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Rating:
Mature
Archive Warnings:
Graphic Depictions Of ViolenceMajor Character Death
Fandoms:
幼女戦記 | Youjo Senki | Saga of Tanya the Evil - Carlo Zen (Light Novels)Classic Battletech (Tabletop RPG)幼女戦記 | Youjo Senki | Saga of Tanya the Evil (Anime)
Characters:
Hanse DavionVictor Steiner-DavionKai Allard-LiaoKatherineTanya von Degurechaff
Additional Tags:
Federated CommonwealthMelissa Steiner - FreeformCrossoverMechwarrior - FreeformUlric Kerensky - Freeform
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English
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Published:2025-01-17Updated:2026-05-04Words:522,061Chapters:96/?Comments:664Kudos:776Bookmarks:250Hits:67,705
A Young Woman's Defense of the Inner Sphere
Failninjaninja
Chapter 3
Chapter Text
Chapter 3
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
April 2nd 3041
"They want the Com Guards on every Lyran world now, not just the Federated Suns? Why?" Hanse demanded.
Justin Allard pulled up the display and showed the news reports from the planet Ko.
"Terrorists – a separatist faction of the Free Skye movement – attacked an HPG facility. That's the excuse they're using," Justin answered the First Prince.
"Is there proof it was Skye Separatists? Why would they target a ComStar facility?"
"It likely wasn't actual Skye Separatists, but the evidence they gathered is enough to hold up in the court of public opinion. Ryan Steiner demanding that the Skye region 'cease senseless violence' and 'not lash out blindly' when frustrated has sealed people's perceptions that it was the separatists." Justin paused, then added, "ROM covered its tracks well on this one."
The Skye Independence movement had been a thorn in the Lyran Commonwealth's side for a long time. However, with the creation of the Free Rasalhague Republic, it had renewed calls for action. Events had taken an ugly turn, and it was Ryan Steiner, of all people, who had settled things, which made Hanse highly suspect of the whole affair. He didn't think Ryan would dare attack a ComStar facility, but the weasel would certainly play along with whatever games those bastards wanted to play.
He could refuse ComStar, but that would lead to another Interdiction. The NAIS had said that a new generation of Black Boxes, the K-2 Series, could be out as soon as next year. It would boost travel speed significantly but would still be woefully behind the speed and vast network of the HPG network ComStar controlled.
Hanse gave a frustrated sigh. "Begin negotiations with ComStar. Try to push for non-BattleMech units. Give ground as needed, but like on the Federated Suns worlds, anything larger than a company of 'Mechs is our line in the sand. Those damn parasites milk the entire Inner Sphere of its wealth; they likely have thousands of 'Mechs available to them for their Com Guards."
"Maybe," Justin hedged, "but I doubt they have the officer corps or training to use them effectively."
Hanse wasn't so sure; they probably had the best simulators in all the Inner Sphere, given their technological edge. He needed to strike back, make ComStar hurt. They continued to grow more and more powerful, and he feared that their famed neutrality would go completely mask-off during the next conflict.
"Expand Operation FLUSH to beyond the Federated Commonwealth. I want suspected ROM agents in the other Successor States eliminated."
Justin grew still. "My Prince… if we do this, we risk having those agents discovered. Some have been successfully slipped into places of importance. We'll need them if conflict arises again, and it will take years to replace them."
"We need to bleed and distract ComStar. As for our most important and highly sensitive agents, they won't need to assist. But mind you, I want results."
Justin made a note and nodded. "I will begin operations. Marik worlds are a target-rich environment; we'll start there."
Hanse stood up. "On to happier stressors. What mischief has Katherine gotten into now?"
Justin let out a small chuckle. "Let's see… she's become proficient in handguns, rifles, knife combat, hand-to-hand combat, and has started explosive ordnance disposal training. She's more than tripled your initial grant of funds, in part by practicing privileged market manipulation. Ah, what else… She's also accessed classified data from NAIS and forged several false identities, two of which have created a dummy corporation. In her spare time, she's attempting to connect with future nation leaders from around the Inner Sphere, and oh, she's started writing a treatise on changing our Regimental Combat Team makeup, suggesting a greater emphasis on artillery units."
Hanse smiled broadly. "Oh, is that all?"
"I know you are proud of her, and for justifiable reasons, but I have some concerns. She's recently adjusted the balance of companies she does marketing ads for, with a focus on the Lyran Commonwealth side. With her talents, intellect, and fair features, it would be easy for her to try to push to become Archon over her brother."
He shook his head firmly. "No, Justin, I don't think she would do that. They get along quite well; you read the report on what happened in Tharkad when the Kells visited. She moved to help her brother. No, I believe she'll be his strong right hand."
"They are still young; I just foresee difficulties if he ever chooses a course that's cross-purpose to her ideas. She's already showing some worrying psychological signs in a few key areas."
"She was raised with a 24/7 protective detail. Of course, she has some mild paranoia. I may not know everything that makes my daughter tick, but she is loyal. I know you're just doing your job, but trust me on this."
Justin said nothing further on it and instead replied, "I'll go begin the work on expanding Operation FLUSH."
Hanse waved his friend away and sat back in his chair. He was very proud of his daughter. The only thing missing was MechWarrior training, and she was still too young for that.
And she's already indicated interest. No, there's nothing I would possibly want to change about my daughter.
***
ComStar First Circuit Compound, Hilton Head
Island North America, Terra
August 13th 3041
Primus Myndo Waterly seethed at the latest reported losses of ROM agents. Three more deaths in Marik held worlds, and now word that on An Ting from the Draconis Combine every single ROM agent was killed.
"This is "The Fox's" doing." Waterly announced in a clipped tone at the meeting with the Precentor's of the First Circuit. She wished it wasn't' necessary to even consult the First Circuit, but ComStar was not yet ready to act with just one voice. She knew she had to content herself with being the Primus, but it galled her that her progress was slowed because a majority of the First Circuit could overrule her.
"How surprising," Precentor of Tharkad drawled, "that there would be objections to foreign BattleMechs on more FedCom worlds."
"You know our plans require a buildup of troops on these worlds. We can never realize the blessed work of Jerome Blake without these steps." Myndo countered.
