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Line 2: | image = | image = | name = | name = − | type = Novel/Serial (10 parts) + | type = Short Stories/Serialized novel | author = [[Phaedra M. Weldon]] | author = [[Phaedra M. Weldon]] | development = | development = Line 18:
Line 18: | content = | content = | era = [[Clan Invasion era]] | era = [[Clan Invasion era]] − | timeline = 26 September - 12 November [[3060]] + | timeline = 26 September-12 November [[3060]] | series = | series = | precededby = | precededby = − | followedby = ([[With Carrion Men]]) + | followedby = }} }} − '''''The Art of War''''' is a multipart story by [[Phaedra M. Weldon]] divided into five "books," published online on [[BattleCorps]] in ten parts. + '''''The Art of War''''' is a multi-part story by [[Phaedra M. Weldon]] divided into five "books", published online on [[BattleCorps]] in altogether ten parts. − It chronicles what happened to [[Isis Marik]] when rogue troops attacked her on [[Hustaing]], an event that sparked the [[Capellan-St. Ives War]] which would eventually see the [[Capellan Confederation]] reclaim their wayward province. + It chronicles what happened when rogue troops attacked [[Isis Marik]] on [[Hustaing]], an event that sparked the [[Capellan-St. Ives War]] which would eventually see the [[Capellan Confederation]] reclaim their wayward province. − − A later story by Phaedra Weldon, ''[[With Carrion Men]]'', could arguably be regarded as a sequel. It continues the tale of [[Aris Sung]] and some other [[Warrior House Hiritsu]] members twelve years later, with some references to the events from ''The Art of War''. ==Plot summary== ==Plot summary== Line 33:
Line 31: ====Part 1==== ====Part 1==== :published 8 February 2005 :published 8 February 2005 − {{quote|''Isis Marik, daughter to the [[Captain-General of the Free Worlds League|Captain-General]] of the [[Free Worlds League]], lost and hunted. This new serial by Phaedra M. Weldon starts the tale of Isis.''}} + {{quote|''Isis Marik, daughter to the [[Captain-General|Captain General]] of the [[Free Worlds League]], lost and hunted. This new serial by Phaedra M. Weldon starts the tale of Isis.''}} − Duchess Isis Marik is visiting the world of [[Hustaing]] on behalf of her fiancé, [[Chancellor]] [[Sun-Tzu Liao]] of the Capellan Confederation. + Duchess Isis Marik is visiting the world of [[Hustaing]] in stead of her fiancé, [[Chancellor]] [[Sun-Tzu Liao]] of the Capellan Confederation. − Hoping to capture the Chancellor who—unbeknownst to them—is actually not even on the planet, rogue elements from the [[St. Ives Compact]], namely the [[Blackwind Lancers]], have attacked her limousine at the Quingliu convention center and killed most of the guards. Warrior House Hiritsu infantryman [[Li Wynn]] rescued Isis Marik from the immediate attack and they have escaped by hijacking a bread delivery truck. + Hoping to capture the Chancellor who—unbeknownst to them—is actually not even on the planet, rogue elements from the [[St. Ives Compact]], namely the [[Blackwind Lancers]], have attacked her limousine at the Quingliu convention center and killed most of the guards. [[Warrior House Hiritsu]] infantryman [[Li Wynn]] rescued Isis Marik from the immediate attack and they have escaped by hijacking a bread delivery truck. However, at the onset of the story the truck has been stopped by enemy troops who have brought the city under their control. Li Wynn surrenders, buying time for Isis to sneak away. She pretends to be a worker from the truck to rebel Sergeant Richardson as she moves off. However, her purse is found in the truck, revealing her identity and sparking a search because she is almost as valuable as a captive as her fiancé. Isis runs and escapes immediate pursuit with the help of two local women, Jade Hollister and April Torsten, following a chance encounter. However, at the onset of the story the truck has been stopped by enemy troops who have brought the city under their control. Li Wynn surrenders, buying time for Isis to sneak away. She pretends to be a worker from the truck to rebel Sergeant Richardson as she moves off. However, her purse is found in the truck, revealing her identity and sparking a search because she is almost as valuable as a captive as her fiancé. Isis runs and escapes immediate pursuit with the help of two local women, Jade Hollister and April Torsten, following a chance encounter. Line 42:
Line 40: ====Part 2==== ====Part 2==== :published 5 April 2005 :published 5 April 2005 − {{quote|''Far from being the Belle of the Ball, Isis Marik, one-time heir to the FWL & Betrothed to the Celestial Wisdom, now hides on a world invaded by renegade forces.''}} + {{quote|''Far from being the Belle of the Ball, Isis Marik, one time heir to the FWL & Betrothed to the Celestial Wisdom, now hides on a world invaded by renegade forces.''}} − With April captured by the soldiers, Jade and an injured Isis drive to a daycare to pick up April's daughter. Richardson makes April call them on Jade's cell phone and informs Isis (who takes the call) that he knows where they are, and that he is now holding both April and Jade's brother David captive. The daycare turns out to be surrounded by [['Mech]]s, tanks and soldiers. Isis can persuade Jade not to hand her over to the soldiers, arguing that she is Jade's only bargaining chip. She also realizes that the Blackwind Lancers desperately need to capture her as a hostage lest their attack on Hustaing will invite a retaliation attack against the St. Ives Compact from the Confederation—something Sun-Tzu Liao is just looking for an excuse to do. Jade even suggests Isis may have been set up for exactly this purpose, but Isis refuses to believe it. + With April captured by the soldiers, Jade and an injured Isis drive to a daycare to pick up April's daughter. Richardson makes April call them on Jade's cell phone and informs Isis (who takes the call) that he knows where they are, and that he is now holding both April and Jade's brother David captive. The daycare turns out to be surrounded by [['Mech]]s, tanks and soldiers. Isis can persuade Jade not to hand her over to the soldiers, arguing that she is Jade's only bargaining chip. She also realizes that the Blackwind Lancers desperately need to capture her as a hostage lest their attack on Hustaing will invite a retaliation attack against the St. Ives Compact from the Confederation—something Sun-Tzu Liao is just looking for an excuse to do. Jade even suggests Isis may have been set up for exactly this purpose, but Isis will hear nothing it. Jade's attempt to extract April's daughter from the daycare fails when a patrolling soldier finds Isis in the parked car, forcing her to flee and abandon Jade. Jade's attempt to extract April's daughter from the daycare fails when a patrolling soldier finds Isis in the parked car, forcing her to flee and abandon Jade. Line 50:
