Catastrophe Unlimited Copyright © 2018 by Harebrained Schemes, LLC All rights reserved under the Pan-American and International Copyright Conventions. No part of this book may be reproduced in any any form without written permission from the publisher. Catastrophe Unlimited is produced by Harebrained Schemes. S chemes. www.harebrained-schemes.com Cover art by Marco Mazzoni. Licensing by Microsoft.
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Fallville, Solaris VII (The Game World) Rahneshire, Lyran Commonwealth 28 April 3001
“Spurs, cut “Spurs, cut left. Locust on your six.” Walter six.” Walter de Mesnil wrenched his COM-3A Commando around to his left. He let the golden crosshairs drift over the Locust’s bird-legged silhouette, but it came fast and he had trouble tracking it. After what seemed like forever, the dot at the heart of the aiming reticle blinked boldly, and he squeezed his triggers. The short-range missile launcher in the middle of his humanoid ’Mech’s chest launched a salvo of six missiles. Two of them hit, blasting the armor off the Locust’s ’s left-wing weapon pod. A second salvo, from the SRM in the Commando’s ’s right arm, hit full on, peppering explosions across the Locust’s center and right torso. A wave of heat washed up through Walter’s cockpit Walter’s cockpit as the Commando’s medium ’s medium laser turned armor on the Locust’s right ’s right wing into slag. The angry scarlet light carried on through the evaporating armor and sparked a red glow in the Locust’s ferro-titanium ’s ferro-titanium bones, but left its weaponry intact. Sorry, Spurs. The Locust sported small and medium lasers in its pods, and it trained all of them on Spurs’s Spurs’s Wasp. Red beams flashed out. A medium and a small laser melted the armor on the right side of the Wasp’s ’s chest, though they burned through to the interior without destroying anything vital. The other medium laser sliced away all the Wasp’s armor ’s armor on its left leg. The last small laser carved a black crescent on the Wasp’s right ’s right shoulder. The damage done hadn’t been hadn’t been enough to seriously hamper the Wasp , but the pilot wasn’t wasn’t experienced enough to handle all the flashing lights and warning sounds echoing in the cockpit. Still, the Wasp brought its weapons in line with the Locust and fired back. Spurs missed wide with the medium laser, 5
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igniting a tree down range. The small lasers, however, hit the Locust’s right ’s right and left weapon pods. One laser burned the Locust’s right ’s right pod away cleanly and nibbled at structural members in the ’Mech’s torso. ’Mech’s torso. The other beam immolated the left weapon pod, effectively neutering the birdlike ’Mech. “Did you “Did you see that?” The that?” The pure exuberance in Spurs’s Spurs’s voice slapped a smile on Walter’s face. Walter’s face. “I hit “I hit him.” “Now hit “Now hit your jets, Spurs.” The Locust had not been alone. A much bigger ’Mech ’Mech nearly twice the mass of the Wasp was stomping its way through a thick hedgerow: a Firestarter. It brought both of its arms up. Two medium laser beams, one underslung along each of the Firestarter’s ’s forearms, shot hot light at the Wasp. With surgical precision, the red beams crossed at the Wasp’s left ’s left hip. The metal femur flashed white, and the lower leg fell away. The beams continued to vent their energy into the Wasp’s interior. ’s interior. Molten metal gushed out of the wound. The Wasp’s left ’s left side sagged and collapsed, with momentum spinning the fighting machine around before it crashed to the ground. I’m running hot, it weighs ten tons more Acid boiled up in Walter’s throat. Walter’s throat. I’m running than I do, and unless I get lucky… He sighed. Experience had long taught him that the only luck in this sort of o f situation was catastrophic. Even so, he brought his weapons to bear and triggered them. Eight of the dozen SRMs hit the humanoid Firestarter , sowing fire over its heart and right leg. A secondary explosion hinted that something had punched through into the ’Mech’s chest. ’Mech’s chest. The Commando’s medium ’s medium laser melted a furrow in the armor over the right side of the Firestarter’s ’s chest, but none of the hits had wholly compromised the larger ’Mech’s armor. ’Mech’s armor. If the damage done had discomfited the Firestarter’s ’s pilot, the return attack gave little sign of distress. One of the medium laser shots missed, but the other pierced the Commando’s left ’s left arm. The beam consumed the limb from the elbow down, destroying one of Walter’s Walter’s medium lasers. The Firestarter’s twinned machine guns ripped streams of projectiles over the smaller ’Mech. One gnawed some more at the left arm, while the other o ther stippled a line of holes across the Commando’s chest. ’s chest. Then the bigger ’Mech lit up the weapons that had given it its name. Two flamers, one in each forearm, shot incandescent gouts of fire at the Commando. The shots boiled off the last of the armor over the Commando’s heart and sent
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another wave of heat through Walter’s cockpit. Walter’s cockpit. Heat scales crawled up into the yellow zone, and the ’Mech responded sluggishly to the controls. One last chance. The Commando launched two swarms of missiles at the Firestarter. Explosions blossomed on the right side of its chest and left shoulder, shattering ferro-ceramic armor plates. The majority of the missiles, however, compounded the damage the first shots had done. They blasted the last of the armor from the middle of the ’Mech’s ’Mech’s chest, then they exploded within the barrel of its chest. Secondary and tertiary detonations shook the larger Firestarter. It staggered, then fell backward as its torso sent a jet of plasma stabbing into the sky. Walter kicked the sensors over to infrared from visual light, then shielded his eyes against the glow. His last shots had crushed the magnetic field generators controlling the fusion reactor that t hat provided the ’Mech with energy. No longer contained, the roiling plasma had burned its way free. Burning sweat seeped into Walter’s eyes. Walter’s eyes. As the plasma ball imploded, the Commando faced the defenseless Locust across a smoldering field where the remains of the Firestarter and Wasp lay motionless. Walter brought the Commando around to orient the SRM launchers on the smaller ’Mech. Don’t make Don’t make me do it. But before the Locust gave him any reason to fire, the battlefield went dark, and cool air hissed into the simulator cockpit.
The artificial wood paneling in Simon Traeger’s office Traeger’s office couldn’t hide couldn’t hide the fact that his ’Mech stable had started as a barn, and the office had been a shed grafted to the front. Walter lowered himself into one of the chairs opposite the man’s desk, man’s desk, being careful not to cut himself on the cracked green vinyl faux leather. Walter wasn’t quite wasn’t quite certain which presented more of a threat: getting cut on the vinyl, or the predatory look on Traeger’s face. Traeger’s face. Spurs took the chair beside him, alternately glancing at his own hands and his shoes. Spurs, who had been born Ivan Litzau on a Periphery world, really looked the part of a schoolboy who was far from home and anxious to return after he’d he’d proven himself. His performance in the ’Mech simulator
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wasn’t going wasn’t going to help him on the latter point. Even though his kicking ass hadn’t played a part in their planning, his failure to do so clearly weighed on him. Traeger dressed as cheaply as his office was decorated; he had donned a tan plaid blazer with red piping over a shimmering shirt that looked red, gold, or purple depending on how the light hit it. He leaned forward on his desk, elbows at the edge, hands clasped together as if in prayer. He had a thin mustache and thinner brown hair, but bristly eyebrows that moved of their own volition and mocked the gravity in his voice. “I don’t know don’t know what to tell you, boys. I mean, those who know me, they know Traeger isn’t one isn’t one for mincing words. They say, ‘You don’t mince don’t mince words, He pointed a finger at Spurs. “You, Traeger.’ So, Traeger.’ So, here it goes. Really, I mean it.” it.” He kid, are horrible. Seriously, you don’t need don’t need a cooling vest, you need a body bag. I know it hurts, but you’ll thank you’ll thank me later. No, you will. Really. It was like you were distracted out there, not paying attention. Any dreams you had of being a MechWarrior star here on Solaris— Solaris — just flush ’em, kid. Flush ’em. You’re really, really bad.” really bad.” Spurs didn’t look didn’t look up. “I’m sorry “I’m sorry I wasted your time, sir.” “Hey, why “Hey, why so glum? Look, kid, I like you.” Traeger’s eyebrows Traeger’s eyebrows bounced up and down like acrobats. “But you, “But you, this guy, your buddy, he’s something. he’s something. Ballsy going toe to frigging toe with that Firestarter. Of course, it was all a simulation. We both know that, but that showed some spine. If we’d we’d been betting on that fight, someone would have walked walked away rich. Rich, Rich, rich rich is is good, am I right? That’s what That’s what we all want, making some C-bills? Right? Right?” Walter arched an eyebrow. “Right. So, “Right. So, when can I start?” “Whoa, look “Whoa, look at you, Mr. Let’s-getLet’s-get- busy.” busy.” Traeger Traeger pressed his hands flat to the desktop. “Sorry, I “Sorry, I can’t use can’t use you.” don’t use them to make “Can’t use “Can’t use me?” You may not mince words, but you don’t use much sense, either. “Mr. “Mr. Traeger, you manage fighters here on Solaris. You arrange fights, you take a cut of the purses…” “And the “And the auxiliary merchandising, don’t forget don’t forget that.” “Right, “Right, all that stuff. Now, I just showed that I can fight. And you’re telling me you can’t use can’t use me?” Walter me?” Walter frowned. “What am “What am I missing?” Traeger eased himself back in his chair. “What you’re missing, you’re missing, Wally, is that this isn’t isn’t warfare. This is entertainment. Your file here says you were a mercenary, gives a list of battles. Whoever doctored it up for you was good, so I’ll assume, I’ll assume, based on the sim-scrap, that most of it is true, or near enough to 8
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true that I don’t care. don’t care. And, yeah, what you did to Aniki in that Firestarter was impressive. But you’re not you’re not alone in being able to do that, or in being that lucky. The fact is, neither of you has a story.” Walter scratched his forehead. “I’m still “I’m still not following.” “You don’t have don’t have it. Neither of you is entertaining. You don’t even don’t even have an interesting name. Wallace Richards? What kind of name is that? You could go with Wallace, might excite the Northwind demographic, but Bloodstone is already doing the ‘single name’ thing.” Traeger thing.” Traeger made a great show of exhaling. “I can’t package can’t package a merc and his little buddy. Well, that’s not that’s not true. If it can be packaged, Traeger can do it.” is …?” “Then the “Then the problem is…?” “That I’ve I’ve done it. Everyone here on Solaris who manages fighters has done it. I mean, what’s your what’s your angle? Let’s s Let’s see ee… … the kid is the son of your beloved commander, who was treacherously killed in combat. Mutiny, maybe. So you got away with his son and vowed to train the kid up so he could retake his father’s legacy? father’s legacy? Or the kid is in love with some princess, and her father won’t marry her off to someone who can’t uphold can’t uphold the family’s martial family’s martial values? Really, stop me whenever I’m close, I’m close, because I’ve seen I’ve seen them all. Hell, Traeger invented most of them.” Traeger continued. “Or maybe “Or maybe your buddy here is some Riff lord who lost his world and you’re going you’re going to win enough here to build a new unit and take his world back for him?” hi m?” That’s far too close to Walter suppressed his shudder, but Spurs failed to. That’s far the mark. Traeger didn’t seem didn’t seem to notice their reactions. The man stood and pointed at a framed poster on his wall. The central image was one of a man and a woman, both young, with white hair and red highlights, in cooling vests, standing back to back with shoulder blades touching, arms crossed over their chests. She was drop-dead gorgeous, with icy blue eyes. He was youthfully handsome, with clean features and a devilish smile. Behind them, two snow-white BattleMechs were battling with twice their number. “These are “These are Snorri and Aniki. You fought them in the simulator. Snorri was fighting way down in that Locust—he’s a —he’s a medium to a heavy usually. But they’re good they’re good fighters. Dime a dozen here, really, but they’re stars they’re stars now. Stars. And you know why?” Spurs looked up. “They have “They have a story?” 9
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“No, they have a story. Really, kid, you gotta listen. Open those ears. God, “No, they they’re they’re big enough.” enough.” Traeger spread his arms wide. “Brother “Brother and sister, big family, agro-combine decides to take the family’s family’s land. Blah blah. They weaponize some AgroMechs and get rid of the combine’s mercs… No mercs… No insult intended there, Wally. So, the people here love them. Most folks love them because they’re just they’re just like them. Snorri and Aniki are what they could be if John Q. Peasant ever had a chance to make it to Solaris. They do just fine. But their story, everybody gets it. You a merc, you a Riff lord —really, no one cares. Really.” Spurs hunched forward. “Mr. Traeger, “Mr. Traeger, sir, you could give my friend a story. He can fight, you see that. Just look at him. He could be that everyday guy you’re talking you’re talking about, couldn’t he?” Traeger sat down again. “I admire “I admire your loyalty, kid. Doesn’t matter Doesn’t matter to me that he’s he’s going to be your meal ticket, okay? I think you really have a friendship there. But look, I’m trying I’m trying to save you both a galaxy of pain. You come here thinking, ‘Hey, if ‘Hey, if I get 5,000 C-bills, life is good.’ But good.’ But that won’t be won’t be enough. No matter if you have finances figured to nine decimals, it won’t be enough. And that’s if that’s if you just want to make a living. If you really are out to get your mercenary band back together or something, that’s a that’s a goal you’re you’re never going to hit.” hit.” Walter frowned. “Because?” “Because if you you were ever to get to be that good, there would be a lot of money at stake. People develop interests, and they would prevent you from leaving. By bribing you, or promising to take care of your problem, or by paying someone else to take care of you. After all, they own the rights to you; they will keep you pumping out money even after you’re you’re dead. But, but, getting there ain’t even easy.” Traeger sighed. “You came ain’t even easy.” “You came to me, out here, not to someone in Solaris City, because I’m the I’m the place people break in. I know that. So, what that means is that to start, you’ll be you’ll be barnstorming. Know what that is?” Spurs nodded. “You fight “You fight a circuit— circuit —small towns and cities, makeshift arenas, local holovid distribution, fighting hometown heroes. Big show, lots of explosions and fire and exciting stuff.” “No, no, “No, no, kid. It’s when It’s when you fight on a circuit…” Traeger circuit…” Traeger caught himself. “Okay, points “Okay, points for you doing your homework. But breaking out of it, getting regional play, that’s that’s tough, that’s that’s real tough. And getting into Solaris City,
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fighting in the Jungle or the Factory? A sack full of cats wouldn’t have wouldn’t have enough lives to make that happen.” Walter opened his hands. “But Gray “But Gray Noton, he was a merc.” “And so “And so that story has been told for this generation.” Traeger generation.” Traeger shook his head. “Plus , he brought his own ’Mech ’Mech to Solaris, bought his way into a stable, and capped a contender in his second fight. Those are all a ll things you don’t have don’t have going on.” A woman spoke from the office doorway. “Give the “Give the merc a shot, Simon.” Walter turned in his chair. It took him a moment to realize the woman standing there was the same woman on the poster. The image had made her larger than life, but dressed in an oversized shirt, casual trousers, and a vest, she appeared to be every bit the farmer’s daughter farmer’s daughter from her legend. “Aniki, really, “Aniki, really, this isn’t anything isn’t anything you should be concerned with.” “But I am , Simon. You booked us for the South County Fall Fair. My brother and I are good to go, but Nick’s wife Nick’s wife left, so he’s on he’s on a bender. This guy can fill in.” Traeger bored into Walter with glaring eyes. “You drink? “You drink?”” Walter nodded. “Not to “Not to excess.” “See? “See? Reliable.” Aniki eliable.” Aniki toyed with her thick white braid. “He gets “He gets through the fair, he’ll have he’ll have earned his spot.” “But he “But he doesn’t have doesn’t have a story.” Traeger story.” Traeger shook his head. “He’s not “He’s not even a down-on-his-luck-drunk looking for redemption. I got nothing to work with here.” “Wow, you’re giving you’re giving up easy, Simon.” She Simon.” She smiled. “What you’ve got you’ve got is this: he’s a he’s a man of mystery. He’s got He’s got amnesia. His buddy here found him after some guys had given him a bad beating. Doesn’t know Doesn’t know who he is, but he’s got he’s got some serious ’Mech skills. He’s He’s fighting, hoping something will come back. w ill He’s tragic. He’s tragic. Women will love him and want to fix him, and the buddy story will make guys feel like he’s someone he’s someone they could have a beer with.” “Oh, yeah, “Oh, yeah, and we can get him a beer sponsorship. When you drink, it’s beer, right, Wally?” “It is “It is now.” “I like “I like the attitude. Take one for the team.” Traeger team.” Traeger nodded. “Okay, okay, “Okay, okay, we can maybe make this work. So here’s the here’s the important stuff—you’ll stuff —you’ll be be on a provisional license for a year. ’Mech Battle Commission will be so far up your
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ass you’ll want you’ll want to charge them rent. Keep your nose clean and you’ll be you’ll be good to go.” “Roger that.” Traeger’s eyes Traeger’s eyes narrowed. “And if “And if anyone approaches you about fixing a fight, well, you don’t take don’t take any dives unless I tell you to.” “Are you “Are you serious?” Traeger glanced past him at Aniki, then smiled. “Just a “Just a joke. But anyone gives you any trouble—doesn’t trouble—doesn’t matter matter what it is— is —you tell me. I know people who know people. I have people I pay to do me favors, you understand. No secrets, got it?” “On my “On my honor.” “Integrity, great.” Traeger great.” Traeger sat back. “Just make “Just make sure you follow orders, and we’ll be we’ll be good. You can follow orders, right?” “Yes, sir.” “Good. Come “Good. Come back tomorrow. I’ll have I’ll have the contracts drawn up.” Walter blinked. “Thank “Thank you, I think.” think.” He shook Traeger’s Traeger’s hand, then turned toward the woman in the doorway. “And thank “And thank you.” “Hey, have “Hey, have to respect the guy who shot me out.” She out.” She winked at Spurs. “And your “And your friend is kinda cute.” Spurs’s Spurs’s eyes widened, then he looked right and left to see who she was talking about. Walter shook his head. “C’mon, Spurs. “C’mon, Spurs. Let’s go.” Spurs, blushing, squeezed his way through the doorway. Walter followed. “See you “See you tomorrow.” The mercenary said nothing more until they’d they’d left the building and closed themselves into their hovercar. “Wow.” Spurs buckled himself in. “Did she “Did she say…” “She did, “She did, but that’s not that’s not important.” “Maybe not “Maybe not to you…” “Spurs, focus.” focus.” Walter smiled. “Remember “Remember the mission. Did you get what you needed?” Walter’s Walter’s blond companion nodded. “Yeah , we should be set. A week from now we’ll know.” “Great.” Walter “Great.” Walter started the hovercar. “I don’t think don’t think they make shots any longer than this, but when everything comes together, the Collective will be very surprised.” 12
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Solaris VII (The Game World) Rahneshire, Lyran Commonwealth 28 April 3001
Sophia Litzau hadn’t hadn’t realized how worried she’d she’d been until Captain Isolde Vulture’s Egg. “Guards at MacDonald appeared from the bridge of the Vulture’s Egg “Guards at the gate just called in. Walter and Spurs are back.” are back.” Captain,” Sophia replied. The petite woman shivered. “I “Thank “Thank you, Captain,” don’t don’t know why I was so concerned about their outing. After all the hard traveling we’ve done, we’ve done, that was nothing.” The dark-haired woman smiled down at her companion. “Solaris is “Solaris is the first time we’ve been we’ve been on solid ground since we left Maldive. We were lucky getting this far this quickly— quickly — JumpShip routes running to Sian got us away from the Periphery fast, and Solaris gets trade all its own. That accelerated schedule of jumps is enough to drive anyone a bit bi t batty. Then a hard burn down and you researching hard… hard … I don’t think don’t think you’ve had you’ve had a real day of rest since before the Collective struck.” Sophia tucked a golden lock of hair behind her left ear. “That’s all “That’s all true. Having friends leave us en route didn’t help.” Jim help.” Jim Conason had departed the Vulture’s Egg Vulture’s Egg with Ambassador Allard, and most of the other escapees from the Golden Prosperity Reeducation Camp had booked passage to worlds where they had friends or relatives, or where the local job market had something to offer for them. Of the original crew, only Raymond Angelis, Ash Knight, and the chef, Jacques, had made it all the way to Solaris. Sophia had expected Jacques to take off at any point, since his skills were in in high demand, but so far he’d stuck he’d stuck with the ship and worked miracles in the galley.
