An Evening Most Auspicious...

Cumberland

Caripare

Irece Prefecture

Draconis Combine

1 August 3152 

                    Sho-sa Jade Takahashi sat at her desk, leaning back in her chair with her eyes closed. The battle had gone well. The Hell's Horses had been sent packing. She had been pleasantly surprised at the skill with which the Mercenaries had comported themselves. Master Po had built himself quite a force, and she was not looking forward to returning to being his enemy.

                    She also had to admit that she was personally not looking forward to parting ways with Master Po. There was something about the way he carried himself that she found almost alluring. He possessed an inner strength that shone through into his life, and she respected that greatly. She had little room in her life for a man, but if she were looking for a companion, she could see herself with Po.

                    She laughed silently to herself. She had spent the better part of the past few years deflecting the amorous advances of her superior, Tai-sa Okomoto Goro, and now she was finding her mind wandering to a Mercenary whom days before she had fought on the field of battle. With the Horses gone, they may yet find themselves on opposite sides of the conflict.

                    There came a knock at the door, interrupting her reverie. Focus Jade, you are not some idle schoolgirl, you are a warrior of the Dragon, with responsibilities to go along with that. You have worked hard to get where you are, never forget that.

                    "Enter."

                    The door opened and one of Po's warriors entered. She recognized him as Po's second in command and trusted aide Maxwell Ma. He was dressed in the green and beige robes favored by Po's warriors, wearing a white headband with the logo of House Po, a yin and yang of a gnarled tree and its root structure. 

                    "Sho-sa Takahashi, you honor me with your time. Thank you for seeing me. I bring a gift from Master Po." He placed a leather bound book on her desk. The cover was simple, showing the House Po logo, and the title in Mandarin, "The People's Principles".

                    She ran her hand over the cover. "Thank you Lien-zhang Maxwell Ma. The Shao-zhang and I discussed this prior to the battle. He need not give me such a gift, but I accept it nonetheless to honor him."

                    "I think you will find it is he that is most honored by your acceptance, as well as having made your acquaintance. Master Po is not taken to giving such gifts lightly, I assure you."

                    She smiled softly. "Then I shall cherish it dearly. I am afraid my Mandarin is a bit rusty, but this will give me a chance to hone my skills. Again, I find myself most honored by this gift."

                    She paused for a moment before speaking again. "Tell me, Lien-zhang, what are the intentions of House Po, now that we have defeated the Clan interlopers? Do we find ourselves enemies once more?"

                    Max bowed his head to her. "You will forgive me, I am but a humble servant of the House. I would not dare to speak for Master Po on this matter. I will say that he has enjoyed our cooperation immensely, and I do not think he wishes to see the conflict continue. But such discussions are above my station, Sho-sa."  

                    She found herself wishing to speak to Po on this matter, as well as other matters if she was honest with herself. Perhaps this gift was the perfect opening. "It would seem that we have much to discuss, Master Po and I. Tell me Lien-zhang will you carry a message to Master Po on my behalf?"

                    Max nodded. "I would be most honored to carry your message. And I can with reasonable certainty say that Master Po would welcome word from you indeed."

                    "Allow me a moment to compose this message."

                    Max bowed slightly. "My time is your time, Sho-sa."

                    She took a piece of paper and dipped her pen into a small bottle of ink. With deliberate care, she crafted her invitation to Po. When she had finished, she folded the letter delicately, and sealed it with a dab of hot wax.

                    She handed the letter to Max. "I would be most grateful if you could deliver this letter to Master Po. I know he places great trust in you, and so I also place my trust with you in this matter."

                    Max accepted the letter with a bow. "It shall reach him directly, Sho-sa. If I may take leave of you?"

                    Jade nodded, and with that, Max was gone. She found herself smiling at the thought of meeting Po again, and hoped very much that he would accept her invitation.

######

Dropship Pan-zhang (Grounded)

Caripare

Irece Prefecture

Draconis Combine

1 August 3152 

                    Po Ding let the warm water flow over him as he let his mind wander. This mission had gone sideways fast. It was the greatest stroke of luck that the Kuritans had been amenable to an alliance against the Hell's Horses, and had allowed for the defeat of the Clanners. But his initial mission was still ongoing. He had been tasked with securing a quantity of seed, specifically a strong and hearty strain of corn, from this rich agricultural world. The arrival of the Horses had sidetracked this mission, but now with the Horses fleeing in defeat, the heart of the matter came to the fore. 

                    He did not relish the though of fighting the Kuritans again, both because they had proven to be highly skilled allies, and because he was finding himself increasingly enamored with their commander, Sho-sa Jade Takahashi. Not only that, but she had saved his life on the field of battle.

                    You are growing old and weak, Po, your mind focusing upon a girl now when there is so much still unresolved. Balance in all things, Po. Focus. 

                    There was a knock at the door, breaking his concentration.

                    "Yes, what is it?"

                    He exited the shower and wrapped himself in a towel, drying himself quickly.

                    "I bring news from Sho-sa Takahashi, Po."

                    He recognized Max's voice. "Come in, Max."

                    Max entered Po's cabin grinning. "I told you, Po." he said as he handed a letter over to Po.

                    "Do not be so full of yourself, Max. This is a correspondence between commanders. The Sho-sa and I need to hammer out our standing now that the Hell's Horses have been defeated."

                    "That's not all you two need to hammer out." 

                    Po punched his friend gently on the shoulder. "You are hopeless, Max."

                    Max's smile did not fade. "Say what you will, Po, but it is not often that commanders hand-write notes to one another. I'm telling you, she has the hots for you as well. Don't miss your chance."

                    Po opened the letter "Shao-zhang, I have received your gift and find it most agreeable. You honor me with a copy of your work. It is my humble hope that my most basic Mandarin will be enough to guide me through it's pages. Barring that, perhaps we can discuss it more in person, as I am eager to learn more of your teachings. I would be most honored if you would dine with my officers and I in the capitol so that we may discuss this and the current situation in which we find ourselves embroiled. Your safe passage is guaranteed. If you are agreeable, we shall meet in two days time. I will leave it to my subordinates to work out the details. Most sincerely, Sho-sa Jade Takahashi."

                    "Well, what does it say, Po?" Max asked eagerly.