Line 48: :published 19 June 2005 :published 19 June 2005 {{quote|''Phaedra Weldon brings us the continuing story of Isis Marik and her run from the Blackwind Lancers.''}} {{quote|''Phaedra Weldon brings us the continuing story of Isis Marik and her run from the Blackwind Lancers.''}} − Jade was arrested but no sign is found of Isis after her sedan was shot off a bridge and crashed into the river (before the guards realized who was driving). Isis has actually survived the crash, but suffered more injury. After escaping from the sunken car in the dirty river she ends up in the living room of some residents with a nasty infection and is barely conscious. + Jade was arrested but no sign is found of Isis after the sedan was shot off a bridge and crashed into the river (before the guards realized who was driving). Isis has actually survived the crash, but suffered more injury. After escaping from the sunken car in the dirty river she ends up in the living room of some residents with a nasty infection and is barely conscious. − Richardson is assigned to finding Isis at all costs by Captain [[Warner Doles (Blackwind Lancers)|Warner Doles]], as the Blackwind Lancers have little chance to leave the planet alive without her as hostage. Having learned that the Hollisters are involved in illicit dealings he coerces Jade to recruit her brother for the task of helping him find Isis. + Richardson is assigned to finding Isis at all costs by Captain [[Warner Doles]], as the Blackwind Lancers have little chance to leave the planet alive without her as hostage. Having learned that the Hollisters are involved in illicit dealings he coerces Jade to recruit her brother for the task of helping him find Isis. − Meanwhile, Warrior House Hiritsu is trying to recapture the city of Quingliu from the Lancers. Aboard their DropShip ''[[Dainwu]]'' (landed outside the city) Aris Sung receives unofficial permission from House Master [[Ty Wu Non]] to find and rescue Isis on his own. + Meanwhile, Warrior House Hiritsu is trying to recapture the city of Quingliu from the Lancers. Aboard their DropShip ''[[Dainwu]]'' (landed outside the city) [[Aris Sung]] receives unofficial permission from House Master [[Ty Wu Non]] to find and rescue Isis on his own. ===Book 2: Heaven=== ===Book 2: Heaven=== Line 60:
Line 58: :published 24 August 2005 :published 24 August 2005 {{quote|''Hunted by both the Blackwind Lancers and her Capellan protectors, Isis Marik has vanished! Phaedra Weldon now returns us to Hustaing for the next stage in the adventures of a princess in trouble way over her head.''}} {{quote|''Hunted by both the Blackwind Lancers and her Capellan protectors, Isis Marik has vanished! Phaedra Weldon now returns us to Hustaing for the next stage in the adventures of a princess in trouble way over her head.''}} − Wounded, ill and delirious, Isis is hospitalized and drugged. Her benefactors want to evacuate her out of the city where the Lancers are searching for her. By coincidence Jade's brother David Hollister happens to be chosen as the driver, because he is experienced in such shady dealings. + Wounded, ill and delirious, Isis is hospitalized and drugged. Her benefactors want to evacuate her out of the city where the Lancers are searching for her. By coincidence Jade's brother David Hollister happens to be chosen to be the driver because he is experienced in such shady dealings. − Five days after the initial attack, Aris Sung inspects the convention center. In the ruined and beleaguered city and with gangs swarming the area he is in his element, calling back upon his street urchin past. He frees and befriends Robert Cheng, a member of the Zeng gang, who had been captured by the rival Yin gang. Robert does not trust Aris and leads him into a trap but fellow Hiritsu trooper [[Raven Clearwater (Warrior House Hiritsu)|Raven Clearwater]], who had been shadowing them, rescues Aris. When Robert later reappears and gestures them to follow, Aris decides to do so hoping he may have made a contact with the locals after all. They learn that Isis was seen with Jade Hollister. + Five days after initial the attack, Aris Sung inspects the convention center. In the ruined and beleagued city and with gangs swarming the area he is in his element, calling back upon his street urching past. He frees and befriends Robert Cheng, a member of the Zeng gang, who had been captured by the rival Yin gang. However, Robert does not trust Aris and leads him into a trap but fellow Hiritsu trooper [[Raven Clearwater (WH Hiritsu)|Raven Clearwater]] who had been shadowing them rescues Aris. When Robert later reappears and gestures them to follow, Aris decides to do so hoping he may have made a contact with the locals after all. They learn that Isis was seen with Jade Hollister. The Blackwind Lancers have meanwhile fortified the city and dug in. With Hiritsu forces massing outside, Force Leader Richardson can barely spare troops to search for Isis and increases the pressure on his captives, Jade and Li Wynn. The Blackwind Lancers have meanwhile fortified the city and dug in. With Hiritsu forces massing outside, Force Leader Richardson can barely spare troops to search for Isis and increases the pressure on his captives, Jade and Li Wynn. Line 69:
Line 67: :published 19 January 2006 :published 19 January 2006 {{quote|''CAPTURED! Isis is taken once again. Once more, her destiny seems written for her, can this Princess find her way? Story by Phaedra Weldon.''}} {{quote|''CAPTURED! Isis is taken once again. Once more, her destiny seems written for her, can this Princess find her way? Story by Phaedra Weldon.''}} − Captured by David Hollister when he learned of her identity, Isis learns that the Lancers are indeed trying to get hold of her and that various gangs might try to capture her for the money offered. She is increasingly frustrated by the fact that she is on the run instead of being proactive. David, who wants to exchange her for his captive sister, lectures Isis about her being just a catalyst for Sun-Tzu to start a war with the Compact but she still refuses to believe that. + Captured by David Hollister when he learned of her identity, Isis learns that the Lancers are indeed trying to get hold of her and that various gangs might try to capture her for the money offered. She is increasingly frustrated by the fact that she is on the run instead of being proactive. David, who wants to exchange her for his captive sister, lectures Isis about her being just a catalyst for Sun-Tzu to start a war with the Compact but she refuses to believe him. Aris learns from Robert that the Lancers led by Richardson have captured Jade Hollister, and that David Hollister has Isis Marik and intends to exchange her for Jade. Aris learns from Robert that the Lancers led by Richardson have captured Jade Hollister, and that David Hollister has Isis Marik and intends to exchange her for Jade. Line 79:
Line 77: A week of fighting House Hiritsu has taken a heavy toll on the entrenched Blackwind Lancers. To Richardson's surprise it had been Isis Marik herself who had called him up and arranged for an exchange, naming Shou Lao Mountain as the place. Several gangs are massing there as well hoping to capture Isis, including the murderous Fan-K'uei gang and Aris, Raven and the Zeng. Aris successfully frees Jade from the Lancer VTOL at the mountain top. A week of fighting House Hiritsu has taken a heavy toll on the entrenched Blackwind Lancers. To Richardson's surprise it had been Isis Marik herself who had called him up and arranged for an exchange, naming Shou Lao Mountain as the place. Several gangs are massing there as well hoping to capture Isis, including the murderous Fan-K'uei gang and Aris, Raven and the Zeng. Aris successfully frees Jade from the Lancer VTOL at the mountain top. − (Isis has in fact assumed leadership of several gangs together with David Hollister in an attempt of her own to rescue Jade. David's car had come under fire from enemy BattleMechs during their escape from the city and David fell unconscious when it veered off the road. After she saved David's life, Isis took the initiative and called Richardson to make a deal of her own, voiding any deals David may have made in the process).+ Isis has in fact assumed leadership of several gangs together with David Hollister in an attempt of her own to rescue Jade. David's car had come under fire from enemy BattleMechs during their escape from the city and David fell unconscious when it veered off the road. After she saved David's life, Isis took the initiative and called Richardson to make a deal of her own (voiding and deals David may have made in the process). − In the chaotic multisided fighting between the Lancers, the two Hiritsu operatives, and various gangs with uncertain loyalties that soon ensues on the mountain top, Isis is eventually captured by the dreaded Fan-K'uei, with Jade, Aris and Raven in pursuit and David Hollister wounded. + In the chaotic fighting among the Lancers, the two Hiritsu operatives, and various gangs with uncertain loyalties that soon ensues on the mountain top, Isis is eventually captured by the dreaded Fan-K'uei, with Jade, Aris and Raven in pursuit and David Hollister wounded. ====Part 2==== ====Part 2==== :published 24 July 2007 :published 24 July 2007 − {{quote|''Aris Sung does not lose. But Isis Marik's captors are threatening to prove him wrong; the Fan K'uei are doing a very good job of blocking his way. In order to rescue Isis from her captors, Aris will need to take chances with life and death...''}} + {{quote|''[[Aris Sung]] does not lose. But Isis Marik's captors are threatening to prove him wrong; the Fan K'uei are doing a very good job of blocking his way. In order to rescue Isis from her captors, Aris will need to take chances with life and death...''}} − Surrounded by at least six enemies who have taken Raven Clearwater hostage, Aris opens fire with both a laser and a [[Nakjama]] needler, downing all enemies save one behind him who in turn wounds Aris (lightly) just before being shot by Jade Hollister. Robert is also present and they briefly discuss that Isis was captured by Awun, the Fan-K'uei leader. Their talk is interrupted by none other than Richardson who offers a deal: He knows where Awun is taking Isis and David, and offers to help in exchange for anonymity in his superiors' folly to launch this attack. The "negotiations" between Richardson and the others go badly, resulting in Aris killing two more of Richardson's troopers, before they reach an understanding after all. + Surrounded by at least six enemies who have taken Raven Clearwater hostage, he opens fire with both a laser and a [[Nakjama]] needler, downing all enemies save one behind him who in turn wounds Aris (lightly) just before being shot by Jade Hollister. Robert is also present and they briefly discuss that Isis was captured by Awun, the Fan-K'uei leader. Their talk is interrupted by none other than Richardson who offers a deal: He knows where Awun is taking Isis and David, and offers to help in exchange for anonymity in his superiors' folly to launch this attack. The "negotiations" between Richardson and the others go badly, resulting in Aris killing two more of Richardson's troopers, before they reach an understanding after all. − Isis is held captive together with David Hollister, who tells her that Awun's real name is Vincent Boudreaux Peed. The unattractive Vincent/Awun went to high school with the Hollisters, and developed a mad crush on the beautiful Jade, "the one thing he can't have", for she was the only one who treated him kindly. When she would not go out with him, Awun left school and became a particularly cruel gang leader, renowned for gross rape and murder. + Isis is held captive together with David Hollister, who tells her that Awun's real name is Vincent Boudreaux Peed. The unattractive Vincent/Awun went to high school with the Hollisters, and developed a mad crush on the beautiful Jade—"the one thing he can't have", in his words, for she was the only one who treated him kindly. When she would not go out with him, Awun left school and became a particularly cruel gang leader, renowned for gross rape and murder. ===Book 4: Commander=== ===Book 4: Commander=== Line 100:
Line 98: Shortly before midnight, Aris finds while watching from afar that the guards at the warehouse are dressed up as Fan-K'uei, but their jackets do not fit well. Jade confirms his suspicions when she identifies one of the men as a member of the Yins. Aris, Jade, Raven and Richard discuss the relationships among the gangs and Richardson, and Robert mentions to the astonished others that the Ch'in leader is Awun's sister while the Yins' leader is Awun's nephew—obviously it is Richardson who is being played for a fool by the gangs who unbeknownst to him actually have family ties. Shortly before midnight, Aris finds while watching from afar that the guards at the warehouse are dressed up as Fan-K'uei, but their jackets do not fit well. Jade confirms his suspicions when she identifies one of the men as a member of the Yins. Aris, Jade, Raven and Richard discuss the relationships among the gangs and Richardson, and Robert mentions to the astonished others that the Ch'in leader is Awun's sister while the Yins' leader is Awun's nephew—obviously it is Richardson who is being played for a fool by the gangs who unbeknownst to him actually have family ties. − Suddenly, Aris witnesses an unseen attacker in what seems to be a cloaking suit kill the false Fan-K'uei guards. Shortly afterwards, Richardson's forces attack the warehouse complex and chaos ensues. + Suddenly, Aris witnesses an unseed attacker in what seems to be a cloaking suit kill the false Fan-K'uei guards. Shortly afterwards, Richardson's forces attack the warehouse complex and chaos ensues. ====Part 2==== ====Part 2==== Line 107:
Line 105: With Aris's rescue party led down a wrong path (towards a trap by Richardson's men) by false leads, Richardson's force enter the warehouse but when they reach Isis's cell they find it empty. Thinking that he was betrayed, Richardson orders his men to hunt for the next best hostage, Awun, instead. At the same time, Isis and David—wounded and ill—are moving through the apparently deserted complex. Aris and Robert, as well as Raven and Jade, also search the area and come across many dead bodies with slit throats, well aware that something is seriously amiss. With Aris's rescue party led down a wrong path (towards a trap by Richardson's men) by false leads, Richardson's force enter the warehouse but when they reach Isis's cell they find it empty. Thinking that he was betrayed, Richardson orders his men to hunt for the next best hostage, Awun, instead. At the same time, Isis and David—wounded and ill—are moving through the apparently deserted complex. Aris and Robert, as well as Raven and Jade, also search the area and come across many dead bodies with slit throats, well aware that something is seriously amiss. − Isis and David run into Awun, who easily overpowers them, but then Awun is confronted by Richardson. Both accuse the other man of having broken their agreement and Richardson shoots Awun after a short exchange, only to be confronted by Aris Sung in turn. Their blade fight where they wound each other is interrupted by the arrival of Jade and Raven. Thinking the motionless David dead, Jade launches herself at Richardson. Isis shoots at Richardson, too, but accidentally hits Jade, killing her. She is then carried off by Raven. + Isis and David run into Awun, who easily overpowers them, but then they are confronted by Richardson. Both accuse the other man of having broken their agreement and Richardson shoots Awun after a short exchange, only to be confronted by Aris Sung in turn. Their blade fight where they wound each other is interrupted by the arrival of Jade and Raven. Thinking the motionless David dead, Jade launches herself at Richardson. Isis shoots at Richardson, too, but accidentially hits Jade, killing her. She is then carried off by Raven. − Aris and Richardson continue their fight. Richardson gains the upper hand, but just before he can deliver a killing blow he is killed by an unseen person; Aris only sees a shimmering in the dark just like he saw through his binoculars earlier when the guards were killed. He sees the shimmer wait by Richardson's dead body, but Raven (carrying Isis) urges him to leave. On their way back they meet some thirty Zheng and Ch'in-Shu-Pao, with Robert and a diminutive woman leading them, but they are friendly and escort them away. + Aris and Richardson continue their fight. Richardson gains the upper hand, but just before he can deliver a killing blow he is killed by an unseen person; Aris only sees a shimmering in the dark just like he saw through his binoculars earlier when the guards were killed. He sees the shimmering wait by Richardson's dead body, but Raven (carrying Isis) urges him to leave. On their way back they meet some thirty Zheng and Ch'in-Shu-Pao, with Robert and a diminutive woman leading them, but they are friendly and escort them away. ===Book 5: Method and Discipline=== ===Book 5: Method and Discipline=== Line 116:
Line 114: ''Nor is Isis the only Capellan haunted by ghosts of Hustaing...''}} ''Nor is Isis the only Capellan haunted by ghosts of Hustaing...''}} − On 12 November 3060, Isis Marik boards the ''[[Pearl of True Wisdom]]'' to leave Hustaing. She nearly collapses once she is aboard the ship and demands Aris escort her to her quarters (instead of the infirmary as suggested by him). He refuses, feeling that being alone with the Chancellor's fiancée in her quarters would be out of bounds for him. He does answer her questions about David (who is in a hospital now, and may eventually recover), Jade (whose ashes were scattered as the day began) and Robert (who has vanished). He also relates to her that Raven told him and David how Jade died—a Blackwind Lancer shot her at point-blank range and was in turn shot by Isis. Aris adds that this makes Isis a hero for the Hollister family. + On 12 November 3060, Isis Marik boards the ''[[Pearl of Wisdom]]'' to leave Hustaing. She nearly collapses once she is aboard the ship and demands Aris escort her to her quarters (instead of the infirmary as suggested by him). He refuses, feeling that being alone with the Chancellor's fiancé in her quarters would be out of bounds for him. He does answer her questions about David (who is in a hospital now, and may eventually recover), Jade (whose ashes were scattered as the day began) and Robert (who has vanished). He also relates to her that Raven told him and David how Jade died—a Blackwind Lancer shot her at pointblank range and was in turn shot by Isis. Aris adds that this makes Isis a hero for the Hollister family. − Somewhat shocked over this fabrication, Isis retreats to her quarters with intense feelings of guilt. Eventually she recovers and begins to understand her survival as a duty to those who died, having matured throughout her ordeal. She also coolly admits to herself that it seems very likely that Sun-Tzu had really set her up to be killed. + Somewhat shocked over this fabriaction, Isis