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“Driving a “Driving a DropShip, even for a mercenary company, you get used to turnover.” turnover.” Isolde shook her head. “That “That said, no mercs, no ’Mechs, ’Mechs, and a skeleton crew does make the ship feel all hollow.” “Yet it “Yet it makes our planning all that much easier.” Sophia easier.” Sophia put a hopeful smile on her face as Walter and a nd her brother walked up the loading ramp. “With your shields, or on them?” Ivan jerked a thumb in Walter’s direction. Walter’s direction. “He’s on “He’s on his. Went toe to toe with a ’Mech ’Mech that outmassed him by ten tons. Me, I died pretty.” Walter raised an eyebrow. “Wasn’t really “Wasn’t really all that pretty.” “Gee, thanks.” “Hey, Spurs, “Hey, Spurs, you did get the girl.” Ivan’s quick Ivan’s quick blush and grumble made Sophia curious, but she withheld a request for details. “So , you have an in on working into the fight game?” Walter laughed and pointed toward the crew mess. “Let me “Let me explain to everyone at once, then you can get me caught up.” Isolde flipped a switch on the wall-mounted comm unit. “Ash, Raymond, Jacques, report to crew mess.” Jacques had beaten them to the mess, and set a tray with coffee and tea on the central table. As with most DropShips, the Vulture’s Egg had been furnished in a decidedly Spartan fashion. Metal bulkheads and decks defined the galley and mess in stainless steel glory. The tables seated six, with bench seats attached, and were secured to the floor with bolts. In the blink of an eye, they could all be unfastened and folded down into flat panels for ease of movement or storage. Four large screens mounted on the walls provided local media coverage as well as ship data, and they played holovids when the crew needed downtime. Jacques, who’d lost who’d lost some of his tummy on the journey to Solaris, poured tea for Sophia first, then for Captain MacDonald. “It’s “It’s an oolong and fairly fresh, not like that black dust you had to drink before we touched down.” Sophia accepted the cup and breathed the steam in. “Perfect, thank “Perfect, thank you.” The two missing members of the escapees joined them immediately. Raymond Angelis, a tall, slender man with bright green eyes, waved Ashleigh Knight through the hatch before him. Ash, who was a head shorter than he was, handed him a mug of coffee, then sat at the table beside Ivan. Ray stood beside Jacques, and Walter perched himself himself on the edge of the next table over. Sophia looked at Walter. “Please bring “Please bring us up to date.” 14
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“Spurs and “Spurs and I visited Simon Traeger, a small-time fight promoter who, a couple of years ago, actually managed some MechWarriors in Solaris City. He ran the two of us through a simulator battle against two of his best fighters — brother-and-sister team. Spurs disarmed the brother, I took down the sister. It was touch and go for a moment if he’d sign he’d sign us on, but Aniki Sturludottir, the sister, convinced him. I sign a contract tomorrow to do some circuit fighting in one of the counties south of here.” Ash patted Ivan on the back. “You guys “You guys did great.” Ivan shook his head as he stared down into his coffee mug. “Walter did “Walter did all the work, and he got the contract. Traeger said I was bad, ‘really, ‘really, really bad.’” “But he “But he said he liked you.” “Not enough “Not enough to hire me.” Ray frowned. “Why did “Why did the sister intervene on your behalf?” Walter cracked a grin. “She thinks “She thinks Spurs is cute.” Ivan groaned, but Ash hugged him across the shoulders. “He is— charming, too, not like you apes.” Walter raised his hands. “We need “We need all the help we can get.” Sophia agreed, both that they needed allies and that her brother could be cute and charming; yet, she was uncertain whether his attributes could really help them achieve their goal. Until they were overthrown o verthrown by the Collective, the Litzaus had led the Planetary Board of Maldive. They had barely escaped with their lives. If they were to return to take their world back, they’d they’d need an overwhelming amount of power. To get power, they had to amass wealth, information, influence, and the manufacturing capability to create and deliver product—’M product—’Mech ech parts and munitions being chief among them. They were starting their quest to conquer a planet with nothing more than big dreams and bigger hopes. Ray set his cup on the table. “I’ve got “I’ve got good news in that department. I’ve been scouting around, and I’ve learned I’ve learned which of the top shops here do ’Mech ’Mech optimization. They tweak engines, myomers, and weapons to make them that much more efficient or powerful. Not huge swings, since the ’Mech Battle Commission sets rules out for what can and can’t be can’t be done in sanctioned fights, but these shops get paid paid a lot lot for even incremental increases. This one company, Paradigm Shifters, has an opening. Gray Noton just took to ok one of their best techs on as his private tech, so I’m getting I’m getting hired in. Not only do they pay well, but 15
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we’re all we’re all allowed to use the shop to work on our own hobby projects. When you’re ready you’re ready for Solaris City, you’ll be you’ll be the cutting edge.” “That’s great, “That’s great, Ray.” Sophia Ray.” Sophia glanced at Isolde. “You might “You might as well bring them up to speed with our project.” “Gladly.” Isolde “Gladly.” Isolde smiled, although Sophia read a hint of strain in it. “I did “I did some more research, and what we heard out at the jump point is true. The big trend in high-end housing for visitors is luxury DropShip accommodations. Clients come in, we snag them from the point, bring them down, and we’re a we’re a cruise ship for them. Gourmet food thanks to Jacques, and we have Ash to chauffeur them in style. Sophia will manage agendas and bookings. She has the class and charm for it, plus she has an idea of what the ultrarich will want. We hop them from point to point if they head out of town, and we can accommodate banquets in the ’Mech bays.” Mech bays.” Ivan tapped a finger against the metal tabletop. “This “This really isn’t isn’t that luxurious.” “True, “True, but we start small. We refit the galley and the MechWarrior quarters. We can build out a couple of the ’Mech bays into another suite. I’ve been told that having some ‘grim ‘grim with the glitz’—a glitz’—a direct quote from the booking agent— agent—lets the customer think they’re in they’re in touch with the common folk. Galley and quarters will cost 20– 20 –30,000 C-bills.” C-bills.” Ray whistled. “I should “I should become a carpenter.” Walter frowned. “That’s a “That’s a lot, but I think it’s a it’s a good expenditure in more ways than one.” Sophia looked over. “What are “What are you thinking, Walter?” “The Federated “The Federated Suns froze some Collective and Litzau assets. They can’t give you and Ivan access to them without revealing your existence and causing a diplomatic rift with the Collective, but they are willing to let you borrow against them. Spending that money to do a luxury refit of this DropShip will make sense to bureaucrats—that’s bureaucrats —that’s what what planetary rulers do, even in exile. Plus, it’s not it’s not being spent on an overtly political move to get back into power. This makes it easier to deny if there ever is trouble. Heck, the fact that you’re going you’re going into business and could generate revenue to pay the loans back is going to be a good thing.” Ivan shrugged. “It “It lessens the chances they’ll they’ll figure out what we’re we’re doing.”
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“No, Spurs, don’t ever “No, Spurs, don’t ever think that.” Walter’s eyes Walter’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t any “Don’t any of you think that. In fact, we have to assume, at all times, that the Federated Suns, the Capellan Confederation, and the Collective know what we’re doing. we’re doing. I doubt the Collective is looking for us, but the Fed Suns and CapCon know you two are still alive. When it suits them, they will reveal that information to the Collective. And if any of the other Houses glean that information, or if any of the dissident factions in those Houses learn about it, they’ll they’ll use it to their advantage.” The room fell silent, and Sophia let the gravity of Walter’s words Walter’s words sink in. She hated the nagging, paranoid sensation that nibbled at her consciousness every waking moment, but realized it was important to their remaining alive. For some groups such as the Collective, she and her brother posed a direct threat. For others, they were bargaining chips. In the effort to gather power, the first and constant need was to survive. “Thank “Thank you, Walter, for that reminder. Solaris VII may be part of the Lyran Commonwealth, but it’s really it’s really an open world. Intelligence agencies from all over operate here. Criminal cartels operate here.” here.” Sophia laughed. here — just as we “Heavens, every “Heavens, every dissident group and liberation front operates here— are doing. Even though we are willing to play a long game to liberate our world, we’re a we’re a threat. People have a lot to lose, and I don’t want don’t want any of you to die in this effort.” Isolde rested a hand on Sophia’s shoulder. Sophia’s shoulder. “I think “I think you mean to say ‘any of us.’” “Thank you.” Ivan pointed at one of the screens showing a ComStar news broadcast. Maldive?” “Any news “Any news from Maldive?” Sophia shook her head. “No , but I’ve learned I’ve learned more about ComStar and rates and data tiers than I ever wanted to know. Your top tier —ComStar messages, news from the various capitals, and premium advertising —gets high-speed distribution everywhere. That’s why That’s why even in Rivergaard we’d hear we’d hear about Ian Davion’s exploits, Davion’s exploits, or about every time Katrina Steiner sneezed. We got to feel that we were part of the Inner Sphere. Tier two— two—all the regional news, fights from Solaris, other entertainment properties, and more advertising. It gets everywhere eventually. Each tier down goes a smaller distance and even more slowly. If it weren’t for weren’t for word of mouth from DropShip
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and JumpShip crews, word of the Collective’s Collective’s revolution wouldn’t wouldn’t have trickled this far for another six months.” Isolde pointed skyward. “I’ve “I’ve left word with other spacers that we’re Vulture’s Egg was hired by a mercenary company that interested— interested—after all, the Vulture’s Egg died on Maldive— Maldive — but I don’t don’t have much in the way of hopes of hearing anything.” “And asking “And asking ComStar to expedite news from the Periphery…?” Periphery…?” “Walter, “Walter, the quote I got…” got…” Sophia sighed. “We “We could buy a new DropShip for less than the yearly rate. I got told, ‘Honestly, no ‘Honestly, no one cares what the Riff lords are up to.’” Ivan smiled cautiously. “Maybe “Maybe one of Traeger’s Traeger’s friends is in ComStar…” Walter shook his head. “Operational security. “Operational security. No one can know who we are— are—who the two of you are. The Collective might be a long way away, but you’re still you’re still valuable commodities. Someone will sell you out.” Weariness washed over Sophia, and she thought she saw W alter’s shoulders slump a bit. Reestablishing the Litzau family on Maldive was an enormous task, and one to which she’d dedicated she’d dedicated her life. She tried to have no illusions about how close to impossible it would be to succeed, but that little scintilla of hope was enough to keep her going. Maldive and the fate of the people they’d left they’d left behind loomed large in her mind, and it was crushing to learn that for others, her world wasn’t anything wasn’t anything more than a faint glimmer of light in the distant sky. Jacques smiled. “This is “This is not a thing to be sad about. Not at all.” Ivan frowned. “I don’t follow.” “It was “It was how we set out planning before. We’re making We’re making over the Vulture’s Egg into luxury accommodations so we attract people with wealth and influence. I have served people who are rich and famous. No matter how high or how rich, they all want to know they are liked and respected. More often than not, when I serve them a meal, they ask to see me, to compliment me, to ask after a recipe. They invite me to have a drink. They want to t o learn about me in case I can be useful to them later. Ivan, Sophia, you have certainly seen this behavior before.” behavior before.” Sophia slowly smiled. “I have, “I have, chef.” “So, we “So, we cultivate the story. We make it interesting and understandable enough without revealing ourselves. We are expatriates who came here after 18
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we lost our homes. They will never know who you two are —since you are presumed dead— dead — but they will want to learn more about your tragic situation. They will tell others the sad story.” Jacques story.” Jacques opened his hands to take them all in. “When they “When they have their chefs prepare one of my recipes, they will tell our story to their guests— guests—who will share that story. Who will come here to see us. We will make money, yes; but our influence will build. And when there comes a time that we need their help, a big or a small favor, they will repay us. It allows them to feel better about themselves. It allows them to build their selfworth. If we succeed, they own a piece of our victory. If we fail, we are a tragedy they tried to avert. Either way they will w ill feel alive, and this is useful to us.” Ivan nodded. “Walter, isn’t that isn’t that pretty much what Traeger said to you, about having a story to sell?” “Yeah.” Walter “Yeah.” Walter shrugged. “Perception becomes “Perception becomes reality. I’m not I’m not sure I like it, but if they look hard at the story we’ve made we’ve made up, maybe they won’t look won’t look at the reality and get us into trouble.”
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Bentlyville, South County Solaris VII (The Game World) Rahneshire, Lyran Commonwealth 3 May 3001
Walter wasn’t wasn’t certain whether he should be amazed that people had raised tents big enough to house BattleMechs, or horrified at the utterly primitive state of the ’Mech hangar at the county fair. One more difference between entertainment and combat. He and Spurs moved through the massive tent’s tent’s dark interior, flashing badges that identified them as performers. He glanced at his compatriot. “You know, “You know, Spurs, you'd look a bit more formidable without rainbow wisps of cotton candy melting at the corners of your mouth.” “Well, you’re the you’re the talent. I’m just I’m just support staff.” Had Spurs not exaggerated the whine in his voice, Walter might have assumed his status still rankled. “Right, well, “Right, well, there’s more there’s more talent over there, so wipe your face.” He face.” He pointed toward where Aniki Sturludottir was waving to them in the hangar tent’s far tent’s far corner. Spurs licked at the corner of his mouth, and tried to wipe the residue away, but he just smeared it a little and made his fingers even stickier. Walter extended his hand to her. “Sorry we’re we’re late. Spurs wanted to sample local cuisine, and there’s a there’s a bit of a crowd outside the tent.” Spurs, blushing, tried to wipe his hand off on his pants, then started to offer it to Aniki, but hesitated. “Sorry, my “Sorry, my hand is kind of…” She smiled and tore a small bit of o f cotton candy from his stick. “I love “I love this stuff. Hope you don’t mind.” “Take all “Take all you want.” Spurs want.” Spurs glanced back toward the entrance. “You can “You can have this one. I’ll get I’ll get more. I mean, get you a fresh one.” 20
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“This is “This is fine. I like that you’re willing you’re willing to share.” She share.” She gave him a wink. “Sweet, just “Sweet, just like you.” Okay, we’ve lost we’ve lost Spurs… “Aniki, some “Aniki, some of these look like normal ’Mechs, but…” “But they aren’t.” She aren’t.” She crossed to a table in front of a bank of monitors and picked up a dinner-plate-sized armor scale. “Armor “Armor panels are smaller, modular, easier to replace.” She replace.” She tossed the armor plate to Walter. He caught it, but almost dropped it, since it wasn’t nearly wasn’t nearly as heavy as it should have been. He rapped a knuckle against the outer surface. “This isn’t ferro-ceramic. It won’t stop won’t stop much of anything.” “Doesn’t have “Doesn’t have to. It’s show It’s show business, remember?” She remember?” She grabbed a small ball and likewise lofted it to Walter. “Instead of “Instead of depleted uranium rounds, the autocannons shoot these— these —vulcanized rubber. Charges are smaller, too, but the t he balls will shatter that lightweight ceramic armor pretty easily and very dramatically. Lasers and particle projection cannons, which are more light than heat on the circuit, melt it really well. Missiles are a lot of flash-bang, and in pretty colors, too. Only the ’Mech cockpits have full armor— armor —to keep everyone safe.” Spurs raised his eyebrows. “But in “But in the fights I’ve seen I’ve seen from here, pilots die. Gray Noton killed a guy in his second fight.” Aniki harvested a bit more cotton candy. “Those “Those are the seriously heavyweight fights. There you’re you’re talking ’Mechs at military spec, often with full battle loads. Lots of money makes that possible. Down here, it’s smoke it’s smoke and mirrors. We make the fights look good, we give the people drama. We don’t kill anyone, and we don’t get don’t get killed, so we can come back tomorrow or next year.” Walter returned the armor scale to the table. “Myomer fibers “Myomer fibers and ferrotitanium bones aren’t aren’t cheap, so I assume the weaponry doesn’t doesn’t do much damage to them.” “Scratch, dent, “Scratch, dent, and nibble, mostly.” She mostly.” She pointed to a nearby Locust; techs were riveting new armor scales on its leg. “Sensors throughout “Sensors throughout assess the likely result of damage, and apply it through a control unit. If a laser would have cooked a gyro, the computer kicks the gyros gyr os out of phase, or pulls them offline o ffline completely. The engines won’t melt won’t melt down, but there’s a there’s a very cool smoke effect from behind the cockpits that signals your ’Mech is out. And the joints are formed from a heat-sensitive alloy, so a good hit can melt them without 21
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seriously damaging the integrity of the structural members. You recap the ends to rebuild the joints, add a new wire harness, and it’s good.” Walter tossed the rubber shot from one hand to the other. “And people “And people pay to watch smoke and mirrors?” “We’re here, “We’re here, aren’t we?” “I “I think, Wallace, what Aniki is saying is that they’re they’re paying for the entertainment value. I mean, people watch holovids all the time, and they know they’re not they’re not real, but they are still thrilling. And they pay to watch their favorite fighters in the battles, right?” Aniki nodded, and Walter frowned. “I got “I got that, Spurs, from what Traeger said. I understand.” Aniki pressed her hand over Walter’s Walter’s heart. “It’s “It’s not a think thing, Walter, it’s a it’s a feel. You know, you mentioned crowds outside this tent. Did you manage to look at the crowds in any of the outbuildings?” “No.” She smiled, her eyes growing distant. “Those buildings, “Those buildings, they house lots of exhibits and host lots of contests. By noon today, for example, we’ll learn we’ll learn if Mrs. Adratha will have succeeded in winning the best mince pie contest for an unprecedented ninth year in a row, or if young Andy Thompson— Thompson —who should have won last year— year—will dethrone her. And one building over, you have three dozen kids showing off cows they’ve raised. they’ve raised. And don’t get don’t get me started on the whole ‘largest pumpkin ‘largest pumpkin raised’ controversy.” “There’s a “There’s a lot going on here. I get that.” Spurs shook his head. “If I “If I might, Aniki…” “Please.” “Wallace, I’ve known I’ve known you for a while. You’re smart You’re smart and really good at what you do, but the life you’ve led— led—it isn’t isn’t normal by any stretch of the imagination. Remember the farmer who gave us breakfast in exchange for chopping wood and shoveling out his barn?” Walter nodded. “They were “They were like the folks here. I recall you noting not ing that the farmer and his family could have survived pretty much anything where they were, because they were self-sufficient and worked hard. Same goes for these folks here. And this fair, it’s the it’s the highlight of their year. Kids work raising those cows hoping for a blue ribbon. Andy Thompson has probably made several hundred mince pies trying to work out how to win this th is year. Now, from your perspective, with 22
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your background, these concerns might seem a bit quaint, but for them it’s life it’s life and death. Coming to see a fight here, that’s thrilling. that’s thrilling. I’m fairly I’m fairly sure that there will be folks out there on first dates. Someone will get engaged. Parents are bringing kids to see a fight for the very first time, and others are getting together with friends as part of an annual ritual.” Aniki gave Spurs a big smile. “And “And add this fact to everything he’s said: he’s said: some of the folks here have spent the better part of a year outfitting an old AgroMech or a tree-cutter or a mining rig so it can go toe to toe with a professional fighter. There’s even There’s even a special fight. We call it the Grind. One man, one ’Mech, against all comers in sequence. Last one standing wins.” Walter frowned. “That’s not “That’s not battling, that’s winning that’s winning because you drew a late start.” “But it “But it is entertaining as hell, and lots of money gets bet back and forth.” “Am I “Am I sensing that I’m going I’m going to be the guy in the Grind today?” Aniki shook her head. “My brother’s “My brother’s doing doing that. Come on, watch and see how he does it.” A stocky woman of Asian descent, wearing a severe and ill-fitting suit, approached them. “Wallace Richards? “Wallace Richards? Is now a good time to talk?” “I was “I was going to watch…” “This won’t won’t take long.” long.” She flashed an identification card. “Agent Alexandra Fujitaka of the ’Mech Battle Commission.” Aniki nodded at Walter. “Talk to “Talk to her, then meet us in the yellow seats. Come on, Spurs.” Ivan, grinning foolishly, dropped into lockstep with Aniki as she led the way through a passage beneath the stands and to a staircase warded by security officers. can I help you, Agent Fujitaka?” “How can “How The dark-eyed woman glanced at the tablet nestled in the crook of her arm. “You’ve “You’ve been granted a provo license to fight for Windfall Warriors Unlimited. You’ll meet You’ll meet with me a minimum of once every three months. You are subject to random drug testing. By accepting this license, you agree to conduct yourself in a manner befitting the privileged status you’ve been you’ve been given. Whiff of a scandal, and you’re out.” “Simon Traeger “Simon Traeger has already cautioned me.” The agent arched an eyebrow. “Yes, well, “Yes, well, I’m holding I’m holding you to a higher standard than Mr. Traeger would, understand? If he gives you any orders that 23
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you believe are the result of illegal dealings, you refuse and reach out to me, understand?” “I do.” Her eyes tightened. “I need “I need a bit more than lip service here, Mr. Richards. Frankly, I opposed granting you a license. Your lack of a background is disturbing. If you’re you’re running from anything, you’re you’re vulnerable; and I’m I’m not going to have you cheating on my watch. Is that clear?” Walter held his hands up in surrender. “Crystal.” “I will be watching you, Mr. Richards. Very closely.” closely.” She flipped the tablet around. “Left thumb “Left thumb in the glowing box. Thank you. You’ll get You’ll get a copy of this record, along with my contact information, in case you need it.” “Thank you.” She looked him up and down, then shook her head. “People would “People would kill for this privilege, you know. Plenty die for it. Don’t Don’t make me take it away from you.” The agent’s visit agent’s visit left Walter feeling as if he were a half step out of sync with the world, but he also knew that was only part of his unease. He wanted to attribute most of it to dealing with the peculiarity of people treating war as entertainment. While that was a piece of it, too, this only partially explained his emotions. The human fascination with war and death began long before recorded history. The Romans had built amphitheaters to house their martial entertainments. While combat for sport often was considered barbaric by critics, even Walter had sat with the rest of the mercenary company to watch fights piped in from Solaris. To feign outrage now really couldn’t be couldn’t be defended. It occurred to him, as he went up a flight of bleacher steps, that what truly bothered him was how easily Spurs had perceived what Walter hadn’t in hadn’t in regard to the audience. There was a time when Walter would have seen what Spurs had seen. When and where he lost that ability eluded him, but in retrospect it seemed as if it had vanished long before he went to Maldive. Casualty of the lifestyle, I guess. The county fair arena had only two spectator levels, and Walter emerged from the stairwell at the upper level’s lower level’s lower edge. Aniki and Spurs were seated in a box of ten seats all painted yellow, in the first row at the railing. The oval arena stretched off to the north, so their seats at the southern end gave them a great vantage point.
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Just below them, Snorri was entering the arena. He was piloting a Commando with the same build-out Walter had used in his audition. The ’Mech ’Mech had been painted white, with red stripes running from shoulder to wrist and hip to ankle. Snorri raised the ’Mech’ Mech’s right arm and triggered a plume of fire from the flamer. The heat of the blast reached Walter, and the bright light had him narrowing his eyes. The crowd rose to its feet, booing vociferously and screaming epithets and taunts. Snorri slowly brought the ’Mech around in a little circle, triggering more fire, the ’Mech’ Mech’s arms held wide. He paced the ’Mech back and forth at the arena’s arena’s south end, a predator awaiting prey. His every move brought renewed jeers, and the ’Mech’s posture ’Mech’s posture spoke to arrogance and disdain for the crowd. Then, at the far end, a rusty four-legged, two-armed ’Mech scuttled through the entrance. Walter couldn’t even couldn’t even begin to catalog the various parts, though the arms with big blades on either side of the dome-shaped turret looked to be from a forestry ’Mech. As color went, rust predominated. Signs had been painted on, big and little, running from commercial advertisements to one small one that read, “Stephanie, p “Stephanie, prom?” rom?” Walter glanced over at Aniki. “That’s… that doesn’t think think he can “That’s… that pilot doesn’t win, does he?” “He “He wins by being first out of the gate.” gate.” She chuckled. “Order “Order was determined by lot, with fifth to seventh place considered prime. I’m sure I’m sure he drew somewhere north of four, so he traded down into first place for some sizable consideration. Couple that with the money from the adverts, and he’s already profitable. Oh, and it looks like he sold someone the right to pilot that thing for him, so there’s even there’s even more money.” Below, the crowd started cheering for the challenger, or laughing at him, or both. Walter’s eyes Walter’s eyes narrowed. “You’ve seen “You’ve seen this routine before?” routine before?” “On the “On the fair circuit, you’ll see you’ll see that very ’Mech at least once per quarter. Toby Gant, the guy who owns that monster and usually pilots it, fights at half the fairs. The rest of the time he just brings Mabel—that’s Mabel —that’s what what he calls it— it—and folks pay to take pictures with it. And that advertisement there, the one with the tree? That’s for That’s for his landscaping, hauling, and tree doctor services.” The Commando approached Mabel with the same circumspection as a man approaching a scorpion. Both ’Mechs began to move counterclockwise, 25
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feinting to force the other back. Boos accompanied Snorri’s Snorri’s moves, while a udience. Mabel would sink lower and Mabel’s heroics Mabel’s heroics wrung cheers from the audience. scuttle sideways. The Commando would dart in to cut the odd-looking ’Mech off. But that makes no sense. In the simulator, Walter had piloted that same ’Mech. While Walter was pretty certain that Mabel couldn’t do couldn’t do any real damage to the Commando , by closing Snorri played to Mabel’s strengths. Mabel’s strengths. All Snorri had to do to defeat Mabel was to unload twin salvos of short-range missiles and then use his laser and flamer to finish her off. Instead, Snorri used his weakest weapon, the flamer. He streamed fire over Mabel, hitting her on the left foreleg and along that flank. The prom sign burst into flame. Other little fires guttered here and there along the ’Mech’s side. A few scales melted, smoking ceramics leaving a black trail on the arena floor. And the crowd roared— roared —some in fear, some in delight. Money changed hands. The monitors around the arena showed two teenagers kissing, leading Walter to assume one of them was Stephanie and that the prom was on. Snorri backed the Commando off and began pacing again. He sprayed more fire into the air and even turned his back on Mabel. The squat ’Mech dashed forward, the broad, circular blades on the logging arms slashing at the Commando. The crowd roared approval, then snarled as one when the Commando nimbly danced away from the danger and painted Mabel with fire once more. Walter started to ask a question, but the words hung in his throat. Because of the way a ’Mech’s ’Mech’s holographic sensor package worked, ’Mechs didn’t didn’t have have a blind side. Even though Snorri had turned his back to Mabel, he could see the ’Mech the entire time. The attack at his back hadn’t surprised hadn’t surprised him. He’d seen He’d seen it coming and let it appear as if the attack would work, but he’d never he’d never been in danger. And his riposte with the flamer looked look ed great, but did almost no damage to his enemy. As those words ran through his head—“ head —“looked looked great, but”— but”—he he suddenly understood. With more ease than most would imagine possible, Snorri could have shot out ten such ’Mechs in quick succession, but that wasn’t what wasn’t what people had come to see. Snorri knew he’d he’d lose— lose—in that sort of contest, barring an unequal distribution of luck on each side, the chances of Snorri being the last man standing were incredibly tiny. So, if winning wasn’t wasn’t likely, or even the 26
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point, providing entertainment was. Let each contestant have their time in the arena. Give them each a chance to do something that they could brag about for the rest of their lives. The locals weren’t weren’t really going to be beating Snorri as much as outlasting their friends and neighbors. Walter sat back in his chair and studied Snorri. Aniki’s brother Aniki’s brother was an artist, playing the crowd and playing to the crowd. He gave his opponents time to do enough to build the crowd’s hope. crowd’s hope. Then he’d battle he’d battle back and finally put the local champion down. He’d He’d preen more between opponents, but as the fights dragged on, he gave signs that his ’Mech was wearing down. Then the drama shifted. Would the next challenger succeed, or would Snorri heroically survive to face yet another opponent? “Your “Your brother is very good, Aniki. I don’t don’t know that I’ll I’ll be able to provide as much drama as he is.” “The Grind “The Grind is the perfect performance to learn how to be very dramatic. But you’re not you’re not going to have to worry about that.” “Why not?” “The Grind “The Grind is just one special sort of fight we put on. You’re scheduled You’re scheduled to do another real popular one.” Walter’s expression Walter’s expression darkened. “I’m not “I’m not sure I like how that sounds. What does it entail?” “I don’t want don’t want to spoil it for you, Wallace.” She Wallace.” She stole more cotton candy from Spurs. “But in “But in that fight, you’ll be you’ll be called ‘The Rabbit.’ And Rabbit.’ And don’t worry. don’t worry. It’ll be It’ll be over fast.”
