Editing Gina Ciampa

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	Von Frisch's plan called for the Fourth to launch their opening assault on [[Doering Electronics]] in the Caran River basin, far from the planet's capital city of Maria's Elegy and further still from the main objective of the Defiance mountain complex,<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-D-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", the Fourth Rangers land at Doering, forcing the defenders to withdraw</ref><ref name=TDT133-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 133: the Rangers' DropShip head towards the Doering plant</ref> hoping to lure the defenders away from their base. Indeed, once the Fourth's opening target became clear, the Loyalists, commanded by Leutnant-General [[Gina Ciampa]], sent the Legion and a battalion of her own 'Mechs from the Fifteenth to defend Doering, along with two Lyran Guard conventional regiments.<ref name=TDT134-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 134: Ciampa sends forces to defend Doering</ref> On June 30, the two forces clashed, with von Frisch boldly dropping two companies of light and medium 'Mechs on the facilities themselves in a combat drop while the rest of the Fourth Rangers landed and engaged the main enemy force.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-D-1/><ref name=TDT136-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 136: the Fourth drop two companies of 'Mechs on Doering before landing</ref> The Loyalist forces attempted to hold Doering, but took serious losses once Albion was able to bring its full strength to bear, scattering the Lyran Guards battalion and driving Legion back. The defenders were forced to retreat to their DropShips and withdraw back to the capital, effectively surrendering the facility to the rebels.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-D-1/><ref name=TDT140142-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 140–142: the Skye Rangers drive the defenders away from Doering</ref> General Von Frisch left an armor regiment and two infantry regiments to hold Doering,<ref name=TDT149-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 149: Von Frisch leaves a holding force to defend the Doering plant</ref> then set his sights on his primary objective. The rest of the Fourth Rangers loaded back into their DropShips, and headed towards Defiance Industries.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-D-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", the Fourth Rangers lift off and begin moving on Defiance Industries</ref>		Von Frisch's plan called for the Fourth to launch their opening assault on [[Doering Electronics]] in the Caran River basin, far from the planet's capital city of Maria's Elegy and further still from the main objective of the Defiance mountain complex,<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-D-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", the Fourth Rangers land at Doering, forcing the defenders to withdraw</ref><ref name=TDT133-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 133: the Rangers' DropShip head towards the Doering plant</ref> hoping to lure the defenders away from their base. Indeed, once the Fourth's opening target became clear, the Loyalists, commanded by Leutnant-General [[Gina Ciampa]], sent the Legion and a battalion of her own 'Mechs from the Fifteenth to defend Doering, along with two Lyran Guard conventional regiments.<ref name=TDT134-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 134: Ciampa sends forces to defend Doering</ref> On June 30, the two forces clashed, with von Frisch boldly dropping two companies of light and medium 'Mechs on the facilities themselves in a combat drop while the rest of the Fourth Rangers landed and engaged the main enemy force.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-D-1/><ref name=TDT136-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 136: the Fourth drop two companies of 'Mechs on Doering before landing</ref> The Loyalist forces attempted to hold Doering, but took serious losses once Albion was able to bring its full strength to bear, scattering the Lyran Guards battalion and driving Legion back. The defenders were forced to retreat to their DropShips and withdraw back to the capital, effectively surrendering the facility to the rebels.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-D-1/><ref name=TDT140142-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 140–142: the Skye Rangers drive the defenders away from Doering</ref> General Von Frisch left an armor regiment and two infantry regiments to hold Doering,<ref name=TDT149-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 149: Von Frisch leaves a holding force to defend the Doering plant</ref> then set his sights on his primary objective. The rest of the Fourth Rangers loaded back into their DropShips, and headed towards Defiance Industries.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-D-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", the Fourth Rangers lift off and begin moving on Defiance Industries</ref>
−	The Defiance Self-Protection Force found themselves under attack by Skye aerospace fighters and artillery, looking to clear the way for both Ranger units to attack. Skye Ranger 'Mechs soon followed, as the Fourth and Twenty-second began their first push. Although the corporate force couldn't match the skill of the rebels (and certainly not the Fourth Rangers) they, equipped with some of the best 'Mechs Defiance could offer, were well entrenched with their own artillery support, and used static defenses and minefields to good effect. With a six-to-one advantage, however, the Rangers drove the DSPF back. It would be up to the Fifteenth Guards and the Gray Death Legion to stop the rebels from taking the factories.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-DI-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Free Skye fighters attack the DSPF</ref><ref name=TDT153162-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 153–162: the Skye Rangers meet the DSPF in battle, driving them back</ref> The Gray Death Legion desperately attempted to make it back to the Myoo Highlands using [[Maglev engine|MagLev]] trains, but Skye Rangers were able to ambush the train and scatter much of the Legion.