She recalled the contentious time during the 4th Succussion War. The fools couldn't see the danger of Hanse Davion. If that man went unchecked, he would unite the entire Inner Sphere under his rule. If that happened the Word of Blake would never spread through the entire Inner Shere. He was quite literally an existential threat to the very purpose of ComStar.
Precentor New Avalon scowled. "This bloody conflict is wasteful. ROM has suffered, and with distrust of ComStar reaching new heights, important missives that aren't urgently time sensitive are being sent more frequently by JumpShip. Our cipher breakers are also struggling to keep up with each of the Successor States creating new codes for messages sent via HPG network."
"Then let us cripple MIIO and all the agents we even suspect of taking part in their 'Operation FLUSH' in the last several years. We have more than enough C-Bills to fund thousands of the criminal element. ROM can strike where they are most concentrated, in Avalon City. They can use lowlife thugs to conduct a string of robberies, acts of terrorism, and the like at the same time we target Davion agents."
Precentor Rasalhague looked concerned. "This represents a significant escalation. Are you sure this isn't part of your vendetta against Davion? A chance to see some of the work at the NAIS damaged and delayed?"
Hanse Davion was a threat for more than one reason. The NAIS and the push to advance the technological state of the Inner Sphere was a second prong of attack against ComStar. They could not allow that hotbed of discovery to continue to function, she had lost that vote however after the disastrous first attempt.
"No, this has everything to do with a warmonger who thinks he can murder our people on his whim, I ask for the consent of the First Circuit to enact this operation."
The vote was close, but it had succeeded. The groundwork would take time to prepare, but soon Davion would learn that his precious Avalon City was not nearly as secure as he thought it was.
***
Tharkad City, Tharkad
District of Donegal, Lyran Commonwealth
January 6th 3042
Victor had just finished his first run in a 'Mech simulator, and it had been everything he had dreamed of. His mother's smile had seemed sad, but he didn't know why. Maybe it was because he was growing up? He understood that the concept of seeing a child grow from boy to adolescent could be hard on a parent.
Yes, that must be it.
His instructors had said he had done a really good job and that he interfaced well with the system. When he piloted a real 'Mech, with a real Neurohelmet, it should be just as easy. He had read up on how Neurohelmets were the only real way to make use of the 'Mech's gyroscope and myomers. The better the connection, the smoother the movement of a 'Mech. A simulator used similar technology, but since it wasn't hooked up to a real gyroscope, it wasn't always a perfect 1:1 ratio of what it would be like piloting a 'Mech.
He was looking forward to showing off his 'Mech piloting skills to Katherine next month. Last time they spoke, she had mentioned she would see if they could grant her permission to try out the simulator, even at her age. Victor hoped his parents agreed; he wanted to show her how great the Victor really was.
It made him laugh how insistent he had been about how great that 'Mech was. He admitted to himself, yes, he was very biased. It was his namesake, so why shouldn't he be biased? The 'Mech had a grand history and fulfilled a couple of different key combat roles. When he attended and then graduated from Nagelring, he would ask his parents to let him pilot a Victor.
He glanced at the time and realized he needed to get changed. There was another formal dinner to attend. Being the designated heir and destined to be the Archon was sometimes a real drag. People always wanted things from him. They showered him with baseless flattery and promises of friendship. Always with the lightly delivered ask of, "and if you could put in a good word about me to your mother…" or sometimes it was for his father. He was quickly growing sick of it.
Fortunately, his mother would be here for this event. When both his mother and father were away on New Avalon, it was always worse. The buzzing nobles were like vultures at those events. He supposed he was antsier than normal because, if the event ended soon enough, he could get in another round on the simulator before it was time to sleep!
***
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
August 18th 3042
Ainsworth stayed close to Katherine as she walked through the open-air market in the suburbs of Avalon City. They were well away from the city center, where such a place would simply have no room to spring up.
Not to mention the nobility and well-to-dos would thumb their nose at something like this.
Katherine was different; she enjoyed seeing the 'price discovery at the most micro level' with her own eyes. Ainsworth knew that in other cities, the destitute and poor would congregate toward the urban center, where they could access services and plead hardship with people who had the means to spare a pittance. Not so in Avalon City. Resources for those lacking shelter or food were made available, but only well away from the city center.
Out of sight, out of mind.
The market they were in was by no means a poor one; she would not allow Katherine to go to any rough areas. In reality, these areas had once been their own towns and villages but had now become simply known as Outer Avalon, as Avalon City continued to grow, and grow, and grow. This was where the middle class of Avalon City lived, though many worked within Avalon City proper. Over time, they had been priced out of the city center. It was one of the reasons why Prince Hanse had instituted housing within the NAIS that was free for those who passed the rigorous entrance exams; otherwise, even the average family couldn't afford to send a bright would-be student without forcing them to commute for hours.
"Grove, this is Bastion. HQ has picked up a sharp uptick in criminal activity in Avalon City. It looks to be cover for hostile action. Threat Assessment: High within the inner city. Safer in your area. Repeat, do not return until Threat Assessment is lowered."
"Acknowledged." Ainsworth switched frequencies, "Overwatch, keep an eye out, we'll kill some time by grabbing food at a local restaurant."
"Kat," the nickname Ainsworth used for Katherine when she was partially incognito, "something has come up, and we'll want to eat something here. What sounds good?"
Princess Katherine had her hair hidden by a headscarf and wore a denim jacket two sizes too large. They varied her disguise when traversing public areas. The primary reason was for her safety, but a secondary concern was that, now that she was in the media more often, she could quickly be mobbed by people wanting to get a picture with her or talk to her.
"Let me see," she pulled out her datapad, "judging by the health inspection reviews, there should be a good spot just up the way. They make a fantastic bouillabaisse, according to the reviews."
Putting the location in, they soon arrived and sat down to order. The restaurant had a mix of clientele—pricier than a regular diner but not fancy enough to warrant high prices. It was a true mix of the regular people of Avalon City.
"Grove, this is Bastion. Multiple attacks are happening. NAIS was hit, as was St. Joseph's, and three attempts on the palace were stopped. The First Davion Guards RCT has been mobilized. You'll have a lance of VTOLs headed to your area in 10, and a platoon of soldiers inbound as well. Fox wants Ice escorted back. The path will be clear on return."
"Understood."
"Change of plans, Katherine, we can get it to-go."
