Difference between revisions of "Binding Force"
 
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{{infoBoxNovel
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{{InfoBoxProduct
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| image       = Binding Force.jpg
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| image               = Binding Force.jpg
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| title      = Binding Force
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| name                =
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| author     = [[Loren L. Coleman]]
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| type                = Novel
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| artwork    = [[Bruce Jensen]]
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| author             = [[Loren L. Coleman]]
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| publisher   = [[Roc Books]]
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| development        =
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| released    = 1 July 1997
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| primarywriting      =
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| pages      = 265
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| pages              = 265
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| isbn        = 0451456335
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| cover              = [[Bruce Jensen]]
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| era         = [[Clan Invasion era]]
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| interiorart        =
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| timeline   = [[3058]]
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| illustrations      =
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| publisher           = [[Roc Books]]
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| productioncode      =  
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| year                = 01 July 1997
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| ISBN10              = 0451456335
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| ISBN13              = 978-0451456045
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| MSRP                =  
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| content            =  
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| era                 = [[Clan Invasion era]]
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| timeline           = [[3058]]
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| series              =
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| precededby          =
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| followedby          =
 
}}
 
}}
  
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'''''Binding Force''''', by [[Loren L. Coleman]], is about the siege of planet [[Kaifeng]] and, more broadly, tests of loyalty for [[Warrior House]] [[[Warrior House Hiritsu|Hiritsu]].
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'''''Binding Force''''', by [[Loren L. Coleman]], provides a glimpse at the inner workings of a [[Capellan Confederation|Capellan]] [[Warrior House]] against the backdrop of the invasion of [[Kaifeng]] in [[3058]].
  
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{{BCNovel|on 2 September 2010}}
 
== From the back cover ==
 
== From the back cover ==
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{{quote|''[[Aris Sung]] is a rising young star in [[Warrior House Hiritsu|House Hiritsu]], noblest of the [[Warrior House]]s that have sworn allegiance to the [[Capellan Confederation]]. The [[Sarna Supremacy]], a newly formed power in the [[Chaos March]], is giving the Confederation some trouble—and Aris and his Hiritsu Comrades are chosen to give the Sarnans a harsh lesson in Capellan resolve. But there is far more to the mission than meets the eye—and unless Aris beats the odds in a race against time and treachery, all the [[Armor - FF - BattleMechs & Vehicles|ferro-fibrous armor]] in the galaxy won't be enough to save House Hiritsu from the high-explosive cross fire of intrigue and shifting loyalties...''}}
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{{quote|BLOOD, STEEL, AND HONOR<br>''[[Aris Sung]] is a rising young star in [[Warrior House Hiritsu|House Hiritsu]], noblest of the Warrior Houses that have sworn allegiance to the [[Capellan Confederation]]. The [[Sarna Supremacy]], a newly formed power in the [[Chaos March]], is giving the Confederation some trouble&mdash;and Aris and his Hiritsu comrades are chosen to give the Sarnans a harsh lesson in Capellan resolve. But there is far more to the mission than meets the eye&mdash;and unless Aris beats the odds in a race against time and treachery, all the [[ferro-fibrous armor]] in the galaxy won't be enough to save House Hiritsu from the high-explosive cross fire of intrigue and shifting loyalties...''}}
  
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== Summary ==
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== Plot Summary ==
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===Prologue===
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During the New Year celebrations at the Forbidden Palace on [[Sian]] on 21 February 3058, [[Chancellor]] [[Sun-Tzu Liao]] summons House Master [[Ion Rush]] for a private discussion. Rush fears that the Chancellor might have him killed for his part in the assassination of his mother [[Romano Liao]], of which he is certain the Chancellor is aware. However, the Chancellor instead discusses the Confederation's strategic disposition with him and announces that he has decided to send a Warrior House to invade the Sarna Supremacy, a troublesome state in the newly formed Chaos March that stands in the way of reclaiming old Capellan holdings.
  
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:''The chapters about Aris Sung's back flashes are still missing.''
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===First Interlude===
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On 24 April [[3047]], 13-year-old Aris Sung has been arrested by Lance Leader [[Ty Wu Non]] for breaking into the House Hiritsu stronghold on [[Randar]] and stealing ''[[Crescent Moon]]'', the ceremonial sword, from the House Master's throne room. Having prepared for this moment for the past 18 months, Aris manages to impress House Master [[Virginia York]] enough to be accepted into House Hiritsu despite being overage. Ty Wu Non, who has developed an intense dislike for the street urchin, is appointed his mentor.
  
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It is the year 3058, New Year's Eve by the Chinese calendar. Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao takes this as a good omen, to resort to a more aggressive approach of the [[Capellan Confederation]] against the [[Chaos March]] states. He orders House Master [[Ion Rush]] to find a way to significantly weaken the [[Sarna Sovereignty]], the most stable state in the Chaos March. Ion Rush develops a simple plan: The planet Kaifeng exports large amounts of food to the other planets of the Sarna Sovereignty. If the Confederation would conquer that planet, the Sovereignty would not just loose a planet, but it would also have to buy the needed food from their state budget, maybe at the expense of their military budget.  
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===Chapters 1 through 6===
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The war against the Sarna Supremacy opens with an attack against [[Kaifeng]], a vital breadbasket world. The other two Sarna Supremacy worlds, [[Sarna]] and [[Sakhalin (CC)|Sakhalin]], depend on its food exports, making Kaifeng the fulcrum to bring the Sarna Supremacy to its knees.
  
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House Hiritsu is deployed for the task of conquering Kaifeng. But the planet is heavily guarded: one 'Mech battalion of regular troops and several mercenary companies. So Company Leader [[Aris Sung]] draws up a plan that works perfectly, if not for a traitor: They capture a commercial [[JumpShip]] and fake a havary at the [[charging station]] of Kaifeng. As the attention of the crew is diverted, Capellan infantries storm and capture the space station, before a warning to Kaifeng can be sent. Shortly after, the rest of the troops of House Hiritsu arrive aboard their regular Jump- and DropShips.
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On 10 July 3058 ''[[Jodo Shinsa]]'', the ''[[Olympus]]''-class recharge station at the zenith [[jump point]] of the Kaifeng system, registers the arrival of the [[JumpShip]] ''[[Liu]]''. Carrying House Hiritsu troops, the ''Liu'' uses battle damage from a staged pirate encounter as a pretext to dock with the station. However, when it turns out that modifications to the station have sealed off their intended route to the comm center, Aris Sung has to damage its transmitter array to prevent the crew from transmitting a warning to the planet. After the transmitter has been repaired, the captured station staff are then coerced into cooperating to help cover up the ongoing invasion.
  
