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[Hat]

Field Command Tent
Somewhere on Vanra
February 6, 3053

Major Mudd and Lt. Hartmann are called into the command tent in the morning after the assassination attempt on Col. Atayde.  Inside the tent are stationed a couple of guards, a Comstar Adept and a man dressed in camo fatigues, the uniform unmarked by rank or affiliation.  He looks contrite while Kato is impassive, his anger on a very short leash.  As they enter, he greets them a bit more perfunctorily than usual and gestures for the two guards to step outside.

He nods at the Adept who pulls out a recording device and activates it.  Kato regards the assembled individuals and begins.  â€œA bit of background is in order prior to getting to current events,” his eyes flick to the man in camo before continuing.  â€œI was born on Epsilon Eridani in 3016 when it was still part of the Capellan Confederation.  My mother was an only child of Sheng Mandarin Atayde on Capella and as part of the marriage contract their second born son would be given the last name of Atayde, and be named heir to the Mandarin while the firstborn son would be named heir to the Shonso on Epsilon Eridani.  I am that second son.”  He pauses for a moment before continuing.

“The situation became more complicated with the 4th Succession War.  First Epsilon Eridani became part of the Free Tikonov Republic in 3029.  My family split at that point with my older siblings, aunts, uncles and others going with the 4th Tau Ceti Lancers and my parents, myself, my younger siblings and others staying on Epsilon Eridani.  They were confirmed in their title first by Colonel Radick and then by the Federated Suns after extensive examination.  I had been coming of age while still in the Capellan Confederation, and was pledged there, so I too had begun my work towards citizenship.  After careful consideration I was permitted to continue it and earned my citizenship becoming a dual citizen.  Despite that,” and he stares at the man in camo, “I was and remained a loyal and faithful citizen and servant of the Federated Suns as honor required.  I never betrayed, nor considered betraying the faith put in me.”  The weight of his stare, the man’s conscience or perhaps some of both leaves him looking apologetic, though remains silent.

Kato addresses the group as a whole.  â€œFor reasons that were not explained to me, my parents named me the heir to the County on Epsilon Eridani.  My younger siblings certainly weren’t of age at the time, and the only response to my inquiries was to say that ‘it seemed appropriate.’  If they tried to convince my grandfather to take my older brother as his heir instead, I am not aware of it.  In any case it left me in limbo.  Heir to noble holdings in both states, it would be impossible to fulfill both.  No one made an issue of it until recently.”  His attention turns back to the man in camo.  â€œCaptain Carnell.  Please introduce yourself and explain the conversation we had yesterday.”

Captain Carnell nods and faces the others.  â€œMy name is Captain Jeremy Carnell.  I am MIIO tasked with apprising Colonel Atayde of a change in status and requiring clarification.”

Kato interrupts, “by that you mean giving me an ultimatum to chose within 24 hours, while on campaign and fighting on behalf of the Federated Commonwealth, correct?”

Carnell winces slightly.  â€œYes.  My partner and I informed Atayde that his grandfather had been elevated to the rank of Sheng Shonso and had formally requested confirmation from Kato and his parents that he would honor the agreement, become the Mandarin of Ceres City and his heir to the Shonso of Llagarres.”

“You also stated that should I renounce my Federated Commonwealth citizenship, I would be thanked for my faithful service with no repercussions, correct?” Kato’s question with a sharpening of tone, his anger leaking through.

“Yes!  I swear we were under those orders and am horrified he went rogue,” his comment cut off.

“By that you mean your partner’s attempted assassination of me last night before even getting an answer.”

“Yes,” Carnell offers forcefully.  Kato looks over at the Adept who nods.  

“I Adept Devin Parsons, officially witness the admission of MIIOs attempted assassination of Kato Atayde, despite having been given assurances to no negative repercussions  regardless of answer, an answer not yet even delivered.  I also enter into the record confirmation by Captain Carnel and Colonel Atayde that the assailants involved in last night’s events did in fact include Captain Troy Crowthers of MIIO, shot and killed in self defense by Colonel Atayde.”

“Captain Crowthers who went rogue and acted in contravention of his orders,” Carnell supplies.  Parsons looks to Atayde, who after a few long moments nods.  â€œAccepted.”

Kato looks at Hartmann and Mudd.    â€œYou are witnesses to these proceedings.  A copy will be sent to AFFS High Command, another to my parents, and Comstar will retain a copy as well.”

He looks over at Carnell.  â€œI honestly don’t know what I would have told you this morning.  In light of last night’s events however, I have your answer.  I am honor bound to fulfill the agreement that my parents laid out.  With regret, I formally renounce my Federated Commonwealth citizenship, so there should be no ambiguity.”  His voice softens a bit.  â€œI have seen the good in the Federated Suns and will remember that moving forward,” he states before the edge returns.  â€œShould there be another incident of such honorless perfidy, I shall ensure this incident is revealed and seek vengeance on the perpetrators.  Are we clear?”

“Yes.”

“Good.  Then I expect a statement of support from a suitably high level individual for my parents continued loyalty and an appropriate thank you for my service.”

Carnell nods.  â€œAgreed.”  Realizing that this is done he moves towards the exit and stops.  â€œFor what it’s worth, I am truly sorry it came to this.  I’ve read your dossier.  I wish you would have chosen to stay.”

Kato responds, “For what it’s worth, I’m sorry it came to this as well.  Should we meet again, may it be under better circumstances.”

Carnell and Parsons both exit leaving Kato alone with Elsa and Benton.  â€œShould you have questions, I’m happy to answer them.  The details of what was discussed here today I ask for your discretion on at least in terms of the assassination attempt.  I don’t need that to become public knowledge as it would only complicate things. Questions, comments?”