                    "She wishes me to dine with her and her officers two days from now to discuss our current situation.. She leaves the details to be worked out in the meantime."

                    Max smiled sheepishly. "So it's a date then!"

                    Po shook his head. "With her and half a dozen samurai who hate me. Do not say I told you so, Max. This is a formal affair where we are to work out the details of our current situation. I expect you to be there with me. This is House business, plain and simple."

                    "If you say so, Po. Shall I work out the details with the Sword of Light?"

                    "Please do. And remember Max, this is a formal affair. Treat it as such."

                    Max smiled broadly. "Oh I will, Po, you can trust me on that. But as your friend, I beg you to keep your mind open. There is more to this than you are willing to admit. Embrace it."

######

Cumberland

Caripare

Irece Prefecture

Draconis Combine

3 August 3152 

                    Po Ding's heart raced as he climbed the steps to the temple where they had agreed to meet with the Sword of Light officers. Max walked dutifully behind him. They were both dressed in the formal robes of the House, dark green with beige highlights. The temple was part of a greater compound that had been taken over by the Sword of Light to act as their headquarters, and so technically he was in enemy territory. He had been promised safe passage, and had no reason to doubt the Kuritan's honor. Instead his anxiety was born of the fact that he would be meeting with Sho-sa Jade Takahashi. He had fought to keep the meeting from his mind for the past two days, and now it was come to fruition. 

                    He wanted to pretend, as he had told Max numerous times, that this was a mere meting of officers, but he could not honestly say that his mind was not on the alluring Sho-sa. They were led through a dimly lit hallway, which opened into what was serving as the dining hall for the evening.

                    Half a dozen DCMS officers stood to the right of Sho-sa Takahashi. The Sho-sa was resplendent in her formal dress uniform, complete with paired swords befitting her rank. She moved with a delicate grace that Po had also seen in her BattleMech piloting, something that was not easy to achieve piloting multi-ton war machines.

                    The Sword of Light officers around her wore cold expressions, but it was a far sight more welcoming then when he had met them days previous, at least there was no open hostility. The room was dimly lit by candles and paper lanterns, and shadows danced around the outer corners.

                    Po's gaze remained on Sho-sa Takahashi. She gestured for him to sit, the delicate tatami flooring was welcoming and soft silk cushions were arrayed for them to sit on. The other officers took their place. Po nodded to Takahashi and took his place beside her. Max took his place at Po's side.

                    He soaked in the delicate fragrance of the room, which smelled like spring flowers. Everything was peaceful and the dim lighting highlighted the intricate Fusuma art.

                    "We are most honored that you would join us, Shao-zhang." Po hung on her every word. "My officers and I look forward to dining with you, and it is my most fervent hope that we can end this night most amicably as friends, rather than as enemies."

                    Po nodded. "Indeed. We have built a tremendous rapport in our fight with a common enemy. I too hope that we can build upon this."

                    "First we have some tea. I hope you will find it to your liking." As she spoke, servants gracefully entered the room almost silently and poured a dark tea into delicate cups set on the wooden tables set low on the floor in front of the gathered guests.

                    Po waited for her cue before taking a drink of the strong tea, allowing it to fill his mouth and sinuses before gently swallowing the liquid. "It is most agreeable, Sho-sa. The effort that you have gone to is not lost on us, I assure you."

                    "Our meal will arrive shortly, Shao-zhang. In the meantime, if you would not consider it rude, we can begin discussion on the topic at hand. Hopefully we can reach an amicable outcome before the food arrives, leaving us to enjoy this bountiful meal and setting for the evening."

                    "I would be most happy to deal first with business so that we may focus more on pleasure. If I may be so bold as to ask, what is it that concerns you?"

                    Her face remained neutral as she nodded slightly to Po. "I speak to you as a humble servant of the Dragon. We are here duty bound to protect that which belongs to the Dragon. Yet you initially came to this world as raiders, for some purpose to take that which is not yours. We are honor bound to stop you in this goal."

                    Po nodded. "Indeed. I am contracted by the Alyina Mercantile League to procure a supply of the hearty corn seed that this world is most famous for. The League is facing famine on many of it's worlds, and we seek to restore balance to the situation."

                    Takahashi raised an eyebrow. "You seek to restore balance by taking that which is not yours. I would argue that this is most disharmonious."

                    Po nodded in deference. "Indeed, war is most disharmonious in it's nature. But war is the tool with which we ply our trade. It is unfortunate that we are at odds regarding this, but that is the way of war."

                    Jade shook her head. "You and I do not ply the same trade, as you say. I serve my lord and defend his holdings. You fight for monetary gain. We are not the same."

                    Po sipped his tea. "Here I believe you may have an incomplete picture of me. I am no mere mercenary. I follow the path of the Celestial Wisdom. Money is not my reason for fighting. I fight because it is my nature. Money merely gives me the means of continuing this endeavor."

                    Takahashi chose her words carefully. "Yet you do not merely serve the Celestial Wisdom. You are not a Capellan line unit. You are something apart, yes?"

                    "Yes. Something apart. We are the House. We value the freedom of action that our mercenary ways afford us."

                    "This is good to know. I am glad that our two realms are not coming to war over such things. There are greater foes to our respective ways of life. But yet we still find ourselves at odds."

                    This was the real issue. Would Po back down, or would he continue on his mission? Po himself had been unsure of what course things would take up until this moment. But now, for better or worse, the die was cast. He locked eyes with Takahashi.

                    "Then let me put your mind at ease, Sho-sa. I find that the situation has changed from that when I first arrived. Much blood has been spilled on this world, more so as allies than as enemies. I wish it to remain so. Perhaps I am letting my personal feelings cloud my judgement, but it is my prerogative. If it is agreeable to you, my forces will withdraw with no further fighting."

                    "You would abandon your mission and leave this world empty handed?"

                    "As I have stated, the situation has changed. I will not cling to old ways of thinking when the facts have changed. And I would posit that it is my sincere hope that I am not leaving here empty handed."

                    Takahashi raised her eyebrow. "Oh? And what is it that you have gained?"

                    Po once again met the Sho-sa's gaze. "I would hope, at the very least, that I have gained an ally. Allies are more valuable than grain or Battlemechs."

                    Po's heart was racing. Focus, Po Ding. An ally, that is what you seek. Nothing more.

