EdNote: The opinions expressed by the persons interviewed here do not necessarily represent the official editorial opinion of BattleTechnology Magazine. Most names have been changed to promote freedom of speech. In the Federated Commonwealth, public opinion on the Clan invasion runs the gamut, from aroused indignant patriotism to complete indifference. Hesperus II, outside the main gate of Defiance Industries: BT: Sir, what is your personal reaction to the Clans invasion and the fall of Rasalhague. Freddie: My biggest gripe is the double shift I've been on the past eight months. Oh, the money's great, but I haven't really spoke to my kids in all that time. They must think I'm sick or tired of them. My wife has been great, though, and has tried to explain why I'm gone or asleep all the time. As to Rasalhague, so what? If you ask me, they had it coming. Always with the mountain-sized chips on their shoulders, thinking everybody was out to get them. If they'd treated their mercs like humans, maybe they'd have fought better for them. Who knows, really? I... BT: Sir, pardon the interruption, but what of the tales of the Clans taking their prisoners into slavery? Freddie: You wanna know about slavery (Leans close, whispers) Why don't you work here for a while and they maybe you'll understand slavery! How could the Clans be any worse than their high-and-mightinesses, the Brewers? (Ed Note:Dame Jaqueline Brewer is the CEO of Defiance Industries) (Freddie abruptly turns away as the shift signal blares over the area). Tharkhad, outside the door of the Estates-General Building: BT: Ms Jadwell, would you care to comment for our readers on the Clans invasion? Jadwell: Certainly. We face an extraordinarily evil foe, who, while he does show a certain debased honor, is really no different from the worst Periphery pirate king. The only significant problem with these 'Clansmen' is their apparent higher technology. Can we but salvage enough of their equipment, then it can certainly be copied and turned against them. I can only say this much: These people will be defeated. The good guys will not finish last this time. And when we stand victorious on their homeworld, then we'll see who's so superior. Thank you. (Hurries back into building) Summer, the main square in Curituba City BT: Sir Walter, excuse us, could you spare us a moment? Walter: Certainly, young lady. What is it? BT: Could you give us your thoughts on the Clans invasion? Walter: Of course. The way I see it, far too little attention is being given to protecting the Tamar and Skye districts, while Hanse Davion drags our Archon off to some farcical conference on Outreach. While we're at it, we should use all these fat, incompetent mercenaries that Hanse is so fond of, to lay into the Snakes. Now is the best time we'll ever have to slay the Dragon forever. (Takes the microphone). But no, off they go and leave us loyalists in the breach. Besides, if the Skye regiments had been properly supported, the way these so-called Regimental Combat Teams are pampered, then I expect they might not have been so badly mauled. (Obviously angry now) Leave it to Davion to betray us all. I say that it's time for Skye to handle its own affairs! Let Davion tend to the Federated Suns, not destroy the Lyran Commonwealth to protect them. If... BT: Thank you, sir, for your time. We must be off to other interviews. Skondia, in the Benjamin District of the Draconis Combine. A DCMS officer stood by, but carefully did not interfere with our gathering of information. BT: Pardon us, sir, could you spare a moment for an interview? Tai-i Benjy Stratton: Yes, but my time is limited. Ask your questions. BT: Thank you. Well, sir, we need to hear your opinions on the Clans invasion. Stratton: (looks at the observer, then shrugs) I think that these invaders are the most serious threat ever to face the Combine. Having fought them, I can tell you this: they are warriors such as I have never seen. They seem to share tenets of our sense of honor, but theirs is differently directed, I think. BT: What of the reports of people being taken into slavery? Stratton: That is the one truly repugnant aspect of dealing with the Clans. Warriors and civilians too, I hear, are torn from their homes and loved ones, never to return. It is said that the Clans honor those so taken; I cannot answer you on that. I have only the knowledge of what I've seen. BT: What of the Turtle Bay incident? Stratton: (angry, but under extreme control) The guilty will pay, reporter. Such an action reminds one of the habits of the Great Usurper, Amaris. Only an animal would do such a thing. Notice also that the act was carried out against the defenseless. No warriors were involved, only