for how long?

Apparently glimpsing worry in Theodore's expression, Myndo said, "I assure you that no one will overhear our discussion, Prince Theodore. We of ComStar have certain technological resources."

"A bold assertion, Primus," Theodore challenged.

Myndo bristled. "Fact, Prince," she stated firmly, showing none of the concern about eavesdropping that Sharilar had displayed earlier. Indeed, Theodore noted that the Precentor herself looked more relaxed now.

"No hostility intended, Primus," Theodore said in a conciliatory tone. To himself, he chuckled. I have learned a few tricks from my black-clad friend, Ninyu. Your ruffled feathers direct your attention to me and away from Tomoe. We shall see if your security is as strong as you say. If we can penetrate it, others may as well."All know that ComStar strives to keep lit the flame of the old knowledge."

"It is a struggle," Myndo conceded. Theodore sensed that she was still angry, though he could not tell whether it was because of his lack of faith in ComStar's capabilities or the light tone he had used in quoting the ComStar maxim. He was impressed that her voice gave no hint of anger, but that should be no surprise. Myndo Waterly had been a citizen of the Combine before she joined ComStar. Anyone who had progressed so rapidly must obviously be shrewd in many of the ways of the Dragon.

"The Draconis Combine is in serious danger," Myndo said bluntly.

"That's so." Theodore saw little point in denying it. He was sure Myndo had access to all the communiques that passed through ComStar's hands. From such a trove of data, any dolt would be able to tell what dangers the Combine faced. "I'm not in need of an oracle on this matter."

"I do not pretend to be one. ComStar does not wish to see the Draconis Combine fall."

Theodore could almost hear the words "at this time" that the Primus must have appended silently to her statement. "And what of your neutrality in political matters?"

"We have no wish to see Hanse Davion rule the Inner Sphere, either, for he is no friend to our Order."

"So you feel threatened as well."

"There is some truth in what you say," Myndo conceded.

Much,thought Theodore. If only I knew exactly what you perceived to be the real threat.Aloud, he said, "You wanted this meeting for a purpose. May we get to that?"

"Very well." Myndo leaned forward across the table. "We of ComStar are well aware of the Combine's military and industrial capabilities at this time. We know that you cannot raise and train a sufficiently powerful force before the Steiner-Davion alliance turns on you.

"We offer you a solution. In doing so, we trust you with a confidence and rely on your honor to keep it. Through the years, we have trained and established a force of arms. Originally, these warriors were intended to defend our blessed Terra from aggression by treacherous lords, a secret last line of defense. We have come to see the necessity in these dark days of protecting our own interests and facilities throughout the Inner Sphere. As you know, we have already secured the right to garrison our compounds on all planets in Davion space. We also maintain substantial numbers of mercenaries under contract, both Mech Warriors and conventional forces.

"Under the guise of manning our stations in the Combine, we propose to provide a military force that you may use to repel any invasion against the sovereign territory of the Draconis Combine. Such forces would come equipped with considerable stores of vehicles and supplies. We can also provide, at substantially reduced rates, the contracts of a large number of mercenary units.

"Also, in the event of another outbreak of war, we shall provide interstellar communications to the Combine at reduced rates. Good communications have done more to win wars throughout history than well-armed battalions.

"You cannot afford to refuse our offer."

Theodore hid his surprise behind what he hoped was an interested and thoughtful expression. The Primus was offering what he needed to save the Combine—an army. But who would really control those forces? Only a fool would believe that ComStar would totally relinquish control. The troops would be an outsider's army coiling within the Dragon's bosom. ComStar offered a promise of salvation, but posed a definite threat to the Combine's safety. They were too much of an enigma to be trusted. They had already gotten an agreement to place similar troops in the Federated Suns. Had they made the same offer of defensive aid to Hanse Davion? There was still much to learn. There had to be a catch. "How do I know I cannot affordto refuse your offer? I have not heard the price."

Myndo sat back, measuring Theodore with her gaze. "We wish to see the District of Rasalhague as a free and independent state. We expect you to support the Tyr movement in their bid for independence."

"That would cut valuable worlds from the Combine."

Myndo scoffed. "Most of the systems are already in Steiner's grip, even though peace negotiations are continuing. Do you expect to regain them at the table? The Lyrans have always been tight-fisted traders, with little inclination to give up what they already hold.

"Your support, even if only tacit, will encourage the Tyr movement. They will cry as loudly to be free of the Lyran Commonwealth as they will to be quit of the Draconis Combine if they see a chance for full independence. Besides, Rasalhague has ever been a thorn in the Dragon's side, draining resources better spent elsewhere. Without Rasalhague to defend, you would free up more forces to concentrate against your opponents. You would also have a buffer zone extending over half of your pre-war border with the Lyrans.