                    Jade nodded. "Our alliance has born fruit in a successful campaign against terrible invaders. I am pleased to see it continue. I wonder, will you not lose face for having failed in your goal?"

                    "My reputation is my own to deal with, and I assure you it will remain sufficiently intact for my liking. But as the situation has changed, so too have my goals changed."

                    At that moment, the doors slid open and the servants emerged bearing the food for the occasion. The discussion paused as they silently apportioned the food onto the delicate china plates set before them. As before, Po waited for the Sho-sa's cue before picking up his chopsticks. The sushi was excellent, and he savored the first few bites.

                    They ate in silence for several minutes until each guest was finished eating, and the servants whisked away the plates just as silently as they had brought them in.

                    It was the Sho-sa who broke the silence. "If I may be so bold as to ask, what are these new goals?"

                    Be careful Po. Do not make a fool of yourself.

                    "I will be equally bold, Sho-sa and say that I wish to leave this world having made an ally and a friend."

                    Jade nodded almost imperceptibly. "I think, on this subject, we are in agreement, Shao-zhang.

                    Po's heart was once again racing at the thought of a mere friendship with this woman. It was invigorating, and he reveled in the sensation.

                    "Then please, call me Po Ding."

                    Po could sense an almost imperceptible change in the attitude of the officers around them at this level of familiarity. He cared only about the opinion of one person in the room at that moment.

                    "As you wish, Po Ding. I trust that you have enjoyed your evening thus far?"

                    Po nodded. "Immeasurably so, Sho-sa. You have been a most wonderful host. I hope that the evening is not yet over, however."

                    Careful, Po Ding. Do not reach too far at the risk of getting swatted down like a fly. She is out of your grasp. Do not make a fool of yourself in reaching too far.

                    Jade nodded with a delicate smile. "Most assuredly it is not yet at an end."

                    At that moment, the servants returned, this time with small porcelain cups which they set on the table. Further servants followed them, pouring warm sake into each cup before withdrawing. Once again, he took his cue from the Sho-sa, allowing her to take the first sip before drinking the warm wine into his mouth, allowing it to rest for a moment before swallowing.

                    "May I ask you a question, Po Ding?"

                    Po nodded his affirmation. "Please."

                    "You seem to have built your unit somewhat on the Warrior House Orders of your own Capellan Confederation. We have seen your martial prowess in action. But it is my understanding that there is much more to you than the way of a warrior. I appreciate the most pleasant gift that you gave me earlier of your philosophical teachings. Are you as accomplished a poet as you are a warrior?"

                  "Cherry blossoms fall, Steel-clad petals in the breeze, Warrior's dance thrives."

                    She nodded. "You honor us with your haiku, Po Ding."

                    The evening went on for several more hours as they discussed poetry and philosophy. With each passing moment, Po's anxiety grew less and he grew more at ease. For most of the evening it was as if they were the only two in the room. Soon the evening was turning to night.

                    "Our time here is coming to a close Po Ding. And yet, if I may be so bold once again, may I impose upon you to walk with me through the beautiful gardens here on this estate?"

                    Where he had been relaxed before, now his heart was once more set aflutter. Do not make a fool of yourself, Po.

                    "It would be my honor to walk with you."

                    She nodded and rose, gesturing for him to follow. He dutifully followed, remaining behind her as she led the way to a door, which she slid open, revealing a beautifully crafted garden. She bid him to follow her, and he obliged as she slid the door closed behind them.

                     "These gardens are most beautiful. They rival my own on Harloc. I find myself wishing that we were there just now so that I might show you."

                    "You comment often on beauty, Po Ding. Do not think that your affirmations have been lost on me. I am most flattered by your kind words."

                    "My sincere apologies if any of this has been unwanted, Sho-sa."

                    She took his hand in hers. "You have comported yourself most honorably, Po Ding. And it would please me if you called me Jade."

                    Her touch was electric, and he savored it deeply.

                    "Whatever pleases you, Jade, it will be done."

                    "Be careful with your promises Po Ding. You may be surprised with what pleases me."

                    His mind was racing. Was this really happening? He found himself in heaven. His hand was in hers and it fired his mind and body. There was nothing to be done but to act. He would sink or swim, fly or crash and burn.

                    He leaned in and kissed her gently on the lips. He waited for her to pull away, but she did not. The kiss seemed to go on for eternity, his body was light as a feather.

                    Their lips parted and their eyes locked together. He was lost in her in that moment. He would do anything for her.

                    "We have fought beside each other as warriors. Now come with me, Po Ding."

                    She gently pulled at him. He took a few steps following her before pausing. "The others?"

                    She placed a finger on his lips. "The others will be fine. Your friend Max will be taken care of. For now, it is just you and I. Let us make the most of it."

######

                    Po Ding laid on his back, breathing softly. Jade was curled up beside him, her hand on his chest. For all of their formality, by the time Jade had led him to her room, they were acting like children. Their lovemaking had come quick and gentle, in stark contrast to their outside lives piloting machines of death. It had been some time since Po had been with a woman, and he had almost forgotten the euphoric high that came with sex.    

                    "I trust that I kept my promise?"

                    She smiled in response. "You have kept your promise most wonderfully, Po. Was this how you envisioned your evening ending?"

                    "I would be a liar if I said it was so. Tonight has been a dream. I find myself most blessed, beyond my wildest dreams. And wishing that this night would not end."

                    She rubbed her hand gently across his chest. "It is not over yet, Po. We still have a few hours before we must return to the world around us. I am happy to spend them with you, here."

                    He kissed her gently on the forehead. "And we will go on about our lives in a little while. You asked me earlier about my leaving this world empty handed. Clearly now you see that is not the case. Does this put your mind at ease?"

                    "It does. We are warriors, but we need not fight each other. In another time and place, perhaps we could have more, but our duties must come first."

                    "Balance in all things. I preach this constantly. It is much the same as your sense of duty, yet subtly different."

                    "How so?"

                    "Duty is rigid and uncompromising. Yet there must be some compromise, or life has little value. By the same token, were we to indulge ourselves too deeply in our passions, we would become lost. The balance is that which we strive for. Tonight has been that balance in action. And I shall remember it fondly."

                    She sighed softly. "As will I, Po."