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Greater Harrison Regional Exposition Solaris VII (The Game World) Rahneshire, Lyran Commonwealth 7 September 3001
A small laser fired by the MuttMech on Walter’s left Walter’s left scored the armor on the LCT-1S Locust’s left weapon pod. The other two small lasers from the gunnery canister mounted on the Mutt’s shoulder Mutt’s shoulder flashed behind Walter’s ’Mech, ’Mech, and slashed two glowing lines in the armor of another Mutt. Without waiting to see whether those two pilots would start shooting at each other, Walter planted the Locust’s left ’s left foot and darted right, sliding past another ’Mech that had hoped to put its chain saw to good use. The Locust’s left ’s left pod swung wide. Two short-range missiles jetted out, slamming into the chain saw ’Mech ’Mech as it swept past. Being more flash than power, all four missiles detonated in a fantastic light show. Red and blue explosions shattered armor on the target ’Mech’s left ’Mech’s left flank, opening a hole and exposing metal ribs. Walter fought the instinct to whirl his Locust and pour fire into that breach. In combat he would have done that without thinking, because his job was to destroy his enemies’ enemies’ ability to fight. But, as the Rabbit, all he was supposed to do was survive long enough. As Simon Traeger put it, “No “No one one cares who wins a demolition derby. They just come to watch people lose spectacularly.” Spurs’s Spurs’s voice sounded in his ear. “Betting “Betting odds have shifted. Heavy favorite is the green Iron Man. Acknowledge.” “Roger “Roger that, Spurs.” Spurs.” Walter shivered. Hope Agent Fujitaka isn’t listening in.
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The Rabbit Run had begun with a dozen ’Mechs all out after Walter’s Rabbit— Rabbit—twice the number of hunters than he usually faced. While the exposition had a formal arena for featured matches and Grinds, for the Rabbit Run they utilized an adjacent landfill. Stray laser shots could ignite mounds of disposable diapers— diapers —an apparent crowd-pleaser— crowd-pleaser —and a missile or two could explode old refrigerators, which usually won approval. The uneven mounds and twisting pathways carved by bulldozers meant the course changed every day. The landfill’s security landfill’s security cameras provided the audience with a decent view of the action, while a flock of drone cameras nipped in and out for more exciting shots. Walter spun the Locust on its right foot, tracked his target, and tightened his trigger finger. A scintillating red beam shot out from the medium laser underslung on the Locust’s torso and turned the armor over the green Iron Man’s Man’s chest to slag. A steaming torrent of liquid ceramics splashed down, bursting into flames as it hit the ground. A heartbeat later, something buried bur ied beneath the burning puddle exploded, exploded, toppling the target ’Mech ’Mech backward. “Some idiot “Some idiot buried methane canisters out here again!” Walter again!” Walter flipped his sensor array over to magnetic resonance. The holographic display before him lit up with so many hits on metal debris that he might as well have been looking at a carpet sewn with sequins. He flipped it over to infrared, but heat from all the garbage breaking down below hid everything in the t he general glow. A Mutt that had been cobbled together from a combine harvester and a couple of machine guns opened fire on the Locust. One stream of bullets hit, cratering the armor on Walter’s left Walter’s left flank. The computers assessing damage to the light ’Mech decided the damage was of no consequence, but a couple more shots like that would cause trouble. Walter launched two SRM salvos, with all four missiles finding their target. Explosions shattered armor across the Mutt’s chest Mutt’s chest and blew one of the machine gun pods off the ’Mech’s right ’Mech’s right hip. The Mutt staggered to the left, but the pilot regained control before his ’Mech went down. Walter accelerated the Locust , , starting it around to the left. He tightened his turn and drove straight through the middle of the battlefield— battlefield —halfway into what would be a figure-eight pattern. This will drive the crowd wild . Among the professional pilots, amateur opposition ’Mechs got divided into three general classes: Mutts, Iron Men, and Traps. Mutts occupied the lowest tier and almost always had been built on the chassis of a beat-up 29
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industrial ’Mech of some sort. They sported ceramic scales over part of the ’Mech, and might rely on corrugated tin elsewhere. Walter had even fought a few that relied on plywood. Their weaponry ran long on physical attacks, with a few affording lasers. As a rule, they never outlived the Rabbit. Iron Men got put together from legitimate BattleMech salvage, though little of it was combat quality. They often walked with a limp, or had limited weapon traverses. Their key drawback tended to be a lack of ammunition for missile launchers and projectile weapons. When the pilots could afford the weaponry, they opted for energy weapons and could do some damage. Traps earned that sobriquet because they generally didn’t look didn’t look like much until far too late. Their deadliness came from the skill of the pilot and some ersatz weapon that could deliver a devastating hit all at once. More often than not, TrapMechs belonged to someone who could afford the upkeep and were piloted by MechWarriors who had long military careers behind them. Walter raced the Locust in toward a knot of three ’Mechs. He triggered all of his weapons, not aiming at specific targets, but going for a simple spread of damage. The medium laser stripped the armor off a black-and-red Iron Man, while the missiles scattered two Mutts. He sailed on through the detonation epicenter, juking left past another Iron Man, then headed out before beginning his turn to the right and plunge back into the center. Chaos reigned in his wake. The Mutts triggered all their weapons, missing him completely but blasting each other. Green, which had stood off, pumped laser fire into the back of one Mutt, vaporizing all of the armor. Secondary explosions shook the ’Mech, then it sagged to the right and collapsed. Red-and-Black slashed with the chain saw, chewing up armor on a Mutt’s Mutt’s right hip. That Mutt stumbled left, then stitched machine gun fire through Red-and-Black’s Red-and-Black’s left left elbow. And there’s the there’s the Trap. A blue Iron Man— Man—looking more like a Centurion than anything else— else — began to orbit the battlefield as Walter was doing, just offset by ninety degrees. As Walter came around to start his next dive to the center, Blue likewise turned inward. That ’Mech slowed slightly, triggered a laser shot that took Red-andBlack’s leg Black’s leg off at the knee, then shot in on a course that would let him get on Walter’s six. Walter’s six.
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Well now, let’s play. let’s play. Walter headed in quickly, then goosed his speed to full for the last third of his run. He didn’t fire didn’t fire at all. He cut his ’Mech through everyone else’s shots, else’s shots, dodging here and there as might a matador amid a herd of bulls. Then, on the other side, he chopped the throttle back, spun around to the right, and tracked his weapons left. And the Trap walked right into his fire. The medium laser seared a golden line from hip to shoulder on the Trap’s right Trap’s right flank. Half-melted blue armor scales sloughed off. Walter fired four SRMs, the majority of which hit. Two crushed the armor over Blue’s chest, Blue’s chest, while the other scraped scales over its right thigh. The Trap pivoted and brought its right arm up. The forearm ended in a medium laser’s muzzle. laser’s muzzle. Red light flashed. The beam raked its way across the Locust’s chest, ’s chest, all but stripping it of armor. The diagram on Walter’s secondary Walter’s secondary monitor went from dull green to bright red in a heartbeat. Blue swung its left arm into line with Walter’s ’Mech. For the first time, Walter realized the ’Mech had a short muzzle underslung on the forearm. The brief glimpse suggested an autocannon, the bore of which looked disturbingly large. That could be real trouble. Unfortunately for Blue, the green Iron Man’s Man’s pilot had noticed the demise of Red-and-Black. Green’s medium Green’s medium laser stabbed deep into the Trap’s chest. The thin layer of ceramic armor evaporated. Blue shook and listed to the left as the beam’s the beam’s energy energy induced the onboard computers to kick the gyros out of phase. The autocannon’s autocannon’s projectiles tracked just right of Walter’s ’Mech, peppering the ground with hard rubber spheres. But it wasn’t a wasn’t a single stream, It’s as if they loaded shotgun shells into as would be expected of such a weapon. It’s as the autocannon. The projectile spray churned the earth and caused another methane cannister to explode, but the Locust had drifted far enough past to avoid damage. If combat engineers ever figure out how ho w to do that with metal in a military round, it’s going it’s going to be devastating. As if to prove that point, Green blasted a Mutt at point-blank range, obliterating the armor on its leg. The pilot swung Green’s Green’s right arm wide enough to shoot Blue, stripping the left arm of protection. The beam incinerated the elbow, dropping the lower half of the limb to the ground.
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The first Mutt that had attacked Walter turned its trio of small lasers on Green. The narrow shafts of angry light plunged through melted armor on the Trap’s chest. Trap’s chest. The Trap stumbled on for a couple of steps, slowing quickly. Blue sparks repeatedly lit its hollow heart, and the crowd cheered. The lightning indicated the fusion engine’s magnetic engine’s magnetic shielding had been destroyed. On the battlefield, this would have resulted in a catastrophic failure that would consume the ’Mech, but here the light show and smoke marked the ’Mech as being out. Walter did another pass through the middle of the battlefield, then swung wide to make a run on three Mutts on the periphery of the action. He traded shots with them, giving as good as he got, then he turned left again. The knot of ’Mechs at the center of the action had moved toward him, battling each other as they went, so he dashed in toward them, angling to pass behind them. His strafing run blew armor off two Mutts, which proceeded to turn on each other. Walter then circled left and throttled back enough to let the pack chase him. A couple of Mutts moved toward the center again to cut him off. Walter dodged to the middle, sailing behind them. They came toward him, which brought them on a collision course with the pack racing after him. Both sides exchanged fire, armor flying and ’Mechs ’Mechs colliding, and then the survivors turned to continue the chase. Walter could have dodged and weaved through the competition for well over thirty minutes, but the countdown timer on his command console had run down to single digits. He wasn’t required wasn’t required to finish the fight once time ran out, but management appreciated it when the crowd got a leisurely opportunity to settle wagers and buy beer before the next battle began. Walter tightened his turn into a curl, and came to a stop. He faced the oncoming pack, weapons ready. He triggered a spray of missiles that dropped one Mutt and damaged another. His medium laser bored into the Mutt that had killed Green, clipping its right leg off at the hip. That left two Mutts, one painted in the colors of a local construction company, and the other in shades of pink and white for reasons Walter couldn’t fathom. couldn’t fathom. The fact that it had hearts emblazoned on the flanks, and the legend “Daddy’s “Daddy’s Lil MechWarrior” scrawled across the center torso didn’t provide didn’t provide any enlightenment. He really didn’t want didn’t want to pick either one as the winner— winner —ignoring it to drop the other— other— but it was time to end the battle. Then the explosions shook the Locust. 32
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The red-and-black Iron Man had gone down when it lost half a leg, but the pilot had managed to get it back up on a knee. While Walter was moving, the pilot didn’t have didn’t have a chance in hell of hitting him, but a stationary target could hardly be missed. The half-legged ’Mech ’Mech launched two SRMs that hit the Locust square in the chest. They blew the last shred of armor off, then one burst inside the chest cavity. The Locust shuddered and lurched to the side. Gyro hit! Then Blue opened up. Blue had lost its heavy weapon, the medium laser, to the Trap. Its right arm, however, had two machine guns mounted on the forearm. Twin streams of projectiles ricocheted around in the Locust’s ’s chest. Walter’s ’Mech shuddered, then dropped back and squatted on its haunches. It remained there for a heartbeat or two, then slowly sagged to the right. Walter hung there in the command chair, secured by restraining straps. That didn’t go didn’t go the way I expected. Though the downing of the Rabbit technically ended the fight, the Mutts and Iron Men pounded each other. The construction ’Mech killed Red-andBlack. Daddy’s Lil Daddy’s Lil MechWarrior backshot the construction ’Mech, dropping it, and Blue finished it off. As the last Mutt dropped, an air-raid siren wailed to signal the end to the battle. Cockpits cracked open, and pilots, generally laughing and smiling, crawled out to wave at the hovering drones. “You might “You might want to wait before you get out, Wallace.” Walter pulled the sensor plugs from the front of his neurohelmet. “Why is that, Spurs?” “Blue wasn’t supposed wasn’t supposed to win. Traeger’s a Traeger’s a bit upset.” upset.” “How much “How much is ‘a bit’?” ‘a bit’?” “Aniki is “Aniki is talking him off the ledge, and Snorri says he’ll grind he’ll grind through ten. The latter seems to be doing the trick.” “Okay, well, “Okay, well, latch on the cockpit seems to be sticking…” Walter sticking…” Walter smiled. “Just let “Just let me know when it should get unstuck.”
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Greater Harrison Regional Exposition Solaris VII (The Game World) Rahneshire, Lyran Commonwealth 7 September 3001
Sophia Litzau allowed herself a moment of relaxation as Walter hugged her. “This is “This is exactly what I need.” Walter hung on for a bit longer, the mint and musk scents of soap and shampoo mingling. “Phee, I “Phee, I wasn’t in wasn’t in any danger. The Rabbit never is.” “I know “I know that.” She that.” She pulled back a bit and straightened his jacket. “I’ve just “I’ve just missed you, truth be told. It’s been It’s been three weeks.” “And two “And two days, four hours.” Walter hours.” Walter smiled, and her stomach fluttered. “Fact is, “Fact is, I didn’t expect didn’t expect to see you for another week. Is something wrong?” not at all.” “No, not “No, Walter cast a quick glance back over his shoulder. “So, it’s not it’s not me you came to see, but Spurs, to check how he’s getting he’s getting on?” “You think “You think far too little of my regard for you, if you believe that’s the that’s the reason I’m here.” She here.” She arched an eyebrow at him and caught a flash of caution pass through his expression. She had discovered, in the year she’d she’d known Walter de Mesnil, that he was something more than just a mercenary MechWarrior. He’d He’d acted with loyalty and cunning that had, on numerous occasions, saved her and her brother from their enemies. He never said much about his background, but she didn’t need didn’t need to know his history. His actions had revealed who he was, and his devotion to the Litzau family despite their diminished circumstances circumstances spoke to a nobility that the man worked hard to keep hidden. For all his courage, competency, and mystery, however, Walter de Mesnil was a man. His capacity for dealing with emotions —especially as they 34
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concerned him— him—had its limitations. She had no doubt that he had affection for her, nor that it ran deeper than Walter allowed himself to imagine. But just hinting at that fact put him on guard. If she’d she’d wanted wanted to reduce him to quaking, she’d simply she’d simply have looked him in the eye, lowered her voice, and uttered the damning phrase, “We need to talk.” talk.” The bravery he’d he’d shown while playing the Rabbit would vanish. His defenses would come up, and anxiety would tinge his tone of voice as well as his expression. But I don’t want don’t want to do that. She gave him a playful smile. “The fact “The fact is that our guests decided they wanted to come down from the city to see how ’Mech battles are dealt with on a local basis.” local basis.” “They came “They came down here to see me?” “Well, in “Well, in a manner of…” Walter laughed. “They’re “They’re curious about Snorri and Aniki, the Lethal Twins.” “That “That is not to say, Walter, that they don’t don’t want to meet you, but…” Sophia shrugged. “We have “We have fight promotion posters feeding through on all the screens, and while I like what Traeger has done for you as the ‘Mystery igno re.” Mercenary,’ Aniki Mercenary,’ Aniki is really hard to ignore.” “In or “In or out of a ’Mech.” Sophia’s eyes Sophia’s eyes tightened. “It will “It will sound horrible, but I have to ask: why is she interested in my brother?” my brother?” “That does “That does sound horrible.” “You know “You know what I mean.” Walter looped an arm over her shoulders. “It means “It means he’s he’s your little brother, and you still see him that way.” She slipped her arm around his waist and relished his warmth. “That’s about me. What about her?” “A lot “A lot of folks see her as a Valkyrie, and it’s more it’s more than her being a killer on the battlefield. They take all that and project onto her a warrior woman whom they want to conquer— conquer —sexually, at least. They think she’s hard she’s hard and cold, and that distance makes her desirable. Most of the men who come onto her treat her as an object to be won, a trophy. So, they approach her the way they would have to in an arena, trying to break through her defenses.” Walter shook his head. “What they’ve missed, they’ve missed, because they see her as being her Traegerization, is that she’s entirely she’s entirely different than that. She started 35
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life on a farm. She’ She ’s raised livestock. She’s grown She’s grown plants. She came from a big family. She is the sort of person who would nurture baby birds that fell out of the nest until they could learn to fly.” She looked up at him. “So Ivan “So Ivan is a baby bird?” baby bird?” “No, not “No, not really. Look, Spurs is largely defenseless. He never tries to make himself out to be more than he is. And, by the same token, he tries really hard to become more. When Traeger rejected him, h im, that hurt, and Aniki picked up on that. She also picked up on how smart he is. Days between fights, he works with her and her brother on simulator scenarios. And Spurs is willing to take on almost any job, from sparring during practice rounds to fetching fe tching coffee. He’s gotten really good at learning what local places have the best food, no matter where we end up. Aniki seems to really like his honesty and work ethic —two things her prospective suitors don’t tend don’t tend to have.” As they talked, they wandered out of the MechWarrior tent and onto the fairgrounds. Sophia smiled at the bright lights and bold music. Happy children darted through the crowd. Couples, young and old, by themselves or in small groups, strolled at a leisurely place between sideshows and carnival games. While there were young men spending fortunes to win a prize for a lover, and people discreetly consuming fried foods and sugared treats they knew were bad for them, for the most part people seemed content to be themselves. They weren’t spending weren’t spending a lot of energy to put on a show for others; they were just enjoying themselves. “I’m sorry “I’m sorry to be acting the big sister, but I have to ask. Is she going to break his heart?” Walter stopped and turned to face her. “If “If she does, it won’t be intentional. Look, unless Spurs is a lot sneakier than anyone any one I’ve ever I’ve ever had under my command, it’s it’s all been fairly chaste. There’s There’s no doubt there’s there’s chemistry between them, and a bit of heat, but Spurs is circumspect. Traeger has made it clear that part of Aniki’s appeal Aniki’s appeal is that she’s single, she’s single, so everyone can fantasize. Moreover, the circuit season is almost over, and Simon has got some deals for fixed arena fights all set up. Snorri and Aniki have been training hard to make the best of those opportunities. While Spurs has been spending a lot of time with them helping out, there really aren’t enough aren’t enough hours in the day for all that plus serious bump and grind.” She frowned. “Well…” “What?” 36
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“I think “I think I’m glad, I’m glad, but also sad. Glad things haven’t haven’t gotten irrevocably serious…” “…but sad “…but sad they’re not…” “Really, stop.” She stop.” She laid a hand on his chest. “I never “I never had to think about my brother as a sexual being before. Back home, I figured he’d be he’d be married off to someone when he became the Chairman, they’d have they’d have some kids, life would go on.” “The fact that that was going to be your fate in life being another reason you didn’t dwell matters ?” didn’t dwell on such matters?” “Operative word “Operative word there is was.” Sophia sighed. “So long “So long ago, so far away.” Walter guided her around a group of young girls posing triumphantly with a big pink stuffed bear. “Still no “Still no news from Maldive?” Maldive ?” “Trickles. “Trickles. Rumors that the Collective has proposed a constitution that sets up a parliamentary-style government.” She government.” She shook her head. “I guess “I guess the idea is that the dissident factions would be allowed to stand for election in districts and form a coalition government with the Collective.” Walter’s gaze Walter’s gaze grew distant. “They put “They put it in place, hold elections. Once everyone has a power base, they form a reconciliation commission to ‘heal the ‘heal the wounds’ of wounds’ of the past. Collective crimes are balanced against supposed Litzau crimes, so everyone starts at even.” “But the “But the Collective would have most of the power, so that’s not that’s not even.” “Right, “Right, but people will be willing to forgive and forget, so they can disregard their fear of the present while hoping for peace in the future. Do you think that will work?” “You were “You were in the camp. I think there were a lot of people who would trade freedom for security.” She security.” She lowered her head. “I am “I am all for peace. No one should have to live in fear. Even so, I don’t don’t imagine this will secure lasting peace.” “I agree.” agree.” He took her chin in his hand and tilted her head up. “So, knowing that, we continue to work our program. We’re four We’re four months in, and we already have a shot at some fixed fights, f ights, which puts us ahead of any realistic schedule. Now, about these guests— guests —where are they from?” Sophia’s Sophia’s heartbeat heartbeat sped up. “You can “You can ask them yourself. We landed at the port north of town. They’ve invited They’ve invited you to dinner.” Walter raised an eyebrow. “You mean “You mean they invited Snorri and Aniki, and I’ll be I’ll be allowed to come along?” 37
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“I think “I think I sold you as a bonus guest, but they did like how you performed as the Rabbit.” “I’m not “I’m not going to complain.” “You’re not “You’re not disappointed you’re not you’re not the star?” “When I “When I get to see you well ahead of schedule?” Walter schedule?” Walter pulled her into a tight embrace. “Fame is “Fame is overrated. Spending time with you is not.”