She simply nodded, as utterly unworried as she ever was.
The communicator clicked on again, and Overwatch was on the line. "Grove, we just had 5 hovercars pull up front, multiple inbound on the rear as well. Engaging."
Ainsworth had already identified where to go in the event of an attack; she did so in every building she went into with her charge. She drew her laser pistol and stood up to take Katherine to the kitchen area, where there would be only a narrow pass to get through, as opposed to the openness of the seating area. However, as she prepared to move, men charged into the restaurant, and several threw grenades into the seating area.
She flipped the table, then clutched Katherine tightly and curled into a ball. The grenades went off; fortunately, they were not high-quality military-grade. Unfortunately, they were still grenades, and the wooden table only partially stopped the shrapnel. She felt pieces strike into her back and leg, but none got through to Katherine.
"Over here, she was at that table."
How? Only seven people knew where we were going to be, and every one beyond reproach.
Wounded, but not fatally, she rolled out from the partially shredded table and fired two accurate shots, her laser pistol taking two of the armed men in the chest. In the blink of an eye, she noticed that only a few had laser pistols, one had a needler gun, and the others had what looked like old guns with solid slugs.
Tactically, she couldn't use the table as cover with Katherine behind it. She moved, not letting herself be a stationary target. The archaic guns were loud, and fortunately, they all shot at her, not at Katherine, who was still behind the table. The smoke, the sudden death of two of their comrades, and her movement made most shots miss. Most.
A cloud of needles from the needler had mostly missed, but two hit her in the arm. She spun around and hit the ground and crawled behind the bar counter. She heard the crack of a sniper rifle and the roar of the armored car outside of the eatery.
She glanced back to the table and her heart stopped when she didn't see Katherine. Had she run? She wouldn't know that the back entrance had more hostiles! Ainsworth grit her teeth as the volume of fire pinning her down kept coming.
"Grenade!" shouted one of the men and Ainsworth knew she had to move. She hurled herself back over the counter and took a slug to her chest for her troubles. She did have a small-arms rated vest underneath her suit, but it still knocked her back. Her quick shot was thrown off by that and then she saw Katherine.
Using the sound-cover of the grenade she had moved from her hiding spot and launched herself at one of the assailants back. Her blade tore through his jugular, and her little hand clamped down on the laser pistol as it was dropped. One noticed the movement and turned, but Katherine brought the laser pistol up and drilled him between the eyes before he could finish bringing his own weapon to bear.
Ainsworth shouted and charged straight for the men, hoping to keep their attention on her and not the princess. The laser pistol struck her thigh, and she stumbled, which probably saved her life as three other people with slug throwers spat death but shot too high due to her fall.
She tried to rise, but her leg had been drilled to the bone. The wound was cauterized by the laser, but the leg was useless. Bodies dropped to the floor, and Ainsworth looked up to see that the remaining attackers were now all smoking corpses.
"There's more coming from the rear," she gasped out.
Katherine nodded and took cover.
"No, hide, what are you doing?" Ainsworth bit out.
The assailants from the rear arrived through the seating area, and Ainsworth rolled onto her back, bringing her laser pistol to bear. Before she could even fire from her poor position on the floor, the first two who rounded into the area were dropped with pinpoint-accurate shots. Then the next one. After that, she heard men arguing and yelling, but no one else came through.
"Grove, come in, Grove, Grove!" Ainsworth realized her focus had narrowed during the firefight and she had tuned out her communicator.
"I'm hit, less than combat capable, Ice is unhurt. Status?"
"Several from the rear have left, but three are still inside. Along with 11 from the front. Hold out for another minute, help is on the way."
"The three from the back are dead, the shootings stopped, can't tell how many we got, but I think they are all dead." Her voice was less strong and her vision was growing a bit blurry.
"Grove, repeat, are you saying all hostiles are dead?"
"Yes… think… so."
"Grove, our agents are on the way in now."
"Katherine," she shouted with the last of her energy, "friendlies, inbound."
And with that, she felt consciousness slip from her grasp.
***
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
August 18th 3042
"Is she safe?" Hanse paced nervously. If his daughter was hurt, he swore he would take his 'Mech and march it straight to the ComStar facility and raze it.
"MIIO confirms, Ice, err, your daughter is safe. No wounds. Her protective detail has two severely wounded being taken to the NAIS for emergency surgery," Justin replied crisply.
"Thank God. How the hell did they know where my daughter was? Do we have a mole? A traitor? Were our communications hacked? How did this happen?"
Justin looked pained. "This is still preliminary, but we don't think she was the target."
Hanse stopped pacing and stared at Justin.
"The pattern of attacks – some look to be clear distractions – but they targeted agents who had worked as part of our field teams for Operation FLUSH. Agent Patricia Ainsworth's prior assignment was field duty for that operation. Katherine wasn't the target; Patricia was. They probably didn't even know your daughter was in the building."
Guilt came crashing down over him. He sat down and leaned his face into his hand.
"Perhaps it is time to pull back from our shadow war with ROM. Since we began Operation FLUSH, we've lost key agents, and prior to '34, ROM rarely went hot. They passively surveilled. If we back off, they probably will as well."
"And let them get away with nearly killing my daughter?" Hanse felt rage course through him. He felt a blaze in his heart, like a burning torch.
"Yes. At this point, they've probably used up several assets anyway, so it would be slim pickings. Let's pull back from this and let NAIS continue their research. Until we have far more advanced black boxes, we cannot deal with ComStar."
I almost lost my daughter!
He took a deep breath, and realized Justin was right.
"Fine. Do it. End Operation FLUSH. Remove any MIIO agents that were part of that operation from protective detail assignments."
Hanse glanced at Justin's expression.
"I'm sorry, Highness, but given what your daughter just went through, it may be better to keep Ainsworth as the head of her detail. She's been hurt badly, but the initial prognosis is that she will survive. Patricia is one of the very few people Katherine has a true rapport with. You, the Archon, and her brother are the only people she regularly speaks to outside of Patricia."
"You don't think ROM will try again?"
The man shook his head. "Attack us again? Possibly. Attack her again? It seems unlikely. I believe they weren't aware Katherine was with her. There are… backchannel communications we can use to indicate just what a bad idea it would be to try this again."
The First Prince frowned. "I'll consider it, she'll be off duty until she heals anyway. How do we play the media angle?"