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House Hiritsu repairs the damaged radio transmitter of the space station, so no one on Kaifeng would notice a break of routine. Later during that night Aris Sung finds House Master [[Virginia York]] dead in her bureau onboard the space station. Her throat is cut and her blood is splashed all over the walls and her desk. But Aris also notices bruises on her neck: She was strangled! The chief medic seals her corpse and it is sent directly to [[Randar]], with no information published about the circumstances of her death. [[Ty Wu Non]] becomes new House Master of House Hiritsu.
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Shortly afterwards, House Master Virginia York is found murdered in the station commander's stateroom. [[Battalion Leader]] (previously Senior Company Leader) Ty Wu Non takes her place as leader of the attack forces. Aboard the Hiritsu JumpShip ''[[Tao-te]]'' he promotes Aris to Company Leader ''pro tem'' in his stead, but privately makes it clear to Aris that he only does this so that any failure of the operation will fall upon Aris whose overall battle plan House Master York had previously decided to accept.
  
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House Hiritsu quietly approaches Kaifeng, but just as they are about to arrive in the orbit they are assaulted by spacefighters which hid at Nochen, the moon of Kaifeng. House Hiritsu breaks through the fighters and drops it's troops. But how did the Kaifeng-militia know they were coming?
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===Second Interlude===
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Warrior House Hiritsu has just put down a rebellion on [[Gei-Fu]], and House Master York is present in the Hsien Park in the city of Yushui to personally oversee the execution of the rebel leadership on 8 March [[3051]]. 16-year-old Aris Sung is present as one of the Hiritsu infantrymen on guard duty. Suddenly a ''[[Stinger]]'', the last remaining rebel [[BattleMech]] on the planet, emerges from the nearby river where it had secretly approached underwater, and attacks the assembled Hiritsu troopers. Using grapple rods from dead infantrymen around him, Aris Sung climbs up to the 'Mech's head and pretends his MedKit is a satchel charge. The enemy [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]] surrenders, and Virginia York subsequently assigns the captured ''Stinger'' to Aris, thereby promoting him to the ranks of the Hiritsu [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]].
  
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The 2nd company under Aris Sung attacks the port of the city Tarrahause to stop the flow of agricultural products to the capital. But they are ambushed by mercenary forces. How did they know that the Hiritsu Company would concentrate on the port? The company retreats into the wilderness, losing one 'Mech including it's pilot. Aris Sung decides to scrap this part of his plan and to attack Tarrahause directly.  
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===Chapters 7 through 18===
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While the four Hiritsu [[DropShip]]s move towards Kaifeng there is some subtle bickering among the MechWarriors concerning the best battle plan. On 20 July, shortly before the DropShips entered the planet's atmosphere, they were surprisingly intercepted by [[aerospace fighter]]s (''[[Sparrowhawk]]''s and ''[[Lightning (Aerospace Fighter class)|Lightnings]]'') who had been hidden behind Kaifeng's tiny moon, Nochen. Faced with the possibility that the enemy is not as unaware of the attack as hoped, Aris makes some last-minute alterations to his battle plan.
  
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The 2nd company marches towards Tarrahause. Just as they are about to cross a bridge, they are again ambushed, this time by regular Kaifeng-militia. Sung tries to jump to the other side of the river in his [[Wraith]], but is hit in mid-air. Aris sung looses consciousness and his 'Mech disappears in the waters. Demoralized, the rest of his company retreats again.
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Later on the same day, Aris' 'Mech company is on the ground and engaged in combat in the Tarrahouse district, one of the cargo centers on Kaifeng where grain produce is shipped down the Jinxiang River. At Port Terminal 12 North the well-prepared defenders ([[Jacob's Juggernauts]]) spring a trap on his company using numerous 'Mechs with heavy tank support, and the Hiritsu troops barely manage to withdraw across the river, losing MechWarrior [[Justin Loup]] and his ''[[Hatchetman]]'' in the process. After some field repairs, Aris decides to change the plan again and move directly into the city of Tarrahouse. When his subordinates object, he reasons that the plan was to draw the defenders out of the city, which they have obviously achieved already.
  
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In the meantime, the 3rd Hiritsu Company successfully conquered it's objectives on the southern continent and sends all available forces to the 1st company as reinforcements. The 1st Hiritsu Company secures a base at Beijing Airport, not far from the capital of Mahabodhi.
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They are ambushed again shortly afterwards by a [[Kaifeng SMM]] 'Mech company under Major [[Karl Bartlett]] while crossing a bridge across the Jinxiang River. Recognizing Bartlett's BJ-2O ''[[Blackjack Omni]]'', Aris realizes that they are up against regular Sarnese troops and orders his company to retreat. His own ''[[Wraith]]'' takes damage to its jump jets in mid-jump over the river and falls into the waters; Aris blacks out.
  
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As Aris Sung is "missing in action", [[Terry Chan]] is promoted new commander of the 2nd company. As Tarrahause has become the main obstacle to conquering Kaifeng, Ty Wu Non presents his next plan: The governor of Kaifeng has asked for a 72-hour ceasefire, so the population can celebrate a Chinese spring festival. And as the Capellan Confederation worships its Chinese heritage, House Hiritsu will officially accept this offer. But unofficially Ty Wu Non wants to provoke the Kaifeng forces into breaking the ceasefire. Hiritsu troops would attack Tarrahause about 1 hour before the ceasefire is in effect and when the defenders counter-attack, House Hiritsu would have every right to conquer the city.
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Waking up somewhat later, still strapped into his submerged 'Mech's cockpit, Aris realizes that he is now behind enemy lines and remembers the ''Stinger'' on Gei-Fu. He crawls his 'Mech underwater right into the city of Tarrahouse, where he disembarks in Lake Ch'u Yuan in a park area, swims ashore and enters the city. He soon meets and befriends [[Li Wynn]], a petty criminal.
  
