Phoenix (Mercenary Command)

The mercenary unit Phoenix was founded as the Mad Jumpin' Jacks. They specialized in recon- and hit-and-run-missions in rough terrain and consisted entirely of veteran and elite MechWarriors.

Combat Doctrine

Phoenix consisted entirely of jump-capable BattleMechs. So, every lance was capable of doing recon. This created additional flexibility in combat.

The unit generally worked alongside regular army units and provided them with flank support. As the unit exchanged firepower for agility, when they were on their own, Phoenix resorted to harassing hit-and-run-tactics to wear the enemy slowly down.

The unit regularly used tectonic sensors in their 'Mechs, which were very uncommon in military units.

Unit History

This unit was founded in the Lyran Commonwealth, in approximately 3025, by Hauptmann Jack Anderson. He recruited some dubious individuals to serve in his unit: dishonorably discharged soldiers, a former pirate, a former prostitute; Anderson was more interested in piloting skills and character, than in criminal records. Later his son Thomas Anderson also joined the unit.

In 3030, the unit entered a contract with House Marik. In 3031 they were deployed to the planet Amity, to defend it against Lyran invaders. The Mad Jumpin' Jacks fought alongside the 2nd Sirian Lanciers against the 7th Lyran Regulars. Due to their surprise attacks, the situation went from a narrow defeat for the Marik-forces to a clear victory. But as Lyran reinforces arrived in the form of the 10th Skye Rangers, the Mad Jumpin' Jacks became a serious obstacle to the plans of the planetary governor.

The governor of Amity, Tores Thornton, had sold information to the Lyrans, that being the construction plans for the Cataphract CTF-1T were to find on Amity. This was a lie, in order to provoke an attack on his own planet. The local Marik-forces wouldn't be able to stop the invaders and Janos Marik would have to send strong reinforcements. And after their victory over the Lyran invaders, Tores Thornton would be able to establish all these troops as a permanent militia on Amity, turning them into his private army.

Tores Thornton feared, that with the help of the Mad Jumpin' Jacks, the 2nd Sirian Lanciers would also be able to take down the 10th Skye Rangers. He forced Lieutenant-Colonel LeFranc from the Sirian Lancers into helping him, by promising to use his connections to free LeFranc's lover from Lyran custody. So, when Jack Anderson destroyed a Marik-depot to keep it from falling into Lyran hands, the Mad Jumpin' Jacks were declared traitors. Jack Anderson was shot by Thornton after refusing to turn over the command of his unit. The rest of the unit was able to flee to their base. Thornton sent a headhunting 'Mech-company (hired with his Lyran bribe money) after them, but the Jumpin' Jacks had already fled into the mountainous wilderness. The headhunters followed them, but were easy prey as the Mad Jumpin' Jacks were able to use the landscape to their full advantage. During the fighting, Thomas Anderson died and Lhiannon Potter became head of the unit.

The Mad Jumpin' Jacks returned to their original base, to recover and repair. But suddenly a Lyran infantry unit appeared out of the mist and took the Mad Jumpin' Jacks prisoners. They were forced to agree to a contract with the Lyran forces (although the conditions were fairly good). The Mad Jumpin' Jacks spearheaded the final attack on the bunker, where the 'Mech construction plans were thought to be, securing victory for the Lyrans. But as the plans were nowhere to be found, a local SAFE-agent realized Thornton's plan and swiftly executed him for treason.

The Mad Jumpin' Jacks had suffered heavy losses and headed off to the Lyran Commonwealth. As most of the units members were dead, it was renamed to Phoenix.

In 3054, Phoenix was under contract with the Federated Commonwealth. They were among the defenders of Tomans against Clan Jade Falcon. They again suffered heavy losses, but were able to recruit new members from regular units.

Unit Profile

The unit was company sized and consisted entirely of jump-capable 'Mechs, mostly of medium and light weight.

The unit had its own DropShip, the Esmeralda (Union-class).

Source

Phoenix by Peter Heid