BY: Punisher
The capital was beautiful, even if it was in a technocratic way, but Scott Tetsuhura
was glad to be off New Samarkand even if it was only to travel as a routine courier. Not
that New Samarkand was bland by any means, it was just that while on that planet Tetsuhura
would have been restricted to his duties at the Sun Zhang Academy. Tetsuhura was a skilled
Mechwarrior but on his present mission he was wearing another of his many hats. He was
acting in the capacity of the ISF, the Draconis Combine internal security force, and as a
courier to the capital.
He moved past several security checkpoints, each time his identification drew gasps from
the guards. Tetsuhura felt odd walking in this way. His specialty was “wetwork”,
espionage, and assassinations. He had learned to pilot a Mech and had Marauder of his own.
He even carried the title Busosenshito when it suited him. But in his service to the
Kurita House, he was most often used outside of his mech, where other men would not
venture even if promised the universe. And yet he went willingly…and for that some
called him insane.
He passed the last checkpoint and turned down the last hallway to the large antechamber
where he would deliver his package. Tetsuhura admired the masonry and guild work of the
hallway. It was overly large, designed so that anyone walking down it would feel smaller
and insignificant by comparison. It would put them in a meek frame of mind – one
suitable for dealing with the men within the antechamber. Tetsuhura made his way inside
and the page announced him, as was the custom. He gave a curt bow, low enough to show
deference, but restrained enough to tell the men he was facing that he was not the least
bit intimidated. It was only when he straightened back up did he notice the man he would
be meeting with.
His jaw dropped. He quickly bowed again, “My apologies my lord, my eyes had yet to
adjust to the lighting.”
The man laughed. “You are forgiven. I am used to surprising people.” The man was
none other than Theodore Kurita, Gunji no Kanrei, and heir apparent to the throne of House
Kurita. He continued, “I have a very special assignment for you Scott. Do you have
anything to say before we begin?”
“Yes my lord. I have been sent to you to deliver a package of utmost urgency from New
Samarkand.” Kurita raised an eyebrow then let out an amused chuckle.
“The package…of course. My agents tell me that a Commstar explorer ship has
encountered something new outside the periphery. And…that blasted cult…they are
keeping this discovery a closely guarded secret. But my instincts tell me that something
grave is afoot. The fact that I do not know what it is disturbs me. That is why I have
sent for you. I need you to assemble a crack unit. Compose it of lawless men, men with
honor…but no honor, men who are not just warriors, but also killers. Can you find me
such men?”
Tetsuhura nodded. Solaris is teeming with them. “I can my lord.”
“Then you are dismissed. You will get more specific orders in time.”
“Sir…the package?”
“Open it.”
Tetsuhura opened the package and saw a data card. Kurita interrupted, “It is a card
that will give you access to a covert account with enough credits to refit your mech as
you see fit and outfit others. When you cross the threshold of this chamber that will be
your only contact with the combine. When we need you one of my agents will make contact
with you. Good luck.”
“Domo origatogosaimashita.” Tetsuhura bowed again. But Kurita had already left.
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