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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 = ([[With Carrion Men]]) }} }} − '''''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 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. Line 33:
Line 33: ====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. Line 42:
Line 42: ====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 refuses to believe it. Line 52:
Line 52: 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 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. − 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 (character)|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. Line 62:
Line 62: 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 as 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 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 (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 81:
Line 81: (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 any 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 multi-sided 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. ====Part 2==== ====Part 2==== Line 100:
Line 100: 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 107: 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 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 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 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. Line 116:
Line 116: ''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 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 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 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 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 (character)|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 (presented as "Richards" in chapter 9 of the novel ''[[Threads of Ambition]]'') − * 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'') + *''[[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== ==Notes== *The identity and motives of the [[Setiwah|cloaked mystery operative]] were later revealed in [[With Carrion Men|another story]]. *The identity and motives of the [[Setiwah|cloaked mystery operative]] were later revealed in [[With Carrion Men|another story]]. − + [[Category:BattleCorps publications]] − [[Category:BattleCorps publications|Art of War, The]] + [[Category:Novels]] − [[Category:Novels|Art of War, The]] + [[Category:Works by Phaedra M. Weldon]] − [[Category:Works by Phaedra M. Weldon|Art of War, The]]
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| 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 = ([[With Carrion Men]]) | ||
}} | }} | ||
| − | '''''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 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 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. | ||
| Line 33: | Line 33: | ||
====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. | ||
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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 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 refuses to believe it. | ||
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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 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. | ||
| − | Richardson is assigned to finding Isis at all costs by Captain [[Warner Doles ( | + | Richardson is assigned to finding Isis at all costs by Captain [[Warner Doles (character)|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. | ||
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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 as 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 ( | + | 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 (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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(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 any deals David may have made in the process). | ||
| − | In the chaotic | + | In the chaotic multi-sided 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. |
====Part 2==== | ====Part 2==== | ||
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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 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 | + | 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 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 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. | ||
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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 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 | + | 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 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 | + | 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 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 ( | + | *[[Warner Doles (character)|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 (presented as "Richards" in chapter 9 of the novel ''[[Threads of Ambition]]'') |
| − | * 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'') | + | *''[[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== | ==Notes== | ||
*The identity and motives of the [[Setiwah|cloaked mystery operative]] were later revealed in [[With Carrion Men|another story]]. | *The identity and motives of the [[Setiwah|cloaked mystery operative]] were later revealed in [[With Carrion Men|another story]]. | ||
| − | + | [[Category:BattleCorps publications]] | |
| − | [[Category:BattleCorps publications | + | [[Category:Novels]] |
| − | [[Category:Novels | + | [[Category:Works by Phaedra M. Weldon]] |
| − | [[Category:Works by Phaedra M. Weldon | ||