         

The Battle Commences...

Yellow Breeches Creek

Caripare

Irece Prefecture

Draconis Combine

31 July 3152 

                    With the enemy forces located, it was time to bring on the battle. Po Ding and Sho-sa Jade Takahashi had decided that the site of their previous battle, the Yellow Breeches Creek, was the perfect site for the battle. It would do no more damage to the surrounding area and the civilian population was already evacuated. In addition, the creek bed posed a strong defensive position with which they could counter the hard hitting Horses.

                    Their lines were prepared for battle. Now it was on the Hells Horses to show up to the fight. It did not take them long to oblige. Po's Jade Phoenix was planted firmly in the creek, allowing the cooling water to aid in his heat management. Beside him stood Sho-sa Takahashi in her B configuration Tenshi. 

                    "Po Ding, the enemy is nearly upon us. All is at the ready. Good hunting!" the Sho-sa's voice lifted his spirits in a way that made him almost ill at ease. Focus, Po Ding. This is not a time for idle childhood fantasies. This is war.

                    The first enemy 'Mech to emerge was a Balius, a quad OmniMech that gave the impression of a galloping horse. It fired off several blasts from its extended range lasers, but missed with all it's initial shots. Po centered his crosshairs on the galloping beast and pulled into his triggers. His Large Pulse Laser cored armor from one of the enemy mech's legs. His Medium Lasers followed up with shots to the torso, and finally, his Hyper-Assault Gauss Rifle spewed a hail of nickel-ferrous slugs at supersonic velocity into the Horses' torso.

                    The charging beast did not stop. It returned fire with it's ER Large Lasers, melting armor from Po's arm. Po shrugged off the damage and prepared for a second shot. Before he could take the shot, however, a flurry of pulse lasers emerged seemingly from nowhere as his BattleArmor troopers opened thie own withering fire. A hail of missiles added to the conflagration, and the Balius looked ready to fall. 

                    Po squeezed his right hand trigger, sending another blast from his HAG/30 into the now crippled enemy Mech. With this final blow, the quadruped BattleMech sank into a heap on the ground, it's fusion engine shut down due to cracked reactor shielding.

                    He turned his attention next to a mammoth Stone Rhino that the Sho-sa had been tangling with. In a brilliant flash of light, the huge Mech slumped it's shoulders in a shutdown initiated by Jade's TSEMP cannon. With the beast now immobilized, several Combine mechs added their firepower to a withering blast that severed the Mech's leg at the knee joint.

                    There was little time to savor the victory, as Po's mech shuddered under the hit of multiple Gauss rounds which ran up his leg and into his torso, smashing armor as it went. The damage was not enough to penetrate his armor, but it most certainly got his attention. He quickly looked for his attacker, finding it in the form of a hulking Kraken. His computer tagged it as a '7' model, sporting dual Hyper-Assault Gauss Rifle 40's in it's arms, explaining the fire he had just taken.

                    He responded with an alpha strike from all of his weapons, risking heat knowing that he had the additional cooling of the creek to assist him. His Large Pulse Laser stitched damage up the leg of the enemy machine. His backup lasers melted streams of armor from it's torso, just as his own HAG/30 blasted across the upper structure of the hulking beast.

                    "Po Ding! I will destroy you!" came the cry from an open comm channel. It was his nemesis in the Hell's Horses, Star Colonel Colleen Ravenwater. 

                    She let loose with another barrage from her paired HAG/40's. The impact was more than Po could handle, and his Jade Phoenix crashed onto it's back into the creek. Po was jostled in his command couch and could taste blood in his mouth from the jarring impact. His armor was now rent in several locations. The housing of his Mech's fusion reactor had also been nicked, and waste heat poured up into the cockpit.

                    "This is the end for you, Po Ding! You will be the curse of no more Hell's Horses! You--"

                    As Po struggled to right his machine, the Star Colonel's rant was interrupted with a hiss of static. Po was able to get his Jade Phoenix to its feet just in time to see a PPC bolt dash the cockpit of her Kraken. The lumbering beast ground to a halt, smoldering from the giant gash to it's cockpit. Leaderless, the giant Mech slowly fell forward, planting itself face first into the ground.

                    "I apologize if I robbed you of your victory, Shao-zhang, but it appeared that you were in need of assistance." Sho-sa Takahashi's Tenshi stood opposite Po's Mech, heat still radiating from the barrel of it's arm-mounted clan-spec ER PPC.

                    Po caught his breath and allowed the heat in his cockpit to settle for a moment before responding. "Not at all, Sho-sa. Your timing was impeccable. I am in your debt."

                    "It appears as if the fight has gone out of the Horses. They are retreating in chaos."

                    Po nodded. "Let them run. Our work here is finished for the day. And not a moment too soon."  

Call me Po Ding...

 Cumberland

Caripare

Irece Prefecture

Draconis Combine

31 July 3152 

                    Po Ding stood atop a gentle hill and looked out over the fields with his binoculars. The fighting was still too far away to see, but smoke rising from beyond his field of vision, coupled with the dull thuds of explosions told him that the fight was underway.    

                    The Hell's Horses had landed and immediately begun combat operations. Po had sent Max out to recon their strength, coordinating with the recon elements of the Sword of Light, to gain a picture of just what they were facing. He had faced the Horses before, but always on ground of his choosing. Now they were bringing the fight to him..

                    "What news of the fight, Shao-zhang?"

                    Po's heart was sent aflutter at the voice of Sho-sa Jade Takahashi, who had silently made her way up the hill to join him. She was dressed now for the field, wearing a simple jumpsuit of grey and red, half zipped covering her cooling vest beneath. Even now, with battle nearly commencing, Po had to force himself to ignore her delicate curves and beautiful eyes.

                    "Max has engaged the enemy screening elements. So far, they are locked in inconclusive combat. It will take time, but Max will break through and get the intel that we need."

                    "You have confidence in your friend. That is admirable"

                    Po raised the binoculars to his eyes once more. "Max is more than a friend. He is my right hand. He has been since we were children. When I set him to a task, it will be done."

                    Jade nodded. "Forgive me, Shao-zhang. I did not mean to imply otherwise. I have no doubt in his abilities. Waiting is the hardest part of this whole thing, however, is it not?"

