Editing Maria Esteban

{{InfoBoxCharacter
| image               = 
| name                = Maria Esteban
| birthdate           = c. [[2992]]<ref name=FMLA55-O-ME-1>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 55: "Officers", Esteban was nearing the age of 70 as of 12 November 3062</ref>
| died                = 27 November [[3068]]<ref name=JFR46-Z-1>''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 46: "The Jihad in Review – 27 November", Esteban's death based on the date Zebebelgenubi was liberated</ref>
| othernames          =
| affiliation         = [[Lyran Alliance]]<br/>[[Free Skye]]
| rank                = [[Leutnant-General]]
| title               = 
| position            =
| profession          =
| parents             =
| siblings            =
| spouse              =
| children            =
}}
'''Maria Esteban''' was a [[Lyran Alliance|Lyran]] [[General]] and high-ranking member of the [[Free Skye]] movement. She was most known for her actions during the [[FedCom Civil War]].

==History==
===Early Life and Career===
[[File:Arturanguards11th.png|right|200px|The [[Eleventh Arcturan Guards]]]]
Esteban was presumably born in the [[Federation of Skye]] region of the Lyran Commonwealth, a part of space well-known for its intense separatist movements against the [[Tharkad]] government. It is known that she graduated from the [[NAIS College of Military Science]] in the [[Federated Suns]], making her an exception to most [[LCAF|Lyran]] officers.<ref name=SOF43-ME-NAIS-1>''Storms of Fate'', p. 43: Esteban is a graduate of the NAIS</ref> By [[3024]], she held a command position, though it is unclear with what unit or at what rank.<ref name=SOF79-ME-40Y-1>''Storms of Fate'', p. 79: Esteban has over 40 years of command experience as of 3064</ref> Esteban took command of the [[Eleventh Arcturan Guards]] in [[3037]],<ref name=FMLA55-O-ME-3>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 55: "Officers", Esteban has been in command of the Eleventh Guards since 3037</ref> and the formation of the [[Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth]] in [[3042]] seemed to change little for Esteban and the Guards.

In [[3048]], the formation of the [[Rim Collection]] led the Federated Commonwealth government to expand Esteban's command into a full [[regimental combat team]], with three [[aerospace fighter]] [[Wing (Military Unit)|wings]], three [[combat vehicle|armor]] regiments and five regiments of [[infantry]]. Although primarily based on [[Timbuktu]], the Eleventh deployed smaller formations to protect many worlds bordering the [[Periphery]], for the most part seeing action against [[pirates]].<ref name=FMLA55-ME-2>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 55: "Eleventh Arcturan Guards RCT – The Golden Lion", the Eleventh Arcturan expands into a full RCT in 3048</ref> As of [[3050]], Esteban held the rank of [[Hauptmann General]] and commanded the Eleventh Arcturan Guards RCT from their homeworld of Timbuktu in the [[Periphery March (Federated Commonwealth)|Periphery March]]. The Eleventh was considered of regular quality and reliable loyalty.<ref name=20YU-28-PMTTAC-1>''20 Year Update'', p. 28: "Periphery March - Timbuktu Theater - Alekseyevka Command", Esteban commands the Eleventh Arcturan Guard, based on Timbuktu</ref> The Eleventh maintained their post when the [[Clan Invasion]] came, though they went on full alert investigating countless sightings of [[Clan]] activity. By [[3052]], they had investigated over fifty sightings. They did not encounter the Clans, though they did discover the base of the infamous [[Blackstar Pirates]].<ref name=FMLA55-ME-4>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 55: "Eleventh Arcturan Guards RCT – The Golden Lion", the Eleventh Arcturan Guards stay active during the Clan Invasion</ref> In [[3054]], Esteban and her Arcturan Guards were still based on Timbuktu.<ref name=OR20-PMTTAC-1>''Objective Raids'', p. 20: "Periphery March - Timbuktu Theater - Alekseyevka Command", Esteban commands the Eleventh Arcturan Guard, based on Timbuktu</ref> The Lyran Alliance secession changed little for Esteban and her guards, who easily switched their loyalty to [[Archon]] [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]] and the new [[LAAF]]. The Guards did not see action during [[Operation Guerrero]] or [[Operation Bulldog]], though they did begin sending detachments to act as escorts for diplomatic missions to the Rim Collection and [[Hunter's Paradise]]. Esteban even recommended joint military exercises with the [[Rim Collection Militia]].<ref name=FMLA55-ME-5>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 55: "Eleventh Arcturan Guards RCT – The Golden Lion", the Eleventh begins operations as diplomatic escorts</ref> Their experiences with escort duty, garrisoning multiple worlds and pirate hunting in detachments greatly developed the Eleventh's [[combined-arms]] ability and small-unit tactics.<ref name=FMLA55-ME-T-1>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 55: "Tactics", the Eleventh becomes adept at small unit and combined arms tactics</ref>

