February 13th, 3050
Trondheim Live, Daily Report : Special Report
Star League : 'Growing Pains' Threaten Alliance
It's only been a week, and already the Star League has had its fair share of monumental successes and major setbacks.
The Star League Conference of Wazan, barely a week ago, set in motion the formation of an inter-House Coalition, with the intent on sending the Clans packing back into the Deep Periphery. Since then much has changed over a very short time. At the time of the Conference, most major parties - even those who couldn't speak for the rest of the House - were optimistic about the formation and moving forward. Recent events have changed some of that optimism for several of the Houses.
Currently, there are two Houses that are absolutely pro and support the efforts of the Star League: the Free Rasalhague Republic and the Free World's League. These two are obvious, each for their own reasons. The FRR can only benefit from the formation of the Star League, as it will mean the League's efforts go directly towards supporting the FRR's front with the Clans; Rasalhague is currently facing attacks from each of the Invading Clans. For the FWL, the reasoning is more subtle. As the most powerful House in the 'Sphere, Marik was the first to call for the organization of the Star League, and has been responsible for much of the organization between the Houses and Clans. As such - while they claim there will be no 'First Lord' in this Star League, and each House will have equal voice - they have without a doubt taken the reins in the organization and are the leading voice and supporter for the Star League's efforts. Even without Marik's name standing above all others, it's clear who the real voice behind the Star League is.
Two Houses are indecisive in one way or another: the Capellan Confederation and the Federated Suns. Both of these Houses have expressed interest in joining and have generally been supportive of the Star League, but due to varying reasons have not fully signed onboard. For Liao, a Ceasefire with Davion - who very early on in hostilities, declared the destruction of Liao entirely - is cheating them out of the payback they feel Davion has more than earned. While some of the units within Liao have been fighting on the Clan front, others have ignored the call and continue to push against Davion. Some speculate that if Capella - one of the regional Capitals and source of pride for both Liao and Davion - is returned to Liao, they may be more willing to cooperate. However, that is just speculation. For Davion, the situation is reversed. Many feel the Star League is an easy way to stop the bleeding, to use the alliance to stop the continuous flow of planetary losses that started way back in the beginning of the new year. It will also give them a chance to fight the Clans, something they have not done as a group since the beginning of the conflict due to their focus in the IS. However, with Liao and Kurita both not stopping their advance into Davion territory, Davion is compelled to defend their own holdings rather than fight for the Star League, as they can ill-afford to lose more than they already have.
One House is completely incapable of making an organized decision: the Lyran Commonwealth. Referred by others as more akin to a 'roving band of marauders' then an actual organized military, House Steiner is perhaps the least organized and most incompetent House in the Inner Sphere. With the crushing blows they have received from the Clans, Steiner's organization quickly fell into disarray; its separate units quickly dividing their attention and setting their own agendas, refusing or neglecting the ability to coordinate with each other. The result has been Steiner becoming a 'reactive' faction, only fighting in reaction to the aggression of other factions or the aggression of other Steiner units, but with no real coordination or overall strategy. As such, efforts to coordinate with the Star League have been laughable at best. Dealing with Steiner for the Star League has been akin to negotiating with various Tribal Warlords, each who have their own goals and agendas (and some who absolutely hate each other).
One House has withdrawn entirely from the Star League: the Draconis Combine officially withdrew from the Star League just yesterday, after barely a week's worth of discussion. For the DCMS, The Clans are no longer worth fighting. They have found fertile soil in Davion and easy pickings, so rather than take the hard road and fight on - they did manage to reconnect with Luthien after more than 2 weeks of silence from the Capital - they have decided to ignore the call for action and continue to press Davion. The Star League has had mixed reactions from each of their members, but one thing has been made clear: No help from the Star League will be sent to Kurita. Only time will tell whether this has a significant impact on Kurita or not.
The 7th House, the Mercenaries, have responded in a way that has been expected. Many of the larger units have answered the call and organized and coordinated with the efforts of the Star League: the Armored Combat Escalation Service [ACES], Black Widow Company [BWC], Apocalypse Lancers [APOC], and several other units have coordinated together and with the Star League to fight the Clans. Word has it they all have signed contracts with the FRR for the time being. While there are many Mercs, who have either not answered the call or have outright refused it (or, in at least one case, been denied the call due to their sympathies with the Clans), the showing of so many units dedicating themselves to the fight has been one of the bright spots of the Star League.
As nearly a week closes on the formation of the Star League and many things are uncertain, one certainty is that
without the League, the FRR would not have survived to see the next weekend. The FRR's KungsArme has been extremely grateful for the help the Star League's members have given them, allowing them to fight on despite the certainty of defeat staring them in the face. To the units and MechWarriors from Marik, Liao, The Mercenaries and even Davion who have supported the FRR's plight whenever possible, the Trondheim Live will always recognize the courage and honor of those who fought for something greater than themselves.
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