                    Po lowered the glasses. "It is. Trusting in one's subordinates is never easy. Mine, however, are of the highest quality, I can assure you. We are not mere mercenaries. We are the House."

                    "You fought well earlier. I have no doubts."

                    Po dared a glance at the Sho-sa. She was surveying the field as he was. He had to remind himself that her beauty concealed a deadly warrior and no doubt a keen tactician. 

                    "It is a shame that we must fight over such beauty."

                    She turned to him and nodded. "Indeed it is. I noticed as much when I was assigned to the garrison. It is also a shame that you will have to leave with your mission unfulfilled."

                    Po allowed the slightest hint of a smile. "It is true that I will leave without the grain that I came for. Syndic Marena will not be pleased. However I count this mission as a success that I was able to experience such beauty."

                    Takahashi raised an eyebrow. "Twice now you have mentioned the beauty of this place. Strange for a warrior to take note of such things. Ordinarily the battlefields on which we fight are non-descript."

                    Po responded with a gentle nod, closing his eyes for a moment and considering his words. "Indeed. But I consider myself more than just a warrior. War is but one of my tools. It is one that I hone constantly, to be sure, but it is but one of many. It is a dim warrior indeed who does not appreciate art, philosophy, and beauty when he sees it.

                    The Sho-sa smiled slightly. "You speak the truth. It is rare to find such qualities in a warrior these days. You should be proud. You would fit well amongst the better servants of the Dragon."

                    "Alas, my service is to the Celestial Wisdom, and to the House. I have fought long and hard to raise the House to the fighting unit that we are today. No doubt you have fought long and hard on your own career, to have come so far against such odds. You too should be proud."

                    "Hai. I am most proud of my accomplishments, and those of my troops. Much blood will be spilled this day. But tell me, Shao-zhang, why do you and your troops fight? We fight for the Dragon. It is a calling that cannot be denied. What is your calling?"

                    "That is easy, Sho-sa. We fight for the betterment of ourselves. Each and every one of my warriors is here to better themselves, to find balance in their lives, to find purpose and meaning. That is the way of the House. If you are truly interested in our ways, I can see that you receive a copy of my book. It explains these things in detail."

                    "I would like that, Shao-zhang. I would like that very much indeed."

                    Po smiled. "Then it is yours. And when next we meet, please, call me Po Ding."

                    She nodded just as the comm unit in Po's ear came to life. "Master Po, I have found the main body of the Horses. They are here in earnest, with assault mechs. I have spotted Star Colonel Ravenwater's Kraken amongst them. We are returning to the main body. Suggest you ready yourselves for combat!" Max had found the enemy.

                    "Max has found them. I suggest that we mount up and prepare for battle." 

Let's talk about a girl, Po Ding...

 Cumberland

Caripare

Irece Prefecture

Draconis Combine

30 July 3152 

                    "I do not like this, Po. Not at all"

                    Po Ding remained motionless. "Of course you do not. We are meeting with people we were fighting just yesterday and hoping that we can turn them into allies in order to survive against the machinations of a crazed Clan attacker."

                    Maxwell Ma laughed. "You have such a way of making things better. You know what I mean. We are going to them, it is most uncomfortable. I am not well versed in Kuritan manners."

                    The air was stale inside the Maxim hover transport as they rode toward the appointed location. There were no windows to look out, as they were riding in a military transport, but Po knew they were nearing their destination in the nearby city of Cumberland, where Kuritan Military headquarters were located.

                    "Do not worry Max, I highly doubt that the Sho-sa will subject us to a tedious tea ceremony if that is what you are worried about."

                    Max shrugged. "It is more than that. They are so uptight at times. It's as if one misstep will derail everything"

                    Po nodded. "Just follow my lead. People probably say much the same about us when they are forced to meet with us. You have been to court on Sian before with me, you know your way around these things. Treat it like that and everything will be fine."

                    He felt the transport slowing.

                    "What if there are surprises?"

                    "There will be no surprises. And besides, you like surprises."

                    By now the transport had come to a halt. Two House Po infantrymen opened the door and checked to make sure everything was safe. They signaled to Po, who rose from his seat, followed by Max.

                    They stepped out into the cool air. It was summer time here on Caripare, and the harvest was in full swing. The air still smelled fresh, not like some industrialized city where smog might dominate. In spite of being in a city, Po could look out and see the vast plains of grains for which this world was famous. For which they had initially come to raid it.

                    The streets were clear of citizens, the Friendly Persuaders of the local police had seen to that, and a few of them were visible, as were a few soldiers. Their path was clearly marked, leading up to a large building which obviously normally served as some government building on this world in peacetime. For now, the Sword of Light had commandeered it for their command center, and it was lightly fortified with a scattering of troops at all the right positions to dissuade anyone from causing trouble. 

                    Not that anyone would cause trouble on a Combine world. Po had not visited the Combine before, but he was familiar enough with the rigid culture of the Draconis Combine to know that much.

                    They made their way up a set of stairs at the front of the building, leading to two large glass doors which were open and manned by soldiers. There was a checkpoint of some kind, but it had been abandoned and Po and Max were waved through toward a large set of wooden doors. 

                    These doors were guarded, and he paused as they approached. One of the guards opened the door slightly and slid inside, then swung the door closed again.

                    "Warm welcome." Max said softly.

                    "You would have preferred a parade?"

                    "You know I would not. "

                    Po nodded. The door swung open and the guard walked up to Po. "You are expected."

                    Po nodded and walked forward, and Max reluctantly followed him in. The room was dominated by a large holotable in the center, which currently displayed the spinning world of Caripare as a large globe. Tiny lights could be seen at both the Zenith and Nadir Jumppoints, as well as a few triangles of light throughout the system. One was surrounded by a highlighted circle pulsing a bright red, obviously denoting the inbound enemy vessel.

                    Surrounding the table was a cluster of officers, each clad in traditional DCMS uniforms and several sporting the twin swords of a Combine samurai. As Po entered, they all focused their attention on him. He was clad in his  green ceremonial warrior robes rather than a traditional uniform, as was Max who walked dutifully behind him.

                    Po Scanned the crowd of officers as he slowly approached, He read a mixture of confusion, contempt, and disdain on their faces. No doubt they were not particularly happy to be meeting with a Capellan Mercenary, and they did not bother to hide their feelings.

