Melissa Withdraws Hanse's Troops!

News Service

by Hillary Ayer

Wei, Sarna March, Palos Operations Area Federated Commonwealth, May 12,3038

Following demonstrations on the planets of Merikar, Johnathan, Foo Chow, Footfall, and Wei, Princess Melissa Steiner Davion issued some crisp orders. Suddenly a week ago, the Davion occupation troops on these worlds and several others of the Sarna March found themselves preparing for withdrawal. The Princess Archon- Designate is head of all military operations in the Sarna March, directly in charge even over the AFFS by Prince Hanse's order.

Princess Melissa has made herself known in this area following the Fourth Succession War. Even during her four pregnancies, she has made journies of inspection to every major world at least once a year. There is no world of the former Sarna Commonality which she has not visited. For the last two year, her daughter Princess Katherine Steiner-Davion, who will be regent for the Federated Suns when her brother Prince Victor becomes Archon Prince, has accompanied her mother. Princess Melissa conferred with local as well as district governments and inspected military bases. She's put in a lot of time meeting with the various Recovery Committees which dealt with the damages done by the Fourth Succession War, and then remained in operation as disaster relief organizations. She's kissed a lot of babies, but her popularity is due to a real effort on the people's behalf.

The Princess Archon- Designate sent open messages to First Prince Hanse Davion and to Archon Katrina Steiner. Texts appear on these pages.

    First Prince Hanse Davion
    Supreme Commander, AFFS
    Husband and Prince,

    You gave me these people on our wedding day. They are being abused.

    I have unilaterally dismissed your garrisons, returning them to your direct command. I have asked Archon Katrina for the 3rd Donegal Guards to replace them. Until garrisons I can trust are in place on these worlds, Kate and I will remain here.

    I ask that you do not consider our AFFS troops dismissed with prejudice. They have stood perilous duty for too long on planets where the garrison of a conqueror will naturally be hated. They have in the main done well with an arduous and unpleasant duty. They hove been greatly tried, and proved to be only human. Find them other duties and they will prove of value. It is after all our fault that they were not relieved sooner.

    Only a few incidents have occurred as yet. The Dragon and his son will be happy to make much of these, and to create more if at all possible. I am defusing a bomb which has not yet exploded in preference to dealing with a disaster later.

    It is the duty of a ruler to share the risks he or she requires of subjects. Please do not ask that Kate or I return until we can leave order behind us.

      --Melissa Steiner Dovion
      Commander, Soma March First Princess, Federated Suns

Katrina Steiner,
29th Archon Lyran
Commonwealth, Supreme Commander, Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces

    Mother and Commander,

    I urgently request the reassignment of the Third Donegal Guards as garrison troops on the planets of the Soma March, Wei Command. These troops, from my father's principality, have personally vowed their loyalty to me. In addition, they have no contact with the locals; no animosities remain between my formerly-Liao subjects and our people of Donegal.

    So strongly do I feel about the animosities between the battle fatigued AFFS garrisons here and the people I call my own, that I have ordered the withdrawal of these garrisons whether or not you accede to my request. It is possible that Draconian agents provocateurs have been at work here, but the people have some very real grievances.

    It is my belief that you will see the wisdom of keeping sound line of defense on what could become once again crucial border. Kate and I will remain here personally, taking what risks there may be together with our people, until the new garrison arrives.

    Respectfully,

      --Melissa Arthur Steiner Davion
      Archon Designate

BattleTechnology News Service

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