"Specifically for your daughter, I would suggest no one knows. We would look weak if it was revealed a royal nearly died. Furthermore, her personality profile suggests Katherine would not want that sort of attention either. A sympathetic response from everyone she meets would cause her immense irritation."
I could see that. When my brother Ian died, I hated dealing with all the condolences.
"For the broader attack, we should highlight the successful defense. For the lives lost, we can offer scholarships to their families. We should project strength, fully condemn the attacks, and hint that it may have been ordered by House Liao."
"Liao? Why?"
"Blaming ComStar could lead to another Interdiction or signal that we aren't done with Operation FLUSH. Blaming the Draconis Combine will create fear that this was a prelude to an attack. However, by blaming it on the Capellan Confederation, the people will not fear invasion and… it creates a useful reason to attack them in the future if we can get our black boxes near parity with the HPG facilities."
If we ever can.
They both knew that House Liao could not stand up to the Regimental Combat Teams and advanced technology coming out of the NAIS. It would get dicey if the Free Worlds League or the Draconis Combine chose to invade while they dealt with House Liao, but the conquest and annihilation of the Capellan Confederation could occur far quicker than their enemies realized.
***
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
August 25th 3042
It had been a week since the assassination attempt. Ainsworth was receiving the best care in the Inner Sphere at NAIS. She had yet to be fully debriefed, but the attack itself was now classified at top-secret clearance level.
She would be out of commission for a while, and she worried about Katherine. Fortunately, the princess seemed to be holding up quite well and had already visited her twice. Two of her colleagues had also visited and wished her well, but both they and she were too professional to talk about what had occurred. That might happen later, but not until she was debriefed and the final security clearance level was granted to know details about the attack.
Interesting, I've watched the local holovid news stories, and there's no mention of Katherine. That means they are keeping it secret that she was the target of the assassination.
She had many and varied wounds. Nineteen pieces of shrapnel, some from the grenade and some from splinters of the table, had been removed. Three of her ribs were cracked, her entire frontside bruised, and part of her femur, along with all the skin, tissue, and muscle in front of it, had been melted. They would be grafting myomer onto the bone itself. Her arm would have some scars from the needler, but nothing that would diminish her capacity. Given the number of times she had been hit, she was extremely lucky.
A team came in and swept for any listening devices, and then the head of the MIIO and the newly created FCIS entered. Ainsworth knew that the FCIS was the umbrella organization, but due to the need-to-know nature of their operations, the combination of LIC and MIIO existed more on paper than in practice. Intelligence from both governments now flowed to the FCIS and Justin Allard, but the role on the ground level remained the same.
"Sir, I'm ready to provide my report."
The fact that someone this high-ranked was debriefing her meant that the whole situation would be need-to-know only. It was also a privilege to speak with him, not just due to his position as the head of the agency. Justin Allard was a legend in the intelligence community. He became the Champion of Solaris as part of an undercover operation and almost single-handedly won the Fourth Succession War with his actions against House Liao. Then he married the head of House Liao's daughter, and she defected, taking 17-star systems from the Capellan Confederation!
"Excellent. Just so you know, the First Prince is incredibly grateful for your performance. You'll be receiving the Diamond Sunburst, though it won't be announced to the public."
"I… I'm not sure I deserve it, but I'm greatly honored." The Sunburst award was given to both civilians and military personnel for actions of great significance to the Federated Suns. It came in four varieties, with the Diamond Sunburst being the rarest and most prestigious of them all.
Justin gave her a smile. "Agent Ainsworth, you took down 15 enemy combatants and saved the daughter of two heads of state. I think you've more than earned it."
That little terror never told them??
"I'm afraid that's a bit of an exaggeration, sir. I believe you'll understand once I've finished providing my account."
Her report was thorough. It provided background information, why they were there, what security protocols were being followed, and even details like where Overwatch had re-positioned himself prior to them stepping in. Then she began telling him about the fight. When she got to the part with Katherine, the normally unflappable Justin Allard looked shocked.
"Wait, wait. You're telling me that Katherine, at age 9, killed most of the attackers? Ainsworth… perhaps we should wait to finish this later. It doesn't appear you suffered any head wounds, so they didn't perform a CT or MRI, but we can do that now. I'll also have the neuro and behavioral team from the College of Medicine speak with you. Just to..."
"Sir, I didn't hallucinate it." Her voice lowered a fraction. "I'm sure you've seen my file, I've done combat ops before, and I'm telling you the truth. Have you asked her?"
Justin narrowed his eyes. "All she's said is that you saved her life and that she hopes you recover swiftly. The Prince didn't want her to relive the trauma. We've scheduled interviews for the other survivors… but civilian eyewitness accounts of events like these are often terribly inaccurate."
"Let me finish my report, sir, and then check with her. Katherine... well, if there was ever a person built for the kind of fieldwork MIIO does, it would be her. I know that's not an option for her future because of who she is, but check her accuracy numbers at the range. Even with moving targets, it's basically flawless."
Justin thought it over and then nodded. "A sensible plan. Go on."
Ainsworth finished sharing all the details of that fateful day. Afterward, a visibly disturbed Justin Allard thanked her and left her alone in the room.
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Rating:
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Fandoms:
幼女戦記 | Youjo Senki | Saga of Tanya the Evil - Carlo Zen (Light Novels)Classic Battletech (Tabletop RPG)幼女戦記 | Youjo Senki | Saga of Tanya the Evil (Anime)
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Hanse DavionVictor Steiner-DavionKai Allard-LiaoKatherineTanya von Degurechaff
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Federated CommonwealthMelissa Steiner - FreeformCrossoverMechwarrior - FreeformUlric Kerensky - Freeform
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Published:2025-01-17Updated:2026-05-04Words:522,061Chapters:96/?Comments:664Kudos:776Bookmarks:250Hits:67,705
A Young Woman's Defense of the Inner Sphere
Failninjaninja
Chapter 4
Chapter Text
Thank you to skychan for lore assistance!
Also the Date/Location can help orient where/when something is taking place. Normally I kind of force it in the first paragraph or two of a POV chapter, but with the BT norm of using Date/Location that means I don't have to worry about doing it deliberately.