Enver Barrington, to Walter’s eye, Walter’s eye, seemed a bit young for someone with the financial means to charter a DropShip as luxury accommodations. A touch on the portly side, with reddish-blond hair, Enver carried himself well and appeared to be both at ease with himself and attentive to his friends. Accompanying him were his wife, Marie; his best friend, Robert Hart; Robert’s Robert ’s fiancée, Caroline Rissel; and her younger sister, Ulrike. Walter classified them as bored, exuberant, overwhelmed, and besotted, respectively. Regardless, all of them were well-mannered enough to make the dinner comfortable. Enver acted the host, but had been kind enough to invite Sophia to dine with them. Jacques prepared a five-course meal, including a chipotle-yam soup, a simple salad of local greens, pheasant fattened on Harrison County’s famous mauveberry crop, and venison cutlets in a balsamic vinegar reduction with peppercorns. He finished with a variety of homemade gelatos with ingredients locally sourced but based on flavors the party had indicated on various forms as their favorites. Walter especially loved the honey-walnut. During dinner Enver kept the conversation flowing, and focused attention on the guests of honor. “You’ll “You’ll have to clear up one thing for me, please. On broadcasts of fights back home, on New Syrtis, you’re you’re always referred to as MechWarriors, but, today, to day, the public-address announcer referred to you as MechFighters. What is the difference, and do you have a preference?” “Yes, Snorri, “Yes, Snorri, please,” please,” said Ulrike, who was seated beside Snorri, batting her big eyes at him. “Both sound “Both sound ever so dashing.” “It is “It is an insightful question.” Snorri question.” Snorri patted Ulrike’s hand. Ulrike’s hand. “My sister “My sister and I, we have never gone to war, so we are not comfortable claiming to be warriors. And there are some pilots here who are happy to be called MechFighters, especially when they best someone like Wallace here, who has seen war. But,
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when the fights are shown on other worlds, I am given to understand the commentary is often overdubbed and the local idiom used.” Aniki smiled. “And, sometimes, “And, sometimes, the fights are even edited to modify the outcome— outcome—allowing local favorites to fare better than they might have actually done.” Hart glanced at Walter. “You were “You were a mercenary, is that right? How much hype is that, and how much truth?” “It’s all “It’s all fighting for money, but yes, I have served as a mercenary.” Enver smiled easily. “Then do “Then do you have a preference for MechWarrior or MechFighter?” “Not particularly.” Walter particularly.” Walter returned the smile. “When I “When I first arrived, I had a certain amount of contempt for MechFighters— MechFighters —my arrogance, really, since the fighters here are very good.” Snorri winked. “And yet “And yet you took both of us down in audition.” “Better to “Better to be lucky than good.” Walter good.” Walter nodded. “But, Mr. “But, Mr. Barrington…” “Enver, please.” “Enver, “Enver, what prompted you to come all the way to Solaris, and then come to the Exposition to watch circuit fights?” Vulture’s Egg does advertise Enver spread his arms. “As you “As you can see, the Vulture’s Egg your fights. The crew is enthusiastic enough that their partisanship is infectious. While you are right— right—there are bigger and more spectacular fights to be had in the city— city —if that was all we wanted to see, we could have just stayed dirtside at home and watched on holovision. To be able to go back, to say we’d done something no one else had done, and to say we ’d recognized ’d recognized talent— talent —the three of you— you— before you’d stepped you’d stepped onto the larger stage… stage… this is something that I will find amusing.” amusing. ” Aniki frowned. “Why is “Why is that?” Enver and his friends chuckled, with Marie blushing at the tips of her ears as well. She also gave him a look, but he chose to ignore the message that went with it. “Briefly, because “Briefly, because of good fortune and some chicanery a couple of generations ago, I find myself oft interacting with old nobility and the highest of societies. My great-grandfather, the family legend has it, was born on the wrong side of the sheets, sprung from the loins of a Hasek. Being rather enterprising, my great-grandfather started a business. His children built it up into a thriving firm. In fact, they made enough money that when a full-blooded Hasek cousin needed a loan, they were quite able to accommodate him. They 39
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secured the loan with certain warrants and contracts with the regional government.” Walter’s brow Walter’s brow wrinkled. “What kind “What kind of business does your family own?” “We “We own many, but they all center around notions, lotions, and potions— potions—more commonly, toys for the general and collector markets, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. If we add diapers and coffins, we’ll we’ll have people covered from birth to death.” “Stop “Stop it, Enver.” “Marie, these “Marie, these good people understand.” He understand.” He took his wife’s hand wife’s hand in his. “She’s very “She’s very protective of my image, largely because those who feel they must tolerate me for the sake of social convention regularly savage me in my absence. Suffice it to say, when— when—not if but but when—you become champions in Solaris City, my company will be making toy likenesses of you.” Aniki chuckled. “Also, by coming here and claiming to have had a wonderful experience watching circuit fighting, your enemies will feel they have to come and do the same thing?” Enver’s Enver’s eyes flashed. “Devilish “Devilish of me, I know. And, Sophia, trust me, they will come to you. I’ll tell I’ll tell them I paid three times what I did, and I expect you to charge even more. These people have no shame, and the only way to hurt them is to force them to spend a lot of money to convince themselves they’re they’re better than I am. I mean, the story of a nouveau riche, illegitimate member of the nobility might not get much traction here on Solaris, but back on New Syrtis, it does as much damage as you three manage.” Sophia nodded. “Thank “Thank you, sir. If it please you, I’ll I’ll see to it that we prepare souvenir fight archives which, I hope, our guests would be happy to autograph for you, so you can share them with your acquaintances.” “Better yet…” Walter yet…” Walter said, looking at Snorri and Aniki, “we would “we would like to invite you to join us in our training facility. You can see how we work, and we can even set you up with a ’Mech to drive, if you wish. Perhaps even some sparring.” Ulrike squealed. “I should like that, but I would be ever so frightened to pilot a ’Mech.” Snorri leaned in toward her. “I “I have a trainer with a jumpseat in the cockpit. You can ride with me.” “Please, Carol, “Please, Carol, please? I’ll never ask for anything again, ever.”
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“I’ll hold “I’ll hold you to that promise.” Caroline promise.” Caroline looked toward the head of the table. “Enver, this “Enver, this is your party. Can we?” He nodded. “It means “It means we might miss dinner with Gray Noton, but we’ll Vulture’s Egg is available?” just extend a couple of days, if the Vulture’s Egg Sophia smiled. “Of “Of course, course, sir.” Enver nodded toward Walter. “You’ve raised “You’ve raised the ante for anyone else. I like how you think. I’ll I’ll make sure, when the time comes, that our sculptors reflect that as they immortalize you as a toy.”
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The Gallery, BattlePark City Solaris VII (The Game World) Rahneshire, Lyran Commonwealth 10 November 3001
“What’s the “What’s the delay, Spurs?” Ivan glanced up from the tablet as he entered the fight arena’s arena’s ready room. “Swapping out r otunda.” “Swapping out some statuary from the rotunda.” Maisie Lee-Kerr, Walter’s new Walter’s new fight partner, half hid a yawn behind her hand. “The Gallery often has this problem. Someone decided they saw something that matched the curtains in their front room. At least it keeps the lights on and lets them cater more than stale chips, warm dip, and warmer beer.” The Gallery was a leading example of what had become a hot sector in the arena-fighting world: boutique arenas. The regentrification of Park City’s City ’s industrial sector had involved small businesses building out old factory spaces. The Gallery had gone a step further and, in an odd industrial entertainment and arts cooperative alliance, created an arena where ’Mech ’Mech battles were viewed as performance art. This meant that to watch the fights, a spectator had to be in the arena seating areas, in the gallery, or connected to an expensive and local-only pay-per-view network. On top of that, the business had constructed the arena to look like a museum— museum—largely influenced by the Hermitage on Terra— Terra—on a ’Mech scale. Then, they decorated with replicas of old masterpieces and entirely new works. They’d They’d close wings while new exhibitions were prepared for the next season, and on nights when they had no fights scheduled, or even pre- or postbattle, they’d hire they’d hire the space out for actual art openings and corporate functions.
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Best of all— all—and the cause of the delay— delay —was that art would be installed prior to fights, and patrons could bid in silent auctions throughout the battles on pieces they wanted to own. Artists regularly donated artwork, because the publicity bonus from having a piece of theirs destroyed and “lost forever” would spike prices on their other work. Moreover, art pieces that received cosmetic damage often sold at a premium, and most owners had no interest in having the artworks restored before displaying them. “Works “Works for me. I regularly fight for snacks.” snacks.” Walter drew in a deep breath and slowly exhaled. “Learn anything “Learn anything new on our opponents?” s preadsheet, but Rich Carson is “Carson and “Carson and Koyota still look good on a spreadsheet, the weak link.” Maisie’s green Maisie’s green eyes flashed. “You sure “You sure about that? He racked up quite the string of wins in the City.” Spurs nodded, his attention back on his tablet’s tablet’s display. “I’ve “I’ve done a statistical breakdown of fights over the last twenty years, factoring in all sorts of variables that others tend not to put much stock in.” She snorted. “Which is “Which is why the betting line still has us as losing.” b e ignored emotionally by most “That could “That could be, but one statistic tends to be people.” Spurs’s Spurs’s head came up. “Carson was “Carson was very good, and still shows sparks of his skill here and there in fights. Intellectually, folks know that he still has the skills to win fights, but when you look at the numbers, he doesn’t have doesn’t have the will to fight. Specifically, he lost badly to Gray Noton. Since then, his fighting stats have been down. And here, if you look at the distribution of scores over time in fights, things become really interesting.” Spurs flipped the tablet around so Walter and his partner could look at the score distribution chart. Points started low, rose to a peak at the twentyminute mark, then tapered back off to zero by forty minutes. A sidebar chart reported that most of his fights since that loss had been decided, on average, by the thirty-minute mark. Walter ran a hand over his chin. “So he “So he warms up slowly and doesn’t finish strong?” “First half “First half is right. He’s slow He’s slow to start. Once he gets going, he does fight strong. He’s fifty-fifty He’s fifty-fifty on partner fights where he’s outnumbered, he’s outnumbered, but having a partner shot out early doesn’t doesn’t do much to warm him up. Marginal delay to warm-up, but not statistically significant.”
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Maisie’s Maisie’s brow furrowed. “What “What about Irina Koyota? I’ve I’ve fought her twice in group, but I’ve never I’ve never gone toe to toe with her. Seems a bit reckless. What do the stats say?” “Not enough “Not enough data to be solid, but she is very flashy.” “Hence “Hence driving the Firestarter.” .” Maisie shrugged. “But “But her ’Mech is strictly short range. When she closes, if we keep moving, we can use the Gallery’s interior Gallery’s interior build to leave her without Carson’s cover.” Walter nodded. “Sounds like “Sounds like a plan to me. Spurs?” “I wouldn’t wouldn’t let her get close…” Ivan’s Ivan’s commentary trailed off as the ready room’s door we help you?” room’s door swung open. “Can “Can we Agent Fujitaka pointed at Walter. “A word, Mr. Richards?” “Now?” Walter “Now?” Walter frowned. “Your timing “Your timing lacks…” “You’re “You’re in this building, you’re on my time, Mr. Richards.” Richards.” The commission agent tossed him a plastic cup. “Fill it.” “Right now?” “You intending “You intending to fight this evening?” Agent evening?” Agent Fujitaka turned the tablet around to show his picture and “00:00” flashing “00:00” flashing in an angry red. “Your timer “Your timer ran out.” Walter sighed. “You want “You want to make sure it’s me?” “DNA “DNA analysis will take care of that. Anything but your DNA in that cup, you’re done.” Walter slipped into the WC and complied with her order. Never worried about this in the field, but no one was betting on the outcome of our battles —save for our employers. He screwed the top on tight and deposited the receptacle in the plastic bag Fujitaka had produced. “Anything “Anything else I can do for you?” “That’s quite “That’s quite enough.” Her enough.” Her expression eased. “Best of “Best of luck to you.” Walter watched her leave, wondering if her comment was directed at the fight or his urine test. As the door closed c losed behind her, he exhaled loudly. “Well, that was special.” Maisie shrugged. “At least “At least you don’t have don’t have Creepy Carl as your agent. He would have watched.” “Thanks for “Thanks for small blessings.” Walter blessings.” Walter shook his head. “What were “What were you saying, Spurs, before… Spurs, before…??” Ivan blinked, then glanced at his own tablet. “Right, okay. “Right, okay. Based on some analysis, picking away at the Firestarter from range could provoke some
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recklessness on the other side. If they’re a they’re a disciplined team, they will be tough.” Spurs gave them a thumbs-up. “I have “I have no doubt of the outcome.” “Well, at “Well, at least they can’t scare can’t scare the piss out of me.” Walter me.” Walter smiled, then slapped Maisie on the shoulder. “Let’s go “Let’s go give them everything we’ve got.”
The main difference between circuit fighting and the small arena battles— battles—aside from the permanence of the arenas— arenas —was that both the weapons and armor were closer to military grade than not. A carbon nanotube mesh sandwiched between ceramic layers constituted the armor. It still came in the scale pattern used in the circuit-fighting ’Mechs ’Mechs because of how it shattered and for ease of replacement. All the weapons saw power increases, which raised the odds of a pilot getting hurt or even killed, but spectators had a better chance of dying on the way home than a pilot did, by several orders of magnitude. The Gallery functioned on three levels. The basement and upper-story configurations consisted of many small rooms, with low ceilings and shorter ranges for tight and nasty close-range battles. The main floor featured a long, tall central gallery, with smaller rooms to each side, and a rotunda at the north end. Ramps at the arena’s four arena’s four cardinal points allowed for egress up and down. Maisie and Walter started in the basement at the Gallery’s Gallery’s south end, while Koyota and Carson started in the rotunda’s r otunda’s upper upper reaches. Walter immediately flipped the holographic display to infrared. Maisie’s barrel-chested UrbanMech showed up red with just a hint of gold at the heart. She’d named She’d named her ’Mech ’Mech “Lil Slugger, “Lil Slugger,”” and the nickname fit. An autocannon made up the whole of the ’Mech’s right ’Mech’s right arm. The left arm was a third of the size of the right one and housed a small laser. The autocannon packed a punch at range, but if their opponents got in close, Lil Slugger would be hard pressed to survive. Walter’s Blackjack featured two smaller autocannons, one per arm, paired with medium lasers. The ’Mech’s ’Mech’s flanks housed two more medium lasers, providing Walter with a good mix of long- and medium-range power. If combat got close, he’d be he’d be better equipped to handle trouble, but he still wasn’t going to last that long. Ivan’s Ivan’s voice crackled inside Walter’s Walter’s neurohelmet. “Boss “Boss says things would work out best if Irina didn’t go didn’t go out before Maisie.” 45
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“I’m “I’m supposed to sell out my partner with my MBC agent in the building.” Walter building.” Walter shook his head. “I’ll work “I’ll work on it, but no plan survived contact with the enemy.” “Roger… Good “Roger… Good luck.” luck.” Maisie headed her ’Mech ’Mech up the ramp first and cut toward the right side of the entry to the main gallery. Walter came up quickly and positioned his ’Mech ’Mech on the other side. He checked his holographic display, then keyed his radio. “I have “I have nothing.” “Copy, same.” Walter cut the Blackjack around through the entryway and “Moving in.” in.” Walter sidestepped left. The Gallery’s main Gallery’s main hall featured two dozen round pillars that split the hall into three long sections. The pillars were six feet wide and suitable for cover. Though they appeared to be made of granite, they were fabricated from a faux-stone silicate that shattered dramatically yet could be patched very quickly. “Clear. Come.” Maisie executed a move similar to his, but to the right. “Clear.” Walter started to the left and moved forward, up toward the next pillar, but Carson’s Vindicator stepped into the rotunda entrance and fired at him. Fire F ire blossomed on the left side of the humanoid ’Mech’s chest ’Mech’s chest as Carson launched a quintet of long-range missiles. They spiraled in at the Blackjack. Three hit, shattering armor scales on the ’Mech’s chest. ’Mech’s chest. By reflex Walter countered the impact, keeping the ’Mech upright and unhindered by the blasts. More worrisome, the Vindicator’s particle ’s particle projection cannon shot a bolt of artificial lightning in Walter’s direction. Walter’s direction. The incandescent blue-white beam ripped up the Blackjack’s right ’s right arm, from wrist to shoulder. The beam’s The beam’s infernal infernal caress melted armor scales, which splashed, steaming and molten, to the floor. Walter’s twin Walter’s twin autocannons blazed away in return. One chipped away at the armor on the Vindicator’s right co smetic damage. ’s right hip, doing little more than cosmetic His second shot also hit, and did no more damage, save that it struck the Vindicator in the head. The projectiles pockmarked the left side of the ’Mech’s head and blew a hole through the decorative helmet fringe. The shot hadn’t done anything serious, but no pilot liked shots that scored the cockpit’s shielding. “You okay, “You okay, Wallace?” “Armor “Armor only, but need to protect my right arm.” Walter arm.” Walter forced a quick laugh. “If that’s starting that’s starting slowly…” 46
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“Yeah. Do “Yeah. Do you see her?” “No.” “I have “I have the doorway covered. Move up.” “Roger.” Walter “Roger.” Walter shifted the Blackjack’s right shoulder back to shield his ’Mech’s arm, ’Mech’s arm, then moved laterally to the left. The Vindicator darted right into the doorway again. Carson launched another salvo of LRMs. Three hit, slamming into the Blackjack’s ’s chest again, pulverizing more armor scales. He also unleashed the PPC’s hellish PPC’s hellish beam, but it slid wide of Walter’s ’Mech. ’Mech. The beam poured its fury into the pillar that had provided him cover. At the point of impact it glowed white, then bright gold, before exploding. Shrapnel Sh rapnel peppered the Blackjack , sounding like hail against window glass, but it did no damage. Lil Slugger slid to the right, just enough to poke the autocannon in Carson’s direction. Carson’s direction. The weapon spat fire. Spent cartridges, smoking hot, hit the far wall and ignited two paintings. More importantly, however, the stream of slugs ripped into the Vindicator’s ’s left hip. Shattered armor rained down in glittering fragments. The projectiles then lanced up into the hip socket and gnawed away at the ferro-titanium support structures and joint assembly. The Vindicator continued all the way across the opening to find cover on the far side. Walter’s impression Walter’s impression of the jerky movements led him to believe the ’Mech’s left ’Mech’s left leg wasn’t in wasn’t in very good shape, and might have frozen entirely. That gives us an edge, but we still have to get to him. He won’t need won’t need to maneuver at all when we come through that opening, so it’s not it’s not much of a gift. “Wallace, do “Wallace, do you see her?” she’s going to be reckless… “I’m moving “Negative.” If she’s going “I’m moving up. Give me cover, then cross to this side. Watch north.” “Roger. Go!” Walter sent his Blackjack north as fast as he could. He kept his autocannons aimed toward the hall’s far hall’s far end. He caught a fleeting glimpse of the Vindicator and fired. He hit with both bursts, grinding off armor on the Vindicator’s right ’s right flank and leg. The damage did nothing to slow the Vindicator’s ’s attacks. The PPC’s particle beam peeled away all but the thinnest layer of armor on the Blackjack’s left arm. Three missiles that hit home blew the last of that off. One even exploded deep inside the shoulder, fraying myomer muscle. The sudden loss
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of armor unbalanced the Blackjack , but Walter’s struggles Walter’s struggles at the controls won the battle with gravity. Maisie’s Maisie’s covering autocannon shot struck the Vindicator in the head, scouring off the last of the armor. The sensor pod exploded, and the medium laser mounted there whirled off deeper into the rotunda. More importantly, the shot staggered the ’Mech. The previous damage to the left leg further hampered the pilot’s ability pilot’s ability to control the ’Mech. Like a boxer who had taken an uppercut on the point of the chin, the Vindicator pitched over onto its back and disappeared from sight. “Wallace, behind “Wallace, behind you!” He brought the Blackjack around just as Koyota’s Firestarter entered the fray. The humanoid ’Mech, ’Mech, jump jets blazing with silver light, landed at the lower end of the ramp. The ’Mech’s arms ’Mech’s arms came up, and Koyota lit off every weapon at her disposal, all centered on Lil Slugger. The flamethrowers in each arm and the center of the chest vomited thick streams of flaming liquid. Fluid fire drenched the right side of Maisie’s ’Mech. Then the Firestarter’s ’s twin medium lasers slashed through armor over the smaller ’Mech’s heart ’Mech’s heart and along its burning right arm. Lastly, the two machine guns mounted in the Firestarter’s flanks stippled holes in Lil Slugger’s Slugger ’s right right flank. Koyota’s attack Koyota’s attack made for a spectacular entrance. In infrared, her ’Mech glowed gold as the heat sinks struggled to purge the thermal energy generated by her assault. On the battlefield, what what she’d done she’d done would have been considered it’s show business. suicidally foolish. But here, it’s show Screw you, Traeger. Walter smiled to himself. It’s time It’s time the fat lady sang. Koyota had launched her attack on Lil Slugger likely because Maisie’s ’Mech ’Mech was the worst equipped for a short-range fight. However, the Firestarter’s entrance ’s entrance had placed her between her two foes. Maisie’s small Maisie’s small laser stabbed a beam of coherent light into the Firestarter’s right ’s right thigh, causing the armor to bubble into a black crust. The Firestarter returned fire. The medium lasers carved away the last of the armor on Lil Slugger’s Slugger’s right flank and most of what was left over the ’Mech’s heart. ’Mech’s heart. A heat sink burst in the right side of the UrbanMech’s chest. ’s chest. The two machine guns chipped armor from the left leg and ripped away armor on Lil Slugger’s head. Slugger’s head. The two flamethrowers poured their molten fuel onto the ’Mech’s chest, ’Mech’s chest, incinerating the last armor wafer. The burning fluid gushed over the smaller ’Mech’s machinery. ’Mech’s machinery. A jump jet exploded, splashing burning silver 48
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against the gallery wall and cremating a mural. Lil Slugger staggered when a gyro burned out, and heat spiked as the engine’s magnetic engine’s magnetic shielding fluctuated. Time to beat the odds. Walter’s Blackjack pivoted to the right, then opened up with its quartet of medium lasers. The beams passed over the edge of the ramp and struck the Firestarter square in the back. The rear armor simply evaporated beneath the assault, sloughing off in fluid sheets. The angry red beams impaled both gyros. They shut down, and the Firestarter, which had started turning left to face the Blackjack, continued on through an uncontrollable pirouette. It stumbled another ten meters, then collided with one of the pillars. The stone crumbled, and the Firestarter fell. It was quickly entombed beneath an avalanche of the pillar’s shattered pillar’s shattered remains. Lil Slugger had sagged to the right, leaning heavily against the gallery wall. “I’m operational, “I’m operational, but barely.” but barely.” “You do “You do look a little l ittle crispy, but as long as you’re still you’re still standing, it’s a it’s a good fight.” “True enough.” Maisie’s laughter Maisie’s laughter chased her remark. “Need “Need to talk to your Spurs, though. If that was Rich Carson starting slowly…” “We’re just “We’re just lucky you started at full speed.” Walter speed.” Walter started his Blackjack back toward their entrance. “As they “As they say, better to be lucky than good, and it’s fantastic when we’re both.” we’re both.”