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Aris Sung still lives. And he has realized that he could easily enter Tarrahause with his 'Mech: by staying underwater. Aris Sung goes into Tarrahause and leaves his mech underwater in the city lake. Then he decides to mix unto the population to gain intelligence. He makes friends with [[Li Wynn]], a teenage criminal. And Li Wynn invites him to a robbery: Hiritsu 'Mechs will attack the following night, at this time, in that district of the city. They will be awaited by Kaifeng-defenders. And in the ongoing chaos Li, Aris and others could easily rob a jeweler or a bank. Aris asks Li, how he knows that House Hiritsu would attack. He answers, that's easy: He knows it from a soldier and the Kaifeng-militia knows it from a traitor in House Hiritsu.
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Two days later, the Hiritsu commanders hold a strategy meeting in an administrative building near the (already secured) Beijing Aerodrome on Kaifeng. Aris Sung is considered missing in action, and it is obvious that the Hiritsu attack had been anticipated by the defenders. Tarrahouse is the last stronghold of the defenders. Ty Wu Non reveals that the Capellan Confederation's nascent [[WarShip]] navy has enacted a blockade of Sarna and that no reinforcements will be arriving for the defenders. Honoring the population's Chinese heritage and customs, a ceasefire is announced for the Dragon Boat festival in three days; the Hiritsu officers hope that the defenders will somehow break the ceasefire and thereby lose their standing with the population.
  
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Close to midnight, the attack of House Hiritsu is about to start, the defenders are waiting, and so are Aris and the criminals. They split up and Aris exchanges his tools for several Molotov cocktails. When the fighting starts, he marks several Kaifeng 'Mechs with Molotov cocktails, so they are easier to see for the Hiritsu warriors. Next he openly approaches one the Hiritsu 'Mechs and gives standardized Hiritsu hand-signals: "Enemy 'Mechs and DropShip ahead. Retreat." The Hiritsu 'Mech pilot realizes the trap, but has to retreat, before he can pick up Aris.
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One day later, on 23 July, Aris is frustrated because he has been unable to relay a message to his House from within the city. Li Wynn tells him about the ceasefire and that a Hiritsu attack is expected before it takes effect. Aris is shocked to learn that the Kaifeng SMM receives intelligence on the attackers' movements from a Hiritsu traitor, and are preparing an ambush.
  
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Ty Wu Non is glad to hear that Aris is alive. (He is Aris' mentor, though he never really liked him.) Maybe he knows why the Kaifeng-militia can constantly lure House Hiritsu into traps? Someone has to sneak into Tarrahause as a civilian and find Aris Sung. Terry Chan says, she would go, as it's her fault that Sung was separated from his company. Ty Wu Non wonders why, because she never liked Aris Sung either and would also loose command of the 2nd company if Sung returned. But he grants her wish.
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One mercenary MechWarrior in Tarrahouse has been bribed by criminals to kick in jewelry stores and banks during urban combat so that they can be robbed. Li Wynn takes Aris along for the action. When the Hiritsu attack comes, Aris manages to foil one of the defenders' traps and alerts a fellow Hiritsu 'Mech with Molotov cocktails and Hiritsu infantry signals, warning his comrades about the trap. The Hiritsu forces disengage, but cannot evacuate Aris whose track is lost during combat.
  
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Meanwhile Aris Sung tries to find out, who the traitor is. The next night he goes into a night club, where members of the Kaifeng militia regularly hang out. He overhears one [[Major]] [[Karl Bartlett]] worrying, that House Hiritsu will break the ceasefire and directly attack the festivities. Sung is perplex. House Hiritsu would never do that. Why is Bartlett missling his own soldiers? All of a sudden Terry Chan appears with a loud "Aris Sung! How are you doing?" and a long kiss, rubbing her body at his. They leave the nightclub as if they are a couple, but Bartlett awaits them at the sidewalk. Aris Sung is shocked as Terry Chan identifies herself with a code sentence as an ally of Bartlett. She is the traitor!
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===Third interlude===
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During the Marik-Liao offensive into the Chaos March ([[Operation Guerrero]]), one Hiritsu company fights on [[Sarmaxa]] under the command of Ty Wu Non. In a running battle on 2 August [[3057]], Ty's ''[[Charger]]'' is paired with Aris' ''Wraith''. Ty repeatedly ignores Aris' tactical advice and rebukes his plans, even after suffering heavy damage to his 'Mech, and Aris unquestioningly accepts the decision of his superior officer despite his conviction that his own plan would work better.
  
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Li Wynn watches the scene from a distance and knows, trouble is brewing. Aris Sung is handcuffed and stuffed into the trunk of a car. Li Wynn sneaks behind the steering wheel and hears Bartlett mentioning, that two Kaifeng 'Mechs will be painted like Hiritsu 'Mechs and then attack the Dragonboat Festival in Tarrahause. That would force the military command of Kaifeng to change course to a more aggressive approach against House Hiritsu. Li Wynn realizes that Aris belongs to House Hiritsu, but that he also has always acted as a friend. Li Wynn starts the car and he and Aris are off.
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===Chapters 19 through 30===
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Having survived the battle with minor wounds, Aris decides to track down the Hiritsu traitor. At the same time, the Hiritsu officers decide to start a rescue mission and Company Leader Terry Chan volunteers to infiltrate Tarrahouse to extract Aris.
  
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The next day Aris and Li hang out at the Dragonboat Festival at the lake of Tarrahause. Aris does not want all these innocents to die and that means he has to get into his 'Mech and that means, he has to get somehow to the middle of the lake. Li Wynn manages to place them both as rowers on a raceboat. In the midst of the race, suddenly two 'Mechs, a [[Blackjack]] and a [[Raven]], appear at the promenade and open fire into several cars and buildings. Aris jumps out of the boat and dives to his 'Mech. He jumps with his Wraith into battle and the two Kaifeng 'Mech pilots are shocked, that they are interrupted. The plan was to cause as much destruction as possible without killing too many civilians. And now this! Aris Sung destroys the two Kaifeng 'Mechs and then jumps back into the lake, leaving Tarrahause the way he came in: underwater in the river.  
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Meanwhile, Major Bartlett plots to step out of General [[Cynthia Fallon]]'s shadow and reap the reputation of having defeated a Capellan Warrior House. He dupes two of his MechWarriors into piloting militia 'Mechs painted in Hiritsu colors and launching a terror raid against the Dragon Boat Festival during the ceasefire to discredit House Hiritsu.
  
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Terry Chan reports to Ty Wu Non, that she could not find Aris Sung. But as he was engaged in a fight in Tarrahause, he is probably waging his own private war. Ty Wu Non gives orders to all House troops that Aris Sung is considered a renegade and has to be arrested.
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At a seedy bar, Aris is listening to militia MechWarriors talking when Terry Chan enters and openly calls him by his name. She escorts him out of the bar where Major Bartlett arrests Aris. Terry explains that she is disgusted with how the Warrior Houses are treated by the Capellan leadership; a discontented group from within House Hiritsu has chosen to leak information to the enemy so that combat attrition among the loyal elements will wash the traitors up into leading positions, effectively giving them control of the House. Li Wynn overhears the entire conversation from a hiding place under a car, including a later mentioning of plan to "smash" the Dragon Boat Festival with painted militia 'Mechs. When the unconscious Aris is hurled into the back of Bartlett's car for questioning and later disposal, Li rescues him by stealing the car.
  