                    As he reached the center of the room and came to stop at the empty side of the table, his eyes came to rest on what he thought was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. It was not that she was physically attractive, Po had been at Court most of his life and dealt with courtesans and all manner of beautiful people and this did not affect him. Rather it was her entire demeanor. She carried herself with an incredible grace and poise that was palpable. She was dressed in the uniform of a DCMS Officer, adorned with the rank of Sho-sa and carrying the twin swords that marked her as a samurai and a graduate of one of Kurita's prestigious academies.

                    He waited a moment for his pulse to steady once more before he spoke. "I am Po Ding. Shao-zhang of House Po. I am honored by your welcome, and trust that we can reach some amicable agreement in our fight against a mutual aggressor." He bowed his head slightly in respect to the woman.

                    One of the officers made a comment in Japanese and several of the surrounding officers smiled slightly at his comment. Po was fluent enough in Japanese to know what the man was saying, but he made no visible response to the man's insult.

                    The woman rebuked the officer with a quick word, and he seemed suitably chastised, if not satisfied. "Apologies, Shao-zhang for the comportment of my officer. He forgets his manners. We are honored to have you as a guest here, and we too look forward to seeking an agreeable settlement here."

                    Po nodded respectfully to the Sho-sa. He then turned his gaze slightly to the officer that had insulted them. He spoke up in his best, if somewhat slow and imperfect Japanese. "If one holds a key, one may infer the existence of a lock. Do not, however, assume that yours is the only key."

                    The man was taken aback, clearly shocked at Po's use of traditional Japanese. It took him a moment to steady himself before he responded, this time in English, addressing himself to his commander. "This man speaks in riddles. It is as I said, Sho-sa, Capellans are not to be trusted."

                    The woman turned her head ever so slightly in the man's direction, keeping her eyes locked on Po. "And yet with his riddles, he rebukes you for your ignorance, as well as your lack of manners. I will suffer no more on this, Tai-i Hiroshi."

                    She nodded almost imperceptibly to Po. "My officer, though he makes the point in a crude manner, raises a valid point. Just yesterday you were here as our enemy. Why should we proceed on the basis of trust now?"

                    Po did not take his eyes off of the woman. "I have not hidden anything of what I am. I came here to raid on a lawful mercenary contract, duly bonded, from the Alyina Mercantile League to secure an amount of your high-yield corn seed. I do so for the benefit of their people, with the only tools available to me as a humble warrior. I hide nothing of my intent." He paused for a moment and looked at the assembled officers around him before returning his gaze to Sho-sa Takahashi. "It is unfortunate that we battle here in the sight of such beauty, this world a gem as it is. I can appreciate that beauty, and would make no move to stain it's honor but that which is required of me by the duties of my contract."

                    He paused once again, trying to read this woman through her eyes, but finding himself still unable to gauge her intent. This is no time for idle infatuations, Po. "I would also point out that our opponent, who is known to me, also makes no attempts to hide her intention. She is here to destroy. To Destroy me, you, and anything else she wishes. It is the taint, this Mongol Doctrine that so sullied the Jade Falcons that also clouds the actions of the Hell's Horses. We can only deal with the situation that is dealt to us. On this, we must focus and agree. The Horses must be defeated. I offer that cooperation is the best way forward on this matter."

                    Takahashi let her gaze wander for the first time from Po Ding to that of the officers gathered around her. "There is wisdom in your words. Make your case and we shall see."

                    Po nodded to her, turned and nodded at Max, and then began.

                    It took almost three hours of arguing and debate, mostly with Po having to defend himself to the officers around him. Takahashi would wade into the discussion only for brief periods, letting her junior officers make their attacks, allowing Po to handle their objections, before bringing a voice of reason to the debate. It was clear to Po that she was in favor of cooperation, but it was equally clear that her staff were not on board, and she was going to rely on him to make the case. 

                    And ultimately, he did. By the time he walked out of the room and the doors closed behind him, he had secured an agreement to work together to defeat the Horses. Now they simply had to make the alliance work in the practical sense. He was under no illusions that it would be easy, but this Jade Takahashi was someone that he could work with.

                    He closed his eyes as the door slid shut behind him When he opened them, Max was standing beside him, waiting. "Well?"

                    Po shrugged. "I told you, no surprises."

                    Max smiled. "Oh no. I am not speaking now to Master Po, I am speaking to Po. You know what I am talking about."

                    Po began walking towards the exit, and Max followed him. "You did well. There were no surprises. We got what we want. Now we must make it work."

                    Max shook his head. "I am not playing your game Po. You know that I am talking about the Sho-sa."

                    Po nodded. "We are lucky to have found an ally in her. Most Combine officers would be more rigid and perhaps harder to work with, but I feel as though we can trust her."

                    Max walked ahead of Po and turned so that he could walk backwards and face his friend as he smiled. "And you have the hots for her."

                    Po made no change in his expression. "Whatever you are talking about is pointless. There is a mission to focus on. The Sho-sa and I will both do our duties, and with luck, we will defeat the Horses."

                    "In all things, balance, Master Po. Is this not what you preach every day? Well when was the last time you liked someone like that?"

                    "This is pointless Max."

                    "It is not pointless Po. You have the weight of the entire House upon you day and night. Allow yourself some simple pleasures now and again."

                    Po raised his eyebrow. "Simple pleasures?"

                    "Yes. Allow yourself to be a person and just like someone else. It doesn't matter that it might never happen. It matters that you let yourself feel whatever it is that you are feeling. What would Nyxie say if she were here? After all the lessons you have given her about dealing with emotion and embracing things. Master Po is not immune to his own advice."

                    Po allowed himself a slight smile. "You are hopeless, Max. Even as a child, you were always hopeless."

                    Max laughed. "And look where it has gotten me! From living on the streets to being Lien-zhang of a great group of warriors with my best friend. I'm not saying you have to run off and start a family with this girl. I'm saying you're allowed to like her. Don't make things harder than they have to be."

                    Po put his hand on Max's shoulder. "Things are always harder than they have to be. For now, we have a battle to win, a battle for our survival. After that, we can talk about 'the girl'. Are you satisfied?"

                    Max smiled wryly. "For now, Po. For now." 