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-MAG-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Loyalists ambush Maglev trains taking the GDL to Defiance</ref> The commander of the Fifteenth, Leutnant-General [[Gina Ciampa]], attempted to send a call for reinforcements from the LAAF High Command through [[ComStar]].<ref name=FCCW147-GC-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Ciampa issues request for reinforcements through ComStar</ref><ref name=TDT198-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 198: Ciampa attempts to send an HPG message</ref> The ''Simon Davion'', with its advanced sensors, detected the signal, and alerted von Frisch. Realizing the danger, von Frisch ordered the ''Simon Davion'' to bombard the ComStar [[HPG]] station from orbit in order to prevent the transmission. Von Frisch understood the danger, but intended a surgical strike.<ref name=FCCW147-SD-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Von Frisch orders the HPG station destroyed; the bombardment destroys much of the spaceport, kills many in the Fifteenth Guards</ref><ref name=TDT198199-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 198–199: Von Frisch orders bombardment of the Hesperus HPG station</ref> The WarShip [[Captain|Kaptain]], Elena Cerlenko, inadvertently exceeded this, however, destroying not only the HPG station but much of the entire spaceport of Maria's Elegy, where both the Fifteenth Guards and the Legion had been based.<ref name=FCCW147-SD-2/><ref name=TDT199200-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 199–200: Kaptain Cerlenko orders a broadside</ref> Thousands were killed, including much of the Fifteenth Guards' conventional forces along with several 'Mechs. The barracks the Gray Death Legion had been using was also destroyed, as well as several Legion aerospace fighters.<ref name=TDT200202-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 200–202: the HPG station is destroyed along with the GDL barracks, GDL fighters, Lyran 'Mechs and vehicles</ref> This action could be considered a war crime under the [[Ares Conventions]], and a horrified Von Frisch resolved himself to capturing the planet to ease the dishonor done to his command and to Skye.<ref name=FCCW147-VF-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Von Frisch believes redemption will only come in victory</ref><ref name=TDT203204-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 203–204: Von Frisch believes he must win the battle of Hesperus to avoid political ramifications</ref>	+	The Defiance Self-Protection Force found themselves under attack by Skye aerospace fighters and artillery, looking to clear the way for both Ranger units to attack. Skye Ranger 'Mechs soon followed, as the Fourth and Twenty-second began their first push. Although the corporate force couldn't match the skill of the rebels (and certainly not the Fourth Rangers) they, equipped with some of the best 'Mechs Defiance could offer, were well entrenched with their own artillery support, and used stationary defenses and minefields to good effect. With a six-to-one advantage, however, the Rangers drove the DSPF back. It would be up to the Fifteenth Guards and the Gray Death Legion to stop the rebels from taking the factories.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-DI-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Free Skye fighters attack the DSPF</ref><ref name=TDT153162-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 153–162: the Skye Rangers meet the DSPF in battle, driving them back</ref> The Gray Death Legion desperately attempted to make it back to the Myoo Highlands using [[Maglev engine|MagLev]] trains, but Skye Rangers were able to ambush the train and scatter much of the Legion.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-MAG-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Loyalists ambush Maglev trains taking the GDL to Defiance</ref> The commander of the Fifteenth, Leutnant-General [[Gina Ciampa]], attempted to send a call for reinforcements from the LAAF High Command through [[ComStar]].<ref name=FCCW147-GC-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Ciampa issues request for reinforcements through ComStar</ref><ref name=TDT198-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 198: Ciampa attempts to send an HPG message</ref> The ''Simon Davion'', with its advanced sensors, detected the signal, and alerted von Frisch. Realizing the danger, von Frisch ordered the ''Simon Davion'' to bombard the ComStar [[HPG]] station from orbit in order to prevent the transmission. Von Frisch understood the danger, but intended a surgical strike.<ref name=FCCW147-SD-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Von Frisch orders the HPG station destroyed; the bombardment destroys much of the spaceport, kills many in the Fifteenth Guards</ref><ref name=TDT198199-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 198–199: Von Frisch orders bombardment of the Hesperus HPG station</ref> The WarShip [[Captain|Kaptain]], Elena Cerlenko, inadvertently exceeded this, however, destroying not only the HPG station but much of the entire spaceport of Maria's Elegy, where both the Fifteenth Guards and the Legion had been based.<ref name=FCCW147-SD-2/><ref name=TDT199200-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 199–200: Kaptain Cerlenko orders a broadside</ref> Thousands were killed, including much of the Fifteenth Guards' conventional forces along with several 'Mechs. The barracks the Gray Death Legion had been using was also destroyed, as well as several Legion aerospace fighters.<ref name=TDT200202-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 200–202: the HPG station is destroyed along with the GDL barracks, GDL fighters, Lyran 'Mechs and vehicles</ref> This action could be considered a war crime under the [[Ares Conventions]], and a horrified Von Frisch resolved himself to capturing the planet to ease the dishonor done to his command and to Skye.<ref name=FCCW147-VF-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Von Frisch believes redemption will only come in victory</ref><ref name=TDT203204-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 203–204: Von Frisch believes he must win the battle of Hesperus to avoid political ramifications</ref>