As of 30 December [[3061]], Esteban, now holding the rank of [[Leutnant-General]], and the Eleventh Arcturan were still based on Timbuktu, now located in the newly reorganized Timbuktu Theater. The Guards by this time were considered very much in the "camp" of Archon Katherine.<ref name=SS50-11AG-1>''Shattered Sphere'', p. 50: "Lyran Alliance Armed Forces – Timbuktu Theater", Esteban still commands the Eleventh Arcturan Guard on Timbuktu as part of the LAAF</ref> This remained the case on 12 November [[3062]], by which time Esteban was considering retirement on Timbuktu, and was in the process of grooming [[Colonel]] [[Linda McDonald (31st c.)|Linda McDonald]] to succeed her.<ref name=FMLA55-O-ME-21>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 55: "Officers", Esteban considering retirement as of 12 November 3062, grooming McDonald</ref> Despite the unit's apparent loyalty to Archon Katherine, the [[Lyran Intelligence Corps]] apparently reported on Esteban's Free Skye leanings, which were apparently not a high priority by the Lyran High Command.<ref name=FCCW100-LA-ME-4>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 100: Lyran Intelligence posted flags on Esteban's political leanings</ref>

===FedCom Civil War===
{{main|FedCom Civil War}}
When the FedCom Civil War broke out in December 3062, Esteban and her Eleventh Arcturan Guards were still on Timbuktu.<ref name=FCCW182-CWDT-11AG-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 182: "Civil War Deployment Tables", the Eleventh Arcturan begins the war on Timbuktu</ref> Recognizing that her troops were universally supportive of Archon Katherine and chomping at the bit, Esteban formed a provisional force on Timbuktu to defend the Theater from pirate raids and a possible Rim Collection incursion, then put her infantry commander, Colonel Wesley Corn, in command. With her post secure, Esteban and her Eleventh Arcturan Guards prepared to enter the conflict. Despite their position on the periphery border, Esteban was able to secure transport for her command, and the Eleventh finally departed Timbuktu on 17 September [[3063]].<ref name=FCCW88-V-ME-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 88: "Virtue", Esteban forms a scratch force to protect the Timbuktu headquarters</ref><ref name=SOF7980-ME-11AG-T-1>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 79–80: Esteban yields to the desires of her troops to join in on the FedCom Civil War</ref>

===Virtue===
Although she originally intended to intercept [[Victor Steiner-Davion]] and his accompanying task force at [[Alarion]], when she heard that the deposed [[Archon-Prince]] had struck at [[Coventry]] she moved to block his advance. Esteban and the Eleventh passed through the [[Ferihegy]] system without incident, but when their [[JumpShip]] fleet appeared at the Nadir point of the [[Virtue]] system, they discovered the [[Allies (FCCW)|Allied]] [[Sixth Crucis Lancers]] were already on-planet, and were on their way to join Victor's task force. Esteban recognized that the Sixth Crucis, a crack unit, would have the advantage over her forces, but knew it was her duty to prevent the "Tsamma Lancers" from reaching the rebel Prince. She gave the order to attack. The Lancers struck the Guards' landing zone as soon as the Arcturans had set down, using their superior skill and speed to smash the Loyalist tank formations. Even after regrouping, Esteban was unable to isolate the Lancers, with poor coordination playing a key role. By mid-October, repeated setbacks against the Lancers had made it clear Esteban's position was futile, and she gave the order to lift off. Despite the defeat, the Arcturan Guards escaped with only moderate overall losses, and had gained valuable combat experience.<ref name=FCCW88-V-ME-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 88: "Virtue", the Eleventh Arcturan engages the Sixth Crucis Lancers on Virtue</ref><ref name=FCCW182-CWDT-11AG-3>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 182: "Civil War Deployment Tables", elements of the Eleventh Arcturan retreat from Virtue with moderate damage</ref>

