Manor House, Outskirts of Ceres City & Ceres City
Capella
End October, Early November, 3053
Over the next few days Kato’s Yamamori relatives start appearing. Grandmother Yamamori along with a few aunts and uncles, plus multiple cousins, some with kids in tow. Looking at the adults with various scars, tattoos, levels of fitness and carriage you expect some of them served in the military, though none were currently in uniform. On the first of November though, the last of Kato’s family arrived. Led by his brother Hiro Yamamori, a Lt. Colonel in the 4th Tau Ceti Rangers, the eight of them arrive in dress uniforms. The next highest ranking of his cousins was a mere lieutenant and the rest sergeants. Some of these he knew well. As a teenager he had run errands for some of them, trained with them and learned some of the ropes of a mercenary command. Most all of them seemed glad to see him. They were a bit guarded perhaps, but open to the possibility of their cousin finally coming home. Everyone except Hiro. On his chest he wore three Liao Sunbursts of Gallantry and the Distinguished Service Award of the Free Worlds League with a ruby stone. Moments pass as Hiro and the cousins regard Kato and vice versa. Finally deciding to end the silence, Kato addresses them in Mandarin.
“It is good to see all of you. It has been too long. I look forward to catching up and hearing how you and your families fare.” The gesture is well received by most, but not by Hiro. Hiro’s eyes take in Kato’s clothes – not a uniform, nor clothes suited to a Mech cockpit and offers a soft snort. “Brother. You have finally arrived. Has Grandfather yet shared his disappointment that you decided to go to NAMA rather than the prestigious Capellan War College? I understand they finally gave you a commission… on your second time through. Tell me, was it your lack of talent or the fact that you were a muzzled dog that kept you from command?”
Kato’s face hardens as his brother continues. “The Rangers must have been truly desperate to put you in control and apparently too stupid to remove you. In your tenure as commanding officer you’ve fled your charge, broken contract and managed to get twice as many of your soldiers killed as both the previous commanders combined, oh in half the time,” he offers an insulting slow clap. “Impressive.” He stops and stares. “You are a threat to the Confederation if not as a plant than through your ineptitude. I’m curious to see if you actually survive to make it to your investiture, Kato. I’ve got a pool going. Good odds on you living if you want them. No one else does. So yes, welcome to Capella, brother. I’ll be happy to see what you’re made of.”
Leaving those behind stunned by his vitriol, Hiro sweeps past Kato and heads to the gateway to the inner courtyard and grandfather without even a glance behind.
Moon seeing and hearing the exchange waited until they separated before starting his verbal jab. Time to stir the pot a bit he thinks. The ass deserves it as Kato has been more than pleasant with him.
"Well lamb chop I’d suggest you rethink who you are talking to and about. I'd say he has more sway than you considering the fact this is his ceremony. Who knows maybe the Death Commandos may not like your tone with him. Well done setting yourself up to be questioned later."
Clapping at him slowly with a smile he adds.
"By the way where were you when we fought the clans? Running to the periphery to fight pirates? I don't see record any place of your actions for those medals you wore. Sure you didn’t just buy them some place?
Slightly droning off while looking away he added.
"Seems Kato has some leverage considering...cough cough... clans."
Turning back to give no doubt in what was said, "He upholds the Capellan ideal a hell of a lot better than you. Certainly, more honorable that’s for sure. He wouldn’t go make a scene at your ceremony if you had one, would he? Also, one must not kill in vain and apparently your life even to him had worth. Be glad he pulled that strike, or your head would be rolling around here all unpleasant like."
Hiro regards the gweilo Moon mostly with amusement and contempt, though the last barb about the sword seems to irritate him. "Your lack of familiarity with the Confederation is expected. Though unlike you I didn't buy my commission or my medals. Lyrans sell them cheap, do they not? The Clans are a distant threat. Why should I care if they gobble up Lyran worlds? Sixty or so if rumors are to be believed. As for the Death Commandos, they eliminate threats and that especially includes traitors and the disloyal. From them I have nothing to fear. Kato though...?" He shrugs.
