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Line 1: {{Update Needed|[[Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 1]]|[[Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 2]]}} {{Update Needed|[[Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 1]]|[[Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 2]]}} + {{InfoBoxConflict {{InfoBoxConflict | conflict = Amaris Civil War | conflict = Amaris Civil War Line 5:
Line 6: | image = | image = | caption = Amaris Civil War | caption = Amaris Civil War − | date = 26 December [[2766]]<ref name=SL82>''The Star League'', p. 82</ref> + | date = December 26th [[2766]]<ref name=SL82>''The Star League'', p. 82</ref> | enddate = November [[2779]]<ref name=SL93>''The Star League'', p. 93</ref> | enddate = November [[2779]]<ref name=SL93>''The Star League'', p. 93</ref> | place = | place = Line 21:
Line 22: }} }} − The '''Amaris Civil War''' (also referred to as the '''Amaris Crisis''', the '''Amaris-Kerensky Civil War''', the '''Star League Civil War''', and the '''Amaris Coup''') was the series of events that led to the dissolution of the [[Star League]]. Fought in both the [[Periphery]] and the [[Terran Hegemony]], the war resulted in the destruction of the [[Rim Worlds Republic]] and [[Operation EXODUS]], the departure of [[Aleksandr Kerensky]] and three-quarters of the surviving [[SLDF]] from the [[Inner Sphere]]. + The '''Amaris Civil War''' (also referred to as the '''Amaris Crisis''', the '''Amaris-Kerensky Civil War''', the '''Star League Civil War''', and the '''Amaris Coup''') was the series of events that led to the dissolution of the [[Star League]]. The Civil War, fought in both the [[Periphery]] and the [[Terran Hegemony]], occurred between (December 26th [[2766]] and [[2780]]). The Amaris Civil War also resulted in the destruction of the [[Rim Worlds Republic]], and [[Operation Exodus]], the departure of [[Aleksandr Kerensky]] and three-quarters of the surviving [[SLDF]] from the [[Inner Sphere]]. ==Preparations== ==Preparations== − The chain of events leading to [[Stefan Amaris]]' destruction of both the Star League and the Rim Worlds Republic began in [[2751]]. Then-[[First Lord of the Star League|First Lord]] [[Simon Cameron]] died in February as he toured a mining complex on [[Star's End|New Silesia]]. It was later proved his death was a murder, but who was behind it and why remained unknown.<ref name=HLOTV2p21>''Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 1'', p. 21</ref> This left eight-year-old [[Richard Cameron (28th c.)|Richard Cameron]] as First Lord, ruler of the entire Human Sphere. [[Aleksandr Kerensky]] was named Protector and Regent of the Star League, but Stefan Amaris quickly joined the Terran Court. The young Richard became paranoid and megalomaniacal under the tutelage of the Terran courtiers, including Stefan. + The chain of events leading to [[Stefan Amaris|Stefan Amaris's]] destruction of both the Star League and the Rim Worlds Republic began in [[2751]]. Then [[First Lord]], the fair and just [[Simon Cameron]], died in February as he toured a mining complex on [[New Silesia]]. It was later proved than his death was a murder, but who was behind it and why he did it remains unknown. This left eight-year-old [[Richard Cameron]] as First Lord, ruler of the entire Human Sphere. [[Aleksandr Kerensky]] was named Protector and Regent of the Star League, but Stefan Amaris quickly joined the Terran Court. The young Richard became paranoid and megalomaniacal under the tutelage of the Terran courtiers, including Stefan. By [[2762]], when Richard came of age, Stefan Amaris was already a close confidant. Richard began his reign by ordering all House armies disbanded, and forced to join the SLDF, with the issuance of [[Executive Order 156]]. When the Great House Lords refused, Richard was forced to accept the refusal, but disbanded the Star League High Council, ruling the Human Sphere unilaterally. Richard then issued the [[Taxation Edict of 2763]], a steep increase in taxes throughout the Human Sphere, but especially upon the Periphery. As the tax increase was a clear infraction on the [[Reunification Treaties]], the Periphery governments quickly became militarized, and prepared for another Inner Sphere invasion. By [[2762]], when Richard came of age, Stefan Amaris was already a close confidant. Richard began his reign by ordering all House armies disbanded, and forced to join the SLDF, with the issuance of [[Executive Order 156]]. When the Great House Lords refused, Richard was forced to accept the refusal, but disbanded the Star League High Council, ruling the Human Sphere unilaterally. Richard then issued the [[Taxation Edict of 2763]], a steep increase in taxes throughout the Human Sphere, but especially upon the Periphery. As the tax increase was a clear infraction on the [[Reunification Treaties]], the Periphery governments quickly became militarized, and prepared for another Inner Sphere invasion. Line 34:
Line 35: On December 27, Stefan Amaris had a nine o'clock appointment with the First Lord in his private Audience Chamber within his palace in Unity City. Amaris was allowed through the palace's security systems, accompanied by four bodyguards, unchallenged. He found the First Lord eagerly awaiting his arrival, and after exchanging pleasantries presented Richard with a wrapped box. After tearing through several layers of wrapped boxes, Richard finally uncovered a jewel-encrusted laser pistol bearing the crest of the Amaris family. Stefan held the pistol up to the light to reflect off the jewels, then leveled it at Richard's forehead and pulled the trigger.<ref name=SL82/> On December 27, Stefan Amaris had a nine o'clock appointment with the First Lord in his private Audience Chamber within his palace in Unity City. Amaris was allowed through the palace's security systems, accompanied by four bodyguards, unchallenged. He found the First Lord eagerly awaiting his arrival, and after exchanging pleasantries presented Richard with a wrapped box. After tearing through several layers of wrapped boxes, Richard finally uncovered a jewel-encrusted laser pistol bearing the crest of the Amaris family. Stefan held the pistol up to the light to reflect off the jewels, then leveled it at Richard's forehead and pulled the trigger.<ref name=SL82/> − Immediately he seized control of the automated security systems with the palace, using the control panel within the Audience Chamber which Richard himself had proudly shown Stefan how to operate. However, Stefan was unaware of the full extent of the security system, which had picked up the laser blast and immediately warned the palace guards and Richard's personal regiment the [[Royal Black Watch]].<ref name=SL82/> The palace guards attempting to enter the Audience Chamber through the hallways found themselves cut down by hidden laser systems, while the Black Watch suffered heavy losses in the traps set for them by the [[Fourth Amaris Dragoons]]. Still, the coup was on the brink of failure: a [[platoon]] of jump pack–equipped guards, flying low across the palace's roofs to avoid anti-air laser turrets, were able to reach the roof of the Audience Chamber, and two [[lance]]s of Black Watch 'Mechs were able to escape the traps and confronted the Fourth Dragoons at Gorst Flats, protected by high forested hills on one side and [[w:Puget_Sound|Puget Sound]] on the other, which forced the Dragoons to confront them individually.<ref name=SL82/> Both efforts, however, were ultimately doomed. After losing ten 'Mechs to the entrenched Black Watch soldiers, all of whom had been graduates of the famous [[Gunslinger Program]], the Dragoons' commander withdrew his forces and wiped them out with a nuclear strike. An image of the battle, however, shows a Republican ''Archer'' being shot down by the Watch 'Mechs when the nukes started to fall, so probably the Republicans left behind some of their forces to hold the Watch in place. Then the Watch had at least four active 'Mechs: Major [[Hanni Schmitt]]'s ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'', two ''[[Highlander]]s'' (one with only one arm), and a ''[[Black Knight]]''. The Dragoons' commander also sent reinforcements to the palace, and the Republican infantry arrived in time to confront the palace guards and defeat them moments before they could finally cut through the Audience Chamber roof.<ref name=SL83>''The Star League'', p. 83</ref> + Immediately he seized control of the automated security systems with the palace, using the control panel within the Audience Chamber which Richard himself had proudly shown Stefan how to operate. However, Stefan was unaware of the full extent of the security system, which had picked up the laser blast and immediately warned the palace guards and Richard's personal regiment the [[Royal Black Watch]].<ref name=SL82/> The palace guards attempting to enter the Audience Chamber through the hallways found themselves cut down by hidden laser systems, while the Black Watch suffered heavy losses in the traps set for them by the [[4th Amaris Dragoons]]. Still, the coup was on the brink of failure: a [[platoon]] of jump pack–equipped guards, flying low across the palace's roofs to avoid anti-air laser turrets, were able to reach the roof of the Audience Chamber, and two [[lance]]s of Black Watch 'Mechs were able to escape the traps and confronted the 4th Dragoons at Gorst Flats, protected by high forested hills on one side and [[w:Puget_Sound|Puget Sound]] on the other, which forced the Dragoons to confront them individually.<ref name=SL82/> Both efforts, however, were ultimately doomed. After losing ten 'Mechs to the entrenched Black Watch soldiers, all of whom had been graduates of the famous [[Gunslinger Program]], the Dragoons' commander withdrew his forces and wiped them out with a nuclear strike. An image of the battle, however, shows a Republican ''Archer'' being shot down by the Watch 'Mechs when the nukes started to fall, so probably the Republicans left behind some of their forces to hold the Watch in place. Then the Watch had at least 4 active 'Mechs: Major [[Hanni Schmitt]]'s ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'', 2 ''[[Highlander]]s'', one with only one arm, and a ''[[Black Knight]]''. The Dragoons' commander also sent reinforcements to the palace, and the Republican infantry arrived in time to confront the palace guards and defeat them moments before they could finally cut through the Audience Chamber roof.