	For a full week, the loyalists and rebels sparred. The GDL raided Free Skye positions, attempting to harass and harry them. Despite some successful strikes by the Legion, longtime legionnaire [[Lieutenant Colonel]] [[Davis McCall]], the unit's executive officer, was killed during the fighting on 8 July, crippling the Legion's morale and forcing them to retreat.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-GDL-DM-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Lieutenant Colonel Davis McCall is killed</ref><ref name=TDT248-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 248: McCall is killed fighting a ''Rakshasa'' and a ''Guillotine''</ref> A few days later, the Rangers received reinforcements when the [[32nd Lyran Guards]] RCT, who had been negotiating with Duke Robert Kelswa-Steiner and his representatives for some time, arrived in-system under Skye's banner. Also arriving were the [[17th Skye Rangers]], who had finally made it back to their home province. Von Frisch ordered the Thirty-second, which would make planetfall on the 18th, to make a low-altitude drop directly on the Defiance complex. The Fourth and Twenty-second Rangers would support the landings, and the entire force would then attack in force. He further ordered the Seventeenth to head to Maldon to keep the Thirty-sixth Guards from joining the other defenders in the Myoo Highlands.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-REF-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", reinforcements arrive in the Thirty-second Lyran Guards and Seventeenth Skye Rangers</ref><ref name=TDT259-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 259: Von Frisch orders the Thirty-second Guards to join in the main offensive and the Seventeenth Rangers to Maldon</ref> This gave the three remaining Free Skye units, led by the elite Fourth, a distinct numerical advantage over the other defending units - the Fifteenth, the Legion and the DSPF - who had all already taken serious damage during the campaign.		For a full week, the loyalists and rebels sparred. The GDL raided Free Skye positions, attempting to harass and harry them. Despite some successful strikes by the Legion, longtime legionnaire [[Lieutenant Colonel]] [[Davis McCall]], the unit's executive officer, was killed during the fighting on 8 July, crippling the Legion's morale and forcing them to retreat.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-GDL-DM-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Lieutenant Colonel Davis McCall is killed</ref><ref name=TDT248-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 248: McCall is killed fighting a ''Rakshasa'' and a ''Guillotine''</ref> A few days later, the Rangers received reinforcements when the [[32nd Lyran Guards]] RCT, who had been negotiating with Duke Robert Kelswa-Steiner and his representatives for some time, arrived in-system under Skye's banner. Also arriving were the [[17th Skye Rangers]], who had finally made it back to their home province. Von Frisch ordered the Thirty-second, which would make planetfall on the 18th, to make a low-altitude drop directly on the Defiance complex. The Fourth and Twenty-second Rangers would support the landings, and the entire force would then attack in force. He further ordered the Seventeenth to head to Maldon to keep the Thirty-sixth Guards from joining the other defenders in the Myoo Highlands.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-REF-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", reinforcements arrive in the Thirty-second Lyran Guards and Seventeenth Skye Rangers</ref><ref name=TDT259-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 259: Von Frisch orders the Thirty-second Guards to join in the main offensive and the Seventeenth Rangers to Maldon</ref> This gave the three remaining Free Skye units, led by the elite Fourth, a distinct numerical advantage over the other defending units - the Fifteenth, the Legion and the DSPF - who had all already taken serious damage during the campaign.
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	=== Sixteenth Battle of Hesperus ===		=== Sixteenth Battle of Hesperus ===
−	From March [[3068]] until early [[3070]] the [[Word of Blake]] ran [[Operation STEEL HAMMER]], a series of heavy raids against the planet's defenders. The first raid fell between the 14th and 17th of March [[3068]], coinciding with raids on [[Coventry]] and [[Donegal]]; the three raids all featured support from Blakist [[WarShip]]s or [[Pocket WarShip]]s.<ref name="J:FRp45">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 45: "The Jihad in Review"</ref>	+	From March [[3068]] until early [[3070]] the [[Word of Blake]] ran [[Operation STEEL HAMMER]], a series of heavy raids against the planet's defenders. The first raid fell between the 14th and 17th of March [[3068]], coinciding with raids on [[Coventry]] and [[Donegal]]; the three raids all featured support from Blakist [[WarShip]]s or [[Pocket WarShip]]s.<ref name="J:FRp45">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 45: "The Jihad In Review"</ref>
	In the first phase, the [[16th Division (Word of Blake)|Sixteenth]] and [[22nd Division (Word of Blake)|Twenty-second Divisions]] conducted extensive raiding against the planet's defenders which began in [[3068]].  Over the course of approximately two years, elements of the [[Light of Mankind]] were inserted on the planet, using the raids as a cover.		In the first phase, the [[16th Division (Word of Blake)|Sixteenth]] and [[22nd Division (Word of Blake)|Twenty-second Divisions]] conducted extensive raiding against the planet's defenders which began in [[3068]].  Over the course of approximately two years, elements of the [[Light of Mankind]] were inserted on the planet, using the raids as a cover.