                    

Battle at the Creek

Yellow Breeches Creek

Caripare

Irece Prefecture

Draconis Combine

July 3152 

                    Po Ding stopped his Jade Phoenix at the edge of the woodline and surveyed the scene before him. A substantial creek flowed through the gentle valley in front of him. It was the perfect place from which to fight. There was significant enough foliage on the banks to provide cover for his BattleArmor, and the slope up the other side was gentle enough to be easily traversed by BattleMechs. 

                    Yes, this would be a good place for battle. He knew the enemy was out there, Max's patrols had spotted them moving towards this area only moments before. On learning the location of the enemy main body, Po had released Max to ride wide around the enemy flanks in search of one of the convoys of seeds that intelligence had said passed through this region regularly. Now Po would engage the enemy while Max secured their loot. The plan was perfect. They had run this mission before. They were good at it. Hell, they were great at it.

                    "Contact, about a thousand meters front, Master Po!" Ban-zhang Allison Burkett called over the comms. She piloted a Warhammer IIC and was stationed about one hundred and fifty meters to his left. He scanned his vision and picked up some movement in the treeline across the creek. Then he caught sight of another. The enemy was in the woods opposite them, mirroring their position and deployment. Po could make out at least three mechs in the woods.

                    A Schreck tank rumbled over a low ridgeline, exposing only it's turret enough to get a shot off, sending a PPC bolt and two clusters of Autocannon flechettes, striking Burkett's Warhammer and staggering it briefly. Burkett responded with her Large Lasers, but could hit only a glancing blow to the exposed turret before the Schrek backed down behind into cover.

                    "Ahn, deploy on the flanks. Let us try to bait the enemy into coming out of their cover."

                    In response Pai-zhang Ahn sent several Maxim transports forward at high speed on their airskirts on both the right and left flank of Po's position. They bounded with incredible speed across the open territory until they reached the next available cover, where they promptly disgorged their contingents of BattleArmored troopers from their back bay doors. The troopers scurried into the woods and were almost invisible with their stealth armor.

                    Several of the Maxims on his left exchanged fire with something Po could not see, but he saw the return fire in the form of a Gauss Rifle slug that crashed into the hover transport's delicate motive systems, sending it crashing to the ground.

                    "Into the creek, let us draw them out of their cover."

                    His mechs advanced out of the trees at full speed, bounding down into the cooling waters of the creek below. He triggered his jump jets and lurched forward to join them, softening his landing by flexing his Mech's knees as he landed in the water. The water rose about to the level of his Mech's knees, and would provide some cover and ample cooling benefits.

                    He took fire from the tree line ahead, a PPC bolt from an enemy Tenshi that barely emerged from the woods. It was now that he got the first sign that something was very wrong. The Mech was colored a blazing red, and he recognized the flaming sword insignia of the elite Sword of Light regiments of the Draconis Combine. These were no mere militia. Something was awry.

                    At that moment, two mechs burst from the cover for the trees, a Shiro and a No-Dachi, each sporting a giant Mech-sized sword. Both designed to look like samurai, the mechs charged forward, the Shiro coming straight towards him.

                    The Schrek also reappeared and began peppering the Warhammer Po's left with autocannon submunitions and PPC blasts. The Shiro unleashed a hail of forty long range missiles in Po's direction, and they scattered over the frontal armor of his mech, one rattling off the cockpit glass and shaking Po in his command couch. As if that were not enough, it added fire from it's clan-spec ER PPC, striking Po's leg and coring enough armor off that Po could not maintain his machine's balance. The gyro whirred in protest, but despite his best efforts, his Jade Phoenix crashed onto it's back in the water.

                    Enough of this. This is a real fight, you must rise to the occasion, Po. He quickly righted his Mech, and seeing the Shiro still charging towards him, he lowered his crosshairs onto the samurai-like form of the Mech.

                    "Shut that Shiro down!" was the command he gave over the comms. The Shiro fired another blast from it's weapons, but Po managed to weather this fusillade more steadily than the last, in spite of taking some heavy damage.

                    The Warhammer to his left, having just fired it's Large Lasers and cored into the turret of the Schrek immediately turned it's torso and unleased both of it's Plasma cannons into the running Shiro. Immense heat was transferred onto the target, and the Shiro slowed somewhat in it's charge. Now was time for Po to add the final blow. 

                    He pulled into all of his weapons triggers, sending his medium lasers burring armor from the mech's legs. The stream of slugs from his Hyper-Assault Gauss rifle stung the Shiro squarely in the chest, followed by his Large Pulse Laser.

                    Finally, his own Plasma cannon fired a shot of white hot plasma into the enemy torso, striking it squarely. The Shiro had had enough. The withering fire, combined with the heat, sent it crashing onto it's back in the throws of heat-induced shutdown. Po resisted the urge to laugh as he watched the heat visibly radiating from the downed Mech.

                    The Black Hawk KU to his right was just itself standing up from having been knocked down by a withering fire from the No-Dachi hurdling towards it. The mech was trading well with his opponent, but this fight was getting too tight.

                    As the Black Hawk's lasers peppered all over the Kuritan Mech, Po took careful aim and shot a line of supersonic slugs from his HAG-30 into the charging beast, cutting it off at the knee and sending it planting face first into the ground.

                    Po turned his attention now back to the Tenshi at the woodline. His warrior in a Mad Cat had charged from the cover of the creek to bring it's deadly weapons in line and was hammering the Tenshi with a seemingly endless hail of slugs from it's Class-twenty Ultra Autocannon. The Tenshi was withstanding the fire with practice grace that Po made note of. The warrior piloting it was a master, keeping their machine upright in spite of tremendous damage.

                    With an almost casual and deadly gracefulness, it raised it's PPC arm and sent a blast of lightning coring through the Mad Cat's canopy glass and smashing the cockpit inside, sending the machine nose first into the dirt with nothing but the smoking hole remaining where once the warrior had been.

                    This fight was not going as planned. They were holding their own, but were rapidly approaching their combat loss groupings, the stage where Mech's would begin to fall like flies. These warriors were unlike any that he had faced thus far. Discretion was going to be the better part of valor, he suspected, in this fight. His mind began working on an exit strategy, even as he realized that he would have to face down the enemy Tenshi before the battle was over.

