Book excerpt: Once a formidable MechWarrior, Mirach Governor Sergio Ortega now believes that diplomacy will win the day. His sons, Dale and Austin, are also stalwarts of the Republic and aspiring MechWarriors—but very hotheaded. Against growing civil unrest, they urge a military show of force before events spiral out of control. But Mirach has no military equipment up to BattleMech status. And the pacifistic Governor is slashing military spending—a move that could spell defeat for the Republic. Marta Kinsolving’s Mirach Business Association has been converting industrial ‘Mechs into fighting machines. After putting down a small civil uprising, MBA may field a force in the imminent civil war and split Mirach three ways. Although Austin Ortega believes that Marta may be complicit his brother’s death, when open warfare erupts—she may turn out to be strongest ally the Ortegas have.