−	In [[3070]], a Blakist invasion force arrived in the form of the [[38th Division (Word of Blake)|Thirty-eighth Division]] and the [[Fortieth Shadow Division]].  This force was escorted by the ''[[Lola III]]'' Class Destroyer, [[End of Wisdom|WoBS ''End of Wisdom'']], and a reinforced [[Level II]] of [[Pocket WarShip|Pocket WarShips]]. The invasion's escort fleet overwhelmed and destroyed the Lyran ''[[Fox (WarShip class)|Fox]]''-class corvette [[Melissa Steiner (Individual Fox-class WarShip)|LAS ''Melissa Steiner'']], effectively blockading the planet.  The two divisions landed on Maria's Elegy and the Defiance Industries factory complexes. At the same time, the Light of Mankind teams enacted their long-awaited mission objectives, sabotaging defensive systems and assassinating key personnel. The Fifteenth Lyran Guards, who had also been infiltrated, failed to mount a strong defense and suffered horrendous casualties. The unit was forced to withdraw under heavy fire toward the factory's interior, with [[Gina Ciampa]], the Fifteenth’s commander, leading the last-ditch effort to barricade the South Gate. Though she tried to destroy her own 'Mech to close the entrance, Tau infantry was able to stop her and promptly executed her, seizing the gate. With only fourteen days of fight, Hesperus II was first conquered by an outside power.<ref>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', pp. 103–104: "40th Shadow Division unit profile"</ref><ref>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 24: "Operation: Steel Hammer" - History of Hesperus occupation up to 3074</ref><ref name="J:FRp48">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 48: "The Jihad in Review"</ref><ref name=JTPHIIp5>''Jihad Turning Points: Hesperus II'', p. 5: "The Battle for Hesperus II"</ref><ref name=jtph2p7>''Jihad Turning Points: Hesperus II'', p. 7</ref>	+	In [[3070]], a Blakist invasion force arrived in the form of the [[38th Division (Word of Blake)|Thirty-eighth Division]] and the [[Fortieth Shadow Division]].  This force was escorted by the ''[[Lola III]]'' Class Destroyer, [[End of Wisdom|WoBS ''End of Wisdom'']], and a reinforced [[Level II]] of [[Pocket WarShip|Pocket WarShips]]. The invasion's escort fleet overwhelmed and destroyed the Lyran ''[[Fox (WarShip class)|Fox]]''-class corvette [[Melissa Steiner (Individual Fox-class WarShip)|LAS ''Melissa Steiner'']], effectively blockading the planet.  The two divisions landed on Maria's Elegy and the Defiance Industries factory complexes. At the same time, the Light of Mankind teams enacted their long-awaited mission objectives, sabotaging defensive systems and assassinating key personnel. The Fifteenth Lyran Guards, who had also been infiltrated, failed to mount a strong defense and suffered horrendous casualties. The unit was forced to withdraw under heavy fire toward the factory's interior, with [[Gina Ciampa]], the Fifteenth’s commander, leading the last-ditch effort to barricade the South Gate. Though she tried to destroy her own 'Mech to close the entrance, Tau infantry was able to stop her and promptly executed her, seizing the gate. With only fourteen days of fight, Hesperus II was first conquered by an outside power.<ref>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', pp. 103–104: "40th Shadow Division unit profile".</ref><ref>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 24: "Operation: Steel Hammer" - History of Hesperus occupation up to 3074.</ref><ref name="J:FRp48">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 48: "The Jihad In Review"</ref><ref name=JTPHIIp5>''Jihad Turning Points: Hesperus II'', p. 5: "The Battle for Hesperus II"</ref><ref name=jtph2p7>''Jihad Turning Points: Hesperus II'', p. 7</ref>
	==References==		==References==

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{{InfoBoxCharacter | image = | caption = | name = Gina Ciampa | birthdate = | died = [[3070]] | othernames = Maria Ciampa<ref name=JTPHIIp5/> | affiliation = [[Lyran Commonwealth]] | rank = [[Leutnant-General]] | title = | position = | profession = [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]] | parents = | siblings = | spouse = | children = }} '''Gina Ciampa''' was the commanding officer of the [[Fifteenth Lyran Guards]] between [[3054]] and [[3070]].<ref name=FMLA80>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 80: "15th Lyran Guards Unit Profile"</ref><ref name=fmu177>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 177</ref><ref name=jtph2p7/><ref name=JTPHIIp7>''Jihad Turning Points: Hesperus II'', p. 7: "Fifteenth Lyran Guards RCT [Lyran Alliance] (March 3068–February 3070)"</ref> ==History== ===Fifteenth Battle of Hesperus=== Her unit was on [[Hesperus II|Hesperus]] when on 28 June, the [[Fourth Skye Rangers]] arrived in the system, accompanied by two ''[[Fox (WarShip class)|Fox]]''-class [[WarShips]], the LAS ''[[Illustrious]]'' and the FCS ''[[Indefatigable]]'', both under control of the Free Skye military. Their ultimate objective was the [[Defiance Industries]] complex on Hesperus II, the largest BattleMech factory in existence. Fourteen times opposing powers had attempted to seize Hesperus, and fourteen times the Lyrans had rallied to push back the invaders. With Hesperus in its hands, Free Skye would have the military industrial base needed to win its independence from the Alliance. Albion and its Free Skye allies intended the fifteenth occasion to be the charm, with their commanding General, von Frisch, in overall command of the operation, and the Fourth Rangers designated the primary attack force. The Twenty-second Skye Rangers were already on-planet, having used Hesperus III for cover. The Fourth Rangers' flotilla was confronted by the FCS ''Simon Davion'', an ''[[Avalon]]''-class cruiser easily outmassing the two ''Fox''-class corvettes accompanying the Rangers.