===Loyalist Task Force===
[[File:Victor Steiner-Davion ER3062.jpg|right|200px|[[Victor Steiner-Davion]], who Esteban hunted across the Lyran Alliance]]
The Eleventh Arcturan retreated to [[Triesting]], where they recovered from their losses.<ref name=FCCW182-CWDT-11AG-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 182: "Civil War Deployment Tables", the Eleventh Arcturan travels to Triestling</ref> Esteban then turned the situation to her advantage with a series of feints, successfully planting information that she was still on Triesting and preparing to move on [[Loxley]] before striking at Coventry. Victor and his command staff were fooled by this deception, and were thus unprepared for her following actions.<ref name=FCCW88-V-ME-3>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 88: "Virtue", Esteban's feints throw the Allies off</ref><ref name=SOF43-ME-TLC-1>''Storms of Fate'', p. 43: Esteban convinces the Allies she intends to strike at Coventry</ref> The Guards moved to Alarion, but Esteban realized that even with her Guards, the [[First Alarion Jaegers|Alarion Jaegers]] and the [[Alarion APM]], they would still be outgunned by the coming Allied assault of the Sixth Crucis Lancers and the [[Thirty-ninth Avalon Hussars]], two crack RCTs. Instead, she ordered all three units off-planet, leaving only one infantry regiment behind to act as saboteurs. She also had the presence of mind to order the [[Robert Kelswa (Individual Fox-class WarShip)|LAS ''Robert Kelswa'']], which had been under construction at the [[Ioto Galactic Enterprises]], to abandon the system, depriving the Allies of a nearly operational WarShip.<ref name=SOF42-RK-1>''Storms of Fate'', p. 42: the ''Robert Kelswa'' is pulled from the shipyards</ref><ref name=FCCW88-V-ME-4>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 88: "Virtue", Esteban orders Alarion abandoned</ref><ref name=FCCW100-A-ME-4>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 100: "Alarion", Esteban's infantry regiment on Alarion plagues the Allies for several months</ref> The Eleventh Arcturan then moved on to [[Carlisle]] where they were later joined by the Alarion Jaegers.<ref name=FCCW89-OA-SM-11A-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 89: "Other Actions – Strategic Movements", the Eleventh Arcturan and Alarion Jaegers move on to Carlisle</ref><ref name=FCCW182-CWDT-11AG-4>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 182: "Civil War Deployment Tables", elements of the Eleventh Arcturan journey to Carlisle</ref> As she had traveled, Esteban pressed elements of various Loyalist militia units into her task force, effectively forming yet another RCT in addition to the regular Lyran militia units she had pulled from their posts.<ref name=SOF7475-ME-MT-1>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 74–75: Esteban assembles a mixed RCT drawn from militia from various worlds</ref> Recognizing that Esteban had effectively formed an ad hoc task force, [[General of the Armies]] [[Nondi Steiner]] formalized the command, designating her battle group [[Task Force 11A]] (as it was being led by the Eleventh Arcturan Guards) and promoting Esteban to command.<ref name=FCCW100-LA-ME-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 100: "Lyran Alliance", General Nondi Steiner promotes Esteban to formal command of the task force</ref> She also assigned two ''[[Fox (WarShip class)|Fox]]''-class WarShips - the [[Robert Marsden (Individual Fox-class WarShip)|LAS ''Robert Marsden'']] (which Esteban would make her flagship) and the LAS ''Robert Kelswa'' - to Esteban's command.<ref name=FCCW100-LA-ME-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 100: "Lyran Alliance", General Nondi Steiner assigns two WarShips to Esteban's task force</ref><ref name=FCCW103-Y-ME-WS-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 103: "York", the LAS ''Robert Marsden'' and the LAS ''Robert Kelswa'' are named as Esteban's WarShips</ref><ref name=SOF73-ME-RM-1>''Storms of Fate'', p. 73: Esteban makes the ''Robert Marsden'' her flagship</ref>

Having formed her task force, Esteban promoted Colonel McDonald to command the Eleventh Arcturan Guards themselves.<ref name=FCCW100-LA-ME-3>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 100: "Lyran Alliance", Esteban places Linda McDonald in direct command of the Eleventh Arcturan Guards</ref><ref name=SOF80-ME-LM-1>''Storms of Fate'', p. 80: Esteban promotes McDonald as acting commander of the Eleventh Arcturan Guards as she commands the task force</ref> Outside of all of this, in one of the shrewdest [[Loyalist (FCCW)|Loyalist]] moves of the early days of the conflict, Esteban contacted [[Duke]] [[Robert Kelswa-Steiner]], and persuaded him to redirect the [[Seventeenth Skye Rangers]], which had been en route to join Victor's task force, to the Isle of Skye.<ref name=SOF82-ME-17SR-1>''Storms of Fate'', p. 82: Esteban uses Duke Robert to deprive Victor of the Seventeenth Skye Rangers</ref><ref name=FCCW69-SM-17SR-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 69: "Strategic Movements", Duke Robert Kelswa-Steiner orders the Seventeenth Skye Rangers to return to Skye</ref> In one move, she had not only deprived the Allies of an important unit, she had increased the readily available forces of the Skye separatists in the event they struck out on their own.

Now armed with the resources she believed she'd need to stop Prince Victor's advance, Esteban set her trap at [[York (LC)|York]].

====York====
On 12 March [[3064]], Victor Steiner-Davion's task force landed on York, where he intended to set up a new base of operations. The Prince was accompanied by the [[Com Guards|Com Guard]] [[244th Division (ComStar)|244th Division]], the Sixth Crucis Lancers and the newly formed [[Outland Legion]], made up of independent warriors from throughout the [[Inner Sphere]] who had answered his call for rebellion. The Allies landed safely and set up camp. It was only then that Esteban launched her ambush. Initially attacking with the Alarion and [[Carlisle Alarion Province Militia]]s, the Loyalists compelled the Sixth Crucis Lancers to pursue them across Salisbury Plains, away from the Allied base camps. Esteban sprung her trap when she had McDonald launch a combat drop with the Eleventh Arcturan Guards, cutting the Lancers off from Victor and his remaining forces. The Allies were forced into a fighting retreat that saw near constant fighting between the Allies and the Loyalists. At the climax of the battle, McDonald personally engaged Steiner-Davion in a personal 'Mech fight, coming close to killing the rebel prince. As the rebels converged on their evacuation area, Esteban revealed yet another surprise when she sent both of her WarShips in orbit to converge on the extraction site, threatening to close the back door on Victor's forces even as the Alarion Jaegers landed behind them. At the insistence of [[Precentor]] [[Raymond Irelon]], Victor immediately evacuated, despite being forced to leave behind a battalion of infantry to be taken prisoner. It was the most devastating early setback for the Allies in war, as Esteban had damaged all three of Victor's accompanying commands and knocked much of the momentum out of his advance.<ref name=SOF1321-ME-Y-1>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 13–21: Victor is forced to evacuate at York</ref><ref name=FCCW102103-Y-ME-1>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 102–103: "York", Esteban springs her trap on York</ref><ref name=SOF43-ME-Y-1>''Storms of Fate'', p. 43: credited by Victor Steiner-Davion with the ambush at York</ref><ref name=FCCW182-CWDT-11AG-5>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 182: "Civil War Deployment Tables", the Eleventh Arcturan takes moderate damage against Victor's task force on York</ref>