<ref name=SL83>''The Star League'', p. 83</ref> [[File:Stefan Amaris in the Throne Room (Historical, Liberation of Terra 2).png|right|thumb|Stefan Amaris in the Throne Room, after having executed Richard Cameron.]] [[File:Stefan Amaris in the Throne Room (Historical, Liberation of Terra 2).png|right|thumb|Stefan Amaris in the Throne Room, after having executed Richard Cameron.]] − All across the Hegemony, similar dramas played out as the Republicans used surprise to wipe out Regular Army units, many before they could get out of their barracks or troopships, especially through the use of chemical and nuclear weapons. A number of units were able to escape the initial onslaught, including elements of the [[191st Royal BattleMech Division]] located on Terra, and proceeded to wage a guerrilla war against Amaris that lasted for years.<ref name=SL83/> At least five regiments were able to hold out within their Castles Brian against several Republican assaults until their destruction by repeated nuclear bombardment. Most units, however, if not entirely destroyed were so badly mauled in that opening day that they effectively ceased to exist or took heed of the ultimatum that Amaris broadcast, falsely declaring he would kill the First Lord if they did not surrender. Those who laid down their arms were forced to dig their own graves and summarily executed. By the end of the day, 95 of the Hegemony's 103 worlds were under Republican control, as well as many intact Castles Brian and Space Defense Systems.<ref name=SL83/> + All across the Hegemony, similar dramas played out as the Republicans used surprise to wipe out Regular Army units, many before they could get out of their barracks or troopships, especially through the use of chemical and nuclear weapons. A number of units were able to escape the initial onslaught, including elements of the [[191st Royal BattleMech Division]] located on Terra, and proceeded to wage a guerrilla war against Amaris that lasted for years.<ref name=SL83/> At least five regiments were able to hold out within their Castles Brian against several Republican assaults until their destruction by repeated nuclear bombardment. Most units, however, if not entirely destroyed were so badly mauled in that opening day that they effectively ceased to exist or took heed of the ultimatum that Amaris broadcast, falsely declaring he would kill the First Lord if they did not surrender. Those who laid down their arms were forced to dig their own graves and summarily executed. By the end of the day, 95 of the Hegemony's 103 worlds were under Republican control, as well as many intact Castles Brian and Space Defense Systems.<ref name=SL83/> ==Throne Room Massacre== ==Throne Room Massacre== + Having secured the Terran Hegemony, Amaris turned his attention to one last perceived threat to his reign. Gathering all seventy-nine surviving members of [[House Cameron]] within the Palace Throne Room, he gave them an ultimatum: swear allegiance to him or die. One by one the family members were brought before him, sitting upon the Star League Throne, and asked to submit. The first twenty refused and were returned to the rest of the group, but the twenty-first, [[Jason Cameron-Bashina]], agreed to bow to Amaris.<ref name=SL83/> Having secured the Terran Hegemony, Amaris turned his attention to one last perceived threat to his reign. Gathering all seventy-nine surviving members of [[House Cameron]] within the Palace Throne Room, he gave them an ultimatum: swear allegiance to him or die. One by one the family members were brought before him, sitting upon the Star League Throne, and asked to submit. The first twenty refused and were returned to the rest of the group, but the twenty-first, [[Jason Cameron-Bashina]], agreed to bow to Amaris.<ref name=SL83/> Line 45:
Line 47: ==Civil War== ==Civil War== [[File:Amaris Civil War 4 (Historical, Liberation of Terra Vol 2).png|right|thumb|The Amaris Civil War.]] [[File:Amaris Civil War 4 (Historical, Liberation of Terra Vol 2).png|right|thumb|The Amaris Civil War.]] − Stefan's first act, after renaming the Star League to the [[Amaris Empire]], was to order Aleksandr Kerensky to maintain operations against the Taurian Concordat. Kerensky refused. Both sides then requested aid, both of them flatly refused by the Territorial States and each Inner Sphere State. Thus started the Amaris Civil War. Though the SLDF was the most powerful fighting force in the Human Sphere, it faced a gigantic Republican war machine numbering more than 100 regiments of [[BattleMechs]] alone. + Stefan's first act, after renaming the Star League to the [[Amaris Empire]], was to order Aleksandr Kerensky to maintain operations against the Taurian Concordat. Kerensky refused. Both sides then requested aid, both of them flatly refused by the Territorial States and each Inner Sphere State. Thus started the '''Amaris Civil War''' ([[2766]]–[[2779]]). Though the SLDF was the most powerful fighting force in the Human Sphere, it faced a gigantic Republican war machine numbering more than 100 regiments of [[BattleMechs]] alone. − Kerensky began his operations by conquering the Rim Worlds Republic, led by Stefan's regent, the patriotic [[Mohammed Selim]]. An unambitious administrator, Selim served as a trustworthy advisor and regent to the newly crowned Emperor Amaris. The SLDF took [[Apollo (system)|Terra Prime]] by [[2769]]. Upon completion of military operations within the Rim Worlds Republic, the [[SLDF]] prepared for several years