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-A-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", the Fourth Skye Rangers arrive in-system with WarShip support</ref><ref name=TDT49-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 49: Von Frisch named commander of the primary attack force</ref> The ''Simon Davion'' destroyed the ''Illustrious'', but a surprise attack by the ''Indefatigable'' allowed a successful boarding action, giving the rebels control of the ship and opening the door for the Fourth Skye to approach the planet.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-A-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", WarShip battle results in the Skye Rangers' capture of the ''Simon Davion''</ref> Defending the planet were [[15th Lyran Guards]], the [[36th Lyran Guards]], the corporate [[Defiance Self-Protection Force]], and the infamous mercenary Gray Death Legion, who had earned the enmity of Free Skye ten years earlier on Glengarry.<ref name=FCCW146147-4SR-1>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 146–147: "Hesperus II", Loyalist defenders of Hesperus II</ref> [[File:Defiance Industries logo.png|right|thumb|150px|[[Defiance Industries]], the Rangers' primary target]] Von Frisch's plan called for the Fourth to launch their opening assault on [[Doering Electronics]] in the Caran River basin, far from the planet's capital city of Maria's Elegy and further still from the main objective of the Defiance mountain complex,<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-D-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", the Fourth Rangers land at Doering, forcing the defenders to withdraw</ref><ref name=TDT133-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 133: the Rangers' DropShip head towards the Doering plant</ref> hoping to lure the defenders away from their base. Indeed, once the Fourth's opening target became clear, the Loyalists, commanded by Leutnant-General [[Gina Ciampa]], sent the Legion and a battalion of her own 'Mechs from the Fifteenth to defend Doering, along with two Lyran Guard conventional regiments.<ref name=TDT134-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 134: Ciampa sends forces to defend Doering</ref> On June 30, the two forces clashed, with von Frisch boldly dropping two companies of light and medium 'Mechs on the facilities themselves in a combat drop while the rest of the Fourth Rangers landed and engaged the main enemy force.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-D-1/><ref name=TDT136-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 136: the Fourth drop two companies of 'Mechs on Doering before landing</ref> The Loyalist forces attempted to hold Doering, but took serious losses once Albion was able to bring its full strength to bear, scattering the Lyran Guards battalion and driving Legion back. The defenders were forced to retreat to their DropShips and withdraw back to the capital, effectively surrendering the facility to the rebels.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-D-1/><ref name=TDT140142-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 140–142: the Skye Rangers drive the defenders away from Doering</ref> General Von Frisch left an armor regiment and two infantry regiments to hold Doering,<ref name=TDT149-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 149: Von Frisch leaves a holding force to defend the Doering plant</ref> then set his sights on his primary objective. The rest of the Fourth Rangers loaded back into their DropShips, and headed towards Defiance Industries.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-D-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", the Fourth Rangers lift off and begin moving on Defiance Industries</ref> The Defiance Self-Protection Force found themselves under attack by Skye aerospace fighters and artillery, looking to clear the way for both Ranger units to attack. Skye Ranger 'Mechs soon followed, as the Fourth and Twenty-second began their first push. Although the corporate force couldn't match the skill of the rebels (and certainly not the Fourth Rangers) they, equipped with some of the best 'Mechs Defiance could offer, were well entrenched with their own artillery support, and used stationary defenses and minefields to good effect. With a six-to-one advantage, however, the Rangers drove the DSPF back. It would be up to the Fifteenth Guards and the Gray Death Legion to stop the rebels from taking the factories.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-DI-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Free Skye fighters attack the DSPF</ref><ref name=TDT153162-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 153–162: the Skye Rangers meet the DSPF in battle, driving them back</ref> The Gray Death Legion desperately attempted to make it back to the Myoo Highlands using [[Maglev engine|MagLev]] trains, but Skye Rangers were able to ambush the train and scatter much of the Legion.