Warrior: En Garde

Longer than it was wide and rising up to another level, the cavernous room dwarfed Justin. In the soft, indirect lighting, the walls of the main floor glowed a dull red that lent a feeling of warmth to the chamber. The upper section, with its balconies latticed in intricate teakwork, gave Justin the impression that he had been invited into a viewing gallery.

At the far end of the room was a dais holding a huge throne. The throne's back had been carved from a single piece of mahogany. Even from the doorway, Justin recognized the carven symbols and images as from Capellan mythology. The throne, quite literally, was backed by the universe. Seated there, with his hands clasped before him, was Maximilian Liao.

With the deliberation of a spider, the Capellan Chancellor rose slowly from his seat. He, too, wore a formal robe extending to the ankles. All black, except for the silver of the Liao crest embroidered over his heart, the garment fell in straight lines that emphasized Liao's tall, slender frame. As the Chancellor stared at Justin with steely eyes and a stony expression, Justin felt as though he were being mechanically sca

"Zao,Justin Xiang." The Chancellor bowed slightly in the MechWarrior's direction, then waved him forward. "I have anticipated this meeting with great pleasure."

Justin bowed deeply, then advanced, feeling Shang follow several steps behind. By the time Justin had reached the dais, Liao was seated once more, his fingers steepled together in a sinister fashion. The thin wisps of moustache trailing down beside his mouth made Liao's masklike face appear even more inhuman.

"You have kindled pride in my heart with your victories." Liao then looked past Justin. "And Tsen Shang has reported your great contribution toward frustrating the trap that Hanse Davion had set us."

Maximilian handed a sealed document to Justin, who accepted it with a bow. "Open it, Xiang. The contents should please you."

Justin slid his thumb beneath the red wax seal and broke it. As he unrolled the rice paper and quickly sca

The barest hint of a smile twisted Liao's lips and put life in his eyes. "As well you know, Justin Xiang, the fact that you were born in the Confederation to a Capellan woman does not guarantee you citizenship. In our realm, each person must first contribute to the society in a way that makes it grow and makes it proud. That is the lifeblood of the Confederation—service of the individual to the whole of society. As a youth, you never completed an activity that would have earned your citizenship." Liao smiled more fully. "Your battles on Solaris, however, have made you more than worthy of the citizenship that document confers upon you."

Justin's heart caught in his throat. "I don't know what to say . . ."

Liao nodded sagely. "You need say nothing. You have earned it, and I trust that you will continue to offer your worthy services in the future."

Justin bowed. "I would be honored to battle in the games you sponsor here in the Confederation."

Liao shook his head. "No, Justin Xiang. Unlike other rulers in the Successor States, I see with a clear vision. I know your true worth. We are all aware that you fight like a demon in the arenas and that many spectators would rejoice to see you compete in the next quarterly games. In fact, Yen-lo-wanghas been brought here to Sian for your use."

The Chancellor stood abruptly and towered over the MechWarrior. "Though your skill is great, it would be a needless risk to let you step into the arena again," Liao said, producing another cruel smile. "More valuable to me than your reflexes and your tactical skill is your mind. You know how Hanse Davion thinks and plans, having taken part in so many Federated Suns actions. You also know your father well enough to guess how he may react in a certain situation. Best of all, you know fellow graduates from Sakhara, and have served with other key Davion commanders. All the intelligence training I give my people could never duplicate your close knowledge of the ways of House Davion."

Liao paused as he looked hard at Justin for a moment. "I watched with outrage as Davion justice spat you out like so much chaff. I nearly ordered my people to deny that you were an agent, but I knew Count Vitios would have taken that to be even greater proof of your guilt. I grieved for you as everyone turned against and abandoned you." Liao pointed to Tsen Shang. "When I learned that you had gone to Solaris, I ordered Shang to help you in any way he could."

Justin nodded. "What would you have me do, Chancellor?"

Again Liao smiled like a predator. "It is not what I would have you do, but the opportunity I will make for you. Because of Tsen

Shang's excellent performance, I have recalled him here to Sian to serve as a Maskirovka analyst. I offer you this same chance to put your knowledge of the Federated Suns to use. You will sift through reports to help determine the truth about Hanse Davion's plans and intentions. These analyses will help me to one day destroy our mutual enemy, Hanse Davion."

Justin nodded solemnly. "And if I accept this commission, how will you know to trust me?"

The Chancellor threw back his head and laughed heartily. It was not a pleasant sound. "Ah, Justin, I can read you like a book. I know, despite what they have put you through, that you will not betray your family to harm. That I admire, and so I will not ask such things of you. But in the work of breaking Hanse Davion as he tried to break you, in this I know you can be trusted."

Justin nodded. "You are correct. I willingly accept your offer."

Liao smiled broadly. "Excellent." At a single clap of his hands, a wall panel slid up into the ceiling. Liao descended from the throne and led the way toward the opening. "Come. It is time for us to celebrate your arrival, and to dine with yet another ally."

Justin followed the Chancellor, then jerked to a halt in the doorway. The only other guest was already seated in the dining room, his bright green uniform clashing violently with the rich artistry of the embroidered silk screens surrounding the table on three sides. The petulant look on the man's face disturbed the sense of peace that the arrangement of cherry blossoms on the dark walnut table was meant to create.

Liao glanced back over his shoulder and noted Justin's astonishment. "I thought you knew our other guest," he said.

Justin nodded slowly and lurched forward with a stiff-legged gait. "We have met." Justin forced a smile to his lips, but his eyes showed no warmth. "Politics makes for strange bedfellows," he said, extending his hand to the man seated to the right of Liao's place of honor.

"Indeed," murmured Duke Michael Hasek Davion as he took Justin's preferred hand. "And that is because the end always justifies the means."

Liao lifted a glass of plum wine. "Let us drink, then, to the one end upon which we can all agree—to the destruction of Hanse Davion—his line and his House!"