Moon responds, "If I was a social general maybe but I earned all of mine but again what have YOU done that was so impressive? I hear nothing of your involvement on Tukayyid or any clan action at all, let alone any action. You say who cares about Lyran worlds. What about The worlds lost from the Dracs and Rasalhague as well. You’re telling me elite units that went in and never came out from any of the houses amount to nothing but yet WE stood up to them on more than one occasion. I say the rest of the inner sphere may think otherwise and really your jabs have no weight on me. I've enjoyed our conversation and wish to not tarnish the festivities any further out of respect and honor for your grandfather and his TRUE heir KATO. "
He turns away and snaps another retort as he walks out of the room.
"Oh, and make no mistake every bit of honor between the two of US is all mine bureaucrat. Your no better than those social generals you make fun of."
Hiro's smug stare at Moon's back as he exits leaves no doubt that Hiro feels he got the better of the exchange. Any who remain would catch his muttered comment of, "You only show off your ignorance gweilo."
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Hiro’s presence dampens any excitement from Kato’s family, at least those that serve in the 4th. Exchanges are brief and while within the bounds of what etiquette would demand, only barely so. While their grandfather heads a family dinner and all do attend, those of the 4th ignore Kato as much as they are able, able to use Erin Mae as a proxy, though the slight is poorly veiled.
The next couple of days pass with regular challenges of Kato by Hiro as well as marked verbal sparring. Kato refrains from the kind of verbal attacks that his brother is comfortable with. He seems to prefer to let his skills speak for him, with mixed success. Determined to set the bar early, Hiro challenges Kato to a “friendly” shooting competition. While Kato is well trained, especially for a Mechwarrior, it is clear that Hiro is an expert marksman and could be a sniper. Hiro’s next foray soon after goes against him though as he challenges Kato to a game of Weiqi (Go). The insightful observer would realize that Kato is slightly better than Hiro and yet Kato trounces him. While Hiro starts out carefully considering each move, as soon as one is done, Kato immediately places the next stone, putting pressure on Hiro to move again. Believing Kato’s moves foolhardy, Hiro makes some bad gambles that Kato makes him pay for. This frustration builds, resulting in Hiro not playing his game, but the one Kato is dictating to him. It is a far faster and less forgiving game, at least if you spot the mistakes that get made. That is something Hiro becomes less and less able to do, until his loss is complete. The rest of that day devolves into verbal sparring, again with Kato not taking Hiro’s bait. It is clear that Hiro has done his homework on Kato and the Rangers. In addition to the original charges, he throws in the deaths of Kato’s first two XOs, people that Hiro had met with a comment that they deserved so much better than giving their life for him.
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Rosk had been spending time mostly around the compound taking up painting, while wearing simple Capellan style clothing and a black wig. Occasionally leaving the compound with an escort, anyone seeking to find out where he is going will find that he attends a herbal medical shop renowned for the owners knowledge of brewing herbs into teas with healing compounds.
Yet today is different. Two days after Hiro's arrival Rosk is painting in a kimono, his blond hair in full display. He is painting in a particular spot, with the only subject being plain shed. Yet Rosk has the look of someone who is waiting, knowing that his target is coming soon around the corner, and that Hiro would not be able to help himself from some comment in this situation.
It has not been an insufferable wait before the distinctive scuff click click, click click, scuff click click of Hiro's slightly unusual gait can be heard. For whatever reason he has a tendency to catch his left heel a bit as he strides forward, causing the scuff sound before the usual click click click click of left heel, toe, right heel, toe and repeat. It's faint, though likely to grate on the nerves of those who notice, so perhaps it's an affected gait. Moments later Hiro rounds the corner and takes in the scene before him. Unsure what he's looking at he pauses, attempting to interpret it. He ponders and though Rosk can't quite see Hiro clearly, he can sense that Hiro almost asks a question then stops and looks again.
Addressing Rosk slowly in accented Japanese he will inquire, "A visual haiku?"