                    As if reading his mind, the Tenshi fired it's PPC, gouging armor from his right torso. It's other arm lit up with a bright flash and an almost imperceptible pulse of energy slammed into his mech. As it did, his cockpit systems flickered for a moment. The automatic shutdown sequence began to initiate, but Po was able to slap the override in time to avoid his mech becoming incapacitated. 

                    The enemy mech was mounting a TSEMP cannon, a Tight-Stream Electro-Magnetic Pulse weapon designed to incapacitate a mech in a single shot. He would have to be wary of that arm moving forward, as he could not afford to shutdown in front of such a skilled warrior.

                    Po returned fire, hitting with his HAG all over the enemy torso and adding his Pulse laser melting armor from the Mechs leg.  This was going to be a long, drawn-out fight. He triggered his jump jets just in time to dodge a blast from the enemy PPC. As he landed in the water again, he was struck again by the TSEMP cannon.

                    Again he slapped the override switch, and for a brief second, his Mech contemplated shutdown, but it ultimately did not betray him and remained alive.

                    This cannot go on much longer. We must withdraw from this fight and link up with Max. 

                    His though was interrupted by a transmission that blared across all open frequencies.

                     "This is Star Colonel Colleen Ravenwater of the Eleventh Mechanized Cluster of Clan Hell's Horses. I have come to this world to conquer it, and will destroy any and all opposition that faces me. I offer no batchall and my bid is my entire force with which I will wipe you out. I have spotted the craft of the treacherous Po Ding in system. If you are here, Po Ding, I have come to crush you and any of your feeble allies. To the garrison commander of this world, get in my way or do not, I will destroy you just the same. The horde has come to Caripare, and you will feel its wrath!"

                    Po Ding laughed softly in the quiet confines of his cockpit. He pondered a reply, but thought better of it. There was no need to antagonize at this point. There was, however, a problem facing him right now. He keyed a comm line to the enemy. 

                    "Sword of Light Commander, this is Po Ding, Shao-zhang of House Po Ding. I came to this world with the intent of raiding it for grain in the name of the Alyina Mercantile League. You fight an honorable fight, and your skill honors me. But it would seem that we have a more pressing enemy to deal with at the moment. I would suggest that we Parlay so that we may discuss a ceasefire and cooperation in fighting these raging Clan hordes."

                     He waited for what seemed like an eternity. Neither side moved or fired. In reality, it was only perhaps a few seconds before the enemy commander responded to him. 

                    "I hear your words, Po Ding. I am Sho-sa Jade Takahashi of the Thirteenth Sword of Light Regiment, honor bound to defend this planet on behalf of the Dragon. Your force is unknown to me, but you have acquitted yourself well on the field today. I grant your request for a Parlay."

                       The woman's voice paused for a brief moment before continuing. "My satellites say that the Clan force is several days burn from planetfall still. Let us both withdraw and tend to our wounds, and meet again to discuss this situation tomorrow. I will transmit the coordinates to you shortly, and will offer you safe passage to the meeting. Is this acceptable?"

                    "Yes, it is most acceptable, Sho-sa. I will meet you tomorrow at the appointed time."

                        Things were about to get very interesting. 

                      

Showdown on Caripare

 Caripare

Irece Prefecture

Draconis Combine

July 3152 

SHOWDOWN ON CARIPARE

PO'S NEXT TARGET

                        Having secured the release of Death Commando Sheena Li and proving his loyalty to the Chancellor, Po Ding is given free reign to seek more contracts for his warrior order of Mercenaries that he has dubbed House Po Ding. Having had good relations with the AML in the past, Po once again seeks a contract in the Hinterlands.

                         Not all is well within the Alyina Mercantile League. Though they have a working HPG, many of their worlds are feeling the result of the collapse of the Jade Falcon Occupation Zone. Many planets are forced to fend for themselves and find they are short on various supplies and necessities. Several worlds have serious problems with food insecurity, and famine may not be far off.

                        With this in mind, Merchant Syndic Merena casts her eye outwards for a solution. One such solution can perhaps be found on the agriculturally rich Combine world of Caripare. The planet is an agricultural powerhouse, due in part to a particularly hearty and bountiful strain of corn seed that grows natively on the world. Marena dispatches Po and his warriors to seize a haul of this bountiful harvest, so that the hearty seed technology may be spread to other worlds within the AML.

 

BACKWATER GARRISON 

                    Caripare is a backwater garrison, normally protected only by the people's militia. But  in the last year, it has received a new garrison force. Sho-sa Jade Takahashi leads the still understrength but elite Third Battalion of the newly raised Thirteenth Sword of Light Regiment. Having spurned the amorous advances of her superior officer, Tai-sa Okmoto Goro one too many times, Jade and her Battaltion are sent away from the main unit garrison on Asgard and are tasked with the dubious honor of defending the thriving cornfields of Caripare.

                    

                    Though they are understrength, they are nonetheless still deadly. The unit boats several elite warriors, and has some of the best equipment in the DCMS. A hard hitting unit based around solid Kuritan designs, the Third Battalion is perhaps ill suited and out of place being used as a mere garrison force for an agrarian world. Sho-sa Takahasi is both skilled and intelligent, however, and refuses to let her troops languish or weaken. She fights a constant battle to maintain proper order, and a fight is just what her unit might need to unify itself and get back on the path of honor to the Dragon.

PO UNAWARE

                    Unfortunately for Po Ding, none of this information is reflected in the intelligence briefings available to him from the AML. He is told that the world is garrisoned by mere militia, and will be caught off-guard when he finds himself tangling with a Sword of Light unit.

                    His plan is a simple one. Upon planetfall, he will engage the main enemy force. With them distracted, he will dispatch his trusted aide Max with a light recon team to find and seize a shipment of corn seed that is being transported across the relatively open plains. Once these truckloads of seed are secured, they will withdraw, and Marena will have her batch of seeds to bring bountiful harvest to many of the worlds of the AML.

BATTLETECH OVERRIDE

                        This campaign will be fought using Battletech: Override, the house rules system developed by Death From Above Wargaming and forces were built using their Strike Operations system for building forces for a narrative driven campaign, which is what I hope to play here. There will be fanfiction pieces published throughout the next few days that will hopefully enhance the gaming experience and build off of the tabletop results.