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Knowing the patrol-routines of House Hiritsu, Aris Sung has little problem infiltrating the Hiritsu headquarter at night. Nevertheless he has to force the guard at Ty Wu Nons bureau at gunpoint to ask Ty Wu Non to open the door. Ty Wu Non appears with a gun. Aris Sung gives him his gun and then declares, that he is ready to report on the events in Tarrahause. Ty Wu Non orders the guard to take care of all traces Aris Sung left during his infiltration and to keep quiet about this matter.
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During the Dragon Boat Festival on the next day, Aris and Li are part of the rowing crew aboard one of the racing boats. When two black-and-green 'Mechs approach, Aris commandeers the boat and has it move to the makeshift buoy that marks his own BattleMech's resting place in the lake. Retrieving his ''Wraith'', Aris defeats the two attackers (a ''Raven'' and a ''Blackjack'') which are posing as Hiritsu 'Mechs, then returns into the lake.
  
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Aris Sung reports, that Terry Chan is the traitor and that she works with one Major Karl Bartlett from the Kaifeng-militia. He reports also, that [[Lieutenant-General]] [[Cynthia Fallon]], the commander of the Kaifeng-militia, is not fully aware of Bartlett's actions. Ty Wu Non doesn't want to believe all this, but Aris offers him an idea for an easy test.  
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Back at the Hiritsu camp, Terry Chan reports on the 'Mech battle and declares that Aris Sung has turned renegade on House Hiritsu after being criticized for his unsuccessful battle plan at every turn; she alleges he is now fighting a private war. At the same time, Major Bartlett, having murdered the surviving Kaifeng SMM warrior from the fake Hiritsu 'Mechs to cover up his ploy, delivers a twisted report to General Fallon and secretly plots to make her a priority target for the Hiritsu troops.
  
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Ty Wu Non gathers all officers in the headquarter and presents a new attack plan: He will offer General Fallon the possibility of final field-battle and she will have to accept or she will loose her reputation among the population. When Fallon would lead her troops towards Beijing, she would have to follow a street alongside a river. And Hiritsu troops would crush her with a flank attack from underwater. Who will transmit the plan to the rest of the Hiritsu officers for their comments? To Ty Wu Non's deep disappointment Terry Chan volunteered.
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During the night, Aris moves his 'Mech underwater to the Hiritsu camp at Port Terminal 5 South, disembarks and infiltrates the camp to confront Ty Wu Non whom he manages to convince of Terry Chan's duplicity. They then form a plan: Terry Chan is set up with a false battle plan in a tactical meeting, and is caught red-handed when attempting to transmit the data to Bartlett. To save the face of House Hiritsu, she and four others who had conspired with her are offered the chance to redeem themselves as a suicidal attack commando in the real battle; her message to Bartlett is sent anyways as the false information therein will set the defending forces up for the real Hiritsu ambush. In the ensuing battle on 27 July, Terry Chan and four other Hiritsu MechWarriors pilot 'Mechs rigged with explosive devices in the cockpits to ensure their deaths in battle.
  
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She went to the radio transmitter with a chip containing the plan. There she prepared a transmission on a frequency she knew Bartlett's aides were listening to. The transmission contained a draw-up of the plan and several 'Mech designs, at which the Kaifeng-militia should not fire. She tried to send, but it didn't work. Again. Nothing. Suddenly Aris Sung and Ty Wu Non appeared and arrested Terry Chan. Aris identified five traitors, including Terry Chan, by their 'Mech designs. Terry Chan was astonished: There should have been six 'Mech designs! Why did he leave one of her fellows off the hook? Never mind. At least someone would continue her work.
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The defenders, having relied on the fake Hiritsu battle plan, are decisively beaten in the last battle. Ty Wu Non and Aris Sung together bring down General Fallon's ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]''. Surviving the destruction of her ''[[Cataphract]]'' against all odds, Terry Chan personally climbs Bartlett's ''Blackjack'', mimicking Aris' achievement with the ''Stinger'' back on Gei-Fu, but her satchel charge is a real one. In plain sight of Aris, she squeezes the demolition charge through a crack in Bartlett's cockpit window, killing both him and herself.
  
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In the end, Aris sent her transmission anyway. Ty Wu Non declared, that he intentionally created this plan as a trap for the Kaifeng forces. There will be a flank attack, but from the woods, not from the river. And Terry Chan and the other traitors would serve as bait!
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Following the defeat of the planetary defenders, a press conference is held near the spaceport and General Cynthia Fallon announces the defeat of her forces. During the formal surrender, Aris steals ''Crescent Moon'' once more (from Ty's quarters) and proceeds to execute Company Leader Thom Lindell with the blade for the murder of Virginia York, stressing that Ty Wu Non is not yet House Master and that it therefore still is Virginia York's blade. It is revealed that Lindell was another conspirator, but Aris considered him different from the others, less honorable and more dangerous to the House, and therefore had denied him the chance to redeem himself in a suicide action.
  
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Both sides positioned their forces for the final battle: General Fallon led the Kaifeng-militia and the mercenaries along the predicted route. Terry Chan and the four others were positioned underwater. They opposed Ty Wu Non, but they considered themselves still loyal to the House as a whole. The rest of the House waited in the woods.
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===Epilogue===
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On 9 August, in the Celestial Palace on Sian, Ion Rush meets with Strategic Director [[Talon Zahn]] to discuss the outcome of the Kaifeng campaign. Ty Wu Non has reported the world pacified and requested additional garrison troops with are going to be granted.
  
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When Fallon's forces arrived, Terry and the others came over the dam and tried to inflict as much damage as possible. The defenders thought that this was the deciding moment and focused all their attention on the river. In that moment, the Hiritsu main force activated their 'Mechs and opened fire on the weak backs of the defenders. The defenders lost several 'Mechs in the initial salvo and House Hiritsu brought the rest down with it's superior MechWarrior skills. The five traitors died during the battle.
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[[Kali Liao]], who has been eavesdropping on the discussion, concludes that Lindell has failed her and that her plan to bring House Hiritsu under her control, like Houses [[Warrior House Lu Sann|LuSann]] and [[Warrior House Ijori|Ijori]], has failed.
  