Rosk replies in Japanese, " A visual poem yes. An answer to the question who are you fighting. Of course, for one such as you you are always fighting the enemies of the State. Rats all around, rats in this house even. See here, a sunburst of gold is clearly starting to emerge. Yet I wonder at its core if you are fighting that sunburst or something else entirely? I will not know the question until I am done, and then it will really be up to others who will find some meaning in the work if they ever view it."
Hiro considers and ponders his answer for a moment. It is unclear if he needs more time to process the less familiar language or is thoughtful. Whichever the case, his response isn't long delayed. "Warrior-poet. A sign of a strong Chi." He ponders a moment longer. "One cannot fight the sun. The sun can provide light and warmth. Those who embrace it, revel in it and get too close to it, can become blinded by it and thus fail to see the destruction it brings to those with whom it is shared. There are also the false dawns that show promise only to be recognized for promises never kept. It does not dare enough to be the true dawn and thus deceives and fails those who depend upon it. The sun has stolen much and yet the light being light cannot see it. It does not recognize the darkness around it or that the light may simply illuminate what it values most, making it so much easier for the thief." He lapses into silence briefly, but it's clear there's another thought. "I fight to preserve. Sometimes the only way to deal with a wound is to cauterize it. It may not be what is wished for, but sometimes that's the only way to stop the bleeding." There is a deep and powerful intensity to Hiro words, though they are not loudly spoken. A sense perhaps of pain and loss and something more.
"Ah, spoken like a true leader of men." Rosk's tone seems softer right now than in the conversation. "An understanding that a true person requires more than just fighting. I find it refreshing, both this understanding as well as an understanding of what service to the state requires. In my brief time in the Confederation, I see people attending to their duty to the state. This is a refreshing change from being around others who just want liberty and freedom, and not a state to protect them.” Rosk chuckles, yet his next words carry a much harder tone. “I see we are alike in many ways. Men who had to make tough choices, and I can hear the impact of the incompetence of others as it weighs on you. Surrounded by political officers, although in my case the political officers wanted us dead always. The weight of incompetence, and the weight we have to carry through others incompetence, must weigh heavy on you?”
Hiro follows the commentary, his nods at a couple of points showing agreement yet there is still a wariness in his stance and tone uncertain on where the conversation heads. “Those with skill and talent have a duty to lead and sacrifice for the good of the State. The incompetent represent those who fail to find their proper place within the State or without. An incompetent commander may make for a productive electrician. Should they do so, they should be thanked for it. It is in failing to understand and accept one’s proper place that serves as a real threat to the State, for only working together can we achieve greatness. I have seen my share of people who fail to find their place and others who prevent others from attaining the responsibility that best leverages their talents. Worst yet are those who continue to reach beyond their grasp.” He considers Rosk. “You deal with plenty of incompetence with my brother. How is it he’s still in command or why haven’t others left?”
Rosk is in the middle of a painting stroke, but it would take years of experience to spot the quick break in the stroke that occurs. After the stroke is complete Rosk responds, “Surely you have demonstrated enough research to know that I have only recently joined the Rangers, but still I have noticed some troubling trends. When fighting a dropship, Kato ordered my man to stay directly under the guns of the ship, and then when my trop was forced to withdraw he sent his own damaged man to hold the line against advancing mechs. While you said you fought for to preserve, I fight only for survival. An incompetent mechwarrior can only learn to become a competent engineer if given the change to recognize and change. It’s one of the failures of the Combine actually, being too static in the face of the need for change. I was born without opportunity, and only the Coordinator’s willingness to break tradition put me in a mech. While my time in the mustered forces was full of incompetence, it’s all I’ve known since I was 12.”
“Knowing this incompetence, why did you even return here? While we must recognize the decision of our betters, we also must take what life hands us. Hence my focus on survival, and why I am with the Rangers now.”
"Survival is merely the beginning. There are other places and units that would permit far more than survival, it would seem wise to seek out those opportunities. You are not far from Outreach and the opportunities it would provide. As to why I came, I returned with the hope of stopping what was to occur. Perhaps my grandfather will see reason. He does have other alternatives." He pauses. "You say he sent your man and then one of his own to stand under the guns of a dropship and hold the line against advancing mechs. Why? And was he not able to do it himself?" The questions are almost reluctantly asked, the risk perhaps a double-edged sword and his caution heightened perhaps by his recent loss to his brother in Weiqi.