retreats to her quarters with intense feelings of guilt. Eventually she recovers and begins to understand her survival as a duty to those who died, having matured throughout her ordeal. She also cooly admits to herself that it seems very likely that Sun-Tzu had really set her up to be killed. − Aris meanwhile talks to Ty Wu Non, who confirms that only Aris was (informally) allowed to try to rescue Isis Marik and that Raven Clearwater made the decision to join him by herself; none other were sent out. The identity of the mysterious operative who appeared as just a shimmer and who saved Aris (and Isis) from Richardson, then let Aris live, remains unresolved. + Aris meanwhile talks to Ty Wo Non, who confirms that only Aris was (informally) allowed to try to rescue Isis Marik and that Raven Clearwater made the decision to join him by herself; none other were sent out. The identity of the mysterious operative who appeared as just a shimmer and who saved Aris (and Isis) from Richardson, then let Aris live, remains unresolved. ==Featured Characters== ==Featured Characters== − * Robert Cheng + *Robert Cheng − * [[Raven Clearwater (Warrior House Hiritsu)]] + *[[Raven Clearwater (WH Hiritsu)]] − * [[Warner Doles (Blackwind Lancers)|Warner Doles]] + *[[Warner Doles]] − * David Hollister + *David Hollister − * Jade Hollister + *Jade Hollister − * [[Isis Marik]] + *[[Isis Marik]] − * [[Ty Wu Non]] + *[[Ty Wu Non]] − * Erik Richardson (presented as "Richards" in chapter 9 of the novel ''[[Threads of Ambition]]'') + *Erik Richardson − * Smithson + *Smithson − * [[Aris Sung]] + *[[Aris Sung]] − * [[Li Wynn]] + *[[Li Wynn]] ==Featured BattleTech== ==Featured BattleTech== ===BattleMechs=== ===BattleMechs=== − * ''[[Grasshopper]]'' + *''[[Grasshopper]]'' − * ''[[JagerMech]]'' + *''[[JagerMech]]'' − * ''[[Watchman]]'' + *''[[Watchman]]'' − * ''[[Wraith]]'' (mentioned) + *''[[Wraith]]'' (mentioned) − ===Vehicles=== ===Vehicles=== *[[Hetzer Wheeled Assault Gun]] *[[Hetzer Wheeled Assault Gun]] − ===Other=== ===Other=== − * ''[[Lung Wang]]''-class [[DropShip]] ''[[Pearl of True Wisdom]]'' (frequently referred to as ''Pearl of Wisdom'' or simply ''Pearl'')+ *''[[Overlord]]''-class [[DropShip]] ''[[Dainwu]]'' − * ''[[Overlord]]''-class [[DropShip]] ''[[Dainwu]]'' − − ==Notes== − *The identity and motives of the [[Setiwah|cloaked mystery operative]] were later revealed in [[With Carrion Men|another story]]. − − [[Category:BattleCorps publications|Art of War, The]] + [[Category:BattleCorps publications]] − [[Category:Novels|Art of War, The]] + [[Category:Short Stories]] − [[Category:Works by Phaedra M. Weldon|Art of War, The]] + [[Category:Works by Phaedra M. Weldon]]
The edit can be undone. Please check the comparison below to verify that this is what you want to do, and then save the changes below to finish undoing the edit.
| Latest revision | Your text | ||
| Line 2: | Line 2: | ||
| image = | | image = | ||
| name = | | name = | ||
| − | | type = | + | | type = Short Stories/Serialized novel |
| author = [[Phaedra M. Weldon]] | | author = [[Phaedra M. Weldon]] | ||
| development = | | development = | ||
| Line 18: | Line 18: | ||
| content = | | content = | ||
| era = [[Clan Invasion era]] | | era = [[Clan Invasion era]] | ||
| − | | timeline = 26 September - 12 November [[3060]] | + | | timeline = 26 September-12 November [[3060]] |
| series = | | series = | ||
| precededby = | | precededby = | ||
| − | | followedby = | + | | followedby = |
}} | }} | ||
| − | '''''The Art of War''''' is a | + | '''''The Art of War''''' is a multi-part story by [[Phaedra M. Weldon]] divided into five "books", published online on [[BattleCorps]] in altogether ten parts. |
| − | It chronicles what happened | + | It chronicles what happened when rogue troops attacked [[Isis Marik]] on [[Hustaing]], an event that sparked the [[Capellan-St. Ives War]] which would eventually see the [[Capellan Confederation]] reclaim their wayward province. |
| − | |||
| − | |||
==Plot summary== | ==Plot summary== | ||
| Line 33: | Line 31: | ||
====Part 1==== | ====Part 1==== | ||
:published 8 February 2005 | :published 8 February 2005 | ||
| − | {{quote|''Isis Marik, daughter to the [[Captain-General | + | {{quote|''Isis Marik, daughter to the [[Captain-General|Captain General]] of the [[Free Worlds League]], lost and hunted. This new serial by Phaedra M. Weldon starts the tale of Isis.''}} |
| − | Duchess Isis Marik is visiting the world of [[Hustaing]] | + | Duchess Isis Marik is visiting the world of [[Hustaing]] in stead of her fiancé, [[Chancellor]] [[Sun-Tzu Liao]] of the Capellan Confederation. |
| − | Hoping to capture the Chancellor who—unbeknownst to them—is actually not even on the planet, rogue elements from the [[St. Ives Compact]], namely the [[Blackwind Lancers]], have attacked her limousine at the Quingliu convention center and killed most of the guards. Warrior House Hiritsu infantryman [[Li Wynn]] rescued Isis Marik from the immediate attack and they have escaped by hijacking a bread delivery truck. | + | Hoping to capture the Chancellor who—unbeknownst to them—is actually not even on the planet, rogue elements from the [[St. Ives Compact]], namely the [[Blackwind Lancers]], have attacked her limousine at the Quingliu convention center and killed most of the guards. [[Warrior House Hiritsu]] infantryman [[Li Wynn]] rescued Isis Marik from the immediate attack and they have escaped by hijacking a bread delivery truck. |
However, at the onset of the story the truck has been stopped by enemy troops who have brought the city under their control. Li Wynn surrenders, buying time for Isis to sneak away. She pretends to be a worker from the truck to rebel Sergeant Richardson as she moves off. However, her purse is found in the truck, revealing her identity and sparking a search because she is almost as valuable as a captive as her fiancé. Isis runs and escapes immediate pursuit with the help of two local women, Jade Hollister and April Torsten, following a chance encounter. | However, at the onset of the story the truck has been stopped by enemy troops who have brought the city under their control. Li Wynn surrenders, buying time for Isis to sneak away. She pretends to be a worker from the truck to rebel Sergeant Richardson as she moves off. However, her purse is found in the truck, revealing her identity and sparking a search because she is almost as valuable as a captive as her fiancé. Isis runs and escapes immediate pursuit with the help of two local women, Jade Hollister and April Torsten, following a chance encounter. | ||
