[dcs_p]Devon looked down at the desk before him. Finally he continued, “And what of
the file on your desk? I wonder, what secrets does it hide from my Clan and I?”[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]“This file protects a single person, a person I brought into this mess. I’m sure
that the head of our intelligence agency will learn of this person eventually, but
until that day I am keeping the information to myself.” Strider looked Devon
straight in the eye. Both were perfectly still except for the uncontrolled shaking of
Strider’s head, a possible sign of past injury or disease. Devon was motionless,
only the anger in his eyes showing any sign of life from within.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]“Very well. You will keep that secret for now.” Devon’s eyes shifted from Mike’s
gaze, looking back down to the file before him. “As you have said, I have the
utmost confidence that Mechwarrior Borg will discover its existence in due time. I
hope for both our sakes that it does not prove as treasonous as your current
debacle.”[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]Slowly Devon got up and out of the chair. He looked at Mike, a man in every way
his equal when it came to rank and rights. He stood silent for a moment before
speaking again.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]“Mike, I hope that you will learn to trust me and value my thoughts. I hope you
will no longer hold secrets from me and the rest of your unit. I hope that the
Nova Cats and Strikers can continue to work as a team. I hope that my wishes
comfort you, because I have nothing else to say. I will see you on the
battlefield.” Devon turned and left the room, closing the door almost casually
behind him.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]“Now that is a man of principles,” Mike whispered to himself, slinking lower in his
chair.[/dcs_p]
…
[dcs_p]Morning had come and gone, and the time left to prepare for battle was gradually
coming to an end. Both commanders had given up some of their traditional rights
for the duel. Each had agreed to a proposal made by the members of both Clan
and Inner Sphere origin under their command. The proposal had pushed for
more equality in the way of technology each would use, specifically meaning the
Mechs to be piloted. Rather than their usual assault or heavy Mechs, both pilots
would be forced into the smaller light class Mechs that typically made up scout
and recon units. The actual Mech selected was the 40-ton Assassin. Despite
the grave situation the warriors on both sides, having fierce support for their
commanding officers, were not yet without a sense of irony.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]Devon was winding down for the fight, spending time with his coupling partner
Dana Douglas. He knew his meditation and any resulting visions would help little
in this contest of skill, only leading to expectations. Devon also knew this fight
would determine much of his Clan’s power within the unit. Mike Strider had done
something that no Clan member could accept. The Inner Sphere man was a
veteran of years of combat, but his leadership skills were still new in having
founded Strider’s Strikers in 3058. Devon had only started to truly trust the man
when the truth had come crashing down hard.[/dcs_p]
[dcs_p]Rolling over in his small bed, Devon eyed his partner. Dana was laying on her
back, her eyes twinkling like a late autumn frost. Despite the situation, a smile
danced ever so lightly across her lips. She turned to him, her eyes having caught
his own watching her.[/dcs_p]