[dcs_p]Devon’s face revealed nothing. A master of his emotions, the Nova Cat warrior
rarely displayed his feelings. Mike could only recall a few times when he’d seen
the man express his excitement or pride in battle.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]“I’ve been expecting this. I know that the Clans can have nothing to do with what
I have done in the past. I can only hope that your superiors will allow you to
continue to participate in this ‘experiment’ we’ve lived for the past 8 years.” Mike
face flushed. “I chose this path alone, and I am sorry it has brought this conflict
between us, my friend.”[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]“Aff.” Devon looked down to the desk in front of him. Mike watched as Devon’s
eyes seemed to bore through the wooden frame, just before they came up to
lock with his own eyes. “I challenge you to a Circle of Equals, Mike Strider.
Today a Trial of Refusal begins. You have brought dishonor on the Nova Cats
and Steel Vipers. Today you will be forced into battle to defend your decision.”
Devon waited for Mike’s response.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]“I will meet your challenge as best I can.” Mike responded. He greatly feared
Devon in the cockpit, the man was likely the second best warrior among the Nova
Cats. However, due to Mike’s age of 66, he had little choice. While he had
trained much of his earlier years in gunfighting and hand-to-hand combat, Devon
had a considerable age advantage. Thanks to the Clan system’s emphasis on
youth, Devon was only 34 years of age. Mike knew that he would probably not
best the man though experience was on his side. The Clans were known for their
vigorous physical training and Mike had seen their skills firsthand many times. He
looked back up to Devon.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]“I will meet you in Mech combat. The battlefield is yours to choose.” Mike said
sternly. He hated thinking about the Trial of Refusal’s results. If only another
warrior had challenged him. It could have been worse. Ristar Mechwarrior Cecil
would have proven to be an even stronger foe. Mike’s head gave a silent bow of
respect towards his friend.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]Devon looked down at the desk. He slumped into the visitor’s chair before him,
its leather creaking and stretching. “Why did you not share your thoughts with
me? You did not realize that your participation in this experiment was as
important as us Clansmen? We could have brought the battle to Prinzelden. I
would have backed a decision to fight him honorably.” Devon’s face looked
strained, and Mike could see that his friend’s emotions were finally coming
through.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]“Yes, we could have challenged Prinzelden, but we would have lost. Our deaths
would not have done anything to right the wrong done to our unit.” Mike said. “I
know your way, but I believed it could not work to our benefit in the situation.”[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]“And instead you hired an assassin to kill the man?” Devon spat, finally revealing
his inner frustration.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]“Prinzelden would have never paid for the pain he caused us. A lone mercenary
unit against a fully-backed Word of Blake regimental commander?” Mike shook
his head sadly. “I respect your concepts but I can see nothing feasible about
fighting that leaves our unit in tatters.”[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]“But you can see the feasibility in murder? Our ideas vary too drastically from
one another’s on this subject. We should have been able to discuss this issue.
You must have known that we would find out one day.”[/dcs_p]