Chapter One
Planet Summer, Skye Province
Lestrade Palace overlooking a valley
on Lestrade Continent
Main office of Duke Aldo Lestrade IV
March 1, 3020
07:00GST
As Duke Lestrade sat in his chair behind the expensive wood desk, he went over the current events of the Inner Sphere. He hated what the Archon was doing, he hated Draconis Combine, he hated his father, and he hated the Free Worlds League. He was full of hate, but he did love power, and he saw a glimpse opportunity at this moment. There was a movement that was gaining momentum, a movement that could lead the Skye Province free from the Lyran Commonwealth and Federated Suns, and with the right actions could lead him in power of the province. The trick will be to make sure he was there when it happens, and to make sure he had enough loyal followers both in civilian government jobs and the military to ensure he was the first ruler of the future free Skye Province. He was, after all, the leader of the Federation of Skye, so it would only make sense to be the new leader of a free Federation. He had plans within plans to achieve his goal. From influencing some of the Archons closest family members, to even a plan to kidnap her daughter when the time was right, Aldo had plans. The first one that he was going to enact upon was about to start any moment. Right, then a knock on the door and a servant entered. My lordship, Hauptmann Devlin is here to see you. Let him enter, and bring us some tea. The Duke said, and went to sit at his desk again.
As the Duke watched this young man of average height and weight walk to his desk, he thought this kid bearing was strong yet unassuming, perfect person for the job as one of my puppets.
With a stiff and sharp salute, Hauptmann Devlin said, Sir Hauptmann Edward Devlin reporting as order! then continued to stand there at attention. Excellent soldier, very good now have a seat.
I am sure that you are wondering why and or how I was able to call you from your post with the 3rd Skye Rangers. The Duke continued. I am in need of your unique services and qualifications to stand up a new army, one based solely for the purpose of defending Skye and when it is needed to defend our beliefs.
Our beliefs? the Hauptmann said, what beliefs is that you lordship?
Come now soldier, I have been following you like a hawk for three years now. The Duke revealed, we all know of your desire to have Skye free from the poor decision-making that is going on right now.
Ten years ago.
Office of Nondi Steiner, Archon sister, a Lieutenant stood in front of the desk, what had he done? As he was trying to rack his brain on why he was standing here at attention in front of one of the most influential military person in Lyran space he kept coming up empty. Then after 20 minutes of standing at attention Nondi simply said, At ease Lieutenant, have a seat. There is something I want you to do and it involves being a spy of some sort, actually a mole
Present day office of Duke Aldo Lestrade IV..
Hauptmann Devlin, I want you to be the new commander of the new unit 4th Skye Guards, this unit will answer only to me, I dont care about how you do it but within 10 years I want a full regiment, and the command team loyal to Skye, which means me, is that understood Colonel Devlin? The realization of what just happen to him was like a fog that lifted out of the valley, as the Duke got up from his desk and handed Edward a box in which held two pins showing Colonel. Sir, yes Sir I will get right on it sir Devlin said, Good, you and your unit will be stationed on Skye, in the north, at a base called Firebase Freedom, after you have successfully gathered enough men and trained them to field a company let me know and I will start tapping you so that your unit can gain experience. There are already 30 mechs, 20 tanks, 10 fighters in mothball there and I will have more units moved there in the future. Now get going the Duke said as he opens the door to the outside.