====Pursuing the Prince====
Learning that Victor and his units had regrouped to [[Halfway]] where they had destroyed the Loyalist militia,<ref name=FCCW103-H-ME-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 103: "Other Actions – Halfway", Victor's task force</ref> Esteban and most of Task Force 11A pursued, arriving in-system in mid-June 3064. To prevent another escape by the Allies, Esteban split her task force in two, with her in command of the LAS ''Robert Marsden'', the Alarion Jaegers and a mixed RCT drawn from the Alarion and Carlisle APMs as well as militia elements from several other worlds. Esteban's group appeared at the [[Jump Point|zenith jump point]], and finding themselves unopposed, approached the planet. McDonald, leading the Eleventh Arcturan Guards and the rest of the task force, emerged at the nadir point. The Loyalists faced little opposition on their approach until the aerospace brigade of the Sixth Crucis Lancers attacked the force approaching from the nadir point, avoiding direct confrontation with Esteban and her WarShip. Enjoying a decided advantage over the Loyalist fighters, the Lancers inflicted significant damage on the DropShips.<ref name=SOF7475-ME-H-1>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 74–75: the Sixth Lancers fighters harry Esteban's ships at Halfway</ref> Just when Esteban had sent her own aerospace fighters to aid McDonald's ships in their approach, the Sixth's fighters unexpectedly broke off their attack, withdrawing to their DropShip transports.<ref name=SOF78-ME-H-2>''Storms of Fate'', p. 78: Esteban sent help to McDonald</ref> Once her task force had landed, however, they quickly determined that none of the Allied troops were still on planet. Meeting with McDonald at the spaceport in Torrence on Halfway, Esteban quickly determined that Victor had used the same tactic Esteban herself had employed on Alshain and York, deceiving the task force into attacking on a world where they were no longer present. Determining that Victor's next likely target was [[Hesperus]], Esteban determined that he would face great difficulty taking that prized, industrial world, given its proximity to Duke Robert's Isle of Skye, and that she and McDonald could trap and finish him off there.
<ref name=SOF7882-ME-H-V-1>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 78–82: Esteban and McDonald find that Victor is no longer on Halfway</ref>

Here, Esteban's deduction failed her, as Victor instead enacted [[Operation SCATTER]], splitting his forces in multiple directions from [[Clinton]] to prevent Katherine's troops from forcing a decisive battle. Esteban's own task force, with their accompanying WarShip, attempted to corner the Allies at [[Furillo]], but the 244th Com Guard Division, which had raided the [[Defiance Industries]] facility on-planet, successfully departed before Esteban could engage them.<ref name=FCCW104-OS-ME-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 104: "Operation Scatter", The LAS ''Robert Marsden'' and Esteban drive the Prince's Men from Furillo but are unable to engage them</ref><ref name=SOF115-ME-F-1>''Storms of Fate'', p. 115: Esteban arrives at Furillo too late to combat the 244th Com Guards</ref> Esteban also sent McDonald and the Eleventh Arcturan to Thuban, where they successfully destroyed a battalion of the [[Twenty-third Arcturan Guards]] that had remained behind to repair itself.<ref name=FCCW104-OS-ME-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 104: "Operation Scatter", the Eleventh Arcturan destroys elements of the Twenty-third on Thuban</ref><ref name=SOF115-ME-F-2>''Storms of Fate'', p. 115: the Eleventh Arcturan destroys a battalion of the Twenty-third on Thuban</ref><ref name=SOF119122-ME-1>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 119–122: Linda McDonald reflects on Esteban ordering her to Thuban</ref>

Although she had missed the chance to predict and corner Prince Victor, Esteban and Task Force 11A continued to plague the Allies by their sheer presence between his industrial base on Alarion and the Allies' new gathering site on [[Thorin]].<ref name=SOF123-ME-T-1>''Storms of Fate'', p. 123: Esteban has cut Victor off from Alarion</ref>

