Trial under fire
Chapter 1 The Jaguar’s Reach Loren L. Coleman
Trial Under Fire • Page 2
Field Commander Charles Antonescue reports. Southern pass held against Smoke Jaguar force. Coordinated resistance on Huntress has been smashed, but there is no indication of Khan Osis’ presence. Surviving clan warriors available for interrogation. Prince Victor Steiner-Davion to all field commanders. Huntress is ours. Lieutenant Michael Tonai, DEST, on debrief of prisoners. All evidence indicates that Khan Lincoln Osis has escaped Huntress for Strana Mechty. However, of possible worse consequence are rumors that one Galaxy Commander Corbett is rallying Smoke Jaguar forces at a remote staging area. Flagged for immediate investigation. Jerrard Cranston reports to Prince Victor. Galaxy Commander Brendon Corbett, the Smoke Jaguar officer who led forces back to Huntress, bypassed the capital for the colony world of Tranquil. From this command post, he has sent out a call that all surviving Smoke Jaguar warriors should rally to his position rather than to Khan Osis on Strana Mechty. Reconstructed records prove that Corbett has received several responses. Our “friend” Trent believes that Tranquil may possess the command and production resources to resurrect Clan Smoke Jaguar. Prince Victor Commanding. Unacceptable. Steiner-Davion,
Trial Under Fire • Page 3
Low Planetary Orbit Tranquil, Clan Homeworlds 28 April 3060
The smallest briefing room aboard the DropShip Black Hammer. Enough space between the gray-painted bulkheads for a small table surrounded by half a dozen chairs, three of the seats currently occupied. A duct in the ceiling blew down tepid air tasting of the metallic tang left by atmosphere scrubbers. The Star League ensign hung over one wall—a silver eight-pointed “Cameron” star against a black field. The room’s one concession to tactical briefings: a flat-D screen opposite the flag, connected via spiraling cable to the keyboard cradled over the left