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Kaifeng was conquered. House Hiritsu arranged a festivity, in which Kaifeng would be declared part of the Capellan Confederation. Aris Sung knew that there was one last thing to do: He found company-leader [[Thomas Lindell]] alone in an abandoned room and confronted him being the murderer of Virginia York. Thomas Lindell stayed cool. Aris Sung accused him, that he killed Virginia York for personal motives because he knew, that Ty Wu Non would become next House Master and not Lindell. Lindell calmly replied: "And that's a reason to strangle her?" That is what Aris Sung had waited for: Only Sung, the chief medic and the murderer knew, that York had been strangled before her throat was cut. Aris Sung killed Lindell with a strike of his ceremonial sword.
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==Featured characters==
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<div class="desktop-3-col">
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With Kaifeng lost for the Sarna Sovereignty, Sun-Tzu Liao ordered to cease further actions against it. Time was working for him.
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* [[Duke of St. Ives|Duke]] [[Justin Allard]] (mentioned)
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* [[Major]] [[Karl Bartlett]], Kaifeng Sarna March Militia
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== Featured characters ==
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* [[Petty Officer]] [[Belko]], Kaifeng Sarna March Militia
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* [[Karl Bartlett]], Kaifeng SMM Major
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* [[Major]] [[Cabander]], Kaifeng Sarna March Militia
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* [[Terry Chan]], WH Hiritsu MechWarrior (Lance Leader)
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* Lance Leader [[Terry Chan]], Warrior House Hiritsu  
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* [[Cynthia Fallon]], Kaifeng SMM General
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* Infantryman [[Mikhail Chess]] of [[Warrior House Hiritsu]]
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* [[Sun-Tzu Liao]], [[Chancellor]] of the [[Capellan Confederation]]
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* Lance Leader [[Raven Clearwater (Warrior House Hiritsu)|Raven Clearwater]], Warrior House Hiritsu
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* [[Ty Wu Non]], WH Hiritsu MechWarrior (Battalion Commander)
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* [[Petty Officer]] [[Davidson]], Kaifeng Sarna March Militia
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* [[Ion Rush]], WH Imarra House Master
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* [[Leftenant General]] [[Cynthia Fallon|Cynthia "Cindy" Fallon]], Kaifeng Sarna March Militia
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* [[Aris Sung]], WH Hiritsu MechWarrior (Company Leader)
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* Doctor [[Hammond (Doctor)|Hammond]], Warrior House Hiritsu Chief Surgeon
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* [[Virginia York]], WH Hiritsu House Master
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* [[Leftenant]] [[Ellen Harris]], Kaifeng Sarna March Militia
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* [[Talon Zahn]], Strategic Director of the Capellan Confederation
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* [[Leftenant]] [[Paul Harris]], Kaifeng Sarna March Militia
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* Company Leader [[Jason James]], Warrior House Hiritsu
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* Infantry Commander [[Sebastian Jessup]], Warrior House Hiritsu
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* [[Kyle]], a pickpocket from the Tarrahouse district on Kaifeng
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* [[Planetary Governor of Kaifeng|Governor of Kaifeng]] [[Teresa Larsen]]
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* MechWarrior [[Brion Lee]], Warrior House Hiritsu
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* Bridge Officer [[Kyle Lee]]
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* Infantryman [[Leon (House Hiritsu)|Leon]], Warrior House Hiritsu  
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* MechWarrior [[Lewis (House Hiritsu)|Lewis]], Warrior House Hiritsu
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* [[Duke of St. Ives|Duchess]] [[Candace Liao]] (mentioned)
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* [[Chancellor of the Capellan Confederation|Chancellor]] [[Dainmar Liao]] (mentioned)
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* [[Kali Liao]]  
 +
* [[Chancellor of the Capellan Confederation|Chancellor]] [[Maximilian Liao]] (mentioned)
 +
* [[Chancellor of the Capellan Confederation|Chancellor]] [[Romano Liao]] (mentioned)
 +
* [[Chancellor of the Capellan Confederation|Chancellor]] [[Sun-Tzu Liao]]
 +
* Company Leader [[Thom Lindell]], Warrior House Hiritsu
 +
* MechWarrior [[Justin Loup]], Warrior House Hiritsu
 +
* MechWarrior [[Yan Lu]], Warrior House Hiritsu
 +
* Captain [[James Luange]]
 +
* MechWarrior [[Jill McDaniels]], Warrior House Hiritsu
 +
* [[Li Quan Noh]], Warrior House Hiritsu
 +
* Company Leader [[Ty Wu Non]], Warrior House Hiritsu  
 +
* House Master [[Ion Rush]], Warrior House Imarra  
 +
* MechWarrior [[Richard Smith (House Hiritsu)]], Warrior House Hiritsu
 +
* [[First Prince of the Federated Suns|First Prince]] [[Victor Steiner-Davion]] (mentioned)
 +
* Lance Leader [[Aris Sung]], Warrior House Hiritsu MechWarrior
 +
* Senior Colonel [[James Teng]]
 +
* [[Petty Officer]] 2nd Class [[Shen Dok To]], Kaifeng Sarna March Militia
 +
* MechWarrior [[Lynn Trahn]], Warrior House Hiritsu
 +
* MechWarrior [[Trufeau]], Kaifeng Sarna March Militia
 +
* House Master [[Jesse Villars]], Warrior House LuSann
 +
* [[Li Wynn]], a pickpocket from the Tarrahouse district on Kaifeng
 +
* [[Leftenant]] [[Kevin Yang]], Kaifeng Sarna March Militia
 +
* House Master [[Virginia York]], Warrior House Hiritsu
 +
* [[Colonel]] [[Talon Zahn]], [[Capellan_Confederation_Armed_Forces#Strategic_Military_Director|Strategic Director]] of the Capellan Confederation
 +
</div>
  
 
== Featured places ==
 
== Featured places ==
 +
* [[Gei-Fu]]
 
* [[Kaifeng]]
 
* [[Kaifeng]]
 
* [[Randar]]
 
* [[Randar]]
 +
* [[Sakhalin (CC)|Sakhalin]] (mentioned)
 
* [[Sarmaxa]]
 
* [[Sarmaxa]]
 +
* [[Sarna]] (mentioned)
 
* [[Sian]]
 
* [[Sian]]
  
 
== Featured Units ==
 
== Featured Units ==
−
* [[Warrior House Hiritsu|House Hiritsu]]
+
* [[Warrior House Hiritsu]]
−
* Kaifeng SMM
+
* [[Kaifeng Sarna March Militia]]
 
* [[Jacob's Juggernauts]]
 
* [[Jacob's Juggernauts]]
 
* [[Ace Darwin's WhipIts]]
 
* [[Ace Darwin's WhipIts]]
Line 94: Line 154:
 
