“The interference has stopped, Colonel.” Cameron's voice was as soft and carrying as usual, but it held a quavering note. To anyone who knew him, it was a warning that something was seriously wrong. “We're getting a broadcast from the Hephaestus.”

Cameron switched on the speaker.

“... Kurita patriots. We are not terrorists. In the name of the Dragon, we hold these criminals and their orbital facility to ransom. We demand that they answer for their crimes. We demand that all the forces of Wolf's Dragoons on An Ting and on any other planet they defile by their presence lay down their arms. We demand that they surrender to the justice of the Draconis Combine.

“Loyal as we are to the Dragon, we are but ordinary men. We could not hope to stand before the might of trained ‘Mech Warriors. We freely admit it so that all will understand why we have acted as we have.

“We are here to see that justice is done. It is not our wish to harm those guilty only by association with the foul curs who lead Wolf's Dragoons. We hold the people of this station hostage to force their villainous superiors to hear our pleas. We call upon whatever shreds of honor remain in the hearts of the Dragoon leadership. Surrender yourselves.

“We wish no harm to innocents. We have taken control of this station without a single death. To prove this, we shall allow the commander of the station to speak.” The voice paused for a moment. “State your name and position.”

“I am Major James Quo, station master of Hephaestus.Our command section is held by this band of ... Kurita patriots. They have killed no one as yet. From the master console, they have control of all life-support functions. They have it in their power to kill all personnel currently aboard the Hephaestus.No one remaining aboard has the ability to threaten the ... boarders. No one has been killed. I have been given this chance to speak because I promised I would advise all Dragoon officers to listen to the demands of these ... patriots ... and to act accordingly. I gave my promise freely. I advise all Dragoon officers who can hear my voice to stand up for themselves. If you cannot convince your officers, take matters into your own hands. Scrag the Snakes!”

Sounds of a shuffle came from the speaker.

Quo's voice came again. He spoke rapidly, a man who knew he had little time. “Aft's free, Colonel. Seventh on hull. Hold out! We can—”

A gunshot cut off the Major's words.

The first voice returned. The speaker was out of breath, as though he had been violently exercising. “Quo is a fool and a liar, like all the Dragoon commanders. This station is totally under our control. He sought to engender more of the violence he worshipped. If you follow his advice, you will meet death.

“We are resolute. Any attempts at violence or retaliation will force us to make examples of the populace aboard the station. Their blood will not be on our heads. The responsibility belongs to the Dragoon High Command. We await your reply. Honor to the Dragon!”

The frequency went dead.

“Link up all units, William.” Wolf waited impatiently while Cameron began the process. “Conference on a secure line, all commanders. Nobody moves without orders.”

Wolf turned to Minobu to find the Kuritan shaking his head. “What is it?”

“I have seen how the populace reviles the name of Wolf's Dragoons in the streets. I have heard how ComStar labels the Dragoons. Now there is this word. You cannot avoid what is happening. Whether you wish it or not, trouble has come.”

“You can help us,” Wolf said. “Together we can make them listen. Stop the fires before they get out of hand.”

“Not this time. Matters have gone too far.” Minobu knew he was too small an obstacle to divert the gathering forces. He felt tired. What had he done to deserve such karma? He clenched and unclenched his good hand in frustration. “The earthquake may be far offshore, but the tsunamirumbles in, unstoppable. At best, one has warning and can flee for the safety of the mountains.”

“Are you fleeing then?” Wolf asked.

“I wish I were. I cannot. I am bound to my duty.” Minobu paused. Wolf had mistaken Minobu's advice for a statement of his own intent. Minobu refused to take offense at the lack of faith in their bond that Wolf's question implied. Wolf could not think that Minobu would abandon him simply to save himself. He had to be distraught, overtaxed by his concerns for his Dragoons. Minobu tried again to make his advice clearer. “Consider your own course.”

“I have my own duties,” Wolf said, waving a stiffened arm to encompass the Dragoons working throughout the chamber.

“I understand.” Minobu understood that there could have been no other response. Sadness filled his heart. He and his friend were locked on their respective courses. The fate that loomed was inescapable. Minobu could feel its weight descending. “It seems that each must face his own karma.”

Minobu walked to where Marisha sat.

“I must leave for Misery in the morning.” He did not need to say that he considered this a final goodbye. “Thank you for all you have done.”

Marisha, careful not to offend the dignity of a Kuritan samurai, stood and bowed when she would rather have embraced Minobu. “Give my love to Tomiko and the children.”

“I do not need to give them what they already have and hold dearly.”

Wolf stepped up. In his eyes, Minobu could read understanding and regret that this was to be a parting of ways. The mercenary seemed to be searching for words.

“It has been a long time since I had a brother. May you always defeat your enemies, warrior,” Wolf said at last.

Minobu was taken aback, disturbed by Wolf's words. Wolf meant well and was surely giving what he thought was a proper goodbye to a samurai. Perhaps he did not see as clearly as Minobu did what must follow soon.

“An old cautionary proverb warns one to be careful of what one wishes because the wish might be granted.”

Minobu turned and left the room.

“What do you mean?” Marisha asked as he retreated. She turned to her lover. “What did he mean?”

Wolf made no reply. He simply stared at the departing figure.

“You know, don't you?” Frustrated by his silence, Marisha turned to Major Blake, who had been watching the exchange.

“I think he meant it as a warning,” Blake said, when she insisted again. “House of Kurita's Dictum Honoriumstates that anyone not committed to the Draconis Combine is an enemy. I think the Iron Man is letting us know that if we face off, he won't be holding back.”

“All unit commanders on line, Colonel,” Cameron announced.

42

Dragoon Administrative HQ, Cerant, An Ting

Galedon Military District, Draconis Combine

3 January 3028

Dechan Fraser blinked and tried to focus on the face of the person shaking his arm. The pale skin and oval shape might have been those of Jenette Rand. Strands of hair brushed against his nose, making him want to sneeze. How could that be? Jenette's hair was cropped close and she didn't have a pony tail that hung over her shoulder to hit him in the face as she bent over him. Susan Lean did, though. She was almost as pretty as Jenette. She was ... Lean!

“Yeah, Lean. I'm not your dream girl, so you can let go.” Lean straightened up as he loosened his grip on her arms. “Come on, Fraser. Wake up. The Colonel wants all company commanders in conference.”

Lean stood in the doorway while Dechan slipped into his duty uniform. She tapped her foot impatiently.

“What are you waiting around for?” he asked. He wasn't used to being watched while dressing At least, not by a pretty woman with a scowl on her face. They usually smiled.

“Well, it's not for the show. The Colonel sent me after you. He's in a mood, so I'm not going back there without you.”