children of the Dragon, protecting his realm from invaders. BT: Thank you for your time, Tai-i. (Stratton moves off, soon becoming lost in the crowds. Skondia is nearly overrun with refugees, mostly from Rasalhague, though many are from border Combine worlds.) BT: You, sir (choosing a bystander at random) Yes, you! A moment please. Man: Frank Nitta. What do you want?. BT: A few moments of your time, Mr Nitta. We are conducting a survey on the average citizen's reaction to the Clans. Would you be willing to help us? Nitta: Yes, but I know only what the newsvids tell us. BT: We understand that. What we want is your opinions on the subject. Nitta: Well, I have to tell you that before these yabajin (barbarians) take this world, we will burn it in their faces. They are powerful, yes, but so is the Dragon, and he will prevail. I would give my life to stop them. (Leaves the interview site). BT: Chu-sa, as our observer, I must ask you if there has been any influence placed upon these people? Observer: No. I am here to observe your operations, and to assist in translation, should it be necessary. I am not to interfere with or influence your subjects in any way. If you like, I will go into the noodle shop across the street and wait through the next interview. Better, since it is nearly midday, would you all join me for the meal? I am instructed to help you, after all. In the restaurant. BT: Excuse us, Miss (to the waitress), but we would like your impressions of the Clan invasion? Waitress: (Smiles politely) I'm sure I couldn't tell you anything interesting. I rely on our brave warriors to protect me. (Giggles) Like the handsome Taii escorting your party. He looks so very brave. Further interviews in the Draconis Combine show the same pattern of fear, and yet a resolution to defend the Combine "to the last ditch," to quote an ancient Terran statesman. We salute their fighting spirit. Edwards, Crucis March of the Federated Commonwealth BT: Excuse us, Hauptmann, could you give us your views on the Clans invasion? Hauptman Frenton: Certainly. As I see it, the Clans are the greatest foe ever to strike at the Suns, I mean the Federated Commonwealth. The comment stands, including the entire Inner Sphere as well. We have seen elite and crack regiments destroyed or mauled time after time. The invaders show little or no mercy, and seem not to have heard of the Ares Conventions, or any other concept of civilized battlefield behavior. This business of asking the numbers of defenders so that the battle might be 'fair' strikes me as more than a little silly, considering their technical superiority. If not for that, we'd wad them up and toss 'em aside, like any other Periphery trash. In sum, let me ask you a question. How can a people be considered honorable, who use nuclear weapons from orbit against a civilian target, a city full of noncombatants? Liao, in the Sama March of the Federated Commonwealth BT: Madame, could we have a moment of your time, please? Lady Esmeralda Marcos: You may. BT: We would like to hear your opinions on the Clans invasion, please. Marcos: Put succinctly, the Clans are ravening, bloodthirsty beasts, out to destroy the very essence of all our lives. Until now, I had no regrets about retirement from the military, but this makes me wish to be back in harness. My son, Richard Antonio, serves the Commonwealth today. His father and I are very proud. Back to the point. The Clans endanger us all. Being in the Sarna March, we unfortunately hear a lot of 'news' from the Capellan Confederation and the Free Worlds League, telling us that this is a hoax dreamed up by Prince Davion and Colonel Wolf for their own purposes. Tommyrot! This is no more a hoax than Kerensky's Exodus, and has just as serious implications. I quote from the ancient philosopher Benjamin Franklin: "We must all hang together, or we shall all hang separately!" If the Human Sphere could unite against these savages, even temporarily, we could destroy them. We could at least push them back into the darkness they came from. BT: Our thanks, Lady Marcos. Capella, in the Capellan Confederation [Ed Note: During the time spent interviewing in the Confederation, we were both accompanied and followed by apparent Maskirova personnel. lt is a certainty that this has had a profound influence on the content of the replies we received.] BT: Citizen, a moment, please. We are seeking opinions on the Clans invasion and what you think of it. Feng Li: I know only what the Lady Chancellor thinks is good for me to know. The so-called 'Clans invasions' are little more than a plot between Ghost-Fox Davion and the notorious mercenary Jaime Wolf, to divert our forces in preparation for a renewed sneak attack