====Tikonov====
{{main|Battle of Tikonov (FedCom Civil War)}}
On 8 January [[3065]], all four primary commands of Task Force 11A descended on [[Tikonov]] in pursuit of Prince Victor and his accompanying forces. There were already Loyalist forces on-planet in the form of the [[First Republican|First]] and [[3rd Republican|Third Republican Guards]], the [[Tikonov Martial Academy Training Group]] and the surviving elements of the [[Fifteenth Deneb Light Cavalry]]. These forces had managed to secure most of the important sites on planet, including the capital of New Moscow and the vital [[Earthwerks Incorporated]] factory in Tikograd. The Allies, in addition to Victor's escort in the 244th Com Guards, the Outland Legion, the Sixth Crucis Lancers, the [[Twenty-third Arcturan Guards]] and the [[Valexa Capellan March Militia]], joined forces with the already on-planet [[Davion Assault Guards]] and [[First NAIS Cadet Cadre]]. All the Allied units were understrength by this time as a result of the heavy fighting, while the Loyalists, controlling the major industrial areas, were better supplied.<ref name=FCCW126-T-ME-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 126: "Tikonov", Esteban and her task force join the campaign on Tikonov</ref> Victor Steiner-Davion, on the other hand, had been badly shaken by the death of his paramour, [[Omi Kurita]], which had been revealed to him by Katherine herself at the [[Third Whitting Conference]]. Victor's grief distracted him from the campaign, which became a devastating meat grinder for both sides with the Allies getting the worse of it. The presence of the [[Free Tikonov Movement]] also caused problems for both sides with attacks from the local citizenry.<ref name=FCCW126-T-ME-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 126: "Tikonov", Victor's grief damages his command performance</ref><ref name=SOF210215-VSD-1>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 210–215: Victor Steiner-Davion is too distracted to properly command his troops</ref> In addition, Victor was forced to send the Assault Guards to [[Addicks]] to meet the [[Draconis Combine]] reprisal attacks.<ref name=FCCW126-T-ME-4>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 126: "Tikonov", the Davion Assault Guards pull off Tikonov</ref> Sensing an opportunity, Esteban promoted McDonald to [[Brevet General]], essentially leaving her in command of all Loyalist forces on Tikonov. She then took the LAS ''Robert Marsden'' and some elements of the Eleventh Arcturan Guards back into the Lyran Alliance, claiming to be intending to gather more Loyalist troops to finish the conflict.<ref name=FCCW126-T-ME-3>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 126: "Tikonov", Esteban returns to the Lyran Alliance to gather more troops</ref><ref name=FMU173-SR-ME-2>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 173: "Skye Rangers – Skye Guard", Esteban takes a core of loyal warriors from the Eleventh Arcturan Guards to form the Skye Guards</ref><ref name=SOF215216-ME-1>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 215–216: Esteban promotes McDonald then returns to the Lyran Alliance</ref> In February, Esteban, still retaining her command authority, approved Colonel McDonald's order that the Tikonov system be interdicted in an attempt to trap Victor and his accompanying task force on-planet.<ref name=SOF237-ME-1>''Storms of Fate'', p. 237: Esteban approves McDonald's order to quarantine Tikonov</ref>

Realizing they could not claim victory in the current situation, the Allied command, effectively led by [[Morgan Kell]], decided to change affairs by retreating Victor and much of his forces back to the Alliance. Most of Task Force 11A soon followed.<ref name=FCCW126-T-ME-5>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 126: "Tikonov", Victor and his task force leave Tikonov and are followed by the Loyalist task force</ref><ref name=FCCW182-CWDT-11AG-6>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 182: "Civil War Deployment Tables", the Eleventh Arcturan takes moderate damage on Tikonov</ref>

====Joining the Skye Revolt====
Despite what she had told McDonald and the Eleventh Arcturan Guards, Esteban had her own plans on how she would proceed.<ref name=FMU173-SR-ME-2/><ref name=FMU168-AG-ME-1>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 168: "Arcturan Guards – Eleventh Arcturan Guard RCT", Esteban betrays the Eleventh Arcturan by joining the Skye Revolt</ref><ref name=E80-ME-1>''Endgame'', p. 80: Maria Esteban joins the Free Skye Revolt, prolonging the conflict</ref> Esteban and her carefully handpicked troops would join the [[Third Skye Rebellion]], as Duke Robert Kelswa-Steiner, although imprisoned, made his bid to be free of the Lyran Alliance once and for all. The troops she took with her included special forces teams that most of the Free Skye units lacked. Esteban and her troops landed on [[Freedom]] on 9 October, where the [[Accrington Freedom Theater Militia|Accrington]] and [[Alexandria Freedom Theater Militia]] were attempting to secure the planet for the Free Skye movement from the Loyalist [[Fifth Lyran Regulars]] and the planetary militia. Although Esteban's escort was relatively small, it was battle-hardened, and with Esteban now in command of the Skye forces on-planet, the rebels soon gained a decisive advantage.<ref name=FCCW146-F-ME-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 146: "Freedom", Esteban arrives on Freedom with Free Skye reinforcements</ref> Laying siege to the Loyalist holdout at Jefferson City, Esteban and her forces effectively cut the Regulars and the planetary militia off from supplies, and a food shortage resulted. The militia, lacking the resolve and strong leadership of their opponents, soon began fleeing the city, looking to return to their homes. Esteban wisely allowed them to do this, not eager to waste her ammunition or soldiers hunting down people who had lost the will to fight. On 7 February [[3066]], [[Margrave]] [[James Ellis]], commanding the Loyalist forces, attempted to open ceasefire talks with Esteban. Realizing that the Fifth Regulars were on the ropes, Esteban rebuffed the offer, and launched a full-scale attack in concert with a special forces strike against the Loyalist command center. Capturing the Margrave, Esteban and her troops destroyed the Fifth Lyran Regulars and seized control of Freedom by the 9 February. Esteban ordered her two Freedom Theater Militia units to hold the planet while she reorganized her own forces, who were by now calling themselves the [[First Skye Guards|Skye Guards]], and who had taken moderate losses on Freedom. She soon lifted off to head for the critical fighting on Hesperus.<ref name=FCCW163-F-ME-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 163: "Freedom", Esteban and her forces destroy the Fifth Lyran Regulars and claim the world of Freedom</ref><ref name=FMU173-SR-ME-4>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 173: "Skye Rangers – Skye Guard", the Skye Guard is victorious on Freedom</ref><ref name=FMU171-LR-ME-1>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 171: "Lyran Regulars", Maria Esteban and her Skye Guard destroy the Fifth Lyran Regulars on Freedom</ref><ref name=FMU173-SR-ME-3>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 173: "Skye Rangers – Skye Guard", Esteban forms the Skye Guard from Eleventh Arcturan veterans and recruits from Skye</ref><ref name=FCCW183-CWDT-SG-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 182: "Civil War Deployment Tables", the Skye Guards take moderate damage in their victory on Freedom</ref>