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The Gallery, BattlePark City Solaris VII (The Game World) Rahneshire, Lyran Commonwealth 10 November 3001
Walter met Maisie in the foyer outside the combatant dressing rooms. “You fought a great fight. Sure you won’t join won’t join Spurs and me for a drink?” She shook her head, but smiled while doing so. “Rain check. “Rain check. I’m meeting I’m meeting friends, but we’ll celebrate we’ll celebrate the next time we win together. Which, I expect, will be sooner rather than later.” “And, hopefully, “And, hopefully, in Solaris City.” Walter City.” Walter gave her a hug. “If you “If you get free early, we’ll be we’ll be at the Lethal Locust.” “I know “I know where that is. Enjoy.” As she left, Walter pulled on a brown leather bomber jacket that was utterly devoid of patches or insignia related to his team, his occupation, or anything else. Being new on the circuit, he hadn’t hadn’t built up enough of a following to have an ocean of fans waiting for him outside the dressing rooms. On the other hand, Maisie had and was working her way down a line, signing autographs and posing for holos with avid fans. Walter watched for a moment, admitting to himself he felt a bit of envy. The fans’ fans’ ecstatic ecstatic expressions were something he could only imagine on the faces of those in the throes of a religious experience. That scared him a bit, but they appeared harmless. “Wally Richards!” someone Richards!” someone shrieked, and a tiny knot of people flowed toward him. “Can I have a holo with you?” “Can I Before he could reply, a comely young woman tucked herself beneath his right arm and smiled toward the rest of the group. A strobe flashed, half blinding Walter. Then another fan took her place, and more strobes st robes went off. 50
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Again and again it happened as people shifted around. Some planted kisses on his cheeks, and others just hugged him tightly. Then someone shouted, “Maisie, over “Maisie, over here!” and here!” and the scrum abandoned him. He wasn’t sure wasn’t sure whether he should be upset or relieved. He decided on the just… Hell, latter and quickly escaped to the Gallery’s loading Gallery’s loading dock. That was just… Hell, the whole night has been a bit surreal. He emerged onto the street and cut north for a couple of blocks before reaching the Lethal Locust. The neon-limned sign above the door showed a Locust BattleMech crashing onto the head of an Atlas , crushing the cockpit flat. He couldn’t help couldn’t help but smile. On every planet, at every posting, someone always told the story about the uncle or aunt or father or mother of a friend’s friend friend’s friend who managed, with a light ’Mech, to destroy an assault ’Mech with that “Death from Above” Above” technique. He’d never He’d never heard of anyone verifying the stories, but when a grizzled old veteran told the tale, it usually earned them a drink or two, and a smile from most who heard it. Dear God, I hope that won’t won’t be me some day. Walter shook his head. You should live so long. The Lethal Locust’s Locust’s interior design could best be described as salvage and shrapnel— shrapnel —and it wasn’t easy wasn’t easy to tell which predominated. Most everything had been part of a ’Mech at some point. Chunks of myomer fiber made for close-to-comfortable chair padding. Tables, benches, stools, and chairs consisted of flash-welded ferro-titanium splinters and ’Mech bones that had broken into bits so small that even a genius like Ray Angelis couldn’t find couldn’t find a use for them in ’Mech reconstruction. Most of the mugs were reworked from shell casings, food got served on chipped armor scales, and old secondary monitors were built into the tables to allow patrons to place and track orders. Spurs already had a booth in the middle of the wall opposite the long bar, which had been formed from a ’Mech’s thigh. ’Mech’s thigh. He was studying his tablet. He had a Timbiqui Dark waiting in a mug for Walter, but he appeared to be drinking tonic water. Walter slid into the booth. “No Aniki?” “She’ll be “She’ll be along later, maybe.” maybe.” “Problems?” Spurs looked up and blinked. “No, “No, I I don’t think don’t think so.”
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“Good.” Walter “Good.” Walter took a long pull on the beer. More sweet than sour, and decently substantial, it went down easily. “I know she’’s fighting in “I know the fact that she the Quarry while we’re here we’re here at the Gallery hasn’t been hasn’t been easy.” “We get “We get to talk every night. She’s committed She’s committed to training for the Platinum Crown Tournament, which will get her and Snorri to Solaris City. That’s her That’s her dream, so I’m good I’m good with it.” it.” Spurs Spurs glanced down at the tablet again. “I’m just “I’m just looking at odds and numbers on the other folks on the mixed doubles side there.” “Great.” Spurs laid the tablet down. “You weren’t… My weren’t… My sister didn’t put didn’t put you up to, you know, talking about feelings , did she?” Walter sat back and laughed. “Spurs, if “Spurs, if she had done that, I’d tell I’d tell you straight up. But I am curious because we are friends and I care about what’s going on in your life. Face it, after all we’ve we’ve been through, here you find a woman who is…” “Out of “Out of my league?” “Nope. She’s beloved She’s beloved by hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, but is smart enough to see who you are— are —and she likes you for it.” He lowered his it.” He voice and leaned forward. “Has it “Has it ever occurred to you that you might settle down with her, maybe never see Maldive again?” Spurs nodded almost imperceptibly. “I can’t say can’t say it hasn’t.” “You wouldn’t be wouldn’t be human if it hadn’t.” “It’s not “It’s not just that I am thinking of me, either. Sophia, back home, had her research, but she was pretty much going to be a means to strengthen an alliance a lliance between families. At home, we never had to worry about anything anyt hing because of Vulture’s Egg Egg from a our family situation. But you look at her here, turning the Vulture’s warship into a luxury hotel that’s she’s thriving. that’s making good money, and she’ Before, she always seemed to be waiting to have things taken away from her, but here there’s no there’s no hint of that fear.” “I’d “I’d noticed the change in her, but until you just said that, I hadn’t identified what it was.” Spurs arched an eyebrow. “What “What about you? Could you settle down here?” Could I? Walter scratched at the back of his neck. “My comments “My comments about not being human aside, I hadn’t thought hadn’t thought about it. I mean, I’m pretty I’m pretty much of a mission-oriented person. That’s my That’s my life, and doing something for me has never 52
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really figured much into the equation. And here, well, it’s been it’s been planning for fights, figuring out how to hack the system, and, well, furthering our larger mission.” “But if “But if the circumstances were right, like if you found the right girl or something?” “Like Sophia?” Spurs nodded. “She didn’t ask didn’t ask me to ask you that or anything. In fact, aside from inquiring how you’re doing, you’re doing, she really hasn’t said hasn’t said anything. But I’ve seen her around you, and I’ve seen I’ve seen you around her. There’s something There’s something there, isn’t there?” Walter sat back again. “Spurs, “Spurs, I think I know Sophia well enough to know she’d not she’d not use you to gauge my feelings. The fact is, I think very highly of your sister. I do enjoy the time I get to spend with her. I look forward to seeing her.” “Then why “Then why don’t you don’t you tell her how you feel?” “Mission orientation, “Mission orientation, remember?” “I’m not “I’m not sure I understand.” heir —your son or “Okay, here’s here’s the breakdown. Either you or a male heir— possibly nephew— nephew —will be the one to win back your family holdings. You or your child would have the pedigree to demand support. Sure, it might help if you found a woman from your world to bear your children, but that’s not that’s not going to be that important because of how primogeniture works in your culture. But I don’t have don’t have any pedigree. Heck, I have a negative one, since I’ve failed I’ve failed in my primary duty. Your sister, while we all hate the reality of it, is a valuable commodity. Let’s Let’s say she gets herself married off to Ian Davion or his little brother, Hanse. That’s a That’s a powerful ally to have, and if her son benefits from that sort of family background, he’s a he’s a strong candidate to liberate your home. Any kid of mine, well… well… An alliance with me would completely devalue her.” “That’s rubbish, “That’s rubbish, and you know it.” “Do I?” Spurs opened his arms wide. “It’s the “It’s the first lesson we learned here from Traeger. Reality doesn’t doesn’t matter, it’s it’s the story. Sure, would some folks back home like it better if I married Katrina Steiner and if my son by her liberated the planet? No question, but our traditions are entirely built up of story. The Ordeal is entirely based on anecdotes about an ancestor. We’ve We’ve been raised to believe in in the strength of that tradition. Do you think— think—whether it’s you it’s you and me 53
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returning as Chairman and Companion, or my son and your son, cousins, returning in that same set of roles— roles —folks won’t won’t cheer our living up to the tradition? Of course they will, because what we’ll we’ll be doing is the right and proper thing— thing—the antithesis of the Collective. We would craft the better story, the reality of it be damned. As long as it’s good, it’s good, people will believe it, because they want to believe it. “And that’s what that’s what we’re doing we’re doing here, Walter—we’re Walter —we’re building building up a story to excite people. We get it to work on Solaris, we get it to work back home, and we will achieve our goal. So, your mission orientation might just have to accommodate some other plans.” Just for a moment Walter allowed himself to imagine what life with Sophia would be like, on Solaris, using the money their enterprises produced to create the sort of fund f und that would let them return to Maldive and power. He could see Sophia being wonderful with their children. And, as long as I’m dreaming, what the hell… He saw the kids playing with their cousins— cousins —Spurs and Aniki would make some beautiful kids. Somewhere inside him, the anchor holding his spirits down came free, and he smiled. He imagined growing old with Sophia, watching their children grow up, seeing their grandchildren playing in the gardens back on Maldive. Then the anchor sank into the bottom and dug in deeply. Walter’s That’s not the mission, Walter. expression soured. That’s not Spurs’s Spurs’s eyes narrowed. “What? What is it? Why won’t you won’t you let yourself be happy?” “I don’t have don’t have a complete answer to that question, Spurs…” “Then “Then maybe you two morons have an answer to mine.” mine.” Traeger slid into the booth beside Walter. “What the “What the hell did you think you were doing in that fight?” “Winning?” “No, that’s that’s not it, not at all.” all.” Traeger twisted around to face Walter, poking him sharply with his right index finger. His left hand, with the stub of a cigar stuck between his fingers, he extended toward Spurs. “You, shut “You, shut up. You, mystery mercenary, again, what the hell were you doing?” Walter’s chin Walter’s chin came up. “I think “I think my answer stands.” “Really?” “Really?” Traeger stabbed the cigar toward Spurs. “So, “So, did the little genius here not relay my comment about Irina, or did you just decide to ignore it because of, I dunno, terminal stupidity?” 54
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Spurs picked up his tablet again. “There’s “There’s something you ought to know…” “Quiet, adults “Quiet, adults are talking. Well, one adult, anyway: me.” me .” Traeger’s lip Traeger’s lip curled. “I thought “I thought you understood that this business was give and take. You take instructions from me, I give you your y our share of the winnings. And there are times when I need you to do things, you know, to cover overhead. My operation runs really close to the bone. Now, I had an agreement with some people about this last fight. They wanted to see Irina do okay, so she could progress. Just like you thought you were going to.” Walter raised an eyebrow. “‘Going to?’” “Yeah, “Yeah, past tense. You, you’re you’re fired. Gone. Done. I’m I’m going to tell everybody you were unstable, unruly, un-frigging-everything, got it?” Spurs made text scroll up on the tablet. “You can’t fire can’t fire him like that. It’s in the contract.” “Contract “Contract schmontract. It’s It’s done. It’s It’s like we were never in business together. I never filed the contract with the MBC anyway, so it doesn’t exist. doesn’t exist. But you still owe me, big time. These guys, they’re very they’re very serious. I told them it was all your fault.” “You did?” w ill once I’m done “Yeah, I “Yeah, I did. By e-mail, or I will I’m done here.” Ice filled Spurs’s Spurs’s voice. “Are you “Are you finished?” Suspicion tightened Traeger’s Tra eger’s expression. expression. “I told “I told you to shut up. You’re fired, too.” “You were “You were never paying me.” “It’s the “It’s the only smart thing I’ve done I’ve done in all this mess. And you’re still you’re still fired, just as as a matter of principle.” Traeger principle.” Traeger looked back at Walter. “You’re done “You’re done here. No one will ever hire you on this rock.” Walter pressed his hands flat on the desktop. “Let me “Let me make sure I have the full picture. You took money to have me throw the fight. How much of your own money did you put on the fight?” “I would “I would never do that. That’s illegal, That’s illegal, and the commission would pull my license if I did that.” “How much?” Walter much?” Walter held his hands up. “Scratch that. “Scratch that. How much do you owe the bookies who took your bets?” your bets?” Traeger’s shoulders Traeger’s shoulders shrank a little. “Enough.” “I’m going “I’m going to guess double that.” Walter that.” Walter shrugged. “What if “What if we fix it?” 55
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“You? How? “You? How? You don’t have don’t have a pot to piss in.” “I get “I get you out of this trouble, but it will cost you.” The manager’ manager’s eyes became slits. “What’s your “What’s your game?” “I got “I got you into trouble, I’ll get I’ll get you out. I’ll get I’ll get the bookies to forgive your debts.” “And in “And in return, what? I hire you back?” “You’d be “You’d be nuts to do that.” Walter that.” Walter shook his head. “You give “You give me seventyfive percent of the business. The whole business, not the books kept for the tax collectors.” “Shocked! “Shocked! I am shocked. And hurt. Very hurt that you think I would cheat and keep two sets of books.” Walter smiled. “And yet “And yet you were willing to fix a fight.” “Well, “Well, if you think I’m I’m going to give you seventy-five percent of the business, you’re insane.” Traeger insane.” Traeger sniffed. “Fifteen percent, not a single point more.” “Spurs, you “Spurs, you do have a record of Mr. Traeger here relaying an order for me to fix the fight, yes?” “Yes, and “Yes, and I’ve distributed I’ve distributed copies.” Traeger snorted. “You think “You think that worries me? I got people in my pocket. MBC. ComStar. Folks bigger than you two clowns. Your making an accusation against me would just be inside-stable stuff. No one cares. The commission won’t even won’t even hear a complaint.” “They won’t, Traeger, won’t, Traeger, but Civil Court will.” Aniki will.” Aniki slid in next to Spurs and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “Your “Your fixing a fight trips the ‘moral turpitude’ clause in the contract you have with w ith Snorri and me. With us gone, with Wallace here gone, you’ve got you’ve got nothing. So, I think you should bring the percentage up. A lot.” Traeger looked from her to Spurs and then to Walter. “The three “The three of you in this? You’re colluding? You’re colluding? But, but… But, but… Oh, Oh, I get it. You are so stupid.” Spurs blinked. “How “How do do you figure that?” “You think “You think you can run a stable like mine, negotiate all the pitfalls, and make a profit. You don’t have don’t have a clue. In ten lifetimes you wouldn’t wouldn’t have have a clue.” Walter shook his head. “Spurs, want “Spurs, want to explain it to him? And include the part as to why he will grant us seventy-five percent.” percent .” “Sure.” Spurs “Sure.” Spurs shifted the tablet around so Traeger could see it. “First off, “First off, when you had the two of us fight in the simulators and you said I was bad …” 56
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“You were “You were horrible. Worst ever.” “Right, “Right, because my time in that cockpit was spent hacking into your computer network and building myself a back door into the system. I’ve gotten I’ve gotten petabytes of useful data, including the second sets of books and your gambling ledger. That ledger revealed a pattern. I monitored it, and when the t he pattern was setting up again, we took action. You were approached to fix a fight. And, as per your pattern, you backed the fix with your own money. The bookies, when you started betting, offered good odds on Walter to lay off some of the bets f ight was you’d placed. you’d placed. A little too much, as it turned out, since they knew the fight fixed. We bet heavily at those odds on Walter. Everything you lost, and more, we won.” “Son of “Son of a bitch.” a bitch.” “But we “But we haven’t collected haven’t collected yet, and we will accept your markers with the bookies. Maybe. Provided you part with seventy-five percent of the company.” Traeger, his mouth hanging open, simply deflated. “Why not “Why not take it all?” Walter gave him a nod. “As you “As you said, we don’t know don’t know enough about the business to run it. We don’t have don’t have a license. We need a face for the business, so we’re letting we’re letting you keep a twenty-five percent stake to do what you do well. We’ll renegotiate a couple of contracts, and we’ll we’ll be paying out the money you chiseled, but it’ll be it’ll be Windfall Warriors Unlimited on a much sounder footing.” “And if “And if I don’t agree, don’t agree, Snorri and Aniki walk, I’ve fired I’ve fired you, and I’ll still I’ll still owe the bookies.” the bookies.” “Well, “Well, you will still own the stable. An empty one, but it will be all yours.” Ivan yours.” Ivan shrugged. “Twenty-five percent of something is better than one hundred percent of nothing.” The defeated man glanced at Spurs. “Kid, if “Kid, if you’d just you’d just told me how good you were at all this, I’d have I’d have cut you in from the beginning. You should have come to me. Hell, I don’t know don’t know why I ever fired you.” Spurs opened another document on the tablet and scrolled to the last page. “Sign here “Sign here and your nightmare is over.” Traeger signed with a finger, then slid back out of the booth. “You’ll understand if I don’t feel don’t feel like socializing with you right now. Besides, I have some things to do.” Spurs nodded. “By the “By the way, I found the Bank of Luthien accounts and have frozen them. A precaution.”
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The manager raised his hands. “I “I surrender, kid. You’re You’re good, you’re really good. I’ve always I’ve always said that about you. Astute. So, I guess, great to be in business with you. Enjoy your night.” Aniki waited for the crowd in the bar to swallow Traeger. Then she intertwined her fingers with Spurs’s. Spurs’s. “Are you “Are you guys ever going to tell him that you’re the you’re the ones who offered him the bribe to fix the fight?” “As much “As much as I’d like I’d like to see the look on his face, I don’t think don’t think so. Not right now.” Walter now.” Walter raised his beer stein in a salute. “We have “We have more important matters to address at the moment— moment —chief among them, getting us to Solaris So laris City.”
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The Maze South, Solaris City Solaris VII (The Game World) Rahneshire, Lyran Commonwealth 17 December 3001
Walter wondered if he’d melt he’d melt beneath the hot lights on the holostage where they shot the interview portion of The Big Tournament. Most folks in the small studio audience kept their coats on and buttoned up, suggesting that the air conditioners were valiantly trying to flood the studio with cold air. None of it made it onto the stage. Walter wished he had on a cooling vest and fighting togs rather than a suit. But this is show business, so those rules dictate everything . Across from him sat James Caine, better known kn own by his fighting nickname of “Lightning Jack.” Jack.” On the taller side but still with a stocky build, Jack had blond hair and blue eyes, both of which got go t featured prominently on posters promoting his fights. Even the gray locks at his temples didn’t downgrade didn’t downgrade his looks. His nose had been broken once, but that only added to his appearance. Those looks, as well as a maternal grandfather who had fought on Solaris, made him a local favorite. Allison Tamretsu, the show’s show’s trim hostess, smiled as the director’s disembodied voice counted down to the show’s show’s start. “Welcome “Welcome to another episode of The Big Tournament , where you do more than watch. Tonight, we have both fighters from our latest live event, from our mercenary division of the tourney. First we have ‘Lightning Jack’ Jack’ Caine, lately of the Hell Raisers. Jack, after so many years fighting as a mercenary, why did you come to Solaris VII?” VII?” Smiling, Jack leaned forward, and did so smoothly enough that Walter figured only he could tell that Jack was still stiff from the previous night. “Some “Some of your viewers, Allison, might be aware that my grandfather hailed 59
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from Solaris VII, and I spent time here in my younger years —especially when my father was stationed far away. I’ve I’ve always considered this world my home.” “Your grandfather “Your grandfather actually did some fighting here, didn’t he?” “He had “He had the bug, yes, but he mostly fought on the circuit. Still, his stories of those days were very thrilling.” “Well, “Well, let me turn to our other o ther guest, Wallace Richards, who has worked his way up from those same circuit battles to make it here to The Big Tournament.” Allison’s brown Allison’s brown eyes sparkled as she turned toward Walter. “Tell me, Wallace, is fighting in the circuit battles as inspiring as Jack says it is?” “I’m not “I’m not sure I can answer that. The fighters in the circuits are better than I imagined, and I’m not I’m not just talking the professionals.” Walter professionals.” Walter nodded toward Jack. “That Jack’s Jack’s grandfather fought for a number of years points out how good he was. Talent clearly runs in Jack’s blood.” Jack’s blood.” The hostess’s hostess’s eyes narrowed. “We “We could be saying the same of you, couldn’t we, couldn’t we, Wallace, if you weren’t so weren’t so coy about your background? How much of the ‘Mystery Mercenary’ thing Mercenary’ thing is hype, and how much is true?” Walter widened his eyes to project innocence. “More truth “More truth there than not, I’m afraid. I wish I could remember more about my life and my time as a mercenary.” “You “You say that, Wallace, but you clearly remember a lot about being a fighter.” She fighter.” She turned to face the audience again. “We’ll be “We’ll be back with our guests after this brief word from our sponsor, Barringtons —featuring the ‘Future Heroes’ collection eroes’ collection in their MechWarrior action figure line. We’ll see We’ll see the first part of the battle last night, and get our guests’ thoughts guests’ thoughts on what it was like to be in that fight.”
Traeger’s enthusiasm Traeger’s enthusiasm over Walter’s invitation Walter’s invitation to The Big Tournament had been reason enough for Walter to want to refuse to participate. He’d watched He’d watched a couple of episodes of the show and couldn’t see couldn’t see anything but downsides to the operation. The Big Tournament consisted of sixty-four combatants fighting in one-on-one battles in a single-elimination tournament. The fights were spread out over six weeks, primarily to permit repairs to the venues, and were decided by mid-January. The tournament had four divisions —champions, 60
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soldiers, mercenaries, and open— open —which each sent a single champion to the semifinals. The winner of The Big Tournament would get the last open slot in the Platinum Crown Tournament, cementing its relevance and ramping up enthusiasm for the bigger contest. Walter had won his first round in a light ’Mech ’Mech and moved up to the first of two fights in a medium-weight ’Mech. ’Mech. He didn’t mind didn’t mind having to shift up in weight classes the further he went, though he felt most comfortable in medium ’Mechs. ’Mechs. What bothered him was the audience participation angle, in which viewers watching live during pay-per-view events could vote on how the arena would be configured during the battle. With the push of a button, they could move walls within the Maze to trap a fighter, f ighter, to shield a favorite, or even deploy the Maze’s defensive Maze’s defensive weaponry against a pilot. Some of them would even be able to aim and fire those weapons. While he wanted to refuse to participate, Spurs, Snorri, and Aniki had all convinced him that the visibility he’d get he’d get in The Big Tournament would benefit their cause. The Big Tournament got him into Solaris City, which counted for a lot. And while no one expected ex pected him to win the tournament, if he did , he’d boost he’d boost his career and all but guarantee their success. The big iron door retracted into the ceiling, releasing his Blackjack into the Maze. He’d opted He’d opted for a BJ-1DB, which carried large and medium lasers in both forearms. It had enough heat sinks to run cool using both bot h large lasers at longer ranges, or one large and both mediums closer in. Even if he shot with everything he had, the ’Mech ’Mech would cool off quickly, so having this powerful “alpha “alpha strike” strike” capability in tight quarters wouldn’t be wouldn’t be a long-term liability if the fight dragged out. But almost immediately things began to go badly. Out of the gate, he had a clean run for forty meters. One step into the labyrinth, however, and the walls shifted and small lasers unloaded on him. His display revealed a dozen small targets. Walter returned fire as quickly as he could and sprinted to get past the array of lasers. Heat washed up through his cockpit as he triggered everything. More through luck than skill, Walter destroyed a half dozen of the silver weapon pods by the time he raced past. But all the good fortune he’d had he’d had shooting was balanced out with bad luck getting shot at. The ’Mech ’Mech silhouette on his secondary monitor flashed red over his center torso, bright yellow on his left flank, and dull yellow on each shoulder. Center torso armor is below half. Crap. 61
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One or two exchanges with Lightning Jack and he could exit the tournament that’s if there’s no there’s no more audience participation. fast. And that’s if Walter’s Walter’s lip curled into a snarl… As the old saying goes, when you find yourself in the middle of hell, keep marching.