Chapter 4
New Avalon Institute of Science, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
February 25th 3046
I wished it were under better circumstances that I got to spend a prolonged amount of time with one of my few correspondence partners. Kai Allard-Liao was a youth of fifteen years, and his mother was fighting breast cancer. The NAIS housed the most advanced medical facilities in the Inner Sphere, so it only made sense that such an important figure as the Prime Minister of the St. Ives Compact would seek treatment there.
The NAIS was likely even more secure than the heart of Avalon City and its palace. Two battalions provided constant watch over the critical facility, which was built in and around the New Avalon Military Academy. Only one road led to it, reserved strictly for military traffic and supplies. For individuals, arrival was possible only by flying on a VTOL or aircraft and landing at the university's spaceport. Alternatively, one could use the heavily guarded underground subway running beneath the heart of Avalon City.
I typically took the subway with Agent Ainsworth. This was one of the few places where I didn't need to wear a disguise, as biometric scans were required both to board and upon arrival. Given the number of highly classified projects and technological advancements NAIS was responsible for, such measures made perfect sense.
Given Kai's regular and faithful correspondence, I felt a social obligation to be there with him as he fretted over his mother.
"Ah, Princess Katherine, you didn't have to come," he said, glancing down.
"I chose to come because we share a bond. I always look forward to your letters," I said to him.
"You do?" He looked nervous and shy, why?
"Of course. Do you know how often I send a letter and don't get a response for months, forcing me to send a second one? It's sent through ComStar, so I know they received it. It's just rude. But you aren't like that," I explained succinctly.
Amusingly enough, we were often in the same city, though we had only crossed paths at formal functions where others were speaking. Like me shuttling between Tharkad and New Avalon, Kai divided his time between New Avalon and St. Ives – though I supposed he would now be spending more time on New Avalon.
"Oh, right. My parents taught me to be polite. Ignoring your letters would have been rude." He suddenly flushed. "But that's not the only reason I responded – I also enjoyed receiving them."
"Of course, how is your mother doing?"
His lip trembled, and for one horrified moment, I thought he might cry. Fortunately for both of us, he composed himself and replied without any emotional outburst.
"The doctors said it's a highly aggressive form of cancer, but they think she has a shot. They're going to do surgery and replace some of the tissue and muscle with an artificial substance so the cancer can't return. She'll have to undergo additional treatment, which will make her very sick."
A thousand years later, and cancer was still taking its toll. It wasn't an interesting subject to me, but I had read up on the treatments, and they weren't all that different from those I'd heard about in my first life. They seemed better at surgeries and rehabilitation, but still relied on the vitality-draining and immune-compromising chemotherapies of Earth – or Terra, as they called it now.
The NAIS survival rate was significantly higher than that of other medical institutions, and by all accounts, Candace Liao had strength and good physical health before this diagnosis.
"She is in the best hands possible, Kai. Can I do anything for you?"
Kai looked at me, and his slightly gold-tinged skin reddened again. "I… no, well, I just think now isn't a good time."
That worked for me. I don't like being around overly emotional people, my mother – who kept them in check – being the lone exception. Kai's letters had always sounded very rational, so I attributed his current emotional state solely to his mother's perilous condition.
I looked him in the eye and patted his arm, thankful that I was his height, despite the two-year difference in our ages. For once, I wasn't short! I was quite tall for my age, so I matched Kai and had more than a couple of centimeters over my poor older brother, who had been afflicted with a diminutive stature.
"If you change your mind, let me know, Kai. Best wishes again for your mother's swift recovery."
While I was at the NAIS, I figured I'd make time to visit someone. Evelyn Durand had been a wonderful help and was now a full-fledged instructor in the College of Finance. We had kept in touch, and she had introduced me to Professor Marcus Groves. Though in his 60s, the Engineering School professor was still solidly built. I sent a message via datapad and met him in his office.
"Princess Katherine, an honor to see you again, my dear. I've heard of your interest in attending NAMA, but have you considered joining the College of Engineering instead? With a mind like yours, you'd be wasted on a battlefield."
I gave him a smile. "I've never been one to settle, Doctor Groves. Why not both?"
He looked taken aback. "The course load would be impossible, I'm afraid. They run their recruits ragged, especially in the first year, where they try to weed out those who aren't cut out for it. I dare say, we can be just as challenging, but no 3:00 AM surprise wake-up calls to do PT in the rain on our side!"
I shrugged. "They do push their cadets hard, but I believe I'm up for the challenge. I also see no reason to limit myself, especially since I've already completed the core curriculum and passed my Certified Precision Systems Designer test."
The good professor gave me a side-eye. "I'm not as adept at navigating youthful humor, but you can't even take the test until you have an Engineering degree."
"True, but transcripts are easily forged, and I'm tall for my age."
"FCIS agents turned into it a training exercise," Agent Ainsworth helpfully added.
The poor man looked flabbergasted. "But why do you even need to attend this institution, then?"
"For one," I held up a finger, "I want official credentials. For two," I raised my second finger, "I want to work with you and others on the research aspect of your work." I held his gaze for a moment. "The BattleMech is the pinnacle of modern warfare. But how many ace MechWarriors have ever helped design a 'Mech? How many engineering specialists have ever utilized the very work they've directed their minds and wills toward?"
He looked taken aback for a moment, and then his thoughts appeared to race.
"I must say, the idea has a certain appeal. And of course, as a loyal and patriotic citizen, if the First Prince has no objections to placing such a workload on you, who am I to gainsay him? I will see you in three years or so."
My smile broadened a bit. "Three years? Oh no, it will be sooner than that. I'll be here for classes in six months. My parents have me on the same educational track as my brother. But in the meantime, I'd like some feedback on a little design I've been brainstorming…"
***
Tharkad City, Tharkad
District of Donegal, Lyran Commonwealth
May 6th 3046
Victor grinned as he maneuvered his Victor through the abandoned 'Mech factory. He was in a 'Mech simulator, going up against his sister once again. They'd been at it for two years now, and despite his early lead in training, it was all he could do to maintain a positive win/loss ratio against her.
She's good, but in a Victor-on-Victor battle, I'm certain I'll be the victor.
One area where Katherine excelled over him was in 'Mech variety. Victor had mastered, more or less, a 'Mech from each weight class. He used a Javelin for light 'Mechs, a Centurion for medium, a Warhammer for heavy, and, of course, his favorite, the Victor, in the assault class.