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-MAG-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Loyalists ambush Maglev trains taking the GDL to Defiance</ref> The commander of the Fifteenth, Leutnant-General [[Gina Ciampa]], attempted to send a call for reinforcements from the LAAF High Command through [[ComStar]].<ref name=FCCW147-GC-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Ciampa issues request for reinforcements through ComStar</ref><ref name=TDT198-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 198: Ciampa attempts to send an HPG message</ref> The ''Simon Davion'', with its advanced sensors, detected the signal, and alerted von Frisch. Realizing the danger, von Frisch ordered the ''Simon Davion'' to bombard the ComStar [[HPG]] station from orbit in order to prevent the transmission. Von Frisch understood the danger, but intended a surgical strike.<ref name=FCCW147-SD-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Von Frisch orders the HPG station destroyed; the bombardment destroys much of the spaceport, kills many in the Fifteenth Guards</ref><ref name=TDT198199-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 198–199: Von Frisch orders bombardment of the Hesperus HPG station</ref> The WarShip [[Captain|Kaptain]], Elena Cerlenko, inadvertently exceeded this, however, destroying not only the HPG station but much of the entire spaceport of Maria's Elegy, where both the Fifteenth Guards and the Legion had been based.<ref name=FCCW147-SD-2/><ref name=TDT199200-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 199–200: Kaptain Cerlenko orders a broadside</ref> Thousands were killed, including much of the Fifteenth Guards' conventional forces along with several 'Mechs. The barracks the Gray Death Legion had been using was also destroyed, as well as several Legion aerospace fighters.<ref name=TDT200202-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 200–202: the HPG station is destroyed along with the GDL barracks, GDL fighters, Lyran 'Mechs and vehicles</ref> This action could be considered a war crime under the [[Ares Conventions]], and a horrified Von Frisch resolved himself to capturing the planet to ease the dishonor done to his command and to Skye.<ref name=FCCW147-VF-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Von Frisch believes redemption will only come in victory</ref><ref name=TDT203204-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 203–204: Von Frisch believes he must win the battle of Hesperus to avoid political ramifications</ref> For a full week, the loyalists and rebels sparred. The GDL raided Free Skye positions, attempting to harass and harry them. Despite some successful strikes by the Legion, longtime legionnaire [[Lieutenant Colonel]] [[Davis McCall]], the unit's executive officer, was killed during the fighting on 8 July, crippling the Legion's morale and forcing them to retreat.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-GDL-DM-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Lieutenant Colonel Davis McCall is killed</ref><ref name=TDT248-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 248: McCall is killed fighting a ''Rakshasa'' and a ''Guillotine''</ref> A few days later, the Rangers received reinforcements when the [[32nd Lyran Guards]] RCT, who had been negotiating with Duke Robert Kelswa-Steiner and his representatives for some time, arrived in-system under Skye's banner. Also arriving were the [[17th Skye Rangers]], who had finally made it back to their home province. Von Frisch ordered the Thirty-second, which would make planetfall on the 18th, to make a low-altitude drop directly on the Defiance complex. The Fourth and Twenty-second Rangers would support the landings, and the entire force would then attack in force. He further ordered the Seventeenth to head to Maldon to keep the Thirty-sixth Guards from joining the other defenders in the Myoo Highlands.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-REF-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", reinforcements arrive in the Thirty-second Lyran Guards and Seventeenth Skye Rangers</ref><ref name=TDT259-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 259: Von Frisch orders the Thirty-second Guards to join in the main offensive and the Seventeenth Rangers to Maldon</ref> This gave the three remaining Free Skye units, led by the elite Fourth, a distinct numerical advantage over the other defending units - the Fifteenth, the Legion and the DSPF - who had all already taken serious damage during the campaign. ==== First Assault on Defiance ==== [[File:Gray Death Legion logo.jpg|left|thumb|The [[Gray Death Legion]] opposed the Rangers on Hesperus]] On 18 July, the rebels launched their main assault, with the relatively fresh Thirty-second Guards leading the main drive, supported by the Skye Rangers. The result was the bloodiest fighting of the campaign.<ref name=FCCW147-J18-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", the Rebels assault Defiance itself on July 18</ref> The Red Arrows pushed directly into the Gray Death Legion while the Rangers pressured the Fifteenth Lyran Guards, driving them back towards the mountain facility.<ref name=TDT266-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 266: the Skye Rangers hit the Fifteenth</ref> The Fifteenth managed to destroy the Twenty-second Rangers as a cohesive unit, though with heavy losses.