====Hesperus II====
[[File:Hesperus II Flag.jpg|right|200px|[[Hesperus II]]]]
{{main|Hesperus_II#Fifteenth_battle|l1=Fifteenth Battle of Hesperus}}
Esteban and her Skye Guards arrived in the Hesperus system in early April, and quickly descended on the planet. Their timing could not have been worse, for [[Hauptmann General]] [[William Harrison von Frisch]], commander of the elite [[4th Skye Rangers]], had finally decided to pull his RCT out of the battle, having waged a wasteful campaign for the better part of a year. Likewise, the freshest Free Skye unit left on-planet, the [[Fourteenth Lyran Guards]], who had arrived only a few weeks before, had unwisely launched a preemptive attack on [[Defiance Industries]]' [[Maldon]] mining complex and the defending [[Thirty-sixth Lyran Guards]]. Although they had won the site - of little value to the overall campaign - the Fourteenth had taken serious losses. The other Free Skye units on-planet were in even worse shape. The [[Seventeenth Skye Rangers]] had been mauled, the [[Thirty-second Lyran Guards]] had lost their commanding officer and much of their strength earlier in the conflict and the [[Twenty-second Skye Rangers]] had effectively been destroyed, their remnants folded into other units. Through it all, the Loyalist [[Fifteenth Lyran Guards]] - and the remnants of the corporate [[Defiance Self-Protection Force]] - continued to hold out at the famed Defiance Industries' Myoo Mountains factory, the primary target of the entire campaign and the key to Free Skye's survival.<ref name=FCCW163164-H-ME-1>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 163–164: "Hesperus", Esteban inherits a dire situation on Hesperus</ref>

Recognizing the odds were heavily against her, Esteban nevertheless knew she was obligated to make an attempt to seize victory. Esteban began her attack by sending her last remaining [[battle armor]] [[platoon]] to penetrate Defiance's defenses. The unit not only sabotaged many of the remaining automated defenses, they successfully seized the DSPF command center, leaving the rest of the corporate mercenaries uncoordinated. She launched a direct attack on the main gates, penetrating into the mountain complex. Though on the verge of victory, the DSPF troopers and surviving [[Gray Death Legion]] battle armor managed to rally and regain control of the command center, reactivating the factory's defenses. Esteban was forced to pull back her troops. Before she could try again, the 'Mechs of the Thirty-sixth Lyran Guards performed a [[Combat Drop (CCG - Arsenal)|combat drop]] on the Free Skye forces, completely shattering the Seventeenth Rangers and forcing the Fourteenth Guards into retreat. Just when it seemed it could get no worse, General [[Caesar Steiner]] arrived with the [[Second Donegal Guards]], capturing the Free Skye DropShips and crushing the remnants of the Thirty-second Guards, as well as the command of the Fourteenth. Although her own Skye Guards had taken only moderate damage, Esteban knew they could not hold out. Esteban surrendered to General Steiner on 23 January, [[3067]], effectively ending the Free Skye Revolt.<ref name=FCCW177178-H-ME-1>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 177–178: "Hesperus", Maria Esteban's efforts to lead Free Skye to victory on Hesperus come up short</ref><ref name=FCCW183-CWDT-SG-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 182: "Civil War Deployment Tables", the Skye Guards take moderate damage in their defeat on Hesperus</ref><ref name=FMU173-SR-ME-5>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 173: "Skye Rangers – Skye Guard", the Skye Guard fights on Hesperus</ref><ref name=FMU170-LG-ME-1>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 170: "Lyran Guards – Thirty-sixth Lyran Guard RCT", the Thirty-sixth Lyran Guards nearly eliminates Maria Esteban on Hesperus</ref>

At some point in the aftermath of the fighting on Hesperus, Esteban and the other rebel forces were repatriated to Skye, along with their remaining equipment.