“So, “So, right from the start, Jack, you had an advantage. What were you thinking at that moment?” At least he has the decency to look chagrined. Jack ran his fingers back through his hair. “I “I was thinking, quite honestly, that I’d I’d gotten lucky. My armor had only gotten chipped and dinged. I didn’t didn’t know, of course, that Wallace had gotten chewed up until I saw his Blackjack later. While I like the audience being involved, I’d love I’d love to see how Wallace would fare if we were left to our own devices.” Damn, he sounds sincere. Allison turned to Walter. “And “And what were you thinking right at that moment, Wallace?” “I “I was thinking about what I’d I’d be doing with the rest of my evening, since it seemed that I’d I’d be punching out of work early.” Allison raised a perfect eyebrow. “You weren’t thinking weren’t thinking that the outcome was unfair?” Walter shook his head. “Out “Out in the field, fights are never fair. What happened there was just the same as being ambushed. Only thing you can do is fight through it. Plus, we all know the rules of the Maze. I can’t complain can’t complain about what happened.” “If I “If I may, Allison…” course, Jack.” “Of course, “Of Jack.” Jack pointed at Walter. “Look, I’m going I’m going to say this, and this is what I think. I’m putting I’m putting words in Wallace’s Wallac e’s mouth. mouth. We all know that if one of my fans were given a trigger to shoot at me, they might be inclined to let the shots go wide, or might not even pull the trigger. But, you know, I don’t want don’t want folks to let me off easy. When you’re you’re given the chance to participate, you should honor that and do your best. The reason we’re out we’re out there is to show how well we can function in honorable combat. By not doing what you can, you cheapen the fight, I think.” 62
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Allison sat back, eyes wide. “Wow, that’s very Ja ck. Please, that’s very noble of you, Jack. give it up for Jack.” for Jack.” The studio audience applauded on cue, with the back row standing up and cheering with hands held aloft. Even Walter applauded, pausing only when Jack waved the audience to silence. “Now, Walter, “Now, Walter, what do you think of Jack saying he thought he had an unfair advantage in the battle?” the battle?” “He’s “He’s very kind to say that, but I don’t don’t think it’s it’s true. Another night, another audience, matters might have been different, and I don’t don’t think Jack would suggest circumstances were unfair.” Allison smiled brightly. “I’m sure “I’m sure you’re right. you’re right. And immediately after these ads, we’ll get we’ll get back to the battle and see how events turned out.”
Walter figured that the best way to survive was to move fast and become tough to hit. The problem with that strategy was that the Maze, which was built on grid squares measuring roughly twenty by twenty meters, didn’t provide didn’t provide much in the way of maneuvering room. Combat usually ended up being at close quarters, making it tough to miss a BattleMech. The nature of the Maze further complicated things. At randomly timed intervals, fans could alter the Maze’s layout. Maze’s layout. Based on the initial laser ambush, Walter figured Jack’s Jack’s fans predominated in the voting, so changes would benefit his enemy. The fact that a long, straight corridor opened up in front of him confirmed this conclusion. If the fight went like others he’d studied, he’d studied, he’d he’d be boxed into an alley, and Jack would have a path open up that would wo uld bring him straight in at Walter’s Wal ter’s back. back. The only factor that worked in Walter’s Walter’s favor favor was a rule that indicated that a wall could not be moved a second time unless the combatants had exchanged fire. If the audience worked quickly enough, they could create an escape route for a fighter they favored, or vector their favorite in on the enemy. Tactically, if a wall slid in behind him, Walter knew it couldn’t move couldn’t move again until he and Jack had met. So, I can protect my rear armor which, ironically, is in better shape than my proximal armor. Walter kicked his speed up as he shot down the corridor. He kept an eye on the holographic display’s rear display’s rear arc, waiting to see a panel slide down to cut 63
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they’re going to have us battle toe off his retreat. Nothing happened. Which means they’re going to toe? Walter shifted his shoulders. The replay of that will sell plenty of action figures and beer. Then a slab lowered into place behind him, and a legion of them rose forty meters ahead. They defined a small arena, which Lightning Jack’s Vindicator entered from the left. He got up to speed and twisted to level his weapons at Walter, while Walter remained trapped in the alley. Damn it, trapped. Walter’s fingers Walter’s fingers tightened down on his triggers. Here goes nothing.
“We’ll start “We’ll start with you, Wallace. What were you thinking when you got your first glimpse of Jack’s of Jack’s ’Mech?” “I was “I was thinking that his red-and-gold paint job looked very pretty— pretty —and that the PPC’s bore PPC’s bore looked terribly big.” terribly big.” “So you “So you noticed that he’d gotten he’d gotten off to a good start?” Walter shrugged. “I’m not “I’m not sure, Allison, that I ever really formed that sentence in my mind. What I did know was that the fight was going to get nasty fast, and I was hoping that I’d I ’d get get the better of the coming exchange.” “And you, “And you, Jack?” Jack?” “I had “I had a general sense of the damage to Wallace’s Blackjack , but I realized that none of his weapons had been taken off-line. I knew I had an advantage, because the audience had set up a lollipop arena. I ’d have one shot at Wallace while he was in the stick. Once he got into the round with me, it would be anybody’s fight.” Allison nodded curtly. “And “And with that, we’ll we’ll take a visit with our presenting sponsor, Barringtons, then bring you back for the exciting conclusion to this round two fight in The Big Tournament.”
The medium lasers in the Blackjack’s forearms carved molten furrows through the armor on the Vindicator’s right arm and center torso, blackening the red-and-gold paint job. Beyond that, they did no serious damage to Lightning Jack’s Lightning Jack’s ’Mech. ’Mech. But the large lasers both nailed the Vindicator’s left ’s left arm. 64
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They slashed from shoulder to wrist. Half-melted armor plates sloughed off like dead skin. The actuator controlling the ’Mech’s left ’Mech’s left hand combusted. The lasers reduced the arm to a blackened skeleton. Lightning Jack returned fire. The small laser in the ’Mech’s ’Mech’s left arm missed wide, but everything else hit. Three of the long-range missiles blasted armor over the Blackjack’s ’s heart, pulverizing ferro-ceramics to dust. The medium laser built into the ’Mech’s ’Mech’s head disintegrated armor on the other ’Mech’s left ’Mech’s left flank, leaving only the thinnest layer of protection. But the particle projection cannon— cannon —which had always proved to be Lightning Jack’s Lightning Jack’s most most lethal weapon— weapon—did the most damage. The jagged azure beam stabbed deeply into the Blackjack’s torso, ’s torso, ablating the diaphanous shred of armor that remained and voraciously consuming everything it touched. In the blink of an eye, the hellish beam melted the gyros. Walter’s ability Walter’s ability to control his ’Mech evaporated. Likewise, the particle beam pierced the ’Mech’s engine ’Mech’s engine housing. Had the Blackjack been powered by a full-blown fusion engine, the reaction would have run rampant and melted the ’Mech to nothing. Instead, a scalding wave of heat passed up through the cockpit. Walter remembered struggling to keep the ’Mech upright and feeling it begin to fall. Then the heat hit him, and his world went went black.
The audience, led by Allison herself, applauded Lightning Jack Caine heartily. Jack, blushing, raised a hand in acknowledgement, acknowledgement, but he said nothing. Allison grabbed his hand and kept it aloft. “Jack, you “Jack, you should know that the audience that viewed the fight live declared your takedown of Wallace’s Blackjack the best battle result of The Big Tournament , round two. two. Because Because of that, that, our sponsor, Barringtons Industries, is contributing ten thousand C-bills C-bi lls to the charity you’ve chosen: you’ve chosen: the Lyran Fund for Education, which makes sure that the children of Lyran Commonwealth soldiers have a chance at the best education available.” “Thank “Thank you, Allison. That contribution will help lots of people.” people.” Jack couldn’t seem couldn’t seem to extricate his hand from Allison’s grasp. Allison’s grasp. “I do “I do want to say that the fight was closer than most people will ever understand. Yeah, I shot Wallace
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out, but my Vindicator went down, too. I was so unbalanced that I couldn’t keep couldn’t keep my ’Mech up. If I’d missed, I’d missed, he would have had me dead to rights.” Allison glanced at Walter. “That’s “That’s very magnanimous of Jack to say, don’t you don’t you think, Wallace?” “He gives “He gives me far too much credit.” Walter credit.” Walter smiled for the camera. “In fact, “In fact, with shooting like that, I think Jack’s Jack’s got to be a favorite to get into the semifinals. I mean, he’ll be he’ll be the guy I’m watching.” “Well, there “Well, there you have it, people, and we are out of time. I’d like I’d like to thank my guests, especially Lighting Jack Caine. We’ll be We’ll be back tomorrow night with the first of the round three fights. Until then, be safe and keep watching.”
Walter thanked Allison for having him as a guest, and pretended not to notice that she fled from him as if he were radioactive and on fire. She headed straight for Jack Caine, linking her arm in his. Walter exchanged a glance with the sound engineer pulling the battery pack and lavalier microphone from beneath his shirt. The engineer shrugged. “You’re good “You’re good to go. A limo is waiting outside for you.” “Thanks.” Walter “Thanks.” Walter tossed the engineer a quick salute. “Nice to “Nice to have a taste of how the champions live.” As promised, a dark limo hovered up when Walter emerged from the studio’s side studio’s side door. The driver hopped out, opened the back door for him, and guided him in with gentle pressure at the small of his back. It took Walter a couple of seconds to realize the passenger compartment was already occupied, at which time the pressure on his back intensified into a shove. The other passenger, a small man of Asian descent, was inspecting one of his fingernails. “Please, Mr. “Please, Mr. de Mesnil, join me.” me .” Walter caught himself on the bench seat opposite and sat with as much dignity as circumstances allowed. “I didn’t didn’t expect to see you here, Ambassador Wen.” The Liao diplomat looked up and smiled. “But you “But you have seen me here before.” The before.” The man touched a button on the armrest, and a holo burst into life at the center of the compartment. It showed Walter, smiling, his arm around the shoulder of his new companion. 66
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I never noticed him in the scrum. Wen Xu-Tian shrugged apathetically, as if he had read Walter’s mind. Walter’s mind. “Not surprised “Not surprised you don’t remember. don’t remember. If you thought of me at all, I imagine you would have placed me on Sian, being disciplined for my failure to acquire Ivan Litzau.” Walter leaned back as the limo began moving. “I didn’t didn’t think of you at all.” Wen again inspected his fingernail. “Hardly “Hardly a surprise. Once you left Maldive, I ceased to be a factor in your mission of protecting the Litzaus.” “And yet “And yet here you are.” The man smiled slowly. “More “More by accident than by plan. Initially I sought to escape my former masters and their retribution for my failure. I moved quickly and often, and save for the occasional curse sent in your direction, I did not think of you at all, either. I moved from DropShip to DropShip at random, without a destination in mind. And then, at the end of September, I happened to watch homemade holos of circuit fighting on Solaris. Lo and behold, I saw you, my friend.” “Should have “Should have just had ComStar get in touch. I would have gotten you plenty of holos. No need to come here.” “I wouldn’t have wouldn’t have missed this for the world…” Wen world…” Wen hit the button again, and more holos began orbiting the first. Images of Sophia, the Vulture’s Egg , Ivan and Aniki, as well as more shots of Walter. “…seeing my “…seeing my old friends and how they fare now. In fact, all this makes me so happy I can barely contain my joy. Or the news that, somehow, the Litzau family is far from extinct.” An icy snake slithered through Walter’s bowels. Walter’s bowels. “How much?” Wen “So quick “So quick to business, and to money. You are a mercenary after all.” all.” Wen extinguished the holograms with the touch of a button. “I haven’t determined haven’t determined what I want yet, or rather, how much I want. You should know, however, that all the information I’ve amassed I’ve amassed is locked away safely with individuals who, if they hear of my untimely death, or fail to hear from me at all, will send the information to Sian and Maldive. If I get hit by a hovercar — by accident or otherwise— otherwise—you will find the consequences rather disastrous.” Walter nodded. “Point made.” “So glad “So glad you understand.” Wen understand.” Wen opened his hands. “You should “You should know I bear neither neither you nor the Litzaus any ill will. I assume you wish to make enough money to finance a retaking of Maldive. I applaud that and, really, intend to do 67
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no harm to your effort. Instead, I should like to profit as you do. Toward that end, I’ll be I’ll be in contact with you soon.” “I’ll speak “I’ll speak with my compatriots and…” “No, you “No, you will keep this between us.” Walter frowned. “Why?” “You may “You may have been Ivan’s Companion, Ivan’s Companion, but I spent far longer dealing with him on Maldive than you did. I have insights into his character you’ve likely overlooked. Realizing the pressure I’m putting I’m putting on you, he would happily sacrifice himself to save you. He would, if you will, kill the goose laying golden eggs for me; and that just won’t do. won’t do. If he were to reveal himself, I would be forced to move directly to deliver him and Sophia to Sian, as this th is would be the only way I could be accepted back by my old masters. I think neither of us wants to see that happen.” “Your extortion “Your extortion is never going to end, is it?” “My living “My living requirements are not extravagant, but they will be ongoing. Think of it this way, Walter: you y ou and I both have it in our best interests to keep the Litzaus here and safe. As long as we work together to that end, life should go on blissfully for all involved.” involved.” The limo slid to a halt, and the passenger compartment’s door compartment’s door opened. “Your ride “Your ride is at an end, my friend, but our journey together is just beginning.” just beginning.”
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Solaris City Solaris VII (The Game World) Rahneshire, Lyran Commonwealth 20 December 3001
Walter looked around at the restaurant Sophia had chosen. Dark wood predominated in Praha, which was dimly illuminated with low-wattage bulbs and candlelight. The wood was best described as “rough hewn”; any hewn”; any scratches or cuts in it were just varnished over. The tables and chairs likewise had a blocky, hand-crafted feel to them, with leather upholstery secured with brass tacks. Beyond that, all the decorations— decorations—no matter which culture had given rise to them— them—tended toward the primitive and hand-carved. He smiled. “I didn’t know didn’t know this much wood existed on Solaris So laris VII.” Sophia’s Sophia’s eyes brightened. “I “I know. We innkeepers share the secret of little places like this, just in case bright and industrial aren’t suiting aren’t suiting a patron’s mood.” Walter flipped the leather-bound menu open. Faint light made the selections difficult to read. “What language “What language is this?” “Czech, “Czech, I think. The owner is from the Free Worlds League and very traditional.” traditional.” “You can “You can read this?” “Their “Their site has translations. You’ll You’ll want number twelve to start, then number thirty-three, done medium, for your main course.” Walter scanned those menu items in fruitless hope of recognizing at least a word or two. “You’re sure? “You’re sure?”” “Are you “Are you worried?” She worried?” She shook her head. “Worrying “Worrying about a meal, from a man who makes his living in a BattleMech?” “When you “When you put it that way…” Walter way…” Walter closed his menu. “I trust “I trust you.” 69
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“I won’t steer won’t steer you wrong.” “Not a fear.” Walter fear.” Walter sat back and gave the surroundings another look. They sat at one of a half dozen circular tables in the center of the floor. Booths ringed three-quarters of the room, with a small bar on the remaining wall. Only a third of the tables were occupied, but it was relatively early in the evening for diners in Solaris City. Just one person was seated at the bar, and based on how the bartender deferred to him, Walter guessed the patron was really the manager or owner. A server appeared from the kitchen, and Sophia placed their order. He returned quickly with a dark beer for Walter and sparkling water for her. Sophia lifted her glass. “To success.” Walter touched his glass to hers. “I only “I only wish mine could have matched yours.” “Walter, you “Walter, you got knocked out of the tournament, but no one— one—including yourself— yourself—ever expected you to even be in it. Going from a circuit fighter to the tournament in less than a season may not be unheard of, but it’s very it’s very rare.” “So about “So about a billion people told me.” He me.” He sighed. “And I “And I know I’ve been I’ve been talking—we’ve talking—we’ve been been talking— talking—about our project here taking a lot of time. Years. But to come so close so quickly…” quickly …” Sophia took his hand in hers. “You were “You were the one who cautioned against our getting our hopes up. You and Ivan have been working really hard…” “As have “As have you.” “…thanks, “…thanks, but the point is that the success of the Vulture’s Egg is measurable. I had a budget. I had projections. We’ve done We’ve done better than expected, which is great, but what I’m doing I’m doing isn’t nearly isn’t nearly as risky as what you’re doing. you’re doing. I mean, I can already project revenues for next month, and have bookings for the month beyond that.” Walter drank, then wiped foam from his mouth. “Whereas I’m unemployed until The Big Tournament season is over, and maybe until March, when the circuit revs up again.” She gave his hand a squeeze. “I’m doing “I’m doing this wrong, Walter. I wanted to come out with you this evening to let you know that I’m very I’m very proud of you and of what you’ve you’ve done, not to make you upset or depressed. Given where we were and what we were doing this time last year, this is a huge step up.” “So “So long ago and far, far away.” away.” He frowned. “Still “Still no word from Maldive?” Maldive?” 70
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bu t no, nothing really. There have “I’ve spent “I’ve spent a small fortune to get news, but been a couple of pieces about Maldive, but given the content, I get the feeling these filler pieces were produced back before I was born and are slowly filtering coreward. Stock footage remains the same, with new presenters recording an old script to make it look like current material. In the short term, I suppose that’s good, that’s good, since it decreases the chances of anyone on Solaris recognizing Ivan or me.” Save that Wen Xu-Tian already knows you’re here you’re here and wants a payoff to keep quiet. Walter forced himself to smile. Not that I trust him to keep his end of the bargain. Extortion doesn’t work doesn’t work that way. Sophia mirrored his smile and did not relinquish her grip on his hand. “But “But I am cultivating patience. I have accepted that this endeavor may take years, and I have started thinking it all might be better measured in decades. I hate saying that, but I have to be realistic.” “Will you “Will you ever get to the place where you abandon the idea of liberating Maldive?” Maldive?” She shook her head. “Maldive isn’t like “No.” She “No.” isn’t like other places. The Litzau family had power because of the corporate structure of the world, not because of any hereditary claim to a throne. But that doesn’t doesn’t absolve me of responsibility. As my father once explained it, that actually makes our responsibility greater than your average ruler’s.” Walter arched an eyebrow. “Go on…” “Hereditary “Hereditary rulers, be they good or grotesque, can get swapped out without much ado if any changes occur in the lives of the people they rule. Bad rulers, in fact, can be neutralized by their advisors and others who control factors such as the economy. On Maldive, however, the corporations are the economy. What we do has a profound impact on everyone, from stakeholders to employees, and from employees to all those who make their living providing goods and services to the employees. The damage we can do is more immediate and has consequences much more severe— severe —it cuts a much broader swath through society than a political problem.” “That explains “That explains much.” “How so?” “Just the “Just the way you’ve been you’ve been dealing with those employed on the Vulture’s Egg. While we’re all together —those of us who have been in it from the we’re all in this together— start—you’re start—you’re treating treating the others more than fairly. Your father’s lesson father’s lesson took.” 71
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“Ivan “Ivan understands matters as I do. It is a lesson he will impart to his children, whether they are born here or there.” She there.” She sat back. “And here “And here is our food.” Number twelve turned out to be a salad of mixed greens, seasonal berries, some nuts, crumbled blue cheese, and a vinaigrette dressing to which peppers imparted a tantalizing amount of heat. His entree consisted of a strip steak which, while thin, remained moist and fairly melted in his mouth. A red wine and peppercorn reduction covered it and mixed well with the garlicmashed red root vegetables. After the first bite of each, he bowed his head toward her. “You chose “You chose perfectly.” She, in turn, had a lettuce wedge with dressing on the side, and a fish and vegetable soup in a clear broth. Sliced green onions provided color, and the dish smelled of clear vinegar. Sophia blew on the soup to cool a spoonful, then sighed contentedly. “Even better than I was told.” “Good.” Walter “Good.” Walter looked up from his plate. “Do you “Do you think it’s likely it’s likely Ivan’s children will be born here?” She shrugged. “Probably “Probably they will. Whether they’ll they’ll be the ones who liberate our world or will be welcomed as the victor’s victor’s children is the open question. That’s That’s likely the prudent case to plan for, but will children born here have any interest in returning to Maldive? If news transmission remains the same, they might learn of the coup by the time they’re they’re teenagers. Hard to imagine their developing a passion to liberate a backwater world they know only from stories their father and aunt tell them.” “You have “You have a point.” “What about “What about you, Walter? You served as my brother’s Companion, brother’s Companion, but how long will that last?” “I made “I made a promise.” “A promise “A promise no one will hold you to.” to.” She set her spoon down. “Please, don’t take don’t take this as me questioning your integrity, but look at you now. You’ve been bounced out of the tournament and are looking at three months before climbing back into a cockpit to entertain folks between pie-eating contests and bouts of pig-calling. That’s not That’s not the sort of lifestyle you’re going you’re going to embrace until you’re old you’re old and gray.” “I have “I have a duty, Sophia, a sworn duty.”