Katherine had her favorites too, but she could effectively use over a dozen 'Mechs.
She has a style she prefers, nearly all of the 'Mechs she learns are equipped with jump jets.
Victor was the better shot, his accuracy impeccable. He credited Katherine for part of his skill, as she was the clear winner when it came to maneuvering a 'Mech. Her use of jump jets to evade missiles was uncanny. When dodging wasn't an option, she often used an arm without critical weapon systems to shield her 'Mech's core, redirecting damage to less vital parts.
Warning claxons blared as Katherine's Victor rose up behind him. Victor activated his own jump jets just as the autocannon/20 began shredding the armor on his back. His computer display highlighted the damage as shards of armor tore away from his right torso and right leg. He managed to leap behind a wall of half-formed 'Mechs. Pushing forward on the controls, he rounded the corner, and the two exchanged fire.
Despite being in a simulator and knowing all of this was computer-generated, a surge of adrenaline coursed through him all the same.
His medium lasers ripped into her left torso, while his autocannon/20 slammed into her center torso. The computer simulated the roaring thunder and the jarring shake of the depleted uranium slugs firing. Four Short-Range Missiles launched from his SRM-4, peppering her left leg and arm. At the same time, she fired back with her own lasers. The heat of her beams bored into his simulated armor, while two of her missiles found their mark – striking his cockpit. Her autocannon boomed, stitching damage across his right torso.
The simulator's shake from the strike to his cockpit disoriented him for a moment – but only a moment. He ignited his jump jets a second time and launched himself backward, quickly lining up his autocannon again. Conscious of the heat buildup, he held back on his lasers and let loose with his autocannon and missiles. Katherine slightly turned her 'Mech, twisting its torso so only the left side was exposed. The autocannon ripped nearly all the armor from her left arm, while the missiles tore into her leg armor, stripping more away.
Her torso whipped back to center, and her autocannon unleashed a spray of death. However, the sudden turn had caused half of the ballistic rounds to miss.
You'll have to do better than that!
She was still coming on, so he lashed out with a full alpha strike, unleashing all his weapons. The lasers melted more of her armor over the chest, while the autocannon tore off her left arm entirely. At the last moment, missiles locked on and shredded more of her torso. As she picked up speed, Victor braced for a charging attack, but instead, she took to the air once more, raining down destruction with her missiles and autocannon.
Shit!
Victor lifted his 'Mech's arms above his head, protecting the already paper-thin cockpit armor from the autocannon's strafing. Katherine's missiles tore through more armor. Had her lasers not been disabled with her 'Mech's severed arm, she might have inflicted critical damage to one of his weapon systems.
Her Victor landed right behind him, and he turned to face her. He fired his full complement of weapons, feeling the flash of heat as the 'Mech simulator simulated the intense roasting heat of an overheating cockpit, cranking the temperature to unbearable levels. Warnings of potential internal system damage blared, but he dismissed them, his eyes fixed on the damage he'd inflicted.
His autocannon struck center-mass, breaching the internals of her 'Mech. His lasers melted away half a ton of armor from her right torso, while Victor's missiles struck true, damaging her gyroscope. Her Victor began to keel over, but she fired her jump jets and launched herself diagonally into the air, even as her 'Mech teetered on the brink of collapse.
You've got to be kidding me.
She must have somehow compensated for the damaged gyroscope, because she managed to land and unleash her autocannon with a roar, a move Victor hadn't thought possible. He felt more armor strip off his legs, but this duel was his. He let loose one final barrage, and with that, he cored her 'Mech.
Pleased with his victory, he stepped out of the simulator.
"I told you, you're not going to win a mirror match against my Victor!"
Unlike him, drenched in sweat, she still seemed perfectly composed.
"How the hell does she keep her hair looking perfect, even while connected to the simulator's neurohelmet?"
"Congratulations, brother. I almost had you. Had you not shielded your head, I would have taken the match." Katherine wore a satisfied smile, one Victor couldn't quite understand—she had lost.
"Yup, I have to pull out all the stops against you. I really can't believe we aren't going to the same academy. I get why, but it's annoying," he groused. He didn't think Nagelring would present much of a challenge, not after regular duels against his father, Justin – Champion of Solaris – Allard, and Katherine.
"Thank you. During the battle, what do you think I should have done differently?"
"Hmm," he paused, giving himself time to think. Looking at it from the other side of the battlefield required him to examine his own potential weaknesses.
She sometimes did that, looking for pointers on what to do next time. Being the wise older brother he was, he always had something to offer, even if it meant she would be an even tougher challenge the next time. The nice thing about Katherine was that, even if she disagreed with his analysis, she never got mad or frustrated. Other MechWarriors tended to be vain about their skills, but she was always eager to learn.
We may be going to different academies, but that just means we both get to take the number one spot.
***
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
July 2nd 3046
I managed to arrange a meeting with Morgan Hasek-Davion, the likely successor to Ran Felsner as Marshal of the Armies and head of the Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth. Morgan, a war hero and my first cousin once removed, could provide valuable insights into the current prevailing views on the use of artillery.
"Katherine, your father mentioned that you had some questions for me about military theory before you enter NAMA."
The New Avalon Military Academy would be where I was attending, and it, along with the NAIS, was joined at the hip. Some attending NAMA even referred to it as the NAIS when speaking with others. Technically, that wasn't true for anyone but me, as I was dual enrolled. Victor had been upset, but my parents were keen on us attending different academies for political reasons. There was already talk of an exchange program for the second year, which might complicate matters for me, given what I planned to do within the College of Engineering.
"I do, and thank you for seeing me, Morgan." I had debated internally whether to use his military rank, but since I wasn't a member of the AFFS and there was a familial connection, I opted for a more personal address. I could have also used his noble title as Duke of New Syrtis, but again, I chose a less formal tone for the conversation.
He smiled and gestured for me to continue.
"Our current Regimental Combat Teams consist of one regiment of BattleMechs, three regiments of armored units and support vehicles, five regiments of infantry, a battalion of engineers, and two aerospace fighter wings. Yet, we have only a battalion of artillery. My question is, why so little artillery compared to over 100 'Mechs, 300-plus tanks and VTOLs, around 40 aerospace fighters, and roughly 5,000 infantry soldiers? The artillery battalion typically only has 20 to 36 artillery pieces, and while some of the armored regiments and motorized and mechanized infantry have additional artillery support, it represents only a fraction of the firepower that a RCT uses.