== Featured BattleTech ==
 
== Featured BattleTech ==
 
===BattleMechs===
 
===BattleMechs===
 +
<div class="desktop-3-col">
 
* ''[[Apollo (BattleMech)|Apollo]]''
 
* ''[[Apollo (BattleMech)|Apollo]]''
 
* ''[[Archer]]''
 
* ''[[Archer]]''
−
* ''[[Atlas]]''
+
* ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]''
 
* ''[[Bandersnatch]]''
 
* ''[[Bandersnatch]]''
 
* ''[[Battle Hawk]]''
 
* ''[[Battle Hawk]]''
 
* ''[[Blackjack (BattleMech)|Blackjack]]''
 
* ''[[Blackjack (BattleMech)|Blackjack]]''
 +
* ''[[Blackjack Omni]]''
 
* ''[[Cataphract]]''
 
* ''[[Cataphract]]''
 
* ''[[Charger]]''
 
* ''[[Charger]]''
Line 113: Line 175:
 
* ''[[Jenner]]''
 
* ''[[Jenner]]''
 
* ''[[Lineholder]]''
 
* ''[[Lineholder]]''
−
* ''[[Mercury]]''
+
* ''[[Mercury (BattleMech)|Mercury]]''
 
* ''[[Orion]]''
 
* ''[[Orion]]''
 
* ''[[Ostroc]]''
 
* ''[[Ostroc]]''
Line 121: Line 183:
 
* ''[[Scarabus]]''
 
* ''[[Scarabus]]''
 
* ''[[Shadow Hawk]]''
 
* ''[[Shadow Hawk]]''
 +
* ''[[Snake]]''
 
* ''[[Spider]]''
 
* ''[[Spider]]''
 
* ''[[Stinger]]''
 
* ''[[Stinger]]''
−
* ''[[Thunder]]''
+
* ''[[Thunder (BattleMech)|Thunder]]''
 
* ''[[Thunderbolt]]''
 
* ''[[Thunderbolt]]''
 
* ''[[Vindicator]]''
 
* ''[[Vindicator]]''
−
* ''[[Vulcan]]''
+
* ''[[Vulcan (BattleMech)|Vulcan]]''
 
* ''[[War Dog]]''
 
* ''[[War Dog]]''
 
* ''[[Wraith]]''
 
* ''[[Wraith]]''
 +
</div>
  
 
===Vehicles===
 
===Vehicles===
−
* ''[[Von Luckner]]''
+
* [[Von Luckner]]
−
===AeroSpace Fighters===
+
 
 +
===Aerospace fighters===
 +
* ''[[Lightning (Aerospace Fighter class)|Lightning]]''
 +
* ''[[Sparrowhawk]]''
 
* ''[[Thrush]]''
 
* ''[[Thrush]]''
 +
 
===DropShips===
 
===DropShips===
 
* ''[[Intruder]]''
 
* ''[[Intruder]]''
−
* ''[[Overlord]]''
+
* ''[[Overlord]]'' (''[[Dainwu]]'')
−
* ''[[Union]]''
+
* ''[[Union]]'' (''[[Lao-tzu]]'')
 +
* unspecified DropShip ''[[Annabelle Lee]]''
 +
 
 
===JumpShips===
 
===JumpShips===
−
* ''[[Merchant]]''
+
* ''[[Merchant]]'' (''[[Liu]]'')
 +
* unspecified JumpShip ''[[Tao-te]]''
 +
 
 
===Other===
 
===Other===
−
* ''[[Olympus]]''-class space station
+
* ''[[Olympus]]''-class space station ''Jodo Shinsa'' (modified, with several decks of long-term storage lockers)
 +
 
 +
==Foreign-Language Editions==
 +
===German===
 +
A German edition, translated by Silvia Jettkant, was published by [[Heyne]] in 1998 as ''Loyal zu Liao'' (ISBN 9783453126763).<ref>Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Catalog entry for [https://d-nb.info/954290437 Heyne edition]</ref>  This was republished as an EPUB by [[Ulisses Medien & Spiel Distribution GmbH|Ulisses Spiele]] in 2019 as ''BattleTech Legenden 37 : Loyal zu Liao'' (ISBN 9783963311802).<ref>Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Catalog entry for [https://d-nb.info/1180286758 Ulisses Spiele edition]</ref>
 +
 
 +
===Russian===
 +
A Russian edition, translated by S. Samuylov, was published by [[Армада-пресс]] (Armada-Press) in 2002 as ''Воин Хирицу'' (ISBN  5309003525) as part of a series produced in collaboration with [[Дрофа]] (Drofa). <ref> Science Fiction Lab Book description for [http://fantlab.ru/edition39972 Воин Хирицу]</ref>
 +
 
 +
==Covers==
 +
<gallery>
 +
Image:Binding Force.jpg|Original 1997 cover. Art by Bruce Jensen.
 +
Image:Loyal zu Liao.jpg|1998 German edition. Art by Bruce Jensen.
 +
Image:BattleTech Legenden 37 - Loyal zu Liao.jpg|2019 German edition (reprint).
 +
Image:Воин Хирицу.jpg|2002 Russian edition.
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
=References=
 +
<references/>
 +
 
  
 
[[Category:Novels]]
 
[[Category:Novels]]
 
[[Category:Classic BattleTech novels]]
 
[[Category:Classic BattleTech novels]]
 +
[[Category:BattleCorps publications]]
 
[[Category:Works by Loren L. Coleman]]
 
[[Category:Works by Loren L. Coleman]]
 +
[[Category:German Editions]]
 +
[[Category:Russian Editions]]

Latest revision as of 00:02, 2 February 2024

Binding Force.jpg
Binding Force
Product information
Type Novel
Author Loren L. Coleman
Pages 265
Cover Artwork Bruce Jensen
Publication information
Publisher Roc Books
First published 01 July 1997
ISBN-10 0451456335
ISBN-13 978-0451456045
Content
Era Clan Invasion era
Timeline 3058

Binding Force, by Loren L. Coleman, provides a glimpse at the inner workings of a Capellan Warrior House against the backdrop of the invasion of Kaifeng in 3058.

The novel was made available on BattleCorps on 2 September 2010 as a PDF file (text only, without cover, pictures, or any other interior artwork except for the usual BattleCorps frame graphics). The PDF copy includes a disclaimer stating that it was created from a pre-final edition text that might differ from the printed version and that canon-wise, the print edition trumps the PDF edition.