NOTE: I will be adding more to cover what is shared with the other lance leaders and public knowledge, but wanted to give Steve and Rob a chance to respond to this part if desired, including any needed corrections or changes from Rob.

[Black Omega]

Colonel, something about this doesn't feel right.  In my knowledge, the Fedcom has never done anything like this.  I have a couple of questions.  First, has the second gunman been identified?  You and Elsa know who I really am.  Shall I inquire of my contacts to further the investigation?  In the meantime, I recommend all hands at Intruder Alert level 5.



[ooc: also updated ]

[Hat]

OOC: ranks fixed.  I’m responding assuming that didn’t come up.

Kato considers.  â€œI have not identified the second gunman, nor did Carnell offer a name for him assuming he knew him.  Beyond the credentials that the two showed in order to get into my tent yesterday, it wasn’t the first time I had met him.  He was part of the assessment team assigned by MIIO to evaluate the loyalties of my family and make recommendations prior to confirming their title.  He seemed and still seems to be a straight shooter.  That said, he is or at least was MIIO, so I have no doubt he could fake sincerity should he so chose.”

“If you could look into this Roger I’d appreciate it.  I expect you’ll find it as described, though it wouldn’t surprise me to find one of a couple of generals had a hand in his partner’s assignment.  Overall, I expect it was as claimed - that the assassination was a rogue effort executed spur of the moment.  If not, we need to know sooner rather than later.  I do agree that maintaining a high security alert is warranted as we could end up dealing with League assassins as well or instead.”

[Hat]

OOC: Steve, Rob, let me know if you want to add anything more to the initial conversation, otherwise I’ll move it along to the larger briefing here probably tonight.

[Black Omega]

(ooc) I'm good. Go for it.

[Hat]

Field Command Tent
Somewhere on Vanra
Late February 6th, 3053

Kato calls a meeting of all the lance commanders, Major Bray and Captain Lalanne.  â€œI apologize for pulling you away temporarily from your operating theaters, but this news couldn’t wait.”  He pauses to make sure he has all of their attention before continuing.

“Last night while I was out on an impromptu check of our pickets, I was ambushed by assassins. Both of the assailants are dead, and as expected had no ways to identify them on them.  As some of you know, my parents are Count and Countess on Epsilon Eridani and I’ve been their designated heir for roughly 20 years.  I have also been heir to the Sheng Mandarin of Ceres City on Capella.  My grandfather who was the current Mandarin was elevated to Sheng Shonso of LLagarres and formally requested my assurance that I would honor the pledge my parents made to be his heir.  It is why my family name follows my mother rather than my father.”  He gives folks a minute to absorb before moving on.

“It is not clear whether this is a one off attempt related to my grandfather’s request, to eliminating the C.O. Of the Rangers or something else entirely.  What this means for all of you is you will need to maintain a heightened level of security while deployed here.  In addition, as I am honor bound to fulfill my parents’ agreement, I am relinquishing my Federated Commonwealth citizenship.  As part of this we will be making a slight detour after this operation to Capella for my formal investiture.  It is not my intent to leave the Rangers, and the Rangers will continue to operate as it has to date.  Should you feel a change in leadership is needed, that option is available when the current contract is complete.”

He scans the room.  â€œQuestions, comments?”

[agustaaquila]

Ros speaks up, " So with that, I guess you want suspicious people held for questioning, rather than just killed straight off?"

[Hat]

“Correct, Lieutenant.  Until we understand what they’re doing there, no reason to kill them.  That said, deadly force is authorized if they attack with lethal intent. Other questions?”

[deadlyfire2345]

So will this affect the unit negatively within the Fed Com or anyone within the group that has ties to either House?

[Ice]

So will this affect the unit negatively within the Fed Com or anyone within the group that has ties to either House?

Also who is privy to this meeting at this point considering high alert and pulling all lances in seems silly.

[Hat]

So will this affect the unit negatively within the Fed Com or anyone within the group that has ties to either House?

Also who is privy to this meeting at this point considering high alert and pulling all lances in seems silly.

As noted, the briefing was for Mech Lance commanders, Major Bray and Captain Lalaine. It is unclear how large of an area the Rangers are operating in especially given the base defense mission has scout lance techs present. Atayde wouldn’t put operations at risk for the briefing. He’s also not asking folks at this briefing to keep it to themselves, rather, expecting that those in charge will inform their commands.

[Hat]

Atayde nods in response to Lt. Hitzig’s question if expecting it. “I do not expect and negative effects now or as we move forward. To date the Rangers have avoided taking contracts that would target the FedCom and the FRR. I would simply add the Confederation to that list. We have had no issues finding contracts that don’t compromise anyone’s loyalties. I see no need to do otherwise. Certainly if you identify a possible or actual issue, let me know and we will address it.”

[deadlyfire2345]

That is good to hear. Either way, we should call up our contacts across the IS to see if anything like this might happen again so we can prepare for it better.

[Ad Hoc]

Col. I understand the importance of your decision. But who is going to fund our travel and all the units operation cost during this “side trip”?

[Hat]

Kato considers.  "I would think in general provided the cause were important that the unit as a whole would cover the cost for such an excursion.  That said as the first potential recipient, that would seem to be overly self serving.  It seems only fitting then that I bear the cost out of my personal coffers.  As such I will pay for standard lance and unit expenses plus the costs of jumps.  At a rough guess that should be roughly 2 months, hopefully less, but probably in the neighborhood of $8MM C-bills.  We would then look for contracts on Capella.  Is that to your satisfaction Lt. Wilhem?"