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“You also “You also got a fight, kid.” Traeger kid.” Traeger plopped himself down in the empty chair next to Sophia. “Hi, sweetie, hope you don’t mind “Hi, sweetie, don’t mind if Wallace here and I talk some business. Of course you don’t.” He don’t.” He signaled the waiter. “And I’ll have I’ll have whatever she’s drinking, she’s drinking, but with twice the vodka she has in that, okay?” The waiter hesitated, but Walter gave him a nod. “W “What hat the hell are you talking about?” “A fight. “A fight. I got you a fight.” Traeger fight.” Traeger flashed bright teeth in a broad smile. “Look, “Look, so you tested well, in The Big Tournament. Sponsors, they liked the money. Barringtons put you on their ‘must have’ list. fight —it’s a a have’ list. So, this big fight—it’s big deal. Lots of money made, right, all the holovision rights and everything going on? Well, those fights are prime time here, but this here globe, you know, has nights and days.” Sophia’s eyes Sophia’s eyes narrowed. “Most worlds “Most worlds do.” “Cute and “Cute and smart. She’s She’s a a keeper, Wallace.” Traeger Wallace.” Traeger accepted his drink from the waiter and downed half of it before continuing. “I want another of these, quick-like. Anyway, turns out that night riders don’t like don’t like staying up late, and they can’t make can’t make micro bets when they’re not they’re not watching live. So, this time around, the broadcast cartel put together a package of fights that’s basically that’s basically the losers’ losers’ bracket. They’re They’re calling it the High Noon Tournament. You were popular enough and enough people thought you got screwed that you’ve got you’ve got a spot. You go in four days, on Christmas Eve. You fight here in a four-way. First man out makes 25,000 C-bills, while the top one gets four times that and another fight a week later. Who’s got Who’s got your back, huh, buddy?” huh, buddy?” “I have “I have to think about it.” “Nope, this “Nope, this is take it or leave it, and I already said you were taking it. And, hey, you can even bring the little guy back. I mean, I already unfired him, but he’ll take he’ll take it better hearing this from you, you know?” “What do “What do you think, Sophia?” She closed her eyes and gave her head a little shake. “Well, we “Well, we were just lamenting how you thought being idle would be torture. Mr. Traeger, when Wallace wins, what does that do for his prospects next season? Still on the circuit, or do we remain here in Solaris City?” “Circuit, “Circuit, yes, but headlining like Snorri and Aniki. We do marketing before that, start merchandising, get ancillary revenue up. Barringtons wants to do a limited-edition action figure of you, and that’s great. that’s great. You’ll just You’ll just do the big circuit venues, then straight back to big city fights.” 73
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She flashed blue eyes at Walter. “Just see “Just see to it you win.” ,” Walter nodded. “Okay, let “Sure ,” “Okay, let me know what I have to do.” “As always.” always.” Traeger rose and slapped Walter on the shoulder. “You know, just earning my keep. Want to make sure we’re we’re profitable so I get my cut.” “Thanks.” “Thanks.” Walter waited until Traeger had headed toward the door before pounding down half his remaining beer. Sophia grabbed his hand again. “What “What was that all about? Not the fighting— fighting—the ‘earning my ‘earning my keep’ bit?” keep’ bit?” “Ivan, “Ivan, Aniki, Snorri, and I got together and persuaded Traeger to modify contracts. We have a majority interest in Windfall Warriors Unlimited now, so he’s feeling he’s feeling he’s an he’s an employee. He doesn’t like doesn’t like it, but he is a hustler. I’m sure I’m sure he’s got he’s got other deals going here, but as long as the money keeps flowing in our direction, I’m happy.” “Do you “Do you trust him?” “No, but “No, but your brother has his assets locked down— down —at least all the ones we know about. He’ll figure He’ll figure out what Traeger’s game Traeger’s game is, and we’ll beat we’ll beat him at it.” “Good.” “Good.” She gave him a smile that banished the irritation Traeger’s interloping had caused. “And I’m confident I’m confident you’ll win you’ll win this little tournament.” Walter squeezed her hand, then his eyes tightened. “You’re just “You’re just glad I’m Vulture’s Egg for the next not going to be unemployed and moping about on the Vulture’s Egg three months.” “That never “That never even occurred to me.” Sophia me.” Sophia winked at him. “Now, don’t let your food get cold.”
“Ambassador Wen “Ambassador Wen Xu-Tian, aren’t aren’t you? Of course you are. You don’t mind if I sit, do you?” The Liao expatriate looked up at the silhouette standing next to his table at a supposedly exclusive social club. “You have “You have me at a disadvantage, sir.” Traeger slid into the far side of the booth, trapping a barely clad young woman between them. “Probably, but “Probably, but it’s not it’s not much of one. I’m Simon I’m Simon Traeger. I own own— up—Windfall Warriors Unlimited. You had words with one —well, head up—
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of my people. Wallace Richards. No, don’t even don’t even pretend to deny it. I keep a discreet eye on them, and I know you shared a limo with him.” Xu-Tian smiled and spread his hands. “Of “Of course I have. Big fan of Wallace’s, Wallace’s, naturally naturally.” .” “Hey, look, “Hey, look, this innocence act might have worked if I hadn’t patented hadn’t patented it before your companion here got herself born. Hell, I got underwear underwear older than her. No offense, darling. Love the look. You got a sister? And, Xu-Tian, I know that ‘fan fan’’ doesn’t begin doesn’t begin to describe you. I got holo from the limo and after. Can’t make out any sound, but whatever it was you said, it had Wallace the most rattled I’ve ever I’ve ever seen.” “I believe “I believe you have misunderstood what we spoke about.” Traeger tapped a finger against the table. “No, you’re misunderstanding, you’re misunderstanding, see? You think I’m here I’m here because you rattled one of my guys, then he goes out and loses a fight. That isn’t it isn’t it at all, not at all. See, you got under his skin, which makes me think you know something about him that I want to know. This whole amnesia schtick I don’t buy, don’t buy, and I know Spurs is in it with him.” “Spurs?” Traeger lowered his voice to a whisper. “So, what “His little “His little buddy.” buddy.” Traeger “So, what do you know? What are you shaking them down about? You are shaking them down.” Xu-Tian pressed his hands together. “You suggest “You suggest extortion, but the fact is that your friends caused me a spot of difficulty. I wish them to make me whole for that situation.” “And this “And this loss is something you want to keep out of the courts. A private matter.” “You “You understand. Now, if they comply with my wishes, your friends have nothing to worry about from me.” “Yeah, “Yeah, well, they ain’t ain’t no friends of mine.” mine.” The man’s man’s expression tightened. “They caused “They caused me trouble, too, and I’d like I’d like to get even, but privately, so I’m thinking I’m thinking that the enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Interesting. “How “How is is it you imagine I could help you, Mr. Traeger?” “You “You got something on them, and you’re you’re after money or the kinds of things money can buy. I happen to have certain resources that translate into money, and they could become a lot more money, if I I can get Wallace to do what I tell him to do. I tried to get him to cooperate before, but I didn’t have didn’t have
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any leverage. I’m thinking I’m thinking whatever it is you know about them would give me that leverage.” Xu-Tian smiled easily. “Cutting to “Cutting to the chase, you will bet heavily against Wallace when he is favored in a fight, and he’ll he’ll take a dive because my knowledge will force him to do so. You’ll pay You’ll pay me off out of your winnings.” “No. You’ll place You’ll place bets and win yourself a fortune. More money than you can imagine. And then…” then…” Traeger said, his smile sharpening, “I “I let the authorities know Wallace threw a fight. Stitch S titch him and his buddy up good. We get rich, they get five to ten making big rocks into little ones. Sound So und like a deal?” “I “I do believe, Mr. Traeger, we can do business together.” together.” Xu-Tian extended his hand toward the larger man. “I “I look forward to the successful conclusion of your plan.”
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The Club at the Graveyard Solaris VII (The Game World) Rahneshire, Lyran Commonwealth 22 December 3001
Walter couldn’t couldn’t pinpoint the source of his unease, though it had begun the moment the roster for the Christmas Eve fights had gone public. Most people didn’t didn’t care one way or another about his inclusion. A small group of fans cheered his selection and vocally supported him whenever holovid producers ventured into the streets for “authentic” reactions. “authentic” reactions. Those fans, who had taken to calling themselves “Mystery Folk,” Folk,” adopted white headbands emblazoned with an inverted blue question mark. He had no idea who, how, or why the decision for that symbol had been made, but he suspected Traeger had a hand in it. At least, he had merchandise available a vailable with that symbol within six hours of the first time I saw it. Even those who hated him vehemently didn’t bother didn’t bother Walter too much. He realized that passions for fighters ran high and the rhetoric hot. So far no one had accosted him personally. Common wisdom among MechFighters held that haters weren’t serious weren’t serious until the second time they reloaded while shooting at you. Most annoying about his unease was that he couldn’t even couldn’t even get a solid sense of what it truly was. He didn’t feel didn’t feel doomed, didn’t feel didn’t feel he was going to die in the cockpit. That was a possibility he couldn’t discount, couldn’t discount, but he’d felt he’d felt that sort of dread before, and this wasn’t it. wasn’t it. When it came down to it, the feeling combined impatience and weariness. He wanted plans to move forward, but wasn’t sure wasn’t sure he’d have he’d have the energy to follow things through. And even as he came to that realization, 77
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another joined it: he felt that same way about his next fight, about returning to Maldive, and about facing the future with Sophia. He’d been He’d been telling the truth when he said he had a duty to get the Litzau family back to Maldive and put them in charge. Still, the idea of spending the next twenty years on Solaris, marrying her, and raising a family had appeal. His life choices up to this point had h ad all been a rejection of o f that common dream. Facing a difficult future suddenly made the idea of family and stability very tempting. “Man, if “Man, if you’re that you’re that focused because of our fight two nights from now, I might just have to pull out.” “Beg pardon?” The tall, dark-haired man smiled easily enough. “Didn’t mean “Didn’t mean to intrude, but… I’m…” “Bloodstone, I “Bloodstone, I know.” Walter know.” Walter offered the man his hand. “Caine took “Caine took you out after he got me.” “I was “I was pulling for you, but the fan input… They input… They treated me as roughly as they did you.” Amusement you.” Amusement sparked in his blue eyes. “But , , you know, his fans voted for us to be given another shot— shot —I guess that deep down, if they like Caine, they like mercs in general.” gue ss.” Walter shook his hand and smiled. “Job “Job security of a sort, I guess.” “Traeger mentioned “Traeger mentioned you from the beginning as having developed a good star persona— persona—the whole single name thing.” Bloodstone sidled up to the bar beside Walter. “Not a “Not a stage name— name—I was born with it. It works here, same way mates in my old unit used to call me Stoney. My fans here— here — both of them— them—call themselves Bloods.” “Said with “Said with a healthy amount of disdain.” Walter disdain.” Walter signaled the bartender. “I’m just “I’m just drinking sparkling water, but I’ll buy I’ll buy you a drink.” “Fizzy “Fizzy water is good for me. I don’t don’t like drinking for the prior fortyeight.” eight.” Bloodstone jerked a thumb back over his shoulder toward the fivemeter-tall windows looking into the arena. “You’re liking “You’re liking Snorri and Aniki in this round of the Platinum Crown warm-up matches?” “They’ve been “They’ve been true friends. Plus, they’re very they’re very good.” “Agreed. I “Agreed. I would have thought they’d have they’d have warranted a better venue.” Walter shrugged. The Graveyard had been a staple on the fight scene since the middle of the last century. It had started as the Grand, but it had a bad run of luck early on. Three champions had rather abruptly ended their careers 78
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in lethal fights with a group of unknowns. The ownership constructed small memorials where the champions had fallen, then shifted from what had once been elegant and modern styling to gothic structures befitting Halloween and the most grotesque aspects of the Grand Guignol. The decorators created everything to be larger in scale than the ’Mechs. Massive gravestones provided cover, and thick metal cables that served as webbing for giant animatronic spiders could hold a ’Mech back. “It must “It must have been something ages ago in its heyday.” Walter heyday.” Walter saluted with his glass. “To ghosts “To ghosts and omens being held at bay.” “Well said.” Bloodstone said.” Bloodstone sipped his drink. “And as “And as I said before, I didn’t mean to intrude but…” He but…” He glanced at the various tables between the bar and the viewport. MechFighters had gathered and were celebrating their inclusion in the High Noon Tournament. “If our “If our contract didn’t require didn’t require us to be here for the media and sponsors, I’d avoid I’d avoid that gaggle of losers like the plague.” “Technically speaking, “Technically speaking, if we’re here, we’re here, we’re losers.” “You have “You have a point, but we know fighting differently than they do. For a lot of them, it’s a it’s a lark. Doesn’t mean Doesn’t mean they aren’t good, aren’t good, but we understand it as work.” Walter nodded. “Still, a “Still, a chunk of those guys are soldiers.” “Were soldiers. They are ex -soldiers. You know how bad you have to be for the nation that trained you to let you go to fight here?” here?” Bloodstone half smiled. “If “If soldiers were all that good, there wouldn’t wouldn’t be any work for mercenaries.” “Then what “Then what does it say about us that we can’t get can’t get work as mercenaries?” “Can’t, or “Can’t, or won’t?” “Point. “Point. Those words don’t don’t always mean the same thing.” thing.” Walter shrugged. “And I’m I’m not disputing your general argument. If they can’t or won’t focus won’t focus on the realities of fighting, they’re taking they’re taking the kinds of chances that don’t don’t bode well for anyone. I’m I’m pretty sure they don’t don’t want to die, and I certainly don’t want don’t want to be getting a rep as someone who kills his foes.” “Amen.” Bloodstone “Amen.” Bloodstone pointed at a table close to the viewports. “Shall we? “Shall we? I want to get a good look at your pals.” Walter followed him to the table and sat. While the viewport allowed them to easily observe the Graveyard’s central Graveyard’s central courtyard, a bank of monitors at the junction of wall and floor provided shots of various interiors. One showed Snorri and Aniki off to the north in a staging area known as the 79
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Morgue. Despite the dark decor, or perhaps because of it, they fought in ’Mechs painted a ghostly white. Snorri piloted a Locust , , and Aniki had chosen a Clint. The battle pitted them against two other MechFighters, Moll Hamner and Hank Styles. Hamner drove a blood-red UrbanMech trimmed in gold— gold — reportedly in homage to Caine. It sported an autocannon in the right arm and a small laser in the left. The latter weapon wouldn’t be wouldn’t be terribly effective unless the fighting got in close, but in a venue where hide-and-seek was a viable strategy, it might just decide the outcome. Styles fought from inside a Hermes , relying on a pair of medium lasers and a flamer. That ’Mech ’Mech usually relied on speed to keep it safe, and short sprints worked well in the Graveyard. He’d painted his ’Mech ’Mech dark blue with red trimming. Bloodstone sat forward, elbows on knees. “Strategy would “Strategy would be to kill the fast ones and grind down the heavy hitters.” “Trying out “Trying out for holovid color analyst?” “Naw, I “Naw, I just like belaboring the obvious.” Bloodstone obvious.” Bloodstone cast him a sidelong glance. “I’m pulling “I’m pulling for your guys, just so you know.” “So’s the “So’s the smart money.” A sharp tone reverberated through the Graveyard, and the ’Mechs ’Mechs moved out. Camera shots kept up with the teams as they advanced through the warrens and corridors to reach the central courtyard. While one team or the other could have opted to thread its way through the labyrinth and try to achieve some surprise, they’d both they’d both been built to function best in the partly open space in the courtyard. The tunnels limited speed and made the faster, lightly armored ’Mechs far more vulnerable to a close-range shot. Aniki and her brother advanced with the practiced ease that came from a lifetime of familiarity with each other. Snorri moved up far enough to scout ahead, then waited for Aniki’s Clint to come up and cover him. Conversely, Styles pushed his humanoid Hermes forward faster and continued just as the UrbanMech achieved a good overwatch position. While having gotten this far in the Platinum Crown Tournament proved Styles and Hamner were a good team, they missed being hand in glove with each other. The Hermes reached the courtyard ahead of Snorri, coming in through the southwest corner. He slid north, finding cover behind a large gravestone that had been tipped over. He positioned himself at the corner of its base, right arm pointed north. As Snorri’s Locust entered from the northwest, Styles triggered a red beam that flashed well wide of its intended target. 80
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Snorri cut east, heading toward the far corner, where a mammoth mechanical spider sat atop a web woven from steel cables. He disappeared beneath the web, his smaller ’Mech negotiating the openings easily. The holovid monitor switched over to magnetic resonance, showing the webbing as almost an impenetrable wall. Styles tracked and took a second shot, but it also missed. Behind him, Hamner came onto the battlefield. She advanced toward a small memorial about ten meters from his position. She had no shot, and Walter half expected her to move up while Styles dashed for the massive fountain with weeping angels in the middle of the courtyard. When Styles failed to move, she drifted back south and east, using a seven-meter-tall granite marker for cover. A red beam shot from beneath the web. It hit the UrbanMech on the right shoulder, turning the armor on the top of the arm to slag. Cheers and groans greeted the shot— shot—those who bet on Snorri to hit first being the happiest. “Was that “Was that luck or…?” “He aimed “He aimed for the gap and, when he saw movement, hit her at the speed of light.” Walter light.” Walter allowed himself a chuckle. “If they’re going they’re going to worry about him and think they have him trapped in that web, it’s not it’s not going to be a long fight.” Styles brought the Hermes up to speed and drove straight at the fountain. The UrbanMech pushed further east, but another seven-meter-tall memorial blocked her straight shot at the web. To get a good angle, she’d have she’d have to hit the east wall and fire north. She pushed her ’Mech, realizing that if she didn’t have didn’t have a shot, neither did Snorri. “All they “All they need to do is switch to infrared sensors, and your boy will be a candle in that webbed cave.” Neither Styles nor Hamner felt they had shots, but Snorri disagreed. Twin lasers flashed from within the dark corner, lancing out at the Hermes. Neither beam reached the ’Mech, however. They hit the fountain’s fountain’s geyser, instantly converting the water into a billowing cloud of steam. “Snorri, “Snorri, you are brilliant.” are brilliant.” Walter Walter clapped his hands. “Damn.” Because the web interfered with magnetic resonance scanning and the darkness hid Snorri from visible light, both his opponents had flicked their sensors over to infrared. The superheated steam blinded that sensor configuration. The damage would clear in a few seconds, but it might as well be a lifetime. 81
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Aniki’s Clint entered the courtyard through the same opening that had admitted her brother. Her ’Mech’s ’Mech’s right arm came up, displaying the autocannon muzzle where a hand should have been. Fire erupted, launching a stream of projectiles that ripped clear up the right side of the UrbanMech’s torso. ’s torso. Had the shot hit the previously damaged right arm, it would have torn it clean off, eliminating the stricken ’Mech’s most ’Mech’s most powerful weapon. Hitting the ’Mech’s flank ’Mech’s flank proved costlier. The projectiles shattered all the armor and began to ricochet inside the ’Mech’s ’Mech’s barrel chest. Glowing green liquid sprayed as a heat sink exploded. Then, tightly packed strings of autocannon ammunition began to spill out as if Aniki’s shot Aniki’s shot had eviscerated the UrbanMech. Like a string of firecrackers, the trailing belt of shells began to go off and would have completely combusted save that t hat one detonation severed the link. Still, the detonating shells blasted armor from the red ’Mech’s right ’Mech’s right leg and right arm, crushing armor and shredding myomer fiber actuators. The secondary explosions, combined with the initial attack, critically damaged the UrbanMech. The war machine shook and staggered. Hamner valiantly fought to maintain control, but the havoc wrought unbalanced the ’Mech beyond the point where the gyros could compensate adequately. The ’Mech, borne along by its momentum, was sent spinning by the explosions, slammed into the courtyard’s court yard’s eastern eastern wall, and slid down on its face. As for Styles, his vision cleared on a vastly changed battlefield. The exploding shells painted the collapsing UrbanMech in bright yellows and oranges. A few errant shells pinged off his ’Mech, doing negligible damage. Still, as his computer displayed the damage to his ’Mech on his right flank, he turned in that direction to assess the threat. While that decision would later spawn heated debates over countless beers, Walter couldn’t fault couldn’t fault him. I would have done the exact same thing. From within the spider cave, Snorri triggered both of his medium lasers. One missed and went wide to the left of the Hermes. The other bubbled armor on the ’Mech’s ’Mech’s left thigh. Aniki’s Clint likewise hit with a medium laser, evaporating the rest of the armor and piercing the left hip. Ferro-titanium bones glowed, with the hip joint melting. The ’Mech lurched left as its torso’s weight torso’s weight drove down on the left leg. Then Aniki’s autocannon Aniki’s autocannon shot hit. The slugs gnawed through the blue armor and shattered support structures. The fire cored that side of the ’Mech. Billowing gray smoke rose through the gaping hole in the torso. The ’Mech’s 82
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left arm twisted and popped free. The flamer ignited, sending the arm jetting back like a missile. missile. Its short flight slammed it into one of the giant gravestones, and it exploded. Bloodstone thrust a finger at the viewport. “Can “Can you you believe that?” Somehow Styles managed to keep the ’Mech upright, even with a frozen left leg and a severely unbalanced machine. The assembled MechFighters cheered the effort. Many of them wore the astonished expression Walter supposed Styles wore. “He’ll be “He’ll be drinking off that for a long time.” Bloodstone nodded. “Highlight of “Highlight of the tournament, so far.” Aniki moved around to her right and into Style’s rear Style’s rear firing arc. Snorri remained hidden in the spider’s cave, spider’s cave, and neither of them shot. Styles could have triggered his weapons one more time, but the fight was long past winning. Slowly, so as not to unbalance his ’Mech, he lowered its right arm and pointed the medium laser at the ground. “Wow, faster “Wow, faster than I imagined. Unless Snorri was clumsy getting past that webbing, the twins emerge without so much as a scratch.” “The sort “The sort of victory I doubt you will see in two nights, Mr. Richards.” Walter turned and looked up. “How did you get in here?” “How did Wen Xu-Tian shrugged coyly. “Friends are “Friends are useful.” “You don’t have don’t have any friends.” “A “A condition we both share.” share.” The former Liao official looked at Bloodstone. “Please, “Please, excuse us. We have some business to discuss. I’m I’m sure Wallace wishes to keep it confidential.” Bloodstone stood, dwarfing Wen. “Do I “Do I need to get security?” Walter shook his head. “No. “No. Regrettably, Regrettably, I know him. And I do think this conversation should be private.” “I “I see you do like your mysteries. No problem.” problem.” Bloodstone shook Walter’s hand. Walter’s hand. “I’ll see “I’ll see you in two nights.” Walter stood as the larger man walked away. “Okay, so you’re you’re here. What can I do for you?” “I’ve “I’ve given it much consideration, and have some very specific instructions for you.” Wen you.” Wen rubbed his hands together. “Please, sit “Please, sit down again. It’s in It’s in everyone’s best everyone’s best interest that you don’t miss don’t miss a single word.”