Morgan leaned back in his chair. "That's a good question. However, I want to make it clear that many RCTs deviate from the templated standard. For instance, some lack the aerospace fighters we'd ideally like to see. Others may have fewer infantry, but those they do have are more elite and better equipped. RCTs are often assembled piecemeal, pulling in multiple elements as they become available. So, don't think of these formations as static or unchanging."
I nodded, already familiar with most of that. Aerospace fighters were expensive and designed for zero-gravity environments. While they could operate in atmospheres to support ground operations, doing so added risks. Their vulnerability to anti-air ground fire could lead to catastrophic losses, particularly in terms of C-Bill value.
"Artillery is useful on the battlefield, but it is vulnerable," Morgan said, gesturing with his hand. "That means your artillery needs to be defended, which ties up other units that could be focused on fighting. It also matters who we're fighting and how we're using the RCT. Artillery is most effective against infantry and vehicles, units that are either slow or limited as to what terrain they can traverse through. While our enemies are still primarily using 'Mechs to assault worlds, and planetary defense forces and militias are used to hold them. What does that tell you?"
This was basic to me, but Morgan had no way of knowing that, so I appreciated the semi-Socratic method of our conversation.
"Artillery likely works best in a defensive situation. Artillery officers are accustomed to firing solutions based on standard atmospheric conditions and the planet's gravity. When assaulting another world, however, they would be unfamiliar with those new conditions and would need to find suitable ground to fire from. This makes artillery more suited for defense, but in such situations, they would likely be facing 'Mechs. While artillery can be effective against them, they would be far more effective against vehicles and infantry regiments, which they would prefer to decimate."
Morgan nodded enthusiastically. "A fantastic answer, Katherine. You'll do well at NAMA. Artillery is indeed an important part of our RCTs, but the current numbers align well with our needs."
"The doctrine for assaulting and defending worlds differs, but if we knew a particular world's forces wouldn't be used offensively, wouldn't it make sense to fortify defensively?" I ask, continuing before he can answer. "Artillery excels against non-'Mech units, but even against 'Mechs, it can still wreak havoc. A salvo of Long Toms, Thumpers, and other pieces at the regimental level could tear apart any light 'Mechs caught in it, while shredding the armor of others and weakening them for the ensuing battle."
"I don't disagree, but it isn't always that simple. 'Mechs possess unique maneuverability, capable of crossing rivers, forests, mountains, and more. While large formations often group by lance and company, they maintain enough distance to avoid multiple 'Mechs being hit by the blast radius of a single artillery piece. Once rounds start falling, they'll usually alter their course. And since artillery must be pre-set on coordinates before firing, it's unlikely you'll hit the same unit with more than two or three rounds," Morgan explained, his tone free of irritation or condescension despite the challenge.
"That's true, but I wonder if certain predictions could be factored in. The defender controls the ground and can make an educated guess as to where the enemy will scatter... Hmm, speaking of which, you mentioned needing units to guard the artillery – why not capitalize on that concern by mining the most logical approach to the artillery positions?"
Morgan grinned. "I like the way you think, Katherine. Mines are used, but there are caveats. For one, if they aren't strictly necessary, it's preferable not to use them. Post-battle, they're hazardous to clear, and every few years, some tragic story surfaces about one detonating decades after the battle. Secondly, laying mines effectively takes time. Most conflicts aren't full-on planetary conquests. Raids are more common, and 'Mechs can be redeployed quickly, while mines and artillery remain stuck in place once they're set."
What he was saying was correct, but I did challenge him on his riposté.
"RCT worlds regularly face Periphery bandits and mercenary raids?" I asked wryly.
"No," he said, his eyes twinkling in amusement, "but it isn't unheard of. Often, RCTs are deployed to important worlds with critical industries. That deters a lot of raiders, but even our most vital worlds can still be subject to raids."
"Like Kathil in '39," I commented.
Kathil was home to one of the few facilities that could produce JumpShips and DropShips. It also had growing mech and vehicle production centers.
"Excellent example. Despite a heavy defense presence, Liao managed to make off with quite a bit of material. To be frank, I don't believe you'll have any difficulty at NAMA, despite your youth. From this brief conversation, it's clear you already have a solid grasp of history and tactics."
Ah, I see, he thinks I'm nervous about attending. Hmm, to reinforce that or clarify?
"You praise me too highly; I know I have my work cut out for me," I said, pressing on. "What if artillery could be made more useful by reducing the costs of its construction?"
Morgan rubbed his chin. "It would make it more feasible to include a second battalion, but the strategic challenges would remain the same. A more likely scenario, if we could reduce artillery production costs, would be to funnel those savings into strengthening the March Militias to transform them into true RCTs."
We spoke for a while longer, and I pointed to various historical 'Mech battles where artillery had played a crucial role in turning the tide. I didn't convince him, but I planted a seed. My push for artillery stemmed from two significant reasons. First, Being X was still going to fuck with me at some point. A fifth Succession War? ComStar shedding its faux neutrality and openly allying with Marik, Kurita, and Liao to bring down the Federated Commonwealth? That was the most likely threat, though not the only one. Lyran nationalists still opposed the idea of the Federated Commonwealth, and while the Federated Suns portion was quite pleased with it, there were still rumblings in the Draconis March that the Lyran half had ultimately cost them the war of 3039 and that they would become a drag on their military power.
Being prepared for these sorts of potential conflicts would be critical.
Secondly, my father still sought to unite the Inner Sphere under his rule. He knew he wasn't in a position to do so now—not with ComStar poised to strike us with an Interdiction should we initiate another full-scale war. But if the K-series continued to improve and eventually replaced the HPG network as the primary means of quick communication, he would almost certainly spark a conflict. Hanse Davion had learned from the lessons of 3039, and the greater technological and industrial base of the Federated Commonwealth would only serve to widen the gap between our nations as time went on.
However, if our RCTs began investing more heavily in artillery, we would become better at holding worlds than taking them. As the premier military force in the galaxy, other nations looked to us as a model when seeking to improve their own military strength. If they, too, invested more in artillery… well, that would skew the cost-benefit analysis of going to war. Peace through superior defensive firepower was the game I aimed to play.