===Jihad===
Esteban remained in command of the Skye Guards after the FedCom Civil War, and, in fact, was promoted by Duke Robert as effective commander of the entire [[Skye Rangers]] brigade as a full [[General#Lyran Commonwealth and Lyran Alliance|General]]. Archon [[Peter Steiner-Davion]], lacking the political strength to rebuke the Duke for these provocative acts, made it clear that although Robert Kelswa-Steiner had been cleared of wrongdoing for the Skye Revolt, his commanding officers, including Maria Esteban, had not, and would be arrested and put on trial if they departed from the [[Skye Province]].<ref name=FMU173-SR-ME-1>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 173: "Skye Rangers", Esteban is promoted after the Civil War</ref> Esteban set about rebuilding the Skye Guards, as well as the other Skye Ranger commands. By 1 August 3067, the Guards were based on [[Skye]] itself with Esteban in command, rating at elite quality with more than half their equipment considered upgraded. Their accompanying aerospace wing lagged behind somewhat, at 30 percent strength and of veteran quality.<ref name=FMU177-LAAF-SG-1>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 177: "Lyran Alliance Armed Forces (Deployment as of 1 August 3067)", the disposition of the Skye Guard</ref> During this period, she also began educating [[Gregory Kelswa-Steiner]], Duke Robert's son and heir presumptive as the Duke of Skye, in military strategy. The younger Kelswa-Steiner had joined the Skye Guards at the young age of 17, and though not particularly talented as a strategist, he developed a competency under Esteban's tutelage.<ref name=JHST19-ME-1>''Jihad Hot Spots: Terra'', p. 19: "Who is Gregory Kelswa-Steiner?", Esteban teaches strategy to Gregory Kelswa-Steiner</ref>

On 4 February [[3068]], the [[Second Sirian Lancers]], acting on behalf of the [[Word of Blake]] and supported by the ''[[Eagle (WarShip class)|Eagle]]''-class frigate [[Percival|FWLS ''Percival'']], launched an attack on Skye itself. The Fourth Skye Rangers, Skye's primary defensive force at the time, were devastated by an orbital bombardment. When the "Marik" forces landed north of New Glasgow looking to finish the Rangers off, Esteban and her Skye Guards, though still understrength, trapped them with the help of the [[First Skye Jaegers|Skye Jaegers]]. After a day's fighting and the impending arrival of Skye reinforcements, the Sirian Lancers were forced to retreat.<ref name=DOTJ4546-SG-1>''Dawn of the Jihad'', pp. 45–46: "Skye Assaulted!", the Skye Guards take part in Skye's defense in the 3068 attack</ref>

Duke Robert Kelswa-Steiner responded by launching [[Operation ÜBERSCHATTEN]], a full-scale invasion of the [[Free Worlds League]], alongside forces from the [[Bolan Province]]. On 10 March, the Skye Guards joined other Lyran troops in an attack on [[Megrez]]. The vengeful Skye troops completely destroyed the [[Sixth Marik Militia]] and claimed the world for the Alliance.<ref name=FRLAAF15-SG-ME-1>''Field Report: LAAF'', p. 15: "Skye Rangers – Condition", the Skye Guards attacked Megrez</ref><ref name=JSTBD21-U-6MM-1>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 21: "Überschatten", the Sixth Marik Malitia is destroyed on Megrez</ref> In June, Esteban and the Skye Guards took [[Gallatin]], facing little opposition.<ref name=FRLAAF15-SG-ME-2>''Field Report: LAAF'', p. 15: "Skye Rangers – Condition", the Skye Guards attacked Gallatin</ref><ref name=JSTBD21-U-G-1>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 21: "Überschatten", Skye forces conquer Gallatin in June</ref> By late July, however, the Eagle had turned on the invaders, as [[Marshal_(rank)#Free_Worlds_League_Military|Marshal]] [[Jeremy Brett]] launched [[Operation Broken Fist]], a major counteroffensive. In the second phase of Broken Fist, the Skye Guards and the remains of the Skye Jaegers were pushed off Gallatin by 24 July after scorched earth tactics inflicted severe damage on the planet.<ref name=JSTBD22-U-G-2>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 21: "Überschatten", Skye forces push the Guards and Jaegers off Gallatin</ref>

