'The Missives of 3032'

Origin

Among the results of the White Reach Incident, there was an inability of anyone to hide certain details of what transpired. Several years of pitched battles between various mercenary commands, pirate bands, and "rogue groups" from foreign powers had made it difficult to pretend "nothing of importance happened" to local systems. As much as various pieces were quickly covered up through the Lyran Intelligence Corps, rumors were able to circulate and pique the interest of those who had significant power and enough curiosity to pierce the veil of secrecy.

In the year 3032, Archon Katrina Steiner was made aware of the rumors from one of the Dukes attending a social function, and she was not pleased to have a lack of specific knowledge to call on. Within twenty-four hours, she had been briefed on the matter and been required to make yet more requests for briefings from the head of the LIC. To say she was displeased with the situation is an understatement, and there were several dozen decisions made regarding those who had been involved.

While military matters regarding the mercenaries were left to the Armed Forces to determine proper handling, matters of nobility were more important. Two documents were issued, ready to be hand-delivered to the other parties, on the grounds there would be much fewer people made aware of the contents until it was necessary, and there would be only an official record of a letter having been delivered. One of them was a simple and terse missive to Elizabeth Wallings, Baroness of White Reach, concerning her involvement in the incident. The second was a letter to be received by Graf Sorvetz Reisel, as a command to travel to Tharkad.

The Wallings Letter

"Is that- is that honestly parchment with a wax seal? I didn't think they still used those on Tharkad!"
"They do for certain things, and only one of them is good. The fact it's got a black seal on it is probably a bad sign..."

Delivered to the High Senate of White Reach, the Wallings Letter took the form of a physical scroll sealed with black wax. Once it was read by the courier to the assembled Senators, a decision was made to revise the existing contract held by Priam Company to disrupt the rebellious Baroness' actions. Commander Sethan was given the document after an image was taken for official records. According to sources, when the update was put through there was a small matter of consternation over needing to assign units to handling the task of bringing in Elizabeth. Commander Sethan decided to go in person to make a statement about his agreement with the actions.

As expected by many on White Reach, Elizabeth Wallings did not submit quietly and sent what remained of her mercenaries against Priam Company. Rather than be taken into custody, it was reported she pulled a weapon on 'MechWarrior Garrido once the 'MechWarriors breached her hideaway. Shortly afterwards, the rebel forces quickly disbanded and fled the planet on various smaller DropShips. A few of these ships would turn up again over the next few years when other planets in the Isle of Skye would start demonstrating civil unrest.

"My God, she had sixteen shots and they all missed. I'm not sure whether to be disgusted or impressed."

— Olivia Garrido

Contents of the Letter

To Baroness Elizabeth Wallings

Your entreaty for justice has been heard by Us and given adequate consideration. However, your reckless actions and association with unknown parties has created a significant problem for the Commonwealth. In Our capacity as Archon, We judge you unfit to serve any longer as Baroness of White Reach, and thus revoke your title. You are further instructed to surrender to the authority of an assigned representative until such time as We can see fit to bring you personally to court on Tharkad to account for your actions.

Failure to comply with the bearer of this order will incur Our great displeasure, and you will thereafter be forcibly stripped of all hereditary titles and land associated with those titles. It is strongly advised you willingly follow Our instructions, as the bearer of this order has been authorized to use deadly force if you make it necessary. Given the breadth of your recent actions We have been informed of, there was little hesitation in reaching this decision concerning your person.

Katrina Steiner
Twenty-Ninth Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth
Duchess of Tharkad

The Reisel Letter

"My Lady, I would like to protest your missive. However, due to my fragile health you will forgive me from asking what you intend... exactly. I would send my daughter in my stead, as she is heir to the corporations and many of my secrets. But as you requested my presence, I shall attend you at my earliest inconvenience. Attached is a flight plan for my JumpShip..."

— Sorvetz Reisel

The second missive took longer to reach Rigel Kentarus, and the intended recipient, as a result of hand-delivery. Sorvetz Reisel was reportedly exceedingly annoyed at having had a secretive mission turn out to have been exposed, though he had placed blame on the hired mercenaries his daughter had located. There was a meeting in early 3033 with the Archon which resulted in a few sanctions and fines to the company, as well as a repeated oath not to do more than hire mercenaries in the future. When Hechek Reisel took over the business during Melissa Steiner's reign as Archon, the restrictions wound up loosened to specify no more than a single Lance of BattleMechs and three Lances of combat vehicles at significant production and distribution hubs.
Contents of the Letter

To Graf Sorvetz Reisel,

I am well aware time is precious for both of us, given your health issues, but this matter requires prompt attention. Several small things have come to my attention concerning your corporation - Rysel Industries - and edicts signed by my predecessor. Chief among these is a clause prohibiting your corporation from owning or operating BattleMechs, with no specified end date to the restriction. We have reviewed the pertinent records held by our Intelligence agency and find no fault with the reasoning of Archon Alessandro. Therefore, it is my displeasure to inform you of the second matter.

It was of great surprise to me to hear of a significant amount of combat activity within the system of Phalan, on the fourth planet. More interesting was a report which indicated, in the month of June 3032, a force of BattleMechs was present using a Leopard-class DropShip registered to your corporation. Specifically the division which is titled 'Rysel Medical Laboratories', headed by your daughter. I believe this puts you in violation of the edict of Archon Alessandro Steiner, and thus I am required to take action.

In Our capacity as Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth, and the authority invested in Us over the enlightened Lords and Ladies of the Commonwealth, you are compelled to appear in person at your earliest convenience to explain the matter. We eagerly await such an explanation, and out of respect We will withhold judgment until your chance to defend yourself.

Katrina Steiner
Twenty-Ninth Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth
Duchess of Tharkad

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Type

Text, Letter

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