I recall he was severely damaged, and I could swear a gauss shell that was destined for his head somehow veered off and hit him elsewhere. Yet even in this damaged state, he stayed on the field commanding a successful attack on the dropship. If I were to be very generous in this, he threw himself into combat first, a real lead by example. On this last contract, I can remember some days of him stressing out over how close the combat was. So, I guess why I don’t just leave is truly wrapped up in this. I am a serpent to my core, and while I do not wish harm to the Rangers, I am waiting to see what happens on the day after your brother chooses to fight the sun. He has just enough hubris, which NIAS taught him to conceal as honor, to think that he can punch the sun. I am just waiting for the day after, to begin to see what kind of man Kato truly is.”
Hiro responds, “If he did not have honor by the time he got to the Academy, I am doubtful he ever will. He seemed on a good path when young, though my parents have strange ideas when it comes to governing and principles. Loyalty to a dead State was primary. Loyalty to the Confederation, secondary. It is how they could betray the Confederation and may the Suns suffer the same betrayal to their regret. Though if they have could not take their measure then, then they deserve what they get.” He takes a step back. “Let me know when the painting is complete. I will want to see the visual poem in its final form.”
"I will. This has been a pleasure, but I feel that the time for painting is done. The light is not quite right anymore. Take care, Hiro."
Hiro nods. “And you too.” With the conversation clearly at an end he continues on.
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Shortly after speaking to Rosk, Hiro challenges Kato to a fencing match. It is an intense and highly skilled exchange with both men demonstrating a fair amount of skill with the blade. Having agreed upon the best of three. Kato narrowly pulls out the victory. Frustrated and unsatisfied with the outcome, Hiro ups the challenge.
“Easy enough when it’s just play, isn’t it? The real test is when people’s lives are on the line, not a game of touches.”
“Your point?”
“Live steel. There are dao in the dojo. Fight to first blood.”
“Done.”
The crowd for the fencing match had been sizeable and with the promise of blood, it drew even more attention.
“This one you’ll lose, Kato. We’re not playing anymore.” Kato simply stares at him in reply.
The blades selected are immaculately maintained. The edges extremely sharp. The Master at Arms for the dojo initiates the fight then steps away. The brothers leap at each other and the sound of quality steel on steel rings through the otherwise quiet building. As with the fencing the two are closely matched. The danger is more in the speed they are moving that first blood may not be merely a cut. The intensity of the fight makes the fencing look like just a warmup. Minutes crawl by with neither gaining the upper hand as steel flashes and rings. It becomes clear that it will likely end with either a bold move or a mistake, possibly both. Hiro executes the bold move, seeking to execute a complex maneuver and bypass Kato’s guard. Unfortunately for Hiro, he over-extends, and his execution is off just enough to allow Kato to counter. The problem for Kato is that the effective counter has a decent likelihood of being a killing blow and so rather than take the opportunity given his counter is awkward and he off-balance. Recovering and sensing a far easier attack, Hiro is able to bind Kato’s dao while taking him to the ground, the point of Hiro’s blade pressed against Kato’s neck.
“The Confederation is not a forgiving place,” he says, pushing the tip into Kato’s neck, a small trickle of blood starting, “and you aren’t willing to do what is necessary for the good of the Confederation,” he pushes slightly harder, and the trickle picks up a bit, but not yet a point of concern as it’s not against the artery. There’s a restlessness in the gathering, though none willing to intervene as it would take little to take this past the point of no return. “You will bring destruction through your weakness to the Confederation and dishonor to our family name. Go. Home.” With those final two words he withdraws the sword, turns and strides to the Master of Arms, bowing slightly before handing him the blooded blade and leaving.
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Topic: Operation INVESTITURE - "4. Sibling Rivalries" (Read 356 times)