<ref name=FCCW147-22SR-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", the Fifteenth Lyran Guards crush the Twenty-second Rangers</ref><ref name=FCCW183-15LG-W5-H-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 183: "Deployment Tables: Lyran Guards", 15th Lyran Guards take heavy damage during Wave Five on Hesperus II</ref> The Legion, however, was forced to hold the line against the turncoat Thirty-second, supported by elements of the Fourth Skye Rangers.<ref name=FCCW147-GDL-2OO-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", the Legion faces two Free Skye regiments</ref><ref name=TDT266-4SR-S-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 266: a Skye Ranger ''Salamander'' is seen among the Free Skye 'Mechs attacking the Legion</ref> Despite massive casualties to all sides, the defenders were driven back into the mountain complex. Lead elements of the Thirty-second Guards actually drove deep into the Defiance cavern in a running battle with the loyalists.<ref name=TDT266268-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 266–268: the Rebels drive the defenders into Defiance</ref> In the end, the Legion successfully checked the assault, capturing the Thirty-second's commander, Leutnant-General Alice Day, when her ''[[Axman]]'' was destroyed by Captain Brewer and his lance.<ref name=FCCW147-GDL-AD-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Alice Day, the Thirty-second's commander, is captured</ref><ref name=TDT273-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 273: Alice Day is captured after ejecting from her ''Axman'' by GDL infantry</ref><ref name=TDT276-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 276: Alice Day identified</ref> The loss of their commander led the Thirty-second Guards to withdraw, and the Skye Rangers were forced to follow suit. The Legion, however, had been all but obliterated themselves. Colonel [[Lori Kalmar-Carlyle]], the Gray Death Legion's commander, was killed by Free Skye infantry after ejecting from her ''[[Victor]]''.<ref name=FCCW147-GDL-D1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Colonel Kalmar-Carlyle is killed along with most of the Legion; survivors join DSPF</ref><ref name=TDT269-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 269: Lori Kalmar-Carlyle is killed by a grenade</ref> Less than a company of 'Mechs had survived, with other combat elements suffering even worse casualties. With most of their ranking officers killed, the Gray Death Legion, one of the most respected mercenary units in the Inner Sphere for fifty years, had effectively been destroyed, their survivors - led by Duke [[Daniel Brewer]], Captain in the Legion and CEO of Defiance - incorporated into the DSPF.<ref name=FCCW147-GDL-D1/><ref name=TDT275276-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 275–276: less than a dozen damaged 'Mechs still standing at the end</ref> Despite destroying the Legion and heavily damaging the Fifteenth Guards, the Fourth Rangers and their allied units had all been mauled over the course of the fighting.<ref name=FCCW163164-4SR-1-C>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 163–164: "Hesperus II", the Free Skye forces had taken damage</ref> The Thirty-second Lyran Guards, without their commander, were completely demoralized with internal dissent, despite having only suffered moderate damage overall.<ref name=FCCW163164-4SR-1-C/><ref name=FCCW183-32LG-W5-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 183: "Deployment Tables: Lyran Guards", 32nd Lyran Guards RCT takes moderate damage during wave five</ref> The Seventeenth Rangers had been mauled opposing the Thirty-sixth Guards,<ref name=FCCW163164-4SR-1-C/><ref name=FCCW183-4SR-H2-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 183: "Deployment Tables: Skye Rangers", 17th Skye Rangers take moderate damage during Wave Five on Hesperus II</ref> and the Twenty-second Rangers, who had spearheaded the campaign to begin with, were down to a few survivors, a unit existing mostly on paper.<ref name=FCCW163164-4SR-1-C/><ref name=FCCW183-4SR-H2-3>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 183: "Deployment Tables: Skye Rangers", 22nd Skye Rangers listed as destroyed during Wave Five on Hesperus II</ref> The Fourth Rangers, for their own part, had escaped with moderate damage,<ref name=FCCW163164-4SR-1-C/><ref name=FCCW183-4SR-H2-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 183: "Deployment Tables: Skye Rangers", 4th Skye Rangers RCT take moderate damage during Wave Five on Hesperus II</ref> but could not capture the vaunted factories themselves. As the defending loyalist units lacked the strength to drive the rebels from the planet, however, the campaign fell into a lull. Months passed, with neither side able to do anything to dislodge the other. Meanwhile, the Loyalists of Katherine Steiner-Davion were denied the 'Mechs of Defiance Industries. ==== Second Assault on Defiance ==== On 3 March, [[3066]], General Dundee was able to send reinforcements in the form of the [[14th Lyran Guards]], another RCT defecting to the Free Skye movement. The Fourteenth, despite being under orders to wait for [[Maria Esteban]] to arrive, immediately assaulted the Thirty-sixth Guards at the Maldon mining complex. Although the Fearsome Fourteenth were successful in smashing the Air Surfers and driving them away, the Fourteenth took significant losses themselves during a counterattack by the Air Surfers.<ref name=FCCW164-4SR-14LR-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 164: "Hesperus II", the Fourteenth Lyran Guards RCT arrives and attacks the Thirty-sixth Lyran Guards</ref> Overall, losses to both Lyran Guard units were moderate at that point.