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====Part 2==== | ====Part 2==== | ||
:published 5 April 2005 | :published 5 April 2005 | ||
| − | {{quote|''Far from being the Belle of the Ball, Isis Marik, one | + | {{quote|''Far from being the Belle of the Ball, Isis Marik, one time heir to the FWL & Betrothed to the Celestial Wisdom, now hides on a world invaded by renegade forces.''}} |
| − | With April captured by the soldiers, Jade and an injured Isis drive to a daycare to pick up April's daughter. Richardson makes April call them on Jade's cell phone and informs Isis (who takes the call) that he knows where they are, and that he is now holding both April and Jade's brother David captive. The daycare turns out to be surrounded by [['Mech]]s, tanks and soldiers. Isis can persuade Jade not to hand her over to the soldiers, arguing that she is Jade's only bargaining chip. She also realizes that the Blackwind Lancers desperately need to capture her as a hostage lest their attack on Hustaing will invite a retaliation attack against the St. Ives Compact from the Confederation—something Sun-Tzu Liao is just looking for an excuse to do. Jade even suggests Isis may have been set up for exactly this purpose, but Isis | + | With April captured by the soldiers, Jade and an injured Isis drive to a daycare to pick up April's daughter. Richardson makes April call them on Jade's cell phone and informs Isis (who takes the call) that he knows where they are, and that he is now holding both April and Jade's brother David captive. The daycare turns out to be surrounded by [['Mech]]s, tanks and soldiers. Isis can persuade Jade not to hand her over to the soldiers, arguing that she is Jade's only bargaining chip. She also realizes that the Blackwind Lancers desperately need to capture her as a hostage lest their attack on Hustaing will invite a retaliation attack against the St. Ives Compact from the Confederation—something Sun-Tzu Liao is just looking for an excuse to do. Jade even suggests Isis may have been set up for exactly this purpose, but Isis will hear nothing it. |
Jade's attempt to extract April's daughter from the daycare fails when a patrolling soldier finds Isis in the parked car, forcing her to flee and abandon Jade. | Jade's attempt to extract April's daughter from the daycare fails when a patrolling soldier finds Isis in the parked car, forcing her to flee and abandon Jade. | ||
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:published 19 June 2005 | :published 19 June 2005 | ||
{{quote|''Phaedra Weldon brings us the continuing story of Isis Marik and her run from the Blackwind Lancers.''}} | {{quote|''Phaedra Weldon brings us the continuing story of Isis Marik and her run from the Blackwind Lancers.''}} | ||
| − | Jade was arrested but no sign is found of Isis after | + | Jade was arrested but no sign is found of Isis after the sedan was shot off a bridge and crashed into the river (before the guards realized who was driving). Isis has actually survived the crash, but suffered more injury. After escaping from the sunken car in the dirty river she ends up in the living room of some residents with a nasty infection and is barely conscious. |
| − | Richardson is assigned to finding Isis at all costs by Captain [[ | + | Richardson is assigned to finding Isis at all costs by Captain [[Warner Doles]], as the Blackwind Lancers have little chance to leave the planet alive without her as hostage. Having learned that the Hollisters are involved in illicit dealings he coerces Jade to recruit her brother for the task of helping him find Isis. |
| − | Meanwhile, Warrior House Hiritsu is trying to recapture the city of Quingliu from the Lancers. Aboard their DropShip ''[[Dainwu]]'' (landed outside the city) Aris Sung receives unofficial permission from House Master [[Ty Wu Non]] to find and rescue Isis on his own. | + | Meanwhile, Warrior House Hiritsu is trying to recapture the city of Quingliu from the Lancers. Aboard their DropShip ''[[Dainwu]]'' (landed outside the city) [[Aris Sung]] receives unofficial permission from House Master [[Ty Wu Non]] to find and rescue Isis on his own. |
===Book 2: Heaven=== | ===Book 2: Heaven=== | ||
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:published 24 August 2005 | :published 24 August 2005 | ||
{{quote|''Hunted by both the Blackwind Lancers and her Capellan protectors, Isis Marik has vanished! Phaedra Weldon now returns us to Hustaing for the next stage in the adventures of a princess in trouble way over her head.''}} | {{quote|''Hunted by both the Blackwind Lancers and her Capellan protectors, Isis Marik has vanished! Phaedra Weldon now returns us to Hustaing for the next stage in the adventures of a princess in trouble way over her head.''}} | ||
| − | Wounded, ill and delirious, Isis is hospitalized and drugged. Her benefactors want to evacuate her out of the city where the Lancers are searching for her. By coincidence Jade's brother David Hollister happens to be chosen | + | Wounded, ill and delirious, Isis is hospitalized and drugged. Her benefactors want to evacuate her out of the city where the Lancers are searching for her. By coincidence Jade's brother David Hollister happens to be chosen to be the driver because he is experienced in such shady dealings. |
| − | Five days after the | + | Five days after initial the attack, Aris Sung inspects the convention center. In the ruined and beleagued city and with gangs swarming the area he is in his element, calling back upon his street urching past. He frees and befriends Robert Cheng, a member of the Zeng gang, who had been captured by the rival Yin gang. However, Robert does not trust Aris and leads him into a trap but fellow Hiritsu trooper [[Raven Clearwater (WH Hiritsu)|Raven Clearwater]] who had been shadowing them rescues Aris. When Robert later reappears and gestures them to follow, Aris decides to do so hoping he may have made a contact with the locals after all. They learn that Isis was seen with Jade Hollister. |
The Blackwind Lancers have meanwhile fortified the city and dug in. With Hiritsu forces massing outside, Force Leader Richardson can barely spare troops to search for Isis and increases the pressure on his captives, Jade and Li Wynn. | The Blackwind Lancers have meanwhile fortified the city and dug in. With Hiritsu forces massing outside, Force Leader Richardson can barely spare troops to search for Isis and increases the pressure on his captives, Jade and Li Wynn. | ||