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Aftermath Solaris VII (The Game World) Rahneshire, Lyran Commonwealth 24 December 3001
“Mr. Richards? “Mr. Richards? Is this a good time for a word?” Walter continued lacing up his cooling vest. “You “You never pick a good time, Agent Fujitaka. The fight starts in forty fort y minutes, and I’m all I’m all peed out.” “Fortunate then, “Fortunate then, that your time isn’t up isn’t up for that.” The that.” The stocky woman in a severe business suit glanced at her tablet. “I’ve actually “I’ve actually come to ask you a few questions.” Something cold and sinister slithered through Walter’s guts. Walter’s guts. “How “How can can I help you?” you?” The commission agent glanced around the empty dressing room, and despite being alone with Walter, kept her voice low. “It “It has come to the commission’s attention commission’s attention that there is a heavy amount of betting against you in this fight.” “You make “You make it sound like that is a surprise.” Walter surprise.” Walter slowly shook his head. “You know “You know my career better than I do. I’m a I’m a circuit fighter who is being asked to punch way above his weight class. My luck is bound to run out, and an d wagers are reflecting that.” She flicked a finger of the surface of the tablet balanced against her forearm. “The patterns “The patterns suggest otherwise. While none of the simulations we’ve run show anything but the slimmest of chances that you win this four-way, only five percent of the time are you shown being the first one shot out. Despite that, the betting is running heavily in favor of that outcome. It is also running against you managing to shoot anyone out. All of this is indicative of your intention to throw the fight. Are you under duress?” 84
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“duress” being told to Walter snorted. Not unless you consider “duress” being “What? No.” No.” Walter throw the fight as the only way you can prevent Wen from revealing Ivan and Sophia’s presence on Solaris VII. Still, his instructions said nothing about going out first. She gave him a hard stare. “Really?” “Really.” “The commission “The commission has programs that protect fighters like you. Just come clean and we can help you.” Walter frowned. If he were to “come “come clean,” clean,” he’d have he’d have to explain how Wen was pressuring him. That would mean letting the ’Mech ’Mech Battle Commission know about Ivan and Sophia. That information might not get back to the Collective as quickly as it would from the former ambassador, but someone would sell it. “Agent “Agent Fujitaka, I appreciate your speaking with me, but I can’t help you.” “You “You can let me help you.” you.” She pointed to the tablet. “Suspicion “Suspicion has already been cast on you. Even if you defy the betting trends, the commission could decide to deny you a permanent license. You’ll never You’ll never be allowed to fight here again. This is your future we’re talking a bout.” we’re talking a bout.” “Yeah, I “Yeah, I get that. So, if you want to help, answer me this: what kind of result gets rid of that suspicion?” She cocked her head. “Win, of “Win, of course. If you can.” “What do “What do your simulations say about that?” Fujitaka switched the tablet off. “That would “That would be proprietary information, but as I indicated before, the chances chances are quite slim. Not even whole numbers.” “I’ve “I’ve been in worse fights.” fights.” He shook his head. “Thanks “Thanks for your insights, Agent Fujitaka.” preparation s.” She She gave him a “Yes, of “Yes, of course. I shall let you finish your preparations.” thin smile. “We’ll be “We’ll be talking again soon.” Walter waited for her to leave, then banged his forehead against the locker door. The commission’s commission’s intervention intervention just made a bad situation worse. Wen Xu-Tian had demanded he throw the fight, but not to go out first without having taken anyone else down. While Wen would have loved for Walter to suffer such a humiliation, getting his license pulled would prevent Walter from being able to continue a lucrative career. That worked against Wen’s Wen’s goal of continuing to extort money in the future.
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He scratched the back of his neck. The thing about Wen was that he was too clever by half. Once he had the fix assured, he’d try he’d try to maximize the betting. So, after he leaked word that the fight had been fixed for Walter to go out first, he’d actually he’d actually bet against that outcome. At the t he same time, he’d bet he’d bet for Walter to finish second or third. To make any serious money, he’d have he’d have to borrow money to make those bets, but with the outcome assured, Wen had no risk of failing to pay his debts. If Walter did go out first, Wen would be financially destroyed, but he’d inform the Collective about the surviving Litzau family. Even if the folks he’d borrowed money from decided to kill him, h im, it wouldn’t matter, wouldn’t matter, since he’d left he’d left the information with ComStar to pass on in the event of his h is death. If Walter won the fight, Wen would probably break even financially, and would then likely betray the Litzaus out of pure spite. And if the commission pulls my license, I become useless to Wen, so he’ll sell he’ll sell information to the Collective. Bile burned into his throat and soured his mouth. There is no winning in this situation. Walter reopened his locker and pulled out his neurohelmet. “First things “First things first. Defy the commission’s commission’s predictions. predictions. Then, when Wen is rich, figure out what to do with him after that.”
As the doorways opened from his staging area into Aftermath, Walter discovered a new reason for unease. Aftermath, while neither the biggest nor newest of arenas, had a cult following. It had been built specifically for holovid events, with no general seating. The entire floor plan layout made the arena resemble the bombed-out shell of a small city, complete with water gushing from broken mains and fires burning where gas lines had been severed. Gutted cars, piles of rubble from crushed buildings, trashed appliances, and all the other war zone detritus littered the battlefield. For Walter, it looked all too real, much too reminiscent of what he’d seen he’d seen in Rivergaard, back on Maldive. A shiver ran up his spine. What people were enjoying as sport reminded him of life-ending agonies that others had Angleton’s Angels Angels died in Rivergaard wreckage like this? experienced. How many of Angleton’s The fact that he didn’t know, didn’t know, and likely would never know, left him feeling somewhat hollow. 86
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He wondered whether Bloodstone would be having a similar reaction, remembering some long-forgotten battle somewhere. The other two fighters, Camilla Heiniger and Steve Quarry, had been line troops for the Free Worlds League and the Federated Suns, respectively. He had no idea if they’d connect they’d connect this with real-world experience, or just see it all as expensive set dressing. The four-way battle had a peculiar setup. Each MechFighter would be in a thirty-ton BattleMech, chosen at random. The organizers had suggested this was the best way to test the mettle of individual pilots— pilots —though obviously outfitting them with identical ’Mechs would have done that a lot more easily. Still, uniformity in ’Mechs would have been boring and made the battle too predictable in the later stages, thereby killing small, long-odds sucker bets. Plus, diversity sells lots more action figures. Walter drew a Valkyrie , which featured the same weapons configuration as the Clint Aniki had driven, but with less armor beneath the urban-gray camo-pattern paint job. Traeger probably guaranteed that the ammo she had left over got loaded in here. Steve Quarry pulled a Spider , which sported a pair pair of medium medium lasers. He had a rep for being something of a sharpshooter, so he’d be dangerous. The Javelin for Camilla Heiniger had four medium lasers and enough armor to make that ’Mech serious trouble. But Bloodstone’s UrbanMech would be the toughest kill. It featured a heavy autocannon, capable of ripping through any of the other ’Mechs with a single shot. Him I look for last. Bloodstone had enough ammo for only five shots, so he’d he’d do well to hang back and let the others eliminate at least one potential target. Walter doubted that’s what that’s what the man would do, given his general nature. He didn’t didn’t have much of a read on the other two, but if Heiniger could take out Bloodstone, she’d significantly she’d significantly increase her chances of winning. The staging area opened onto a roadway that t hat ran around the battlefield’s the battlefield’s heart, behind broken buildings that ringed the war zone’s zone’s center. Walter immediately chose to go left, toward the south end, for no better reason than knowing most fighters tended to follow their dominant hand. He flipped an infrared filter onto the visual light sensor display and immediately caught a heat spike fifty-five degrees off his ’Mech’s nose. ’Mech’s nose. Quarry’s Spider was arcing high through the air on silver flames from its jump jets. The humanoid ’Mech flew away, toward the west side of the battlefield. Red beams flashed from the twin lasers mounted in the Spider’s torso. Walter didn’t didn’t know whether Quarry had hit anything. He pushed his 87
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Valkyrie into a run and continued along the road. Closer to where the Spider had taken off from, Walter cut right and slid between two burned-out buildings. The Spider landed and fired two more shots— shots —at Bloodstone’s UrbanMech. One beam missed wide, melting the hulk of a crashed hovertruck. The other beam slashed its way up the UrbanMech’s right ’s right side, disintegrating all but the barest scrap of armor on the ’Mech’s ’Mech’s flank. One of the previous shots had similarly scorched the armor on the UrbanMech’s left ’s left leg, but neither shot had seriously damaged Bloodstone’s ’Mech. The UrbanMech’s cannon ’s cannon swung into line with the Spider. Fire blossomed and an unholy stream of slugs stripped armor from the right arm, then ripped the limb clean off. The unspent projectiles blew into the right side of the ’Mech’s chest, completely destroying the jump jets. Their fuel ignited in a silvery flare, spinning the ’Mech around. Heat spiked, and the Spider pirouetted and fell over a low wall. At least I wasn’t wasn’t the first one out. Before he had a chance to figure out whether that made him happy or sad, four laser beams shot at him from the right. Two missed, but two caught him high on the left flank as he brought the Valkyrie around to face the Javelin. The pair of hits that Heiniger scored made the armor bubble off the Valkyrie , but Walter Walter managed to keep his war machine machine upright. He responded with shots from both his autocannon and the medium laser in his ’Mech’s right ’Mech’s right arm. Walter’s shots Walter’s shots ran low, blasting armor from the Javelin’s left ’s left leg and turning it to slag on the right. The superficial damage did nothing to slow the Javelin , and Heiniger evidenced no trouble in keeping her ’Mech upright and functional. It didn’t seem didn’t seem logical for her to shoot at him when it would have been just as easy to shoot Bloodstone and more likely to put the UrbanMech out. Bloodstone probably would have taken a shot at her, but she’d used she’d used a ruined structure to shield herself from his fire. Had she attacked along a line five meters west, the same ruins would have prevented Walter from shooting at her. That would have been the more sensible tactic, but what made sense to Walter might not make sense to anyone else. e lse. Walter kept the Valkyrie at speed and drove straight west. That gave him cover and turned the ruin Heiniger used for cover into an impediment to her chasing after him. The only advantage Walter possessed was that his autocannon was the weapon with the longest range still in the fight. If he could 88
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orbit and snipe as Bloodstone and Heiniger went after each other, he might just j ust have a chance of surviving. His auxiliary communications monitor flashed to life with a smiling image of Traeger on it over a glowing g lowing “incoming call” button. call” button. “You have “You have to be I’m a little too busy kidding me.” Walter me.” Walter mashed a finger down, refusing the call. I’m a to have you telling me that the leasing deposit is refundable if I don’t totally don’t totally destroy the ’ Mech. Mech. The Valkyrie flashed through the center of town and out toward the western road. A blast from Bloodstone’s autocannon Bloodstone’s autocannon chased him, cutting the top floor from one of the nearby buildings. The fire decimated the contents of the apartment it blew through, creating a cascade of debris that poured out into the roadway. Walter turned left and passed through the debris. Tattered drapes and ragged bed sheets clung to his Valkyrie. Twenty meters to the corner and he could turn back east. A break between buildings further down would give him a clean shot at any fighting in the middle. Speed and range were his only don’t erase them. advantages. Provided circumstances don’t erase He turned the corner and raced east. As he neared the break, he began to slow and turn to the left to bring his weapons to bear. He’d He’d only have a I’m lucky enough, I take one heartbeat or two to snap off a quick shot at range. If I’m lucky of the two of them out… The Javelin filled the break. Heiniger triggered all four lasers at point blank range. The quartet of beams all hit, savaging the Valkyrie’s armor. ’s armor. They boiled armor off both legs and the humanoid ’Mech’s ’Mech’s chest. The secondary monitor’s outline monitor’s outline of the ’Mech went red on the left leg, and yellow on the right I’m done. and center chest, matching it to the left flank. One more exchange and I’m done. Heat washed up through the Valkyrie’s cockpit ’s cockpit as Walter returned fire. The autocannon’s slugs autocannon’s slugs shattered all the ferro-ceramic armor on the Javelin’s left flank, and even punched a hole into the interior. His medium laser caught the other ’Mech square in the chest, blackening the area over the engine but failing to breach the armor. Worse than the damage Walter had taken, however, was his ’Mech’s drastic loss of armor. He fought hard to keep the Valkyrie upright, but momentum carried his ’Mech ’Mech off at an angle, slamming it into the arena’s southern wall. The collision pulverized armor on the ’Mech’s right ’Mech’s right arm, and the Valkyrie went down as unceremoniously as had the Spider. 89
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As Walter struggled to get the Valkyrie back on its feet, he expected Heiniger to finish him off. She triggered two lasers to do just that, but she also hit the Javelin’s jump jets at the same time. Only one of the lasers hit, but it immolated the last of the armor on the Valkyrie’s left ’s left flank. The beam further destroyed support structures and splashed one of the heat sinks in the ’Mech’s chest. The Javelin had risen to the height of the building that Bloodstone’s fire Bloodstone’s fire UrbanMech’s autocannon tracked and hit. The metal had decapitated when the UrbanMech’s hail caught Heiniger’s Heiniger ’s ’Mech in the left hip, sawing the leg off. The blazing jump jet in that leg soared off east, while the Javelin listed west. The autocannon fire continued its destruction, slicing up through the left flank. It crushed the gyros and crumbled components of the engine’s containment engine’s containment vessel. The jump jet in the ’Mech’s ’Mech’s right leg continued to pulse silvery flames as it drove the stricken ’Mech headfirst into another building’s another building’s upper upper story. The Valkyrie had almost regained its footing when the Javelin’s falling ’s falling left leg struck it with a glancing blow. The impact barely scratched the paint job, but it was enough eno ugh to unbalance the t he ’Mech. Despite all of Walter’s efforts, Walter’s efforts, the Valkyrie stumbled back and sat abruptly on a half-crushed stoop. The UrbanMech advanced, and Walter could do nothing to stop Bloodstone. The other pilot stopped almost entirely for dramatic effect. The autocannon’s autocannon’s muzzle had been pointed skyward to shoot the Javelin , so Bloodstone lowered it slowly and deliberately. Walter could hear the color analyst waxing eloquent about how this was one mercenary showing his foe either contempt or respect, perhaps both. UrbanMech’s autocannon, two But before Bloodstone could trigger the UrbanMech’s red beams lanced into the ’Mech’s back. ’Mech’s back. The armor over the ’Mech’s right ’Mech’s right side ablated, then the ferro-titanium shoulder joint glowed red and parted under the stress. The ’Mech’s right ’Mech’s right weapon pod rolled to the left and dropped to the ground, smoking. Past the UrbanMech , the damaged Spider hove again into view. The autocannon had torn its right arm off and crushed the right side of its body, but the twin lasers mounted in the ’Mech’s chest ’Mech’s chest remained untouched. While the others were battling to destroy each other, Steve Quarry had gamely brought his ’Mech back into the battle, and Bloodstone’s ’Mech had paid the price. Walter got the Valkyrie upright again and fired past the UrbanMech. The autocannon shot nailed the Spider square in the left hip. The slugs stabbed 90
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through the armor and gnawed through the ferro-titanium femur. The leg buckled and twisted free, sending the Spider again crashing face first into the ground. Before he went down, Quarry did get two more shots, this time at the Valkyrie. Both angry red beams consumed armor from the right arm and flank of Walter’s ’Mech, but they inflicted no serious damage. Despite the shifting weight, Walter kept the Valkyrie on its feet. He swung the autocannon around to cover the UrbanMech. Bloodstone still had one small laser left and could slam his ’Mech into the Valkyrie—or try to. Walter would hit the Valkyrie’s jump ’s jump jets and soar out of danger. He’d land He’d land far enough away from the other ’Mech that he could put the autocannon to good use. He might have to burn all the rest of his ammo to take the UrbanMech down, but unless Bloodstone got uncommonly lucky, he wasn’t wasn’t going to emerge victorious over Walter. Bloodstone turned the UrbanMech to present the devastated right flank to the Valkyrie. Walter lowered the autocannon and smiled as the UrbanMech headed back off to its staging area. I won. Wen Xu-Tian is ruined . His mouth soured. And the Collective will know where Ivan and Sophia now live.
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Aftermath Solaris VII (The Game World) Rahneshire, Lyran Commonwealth 24 December 3001
Walter’s Walter’s feet feet had barely hit the ferrocrete staging pad when Traeger forced him back against the Valkyrie. The shove would have sent Walter spilling to the ground, but jagged bits of leg armor caught in his cooling vest and kept him upright. Traeger’s nostrils Traeger’s nostrils flared. “What the “What the hell was that?” Walter snarled. “Bet against “Bet against me again?” “What? No. “What? No. Damn you, I had you winning on the nose.” Traeger nose.” Traeger tugged at the lapels of his orange and lime green suit coat. “What did “What did I tell you from the very beginning? What?” “Only take “Only take a dive when you told me to?” Yes, I did say that, but that’s not “No. Yes, “No. that’s not what I want you thinking about.” Traeger poked a finger against Walter’s breastbone. Walter’s breastbone. “I told “I told you, anyone comes to you and says anything, you let me know. I told you I have people.” “Your ranging “Your ranging fire here ain’t even ain’t even close, Traeger.” “Your Liao “Your Liao friend?” Walter’s stomach Walter’s stomach knotted. “What do “What do you know?” Traeger’s eyes Traeger’s eyes became slits. “I have “I have people, remember. People who have been watching you yo u and your friends. I see this guy. gu y. He’s rattled He’s rattled you. He has something on you, and I got to know what it is.” Walter rubbed a hand over his brow. “You “You stupid bastard. You think you’ll shake you’ll shake me down like he did? That y ou’ll get ou’ll get the Windfall Warriors back? Man, that fight, I just killed that future. Good God, man, you’re always you’re always a day late and a C-bill short.” 92
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Traeger “You know, “You know, time was when that would hurt me. Hurt me a lot.” lot.” Traeger folded his arms. “And “And time was when you would have been right, but you know, what you and the kid did really opened my eyes. Like the kid said, twenty-five percent of something is better than one hundred percent of nothing. You and him, your whole crew, they’re the they’re the something in that equation. So, with your friend, my getting involved with him was to protect you.” Walter straightened up and unhitched himself from the Valkyrie. “So, how’s that how’s that working? My win ruins him.” “No kidding. There are some really angry guys looking to collect on “No some loans.” Traeger loans.” Traeger half smiled. “But I “But I learned from you and the kid. I bought his markers. I told his creditors that they should s hould make an example of him. Next time you see blood and bones in the Graveyard, it ain’t going ain’t going to be props, if you catch my drift.” “Tell me “Tell me you didn’t do didn’t do that.” “Your problems “Your problems with him are over.” Walter sagged back against the ’Mech’s Mech’s leg. “No, “No, he gave the info to ComStar. If he doesn’t check doesn’t check in, files go to Sian, or Maldive, or…” “Or to me.” me.” Traeger pulled a minidrive from his jacket pocket. “Here they are.” “What? How?” “Have you “Have you not listened, Wally?” The Wally?” The manager’s smile manager’s smile grew. “I told “I told you, I have people. I own some guys in ComStar. How do you think I see to it that Snorri and Aniki get their fights added to export packages? It ain’t ain’t just my charm.” Walter stared at the man, his thoughts running riot. “Do you… Did you… Did he tell you what’s in what’s in those files?” “Wally, what “Wally, what the files tell me is that the pie I got twenty-five percent of just got a whole bunch bigger. No, look, I’m not I’m not talking renegotiation or doing what he did, see. Fact is, you and the kid have made me more money than I ever could have made on my own. I may be small-time, I may do some deals that are a bit dodgy, but you kept me in the game when you could have gotten rid of me. I owe you, and I do pay my debts.” I shouldn’t, but shouldn’t, but I actually believe you. Walter scratched at the corner of his mouth. “What will “What will you do with the files?” Traeger tossed them to Walter. “It’s your “It’s your bonus for winning.” “Thank you.” 93
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“Hey, thank “Hey, thank you. You’re one You’re one of the best bets I ever made.” Traeger made.” Traeger tossed an arm around Walter’s shoulder Walter’s shoulder and guided him down the corridor toward the dressing room. “I’m looking “I’m looking forward to a lot more.” “You get “You get me the fights, I’ll win I’ll win them.” “We have “We have a deal.” Traeger deal.” Traeger slapped a hand against Walter’s belly. Walter’s belly. “I got “I got other business to attend to, kid. But good fight. You too there, doll.” doll. ” Traeger’s last Traeger’s last comment had been directed at Camilla Heiniger, who had paused at the mouth of a connecting corridor. He slapped her on the shoulder as he sailed past. “He’s right.” Walter right.” Walter gave the dark-haired woman a quick smile. “You did some damage out there.” “And yet “And yet I was the first one out.” She out.” She shrugged. “My popularity “My popularity will take a hit, but I deal some punishment in BattlePark City leagues, and I’ll be I’ll be back here next year.” Walter fell into step with her. “So, I “So, I got to ask, why go after me and not Bloodstone? Taking him out was the better play.” “I wasn’t playing wasn’t playing to win as much as to beat the odds. In there, taking out d’Artagnan was ’Artagnan was going to be easier than putting Porthos down.” “Novel way “Novel way of looking at things.” “It’s “It’s entertainment, after all.” all.” She shrugged and peeled off for her dressing room. “Next year “Next year I’ll know I’ll know better.” better.” “See you “See you there.” Walter there.” Walter turned right and pushed open the door to his own. Inside, Ivan greeted him with a smile, and Sophia opened her arms wide to hug him. “Give “Give me a sec…” sec…” He unlaced his cooling vest and pulled it off. He flipped it around to show them the torn-up back and sharp fragments of ’Mech armor, then tossed it aside. “Didn’t want “Didn’t want you to get hurt.” “I’m just “I’m just glad you didn’t.” Sophia didn’t.” Sophia embraced him fully, ignoring the fact that he was still dripping with sweat. “All “All day I’ve I’ve had a premonition that something horrible was going to happen.” You don’t know don’t know how close it came, Sophia. Walter held her tightly. “I wasn’t worried.” “You should “You should have been.” have been.” Ivan Ivan showed him a jagged graph on his tablet. “These were “These were the micro bets on your battle. Every one of those low points was when it looked like you were snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.” “What does “What does that mean for our little enterprise?” 94
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Ivan smiled. “I haven’t run haven’t run full numbers yet, but I think it shortens our timeline by five years, maybe ten.” “Good news “Good news indeed.” Walter indeed.” Walter smiled as a ComStar Acolyte entered the dressing room. “Wow, “Wow, you you guys are fast with the congratulatory messages.” The Acolyte frowned, then looked at Sophia. “If “If I could have a word with you.” Sophia shot Walter a glance, then shrugged and stepped out into the hallway with the Acolyte. Ivan pulled up another graph on his tablet. “See the “See the blue line here? That was Gray Noton’s ratings Noton’s ratings profile after his second season. The red, that’s your that’s your profile overlaid on it. You’re not You’re not pulling as much popularity as he is, but…” “The slope “The slope is the same.” “Right. “Right. One more season like this, and you’ll be you’ll be in Solaris City full time.” “We don’t don’t have another season.” season.” Sophia, her face ashen, slipped back into the dressing room. “We have “We have no time at all.” “Why? What “Why? What is it?” Did Traeger miss something? Have the files gotten out? Walter pointed toward the door. “What did “What did ComStar want?” “It was “It was news from Maldive. Bad news.” Sophia news.” Sophia smeared a tear over her cheek. “The Collective “The Collective— —they have our sister. They’re putting They’re putting her on trial for her life.”
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Michael A. Stackpole is an award-winning writer, game designer, computer game designer, podcaster, screenwriter and graphic novelist who is best known for his New York Times bestselling novels I, Jedi and Rogue Squadron. He is currently the Distinguished Visiting Writer in Residence at the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing at Arizona State University. When not writing or teaching, he spends too much time playing games and figuring out how to cook things that taste good.
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