<ref name=FCCW183-LG-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 183: "Deployment Tables: Lyran Guards", The Fourteenth and Thirty-sixth Lyran Guards both take moderate damage during wave five</ref> Meanwhile, Leutnant-General von Frisch and his troops, seemingly recharged by the Fourteenth's actions, rallied and drove on Defiance once again. The Fifteenth Guards and the DSPF were pushed nearly to the brink with serious losses, but the Free Skye forces were once again forced to retreat.<ref name=FCCW164-4SR-1-LD>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 164: "Hesperus II", the Fourth and their Free Skye allies again attack Defiance, but cannot breach the defenses</ref> This time, losses to the Fourth were heavy.<ref name=FCCW183-4SR-6W-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 183: "Deployment Tables: Skye Rangers", The Fourth Skye Rangers take heavy losses during the sixth wave</ref> This last setback convinced von Frisch that the Free Skye forces could not achieve a victory on Hesperus, and that his troops had shed enough blood in the name of independence. He ordered his Fourth Rangers to begin withdrawing on 11 April,<ref name=FCCW164-VF-R-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 164: "Hesperus II", Von Frisch orders the Fourth Rangers to retreat</ref><ref name=FMU173-SR-2>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 173: "Skye Rangers: Fourth Skye Rangers RCT", the Fourth Rangers abandon Hesperus</ref> heading back to Skye. Ironically, General Esteban was already in-system, burning towards the planet, along with the newly formed [[1st Skye Guard|Skye Guard]] as further reinforcements.<ref name=FCCW164-4SR-E>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 164: "Hesperus II", Maria Esteban arrives just as the Fourth has left</ref><ref name=FMU173-SR-SG-1>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 173: "Skye Rangers: Skye Guards", the Skye Guards on Hesperus</ref> The question of whether Esteban could have won if the Fourth Skye Rangers had remained would be left to the historians.<ref name=FMU173-SR-1>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 173: "Skye Rangers: Skye Guards", the 'what if' debate if the Fourth hadn't pulled out</ref> === Sixteenth Battle of Hesperus === From March [[3068]] until early [[3070]] the [[Word of Blake]] ran [[Operation STEEL HAMMER]], a series of heavy raids against the planet's defenders. The first raid fell between the 14th and 17th of March [[3068]], coinciding with raids on [[Coventry]] and [[Donegal]]; the three raids all featured support from Blakist [[WarShip]]s or [[Pocket WarShip]]s.<ref name="J:FRp45">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 45: "The Jihad In Review"</ref> In the first phase, the [[16th Division (Word of Blake)|Sixteenth]] and [[22nd Division (Word of Blake)|Twenty-second Divisions]] conducted extensive raiding against the planet's defenders which began in [[3068]]. Over the course of approximately two years, elements of the [[Light of Mankind]] were inserted on the planet, using the raids as a cover. In [[3070]], a Blakist invasion force arrived in the form of the [[38th Division (Word of Blake)|Thirty-eighth Division]] and the [[Fortieth Shadow Division]]. This force was escorted by the ''[[Lola III]]'' Class Destroyer, [[End of Wisdom|WoBS ''End of Wisdom'']], and a reinforced [[Level II]] of [[Pocket WarShip|Pocket WarShips]]. The invasion's escort fleet overwhelmed and destroyed the Lyran ''[[Fox (WarShip class)|Fox]]''-class corvette [[Melissa Steiner (Individual Fox-class WarShip)|LAS ''Melissa Steiner'']], effectively blockading the planet. The two divisions landed on Maria's Elegy and the Defiance Industries factory complexes. At the same time, the Light of Mankind teams enacted their long-awaited mission objectives, sabotaging defensive systems and assassinating key personnel. The Fifteenth Lyran Guards, who had also been infiltrated, failed to mount a strong defense and suffered horrendous casualties. The unit was forced to withdraw under heavy fire toward the factory's interior, with [[Gina Ciampa]], the Fifteenth’s commander, leading the last-ditch effort to barricade the South Gate. Though she tried to destroy her own 'Mech to close the entrance, Tau infantry was able to stop her and promptly executed her, seizing the gate. With only fourteen days of fight, Hesperus II was first conquered by an outside power.<ref>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', pp. 103–104: "40th Shadow Division unit profile".</ref><ref>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 24: "Operation: Steel Hammer" - History of Hesperus occupation up to 3074.</ref><ref name="J:FRp48">''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 48: "The Jihad In Review"</ref><ref name=JTPHIIp5>''Jihad Turning Points: Hesperus II'', p. 5: "The Battle for Hesperus II"</ref><ref name=jtph2p7>''Jihad Turning Points: Hesperus II'', p. 7</ref> ==References== <references/> ==Bibliography== * ''[[The Dying Time]]'' (novel) * ''[[FedCom Civil War]]'' * ''[[Field Manual: Lyran Alliance]]'' * ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]'' * ''[[Jihad: Final Reckoning]]'' * ''[[Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents]]'' * ''[[Jihad Turning Points: Hesperus II]]'' [[Category:Lyran Commonwealth Characters|Ciampa, Gina]]

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