From the back cover[edit]

“ BLOOD, STEEL, AND HONOR
Aris Sung is a rising young star in House Hiritsu, noblest of the Warrior Houses that have sworn allegiance to the Capellan Confederation. The Sarna Supremacy, a newly formed power in the Chaos March, is giving the Confederation some trouble—and Aris and his Hiritsu comrades are chosen to give the Sarnans a harsh lesson in Capellan resolve. But there is far more to the mission than meets the eye—and unless Aris beats the odds in a race against time and treachery, all the ferro-fibrous armor in the galaxy won't be enough to save House Hiritsu from the high-explosive cross fire of intrigue and shifting loyalties... 		”

Plot Summary[edit]

Prologue[edit]

During the New Year celebrations at the Forbidden Palace on Sian on 21 February 3058, Chancellor Sun-Tzu Liao summons House Master Ion Rush for a private discussion. Rush fears that the Chancellor might have him killed for his part in the assassination of his mother Romano Liao, of which he is certain the Chancellor is aware. However, the Chancellor instead discusses the Confederation's strategic disposition with him and announces that he has decided to send a Warrior House to invade the Sarna Supremacy, a troublesome state in the newly formed Chaos March that stands in the way of reclaiming old Capellan holdings.

First Interlude[edit]

On 24 April 3047, 13-year-old Aris Sung has been arrested by Lance Leader Ty Wu Non for breaking into the House Hiritsu stronghold on Randar and stealing Crescent Moon, the ceremonial sword, from the House Master's throne room. Having prepared for this moment for the past 18 months, Aris manages to impress House Master Virginia York enough to be accepted into House Hiritsu despite being overage. Ty Wu Non, who has developed an intense dislike for the street urchin, is appointed his mentor.

Chapters 1 through 6[edit]

The war against the Sarna Supremacy opens with an attack against Kaifeng, a vital breadbasket world. The other two Sarna Supremacy worlds, Sarna and Sakhalin, depend on its food exports, making Kaifeng the fulcrum to bring the Sarna Supremacy to its knees.

On 10 July 3058 Jodo Shinsa, the Olympus-class recharge station at the zenith jump point of the Kaifeng system, registers the arrival of the JumpShip Liu. Carrying House Hiritsu troops, the Liu uses battle damage from a staged pirate encounter as a pretext to dock with the station. However, when it turns out that modifications to the station have sealed off their intended route to the comm center, Aris Sung has to damage its transmitter array to prevent the crew from transmitting a warning to the planet. After the transmitter has been repaired, the captured station staff are then coerced into cooperating to help cover up the ongoing invasion.

Shortly afterwards, House Master Virginia York is found murdered in the station commander's stateroom. Battalion Leader (previously Senior Company Leader) Ty Wu Non takes her place as leader of the attack forces. Aboard the Hiritsu JumpShip Tao-te he promotes Aris to Company Leader pro tem in his stead, but privately makes it clear to Aris that he only does this so that any failure of the operation will fall upon Aris whose overall battle plan House Master York had previously decided to accept.

Second Interlude[edit]

Warrior House Hiritsu has just put down a rebellion on Gei-Fu, and House Master York is present in the Hsien Park in the city of Yushui to personally oversee the execution of the rebel leadership on 8 March 3051. 16-year-old Aris Sung is present as one of the Hiritsu infantrymen on guard duty. Suddenly a Stinger, the last remaining rebel BattleMech on the planet, emerges from the nearby river where it had secretly approached underwater, and attacks the assembled Hiritsu troopers. Using grapple rods from dead infantrymen around him, Aris Sung climbs up to the 'Mech's head and pretends his MedKit is a satchel charge. The enemy MechWarrior surrenders, and Virginia York subsequently assigns the captured Stinger to Aris, thereby promoting him to the ranks of the Hiritsu MechWarriors.

Chapters 7 through 18[edit]

While the four Hiritsu DropShips move towards Kaifeng there is some subtle bickering among the MechWarriors concerning the best battle plan. On 20 July, shortly before the DropShips entered the planet's atmosphere, they were surprisingly intercepted by aerospace fighters (Sparrowhawks and Lightnings) who had been hidden behind Kaifeng's tiny moon, Nochen. Faced with the possibility that the enemy is not as unaware of the attack as hoped, Aris makes some last-minute alterations to his battle plan.

Later on the same day, Aris' 'Mech company is on the ground and engaged in combat in the Tarrahouse district, one of the cargo centers on Kaifeng where grain produce is shipped down the Jinxiang River. At Port Terminal 12 North the well-prepared defenders (Jacob's Juggernauts) spring a trap on his company using numerous 'Mechs with heavy tank support, and the Hiritsu troops barely manage to withdraw across the river, losing MechWarrior Justin Loup and his Hatchetman in the process. After some field repairs, Aris decides to change the plan again and move directly into the city of Tarrahouse. When his subordinates object, he reasons that the plan was to draw the defenders out of the city, which they have obviously achieved already.

They are ambushed again shortly afterwards by a Kaifeng SMM 'Mech company under Major Karl Bartlett while crossing a bridge across the Jinxiang River. Recognizing Bartlett's BJ-2O Blackjack Omni, Aris realizes that they are up against regular Sarnese troops and orders his company to retreat. His own Wraith takes damage to its jump jets in mid-jump over the river and falls into the waters; Aris blacks out.

Waking up somewhat later, still strapped into his submerged 'Mech's cockpit, Aris realizes that he is now behind enemy lines and remembers the Stinger on Gei-Fu. He crawls his 'Mech underwater right into the city of Tarrahouse, where he disembarks in Lake Ch'u Yuan in a park area, swims ashore and enters the city. He soon meets and befriends Li Wynn, a petty criminal.

Two days later, the Hiritsu commanders hold a strategy meeting in an administrative building near the (already secured) Beijing Aerodrome on Kaifeng. Aris Sung is considered missing in action, and it is obvious that the Hiritsu attack had been anticipated by the defenders. Tarrahouse is the last stronghold of the defenders. Ty Wu Non reveals that the Capellan Confederation's nascent WarShip navy has enacted a blockade of Sarna and that no reinforcements will be arriving for the defenders. Honoring the population's Chinese heritage and customs, a ceasefire is announced for the Dragon Boat festival in three days; the Hiritsu officers hope that the defenders will somehow break the ceasefire and thereby lose their standing with the population.

One day later, on 23 July, Aris is frustrated because he has been unable to relay a message to his House from within the city. Li Wynn tells him about the ceasefire and that a Hiritsu attack is expected before it takes effect. Aris is shocked to learn that the Kaifeng SMM receives intelligence on the attackers' movements from a Hiritsu traitor, and are preparing an ambush.