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:published 19 January 2006 | :published 19 January 2006 | ||
{{quote|''CAPTURED! Isis is taken once again. Once more, her destiny seems written for her, can this Princess find her way? Story by Phaedra Weldon.''}} | {{quote|''CAPTURED! Isis is taken once again. Once more, her destiny seems written for her, can this Princess find her way? Story by Phaedra Weldon.''}} | ||
| − | Captured by David Hollister when he learned of her identity, Isis learns that the Lancers are indeed trying to get hold of her and that various gangs might try to capture her for the money offered. She is increasingly frustrated by the fact that she is on the run instead of being proactive. David, who wants to exchange her for his captive sister, lectures Isis about her being just a catalyst for Sun-Tzu to start a war with the Compact but she | + | Captured by David Hollister when he learned of her identity, Isis learns that the Lancers are indeed trying to get hold of her and that various gangs might try to capture her for the money offered. She is increasingly frustrated by the fact that she is on the run instead of being proactive. David, who wants to exchange her for his captive sister, lectures Isis about her being just a catalyst for Sun-Tzu to start a war with the Compact but she refuses to believe him. |
Aris learns from Robert that the Lancers led by Richardson have captured Jade Hollister, and that David Hollister has Isis Marik and intends to exchange her for Jade. | Aris learns from Robert that the Lancers led by Richardson have captured Jade Hollister, and that David Hollister has Isis Marik and intends to exchange her for Jade. | ||
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A week of fighting House Hiritsu has taken a heavy toll on the entrenched Blackwind Lancers. To Richardson's surprise it had been Isis Marik herself who had called him up and arranged for an exchange, naming Shou Lao Mountain as the place. Several gangs are massing there as well hoping to capture Isis, including the murderous Fan-K'uei gang and Aris, Raven and the Zeng. Aris successfully frees Jade from the Lancer VTOL at the mountain top. | A week of fighting House Hiritsu has taken a heavy toll on the entrenched Blackwind Lancers. To Richardson's surprise it had been Isis Marik herself who had called him up and arranged for an exchange, naming Shou Lao Mountain as the place. Several gangs are massing there as well hoping to capture Isis, including the murderous Fan-K'uei gang and Aris, Raven and the Zeng. Aris successfully frees Jade from the Lancer VTOL at the mountain top. | ||
| − | + | Isis has in fact assumed leadership of several gangs together with David Hollister in an attempt of her own to rescue Jade. David's car had come under fire from enemy BattleMechs during their escape from the city and David fell unconscious when it veered off the road. After she saved David's life, Isis took the initiative and called Richardson to make a deal of her own (voiding and deals David may have made in the process). | |
| − | In the chaotic | + | In the chaotic fighting among the Lancers, the two Hiritsu operatives, and various gangs with uncertain loyalties that soon ensues on the mountain top, Isis is eventually captured by the dreaded Fan-K'uei, with Jade, Aris and Raven in pursuit and David Hollister wounded. |
====Part 2==== | ====Part 2==== | ||
:published 24 July 2007 | :published 24 July 2007 | ||
| − | {{quote|''Aris Sung does not lose. But Isis Marik's captors are threatening to prove him wrong; the Fan K'uei are doing a very good job of blocking his way. In order to rescue Isis from her captors, Aris will need to take chances with life and death...''}} | + | {{quote|''[[Aris Sung]] does not lose. But Isis Marik's captors are threatening to prove him wrong; the Fan K'uei are doing a very good job of blocking his way. In order to rescue Isis from her captors, Aris will need to take chances with life and death...''}} |
| − | Surrounded by at least six enemies who have taken Raven Clearwater hostage, | + | Surrounded by at least six enemies who have taken Raven Clearwater hostage, he opens fire with both a laser and a [[Nakjama]] needler, downing all enemies save one behind him who in turn wounds Aris (lightly) just before being shot by Jade Hollister. Robert is also present and they briefly discuss that Isis was captured by Awun, the Fan-K'uei leader. Their talk is interrupted by none other than Richardson who offers a deal: He knows where Awun is taking Isis and David, and offers to help in exchange for anonymity in his superiors' folly to launch this attack. The "negotiations" between Richardson and the others go badly, resulting in Aris killing two more of Richardson's troopers, before they reach an understanding after all. |
| − | Isis is held captive together with David Hollister, who tells her that Awun's real name is Vincent Boudreaux Peed. The unattractive Vincent/Awun went to high school with the Hollisters, and developed a mad crush on the beautiful | + | Isis is held captive together with David Hollister, who tells her that Awun's real name is Vincent Boudreaux Peed. The unattractive Vincent/Awun went to high school with the Hollisters, and developed a mad crush on the beautiful Jade—"the one thing he can't have", in his words, for she was the only one who treated him kindly. When she would not go out with him, Awun left school and became a particularly cruel gang leader, renowned for gross rape and murder. |
===Book 4: Commander=== | ===Book 4: Commander=== | ||
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Shortly before midnight, Aris finds while watching from afar that the guards at the warehouse are dressed up as Fan-K'uei, but their jackets do not fit well. Jade confirms his suspicions when she identifies one of the men as a member of the Yins. Aris, Jade, Raven and Richard discuss the relationships among the gangs and Richardson, and Robert mentions to the astonished others that the Ch'in leader is Awun's sister while the Yins' leader is Awun's nephew—obviously it is Richardson who is being played for a fool by the gangs who unbeknownst to him actually have family ties. | Shortly before midnight, Aris finds while watching from afar that the guards at the warehouse are dressed up as Fan-K'uei, but their jackets do not fit well. Jade confirms his suspicions when she identifies one of the men as a member of the Yins. Aris, Jade, Raven and Richard discuss the relationships among the gangs and Richardson, and Robert mentions to the astonished others that the Ch'in leader is Awun's sister while the Yins' leader is Awun's nephew—obviously it is Richardson who is being played for a fool by the gangs who unbeknownst to him actually have family ties. | ||