on the Confederation. If the reports from abroad are true, I rejoice in seeing the so-mighty Federated Commonwealth taken down a few notches. Perhaps the invaders will teach Davion a needed lesson in humility. I regret that the Dragon, our ally, has been slightly hurt as well. If these invaders reach the Confederation, we will show them what warriors are bred in this land. They will never defeat the Confederation and Chancellor Liao. BT: Commander Conover, your opinion, please, on the Clans invasion? Conover: I am truly sorry that security needs prevent my replying to your request. We may not speak to the foreign press since the Chancellor's Edict of September 3050. (Nods to our escort and leaves us.) BT: Citizen Catlin, why did the Commander nod to you before leaving? Catlin: Simple courtesy. Here in the Confederation, we believe in the old ways of shared respect. How unfortunate that most other realms do not. BT: Could you, then, discuss with us the Clan invasion? Catlin: (Calmly) I must also invoke the September Edict regarding the foreign press. BT: Can you at least discuss the Edict? Catlin: Alas, that too is covered. (Smiles to himself). BT: So the Edict is a catch-all, which prevents any official from discussing anything he doesn't want to? Catlin: If I were able to discuss it, I would essentially agree with you. BT: I see. Citizen, yes, you there, could we ask you about the Clans invasion? Blutarski: Yes, please ask. I must tell you, though, that I know very little about it. BT: Surely you know something? Blutarski: I know, from reading your and other magazines, that portions of the Draconis Combine, Rasalhague Republic, and the Federated Commonwealth have been invaded, and that the Federated Commonwealth is reeling from the blows (smiles broadly), and the Rasalhagians are losing ground steadily, though the Combine is holding up well under the assault. If the invaders ever get here, the Chancellor will destroy them by her mighty warriors, and if we fail, (a slightly glazed look in the eyes here) she will destroy them by her occult powers. However it happens, they will be defeated, and will thereafter be our servitors forever. [Ed Note: After leaving the Confederation, we discovered in a holocam case, a note without signature: "We are in great fear of what the Clans may do. The Chancellor is misled or perhaps truly mad to think she can banish them with a snap of her fingers. With deep regret, we true patriots of the Capellan Confederation must ask for help to unseat this usurper and set Maximilian's true heir on the Celestial Throne. Conquista, in the Free Worlds League BT: Pardon us, sir, but could you share your views on the Clans invasion? Vladimir Tunstall: Sure. The Clans are simply another combatant in the Succession Wars. Granted, their technology is higher than that of the other claimants, but that's just the way it is. One thing I do know; the invasion has been good for business, and that's what the League is all about. I expect great things from the business community, and their prosperity can only strengthen the League vis-a-vis the other states. If it strengthens us enough, we may look into the possibility of retaking some worlds that Hanse Davion owes us. The Free Worlds League has denied us access to Irian, therefore we next detoured to Van Dieman IV. BT: Your pardon, Ma'am, but could you talk to us about the Clans invasion, and how it effects you? Constance Desiree: As a fashion designer, it hardly effects me at all, except that with the new taxes, people have less money to spend on the finer things in life, like my line of highfashion clothing, sold across the Inner Sphere and perhaps beyond. BT: But has the invasion had any personal effect on you, Ms Desiree? Desiree: No, no personal effect. Have you seen my new Fall line? It's... Amity, in the Silver Hawks Coalition BT: Mr Jamison, what is your impression of the Clans invasion? Jamison: They seem, from what news we get, to be a formidable battle force. However, I expect that, as honorable warriors, they will respect our wishes to remain at peace with our neighbors. Of course, if the Lyrans manage to stop them, we needn't worry! BattleTechnology News From the Front Inner Sphere Factories Retool For Clans War Mercenaries Refuse to Fight Conference on Outreach Miraborg Surrenders to Wolf Clan Man in the Street Interviews Clan Invasion Incoming! The Sergeant Speaks his Mind Kai Allard-Liao Plunges to Death Ragnar Magnusson Lost Back to BattleTechnology 18 Table of Contents Back to BattleTechnology List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 1992 by Pacific Rim Publishing. This article appears in MagWeb.com (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com