One mercenary MechWarrior in Tarrahouse has been bribed by criminals to kick in jewelry stores and banks during urban combat so that they can be robbed. Li Wynn takes Aris along for the action. When the Hiritsu attack comes, Aris manages to foil one of the defenders' traps and alerts a fellow Hiritsu 'Mech with Molotov cocktails and Hiritsu infantry signals, warning his comrades about the trap. The Hiritsu forces disengage, but cannot evacuate Aris whose track is lost during combat.

Third interlude[edit]

During the Marik-Liao offensive into the Chaos March (Operation Guerrero), one Hiritsu company fights on Sarmaxa under the command of Ty Wu Non. In a running battle on 2 August 3057, Ty's Charger is paired with Aris' Wraith. Ty repeatedly ignores Aris' tactical advice and rebukes his plans, even after suffering heavy damage to his 'Mech, and Aris unquestioningly accepts the decision of his superior officer despite his conviction that his own plan would work better.

Chapters 19 through 30[edit]

Having survived the battle with minor wounds, Aris decides to track down the Hiritsu traitor. At the same time, the Hiritsu officers decide to start a rescue mission and Company Leader Terry Chan volunteers to infiltrate Tarrahouse to extract Aris.

Meanwhile, Major Bartlett plots to step out of General Cynthia Fallon's shadow and reap the reputation of having defeated a Capellan Warrior House. He dupes two of his MechWarriors into piloting militia 'Mechs painted in Hiritsu colors and launching a terror raid against the Dragon Boat Festival during the ceasefire to discredit House Hiritsu.

At a seedy bar, Aris is listening to militia MechWarriors talking when Terry Chan enters and openly calls him by his name. She escorts him out of the bar where Major Bartlett arrests Aris. Terry explains that she is disgusted with how the Warrior Houses are treated by the Capellan leadership; a discontented group from within House Hiritsu has chosen to leak information to the enemy so that combat attrition among the loyal elements will wash the traitors up into leading positions, effectively giving them control of the House. Li Wynn overhears the entire conversation from a hiding place under a car, including a later mentioning of plan to "smash" the Dragon Boat Festival with painted militia 'Mechs. When the unconscious Aris is hurled into the back of Bartlett's car for questioning and later disposal, Li rescues him by stealing the car.

During the Dragon Boat Festival on the next day, Aris and Li are part of the rowing crew aboard one of the racing boats. When two black-and-green 'Mechs approach, Aris commandeers the boat and has it move to the makeshift buoy that marks his own BattleMech's resting place in the lake. Retrieving his Wraith, Aris defeats the two attackers (a Raven and a Blackjack) which are posing as Hiritsu 'Mechs, then returns into the lake.

Back at the Hiritsu camp, Terry Chan reports on the 'Mech battle and declares that Aris Sung has turned renegade on House Hiritsu after being criticized for his unsuccessful battle plan at every turn; she alleges he is now fighting a private war. At the same time, Major Bartlett, having murdered the surviving Kaifeng SMM warrior from the fake Hiritsu 'Mechs to cover up his ploy, delivers a twisted report to General Fallon and secretly plots to make her a priority target for the Hiritsu troops.

During the night, Aris moves his 'Mech underwater to the Hiritsu camp at Port Terminal 5 South, disembarks and infiltrates the camp to confront Ty Wu Non whom he manages to convince of Terry Chan's duplicity. They then form a plan: Terry Chan is set up with a false battle plan in a tactical meeting, and is caught red-handed when attempting to transmit the data to Bartlett. To save the face of House Hiritsu, she and four others who had conspired with her are offered the chance to redeem themselves as a suicidal attack commando in the real battle; her message to Bartlett is sent anyways as the false information therein will set the defending forces up for the real Hiritsu ambush. In the ensuing battle on 27 July, Terry Chan and four other Hiritsu MechWarriors pilot 'Mechs rigged with explosive devices in the cockpits to ensure their deaths in battle.

The defenders, having relied on the fake Hiritsu battle plan, are decisively beaten in the last battle. Ty Wu Non and Aris Sung together bring down General Fallon's Atlas. Surviving the destruction of her Cataphract against all odds, Terry Chan personally climbs Bartlett's Blackjack, mimicking Aris' achievement with the Stinger back on Gei-Fu, but her satchel charge is a real one. In plain sight of Aris, she squeezes the demolition charge through a crack in Bartlett's cockpit window, killing both him and herself.

Following the defeat of the planetary defenders, a press conference is held near the spaceport and General Cynthia Fallon announces the defeat of her forces. During the formal surrender, Aris steals Crescent Moon once more (from Ty's quarters) and proceeds to execute Company Leader Thom Lindell with the blade for the murder of Virginia York, stressing that Ty Wu Non is not yet House Master and that it therefore still is Virginia York's blade. It is revealed that Lindell was another conspirator, but Aris considered him different from the others, less honorable and more dangerous to the House, and therefore had denied him the chance to redeem himself in a suicide action.

Epilogue[edit]

On 9 August, in the Celestial Palace on Sian, Ion Rush meets with Strategic Director Talon Zahn to discuss the outcome of the Kaifeng campaign. Ty Wu Non has reported the world pacified and requested additional garrison troops with are going to be granted.

Kali Liao, who has been eavesdropping on the discussion, concludes that Lindell has failed her and that her plan to bring House Hiritsu under her control, like Houses LuSann and Ijori, has failed.

Featured characters[edit]

Featured places[edit]

Featured Units[edit]

Featured BattleTech[edit]

BattleMechs[edit]

Vehicles[edit]

Aerospace fighters[edit]

DropShips[edit]

JumpShips[edit]

Other[edit]

  • Olympus-class space station Jodo Shinsa (modified, with several decks of long-term storage lockers)

Foreign-Language Editions[edit]

German[edit]

A German edition, translated by Silvia Jettkant, was published by Heyne in 1998 as Loyal zu Liao (ISBN 9783453126763).[1] This was republished as an EPUB by Ulisses Spiele in 2019 as BattleTech Legenden 37 : Loyal zu Liao (ISBN 9783963311802).[2]

Russian[edit]

A Russian edition, translated by S. Samuylov, was published by Армада-пресс (Armada-Press) in 2002 as Воин Хирицу (ISBN 5309003525) as part of a series produced in collaboration with Дрофа (Drofa). [3]

Covers[edit]

  • Original 1997 cover. Art by Bruce Jensen.

  • 1998 German edition. Art by Bruce Jensen.

  • 2019 German edition (reprint).

  • 2002 Russian edition.

References[edit]

  1. ↑ Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Catalog entry for Heyne edition
  2. ↑ Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Catalog entry for Ulisses Spiele edition
  3. ↑ Science Fiction Lab Book description for Воин Хирицу

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