All in all, this had been a worthwhile use of my time. I planned to have the same conversation with my great-aunt, Field Marshal Nondi Steiner, and possibly a few others – relatives in one way or another – who held high positions within the AFFC.
***
Avalon City, New Avalon
Crucis March, Federated Suns
August 10th 3046
Hanse held his wife's hand, a gesture both steadying and intimate. He had pursued their union with the ambition of uniting the Inner Sphere, never imagining that a profound and enduring love would take root. Yet it had, and he now counted himself fortunate—blessed beyond measure. His wife, still radiant after all these years, wore a worried expression that stirred his heart with equal parts concern and affection.
"Hanse, are you certain this is the right course?" Melissa asked, her voice tinged with unease. "She's so young, and I'm still not convinced she's fully recovered after the incident."
The Incident, that is what they had called the event from four years ago. At just nine years old, Katherine had fought for her life, killing a dozen hardened criminals in the process. Fortunately, ROM had relied primarily on local criminal muscle for their brazen attack on Agent Ainsworth and dozens of other MIIO assets across New Avalon.
Counseling had already been arranged for her after witnessing an assassination attempt with so many fatalities. However, when it was discovered that she had participated herself, an entire team of cognitive specialists was assigned to help her cope with the horrors of that day.
Only, by all accounts, there were no behavioral changes from pre- to post-combat. Aside from her concern for Ainsworth and some pointed questions directed at Justin Allard for failing to uncover the attack, nothing changed. That had greatly alarmed his wife.
"My love, she is a warrior, like your grandmother and me. Like so many of our ancestors before us. It is in her blood." Hanse exhaled slowly before continuing, "Combat often changes people, but not always. Some grow hardened by it; some grow brittle. Some completely fall apart, some lust for it, and others are unaffected. The human mind has an infinite number of configurations and variations. Our neuro team says her reactions fall far outside statistical norms, but that has been true for her entire life. Is it so unlikely that our statistical outlier of a daughter would remain an outlier in all that she does?"
Melissa shot him a warning look. "Please do not ever refer to any of our children as a 'statistical outlier' again."
Hanse easily agreed to that.
"Besides, you know how much mischief she gets into when left to her own devices. Her desire for dual enrollment will keep her from pursuing her more… potentially embarrassing endeavors."
"It's fraud, Hanse. You Davions focus on war and the mechanics of industry, but Lyrans understand trade. Her manipulations mostly have legal cover, but it's shaky. The sharks in the media industry would eat her alive if they uncovered the pattern of her trades—especially after what she did with Alarion Beauty-Corp."
Hanse chuckled. He had greatly enjoyed reading Justin's report on that affair. An executive had pushed the media campaign into other off-world markets, which was a technical violation of the contract – an issue because his daughter had contracts with a variety of companies on multiple worlds. By encroaching on a competitor's space, which was also working with Katherine, they hurt profits for the other company. Damages would be limited by the terms of the contract, so they made a tactical decision to blatantly violate it. Their market position rose, and Katherine's initial investment also increased in value.
However, the principle had been violated, and it could impact her future business dealings, so she struck. She taped an interview with a media outlet on Tharkad, stating that she would no longer be working with the company due to an unfortunate skin issue from using the products she had helped launch. Immediately before that, she sold her shares. The rapid drop in the stock price and the negative news decimated sales and eviscerated the value of equities in the company.
Naturally, the company was incensed, but what were they going to do? Attempt to appeal to the courts against the daughter of the Archon? Trapped between a rock and a hard place, they reached out to Katherine to try to fix the issue. Katherine met with their CEO and demanded the firing of those responsible for pushing the marketing campaign off-world. In return, she would tape a second interview stating that it turned out her doctor's initial diagnosis was incorrect. With no choice, they capitulated.
Using her forged identity, she purchased a significant percentage of the available shares on the open market just before the second interview hit Alarion. From a financial perspective, she made a substantial amount of money, while many other shareholders suffered.
Hanse had been quick to point out that Lyran law included caveats for scenarios where someone wished to withdraw from an investment due to 'ethical' concerns. If her false identities ever came to light, Katherine could always claim she was duty-bound to withdraw from supporting a company whose product could cause medical conditions.
Ironically, her furtive trading was a better-kept secret than most military ones in the Federated Commonwealth. Quite literally, fewer than a dozen individuals knew of it. The K-series black boxes were of far more importance, and literally thousands of people – between the researchers at the NAIS and RCT commanders – knew of them. The potential for Katherine to be identified was vanishingly rare, and the little devil could always fall back on, 'I'm just a child; I was ignorant of the law.' Not that she would ever be prosecuted, even if everything came to light – rank hath its privileges, after all. It still wouldn't be good for her reputation, which was currently nearing his wife's popularity.
"Hanse! Stop smiling, and stop being proud of her for engaging in that sort of activity. She doesn't even need wealth; she has everything she could ever need as our daughter."
Melissa had initially wanted her disciplined and for it to be explained that what she did was wrong. However, Justin had helped convince her that it was best to give Katherine a long leash. Justin, concerned about the future, wanted to see what the dangerously intelligent Katherine would do. He harbored doubts that Katherine and her odd ways might not end up being loyal to Victor. Hanse thought it paranoid, but his spymaster ought to be paranoid, so he didn't mind. Not that Justin used that argument when convincing Melissa. For his part, Hanse wanted to see just how much she could achieve with a relatively small, at least on the scale of nations, starting capital.
He shrugged. "I can't help it. In one fell swoop, she made it clear to her industry partners that trying to take advantage of her would be met with a brutal response, all the while increasing her capital. After we pass the reins to Victor as the first-ever Archon-Prince, he will need others to act in his stead on New Avalon and Tharkad when he's operating out of the other capital. When that time comes, Katherine will be more than ready and capable to play that role on Tharkad."
Melissa indicated her agreement with a quick nod of her head. "I agree, and I suppose you're right. Keeping her busy with a double helping of schooling will slow down her modern-day market piracy. I just worry that she truly isn't all right, and that the scars of that day are deep-seated wounds, hidden from our sight, they will one day erupt."
"She's strong, you'll see. Everything will be fine, Melissa."
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