| − | Suddenly, Aris witnesses an | + | Suddenly, Aris witnesses an unseed attacker in what seems to be a cloaking suit kill the false Fan-K'uei guards. Shortly afterwards, Richardson's forces attack the warehouse complex and chaos ensues. |
====Part 2==== | ====Part 2==== | ||
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With Aris's rescue party led down a wrong path (towards a trap by Richardson's men) by false leads, Richardson's force enter the warehouse but when they reach Isis's cell they find it empty. Thinking that he was betrayed, Richardson orders his men to hunt for the next best hostage, Awun, instead. At the same time, Isis and David—wounded and ill—are moving through the apparently deserted complex. Aris and Robert, as well as Raven and Jade, also search the area and come across many dead bodies with slit throats, well aware that something is seriously amiss. | With Aris's rescue party led down a wrong path (towards a trap by Richardson's men) by false leads, Richardson's force enter the warehouse but when they reach Isis's cell they find it empty. Thinking that he was betrayed, Richardson orders his men to hunt for the next best hostage, Awun, instead. At the same time, Isis and David—wounded and ill—are moving through the apparently deserted complex. Aris and Robert, as well as Raven and Jade, also search the area and come across many dead bodies with slit throats, well aware that something is seriously amiss. | ||
| − | Isis and David run into Awun, who easily overpowers them, but then | + | Isis and David run into Awun, who easily overpowers them, but then they are confronted by Richardson. Both accuse the other man of having broken their agreement and Richardson shoots Awun after a short exchange, only to be confronted by Aris Sung in turn. Their blade fight where they wound each other is interrupted by the arrival of Jade and Raven. Thinking the motionless David dead, Jade launches herself at Richardson. Isis shoots at Richardson, too, but accidentially hits Jade, killing her. She is then carried off by Raven. |
| − | Aris and Richardson continue their fight. Richardson gains the upper hand, but just before he can deliver a killing blow he is killed by an unseen person; Aris only sees a shimmering in the dark just like he saw through his binoculars earlier when the guards were killed. He sees the | + | Aris and Richardson continue their fight. Richardson gains the upper hand, but just before he can deliver a killing blow he is killed by an unseen person; Aris only sees a shimmering in the dark just like he saw through his binoculars earlier when the guards were killed. He sees the shimmering wait by Richardson's dead body, but Raven (carrying Isis) urges him to leave. On their way back they meet some thirty Zheng and Ch'in-Shu-Pao, with Robert and a diminutive woman leading them, but they are friendly and escort them away. |
===Book 5: Method and Discipline=== | ===Book 5: Method and Discipline=== | ||
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''Nor is Isis the only Capellan haunted by ghosts of Hustaing...''}} | ''Nor is Isis the only Capellan haunted by ghosts of Hustaing...''}} | ||
| − | On 12 November 3060, Isis Marik boards the ''[[Pearl of | + | On 12 November 3060, Isis Marik boards the ''[[Pearl of Wisdom]]'' to leave Hustaing. She nearly collapses once she is aboard the ship and demands Aris escort her to her quarters (instead of the infirmary as suggested by him). He refuses, feeling that being alone with the Chancellor's fiancé in her quarters would be out of bounds for him. He does answer her questions about David (who is in a hospital now, and may eventually recover), Jade (whose ashes were scattered as the day began) and Robert (who has vanished). He also relates to her that Raven told him and David how Jade died—a Blackwind Lancer shot her at pointblank range and was in turn shot by Isis. Aris adds that this makes Isis a hero for the Hollister family. |
| − | Somewhat shocked over this | + | Somewhat shocked over this fabriaction, Isis retreats to her quarters with intense feelings of guilt. Eventually she recovers and begins to understand her survival as a duty to those who died, having matured throughout her ordeal. She also cooly admits to herself that it seems very likely that Sun-Tzu had really set her up to be killed. |
| − | Aris meanwhile talks to Ty | + | Aris meanwhile talks to Ty Wo Non, who confirms that only Aris was (informally) allowed to try to rescue Isis Marik and that Raven Clearwater made the decision to join him by herself; none other were sent out. The identity of the mysterious operative who appeared as just a shimmer and who saved Aris (and Isis) from Richardson, then let Aris live, remains unresolved. |
==Featured Characters== | ==Featured Characters== | ||
| − | * Robert Cheng | + | *Robert Cheng |
| − | * [[Raven Clearwater ( | + | *[[Raven Clearwater (WH Hiritsu)]] |
| − | * [[ | + | *[[Warner Doles]] |
| − | * David Hollister | + | *David Hollister |
| − | * Jade Hollister | + | *Jade Hollister |
| − | * [[Isis Marik]] | + | *[[Isis Marik]] |
| − | * [[Ty Wu Non]] | + | *[[Ty Wu Non]] |
| − | * Erik Richardson | + | *Erik Richardson |
| − | * Smithson | + | *Smithson |
| − | * [[Aris Sung]] | + | *[[Aris Sung]] |
| − | * [[Li Wynn]] | + | *[[Li Wynn]] |
==Featured BattleTech== | ==Featured BattleTech== | ||
===BattleMechs=== | ===BattleMechs=== | ||
| − | * ''[[Grasshopper]]'' | + | *''[[Grasshopper]]'' |
| − | * ''[[JagerMech]]'' | + | *''[[JagerMech]]'' |
| − | * ''[[Watchman]]'' | + | *''[[Watchman]]'' |
| − | * ''[[Wraith]]'' (mentioned) | + | *''[[Wraith]]'' (mentioned) |
| − | |||
===Vehicles=== | ===Vehicles=== | ||
*[[Hetzer Wheeled Assault Gun]] | *[[Hetzer Wheeled Assault Gun]] | ||
| − | |||
===Other=== | ===Other=== | ||
| − | + | *''[[Overlord]]''-class [[DropShip]] ''[[Dainwu]]'' | |
| − | * ''[[Overlord]]''-class [[DropShip]] ''[[Dainwu]]'' | ||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | |||
| − | [[Category:BattleCorps publications | + | [[Category:BattleCorps publications]] |
| − | [[Category: | + | [[Category:Short Stories]] |
| − | [[Category:Works by Phaedra M. Weldon | + | [[Category:Works by Phaedra M. Weldon]] |