In November, the Skye Guards, supported by a [[Lyran Guards]] unit, attacked [[Zebebelgenubi]], a Lyran world that had fallen into Marik hands during the counterattack in October. There they faced the [[First Atrean Dragoons]] in what proved to be one of the most brutal clashes of the Skye/Marik conflict. At one point, Esteban's forces attempted to use a critical water reservoir as an ambush site, only to contaminate the water supply with toxic materials. Gray Valley City, the capital city of the planet, was left almost entirely without power. On 27 November, in the final skirmish of the battle, the Dragoons attempted one final charge in an effort to break the Skye forces. General Esteban and her command lance succeeded in turning back this effort and forcing the Marik troops to retreat, though Esteban herself was killed during the fighting, having reportedly taken fire from two [[lance]]s of Atrean 'Mechs.<ref name=JHS3070-30-Z-ME-2>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3070'', p. 30: "Skye Forces Claim Narrow Victory on Zebebelgenubi", Esteban is killed on Zebebelgenubi</ref><ref name=FRLAAF15-SG-ME-3>''Field Report: LAAF'', p. 15: "Skye Rangers – Condition", General Esteban and the Skye Guards tried and failed to halt the Marik counteroffensive</ref><ref name=JFR46-Z-2>''Jihad: Final Reckoning'', p. 46: "The Jihad in Review – 27 November", the battle of Zebebelgenubi comes to an end</ref>

==Personality and Traits==
Even before the FedCom Civil War, Esteban was recognized by all as a highly capable leader and an excellent strategist.<ref name=FMLA55-O-ME-4>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 55: "Officers", Esteban is described as an inspired strategist and competent leader</ref> The brilliant performance of her Eleventh Arcturan Guards, and later that of the Skye Guards which she formed herself, only reinforced this assessment. Esteban always kept her eyes on the greater strategic picture, rather than becoming overly focused on the immediate tactical situation. This usually allowed her to quickly turn things around after short-term setbacks. Even her few defeats, such as on Virtue, were due more towards considerations of the greater strategic position than any tactical blunders on Esteban's part. As a commander, she was described as hard driving, allowing no dissent among her officers and troops.<ref name=SOF43-ME-D-1>''Storms of Fate'', p. 43: Esteban described as something of a dictator</ref> Despite this, Esteban was an effective mentor, and always taught her officers to put the mission first, ahead of any other personal considerations.<ref name=SOF221-ME-1>''Storms of Fate'', p. 221: McDonald recalls Esteban's lessons in putting the mission first</ref> She had been actively considering retirement in 3062,<ref name=FMLA55-O-ME-21/><ref name=SOF7980-ME-R-T-1>''Storms of Fate'', pp. 79–80: Esteban was planning retirement when the FC Civil War broke out</ref> but she abandoned these plans at the urging of her officers and troops, who were unified in their loyalty to Katherine. She took a leading role in the conflict against Prince Victor's rebellion, but never lost sight of the greater strategic picture,<ref name=SOF7980-ME-11AG-T-1/> including the rare opportunity the conflict presented to the Skye separatists. By the conclusion of the Civil War conflict, Esteban was being described as "legendary" by neutral texts.<ref name=FMU170-LG-ME-2>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 170: "Lyran Guards – Thirty-sixth Lyran Guard RCT", Esteban is described as "legendary"</ref> Politically, Esteban successfully concealed her Free Skye sympathies for many years, and ironically was once described as "Lyran to the core" by [[Galen Cox]], one of Victor Steiner-Davion's top intelligence advisors.<ref name=FCCW100-LA-ME-1/><ref name=SOF43-ME-JC-1>''Storms of Fate'', p. 43: Jerry Cranston describes Esteban as "Lyran to the core"</ref> In private, Esteban was controlled and insightful, giving away little of her own emotions.<ref name=SOF7882-ME-H-V-1/> By the time of the FedCom Civil War, though she was around 70 years of age, some streaks of silver in her otherwise dark hair were all that revealed her age in her physical appearance.<ref name=SOF79-ME-S-1>''Storms of Fate'', p. 79: by age 70 Esteban has streaks of silver in her hair</ref>

==Notes==
* ''[[Shattered Sphere]]'' and ''[[Field Manual: Lyran Alliance]]'' lists Esteban's rank as Leutnant-General after the reorganization of the LAAF.<ref name=SS50-11AG-1/> Technically, this was not a demotion, although the LAAF continued to employ the rank of Hauptmann General for officers senior to Esteban at the time.
* According to ''[[Storms of Fate]]'', Esteban attended the NAIS.<ref name=SOF43-ME-NAIS-1/> According to the information in ''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', however, this would have taken place around [[3012]], assuming she attended at the same age as most of the students.<ref name=FMLA55-O-ME-1/> That would be well before the alliance between Houses Davion and Steiner allowed Lyran graduates at Davion institutions. The logical conclusion would that Esteban attended the NAIS as a postgraduate, well after her career as a Lyran officer began.

==References==
<references/>

==Bibliography==
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
* ''[[20 Year Update]]''
* ''[[Dawn of the Jihad]]''
* ''[[Endgame]]''
* ''[[FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)|FedCom Civil War]]''
* ''[[Field Manual: Lyran Alliance]]''
* ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]''
* ''[[Field Report: LAAF]]''
* ''[[Jihad: Final Reckoning]]''
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]''
* ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: Terra]]''
* ''[[Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents]]''
* ''[[Objective Raids]]''
* ''[[Shattered Sphere]]''
* ''[[Storms of Fate]]''
{{div col end}}

[[Category:Lyran Commonwealth Characters|Esteban, Maria]]