Manor House, Outskirts of Ceres City
Capella
November 4, 3053
It is early the day after the sword battle. Kato was checked out the night before, his wound tended to. Erin Mae is furious with him for letting it get that far, though seems unsure what the best path forward is. That discussion becomes moot when Kato is summoned to his grandfather’s study. Waiting there with him is Hiro. It is clear that the two had been talking before Kato’s arrival and that Hiro is not apparently happy with the outcome.
“Kato come in.” He gestures to a seat and with the expression on his grandfather’s face, it is clear that was not a request. Once Kato is seated Kasei begins. “This. Ends.” He stares at Kato for an uncomfortable minute before doing the same to Hiro. Kato’s eyes drop quickly with a response of, “Yes, Grandfather.” Hiro’s response is longer in coming, though it comes nonetheless. “Yes, Grandfather,” he responds, his tone one of grudging admission.
Turning his attention back to Kato, his Grandfather speaks quietly but there’s a real bite to the words despite the soft tone. “You are my Heir. That only works if you’re still alive and fit enough to perform the office.” The room lapses into silence punctuated a short time later with a question, “What is the key point of the Korvin Doctrine?”
“That individuals must work together for the good of the ‘Greater Humanity’ to ensure its survival among the stars,” both of the brothers dutifully repeat.
“And that of the Sarna Mandate?”
“Only those with proper training be it military, scientific or political – are competent enough to take on leadership roles,” they both state.
“But clearly Kato isn’t…”
Kasei cuts of Hiro’s interjection with a third question, “and what of the Lorix Order?” he asks, voiced raised just enough to cut through Hiro’s objection.
“MechWarriors are and should remain a special breed unto themselves. They should be accorded the highest honor possible and in turn should be expected to perform the most outstanding feats of daring in defense of the state and its citizens,” they quote from the 3rd Dicta.
“So, it would seem the two of you know the precepts even if you’re not currently following them. Duty to the State and specifically its people is paramount. Trained as you are as Mechwarriors, you have the training, the leadership and the duty to place the good of the citizenry first. The easiest places to start with working together are with family and your military units. The Atayde line has long served the Confederation, having been in service even before its founding dating back more than 700 years. The bloodline continues through both of you as well as your siblings, but currently the name continues through Kato and his family.”
Apparently the opening that Hiro had been waiting for, he interjects. “Yes, duty to the State. Kato has already betrayed it. He stayed behind though could have come. He served the treacherous Davion dogs for a decade earning commendations for their glory and even after that and leaving the AFFC, he still wouldn’t commit publicly to the path he says he wants. He hasn’t even taken a contract with the Confederation yet as a way to help the State prosper. He…”
“Enough! It is clear that you’re quite familiar with Kato’s record, then you should also have learned how he is viewed. He has an excellent reputation for honor and loyalty. He is committed to his unit and lives the Lorix principle of being loyal to the citizenry he protects. At great risk to his own life, he does not leave any behind. Despite remaining behind and the difficulties it entailed both initially and ongoing, he pressed ahead and earned his Capellan citizenship. This while still applying to military academies including NAMA. Once achieved he refused to relinquish it, understanding the importance of both it and the philosophies that underpin it. It is valued because it must be earned. As for remaining quiet on his eventual path, did you consider that it might be wise to keep that quiet and not further cause his parents and younger siblings further risk?”
“If he was planning on picking to come here, then if difficulties befell the traitors who remained behind, so much the better!” Hiro spits out. “I have been the loyal one. I have been the one devoted to the best interests of the Confederation. Why is it that Kato should be the one to carry on the family name and not me?”
Grandfather’s face becomes a mask. “Service is expected from every citizen, each in their way and according to State needs. Yours is a different path. I had expected this to be a pleasant surprise, but I see that is not possible now. Hiro, for your loyal service to the State, during the ceremony that will include Kato’s investiture, you will also be elevated. Further you’ll be offered a command position in the Red Lancers and stationed on the Federation’s capital.”
“You might also consider that unlike you there will be extra scrutiny and distrust of Kato and his family likely for a long time to come. It may be that he comes to need your assistance to vouch for him, the power of that referral solely in your hands. The Confederation is fortunate to have you both. I am asking for you to follow our guiding principles and put the welfare of the State and its citizenry first and end this feud. Will you do this for me?”
Kato offers a solemn nod, and both look over at Hiro.
Hiro’s attitude changes significantly. “Oh. In that case, all right. You ask for this to end, it is ended. I am happy to serve. Do you have need of me still then?”
Grandfather shakes his head. “No. I still have things to discuss with Kato, but you may go Hiro.” With the dismissal, Hiro stands, nods cordially to Kato and leaves.
Kasei takes a moment to find his center after Hiro’s departure and considers Kato. “The words I spoke to Hiro are true. There is a great deal of distrust of foreigners, and despite the circumstances of your birth and your efforts to achieve citizenship despite the risks and challenges, you aren’t going to be viewed without suspicion for a long time if ever. Justin Allard’s betrayal was burned into the psyche of the Confederation, especially the Liao family and those entrusted with the Confederation’s safety. I believe you will overcome it in time, but your wife will receive even greater scrutiny and it will not be comfortable as she is already discovering. You are on the right path. No one said it would be easy though.”
He gets up and strides over to the window looking out. “Given the free choice between you and Hiro, I would still have picked you and it wouldn’t be much of a competition. Hiro doesn’t have the temperament for good rulership and can be goaded into poor choices as your Weiqi game demonstrated. It is a flaw that the State will need to manage, but your brother isn’t without his benefits either. Hiro’s attitudes were set decades ago and while they fit well with the current times, times change, and Hiro adapts poorly.”
He considers. “I think that is enough for now. Remember your duty and know that more testing is to be expected.”
Kato stands and bows. “Thank you for your wisdom, Grandfather.”
Kasei nods. “May you show your wisdom too, for it will be sorely tested in the upcoming days.”
Kato nods acknowledging the advice and leaves.
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Things have clearly changed between Kato and Hiro, much to the relief of the rest of the household. Hiro’s behavior has evolved from one filled with vitriol for his younger brother to being civil. Kato returns the civility in kind and with that out of the way, there is room for warmer and more engaged interactions with his cousins in the 4th.
While the interview of officers and assessments of candidates continue, the pace has slowed at least on that front. The estates welcome several matronly women over the next few days speaking to both Kato and Erin Mae and interacting with the children. The interviews and examinations of both Kato and his wife continue unabated, though as the days pass the focus seems less on Kato and more on Erin Mae. It is something she bears with dignity and grace, but it is clear to those that know her that it’s taking its toll as well.
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The afternoon of the 7th Kato gathers the Rangers present for a briefing. “As you’re aware, Grandfather’s guest is arriving on the 9th. When that occurs, security will be significantly tightened, and we’ll be under lockdown here until after the investiture. Not ideal,” he notes raising his voice slightly to cut off any complaints, “but it’s only a week. We spend more time in effective lockdowns getting to and from planets. So, we’ll have a night on the town tomorrow night. Hit the bars, the clubs, restaurants – whatever you want within reason. We’ll still have our security details. Plan on groups of six to eight. We’ve got a day to get organized so figure it out.”
Author
Topic: Operation INVESTITURE - "5. Intervention" (Read 309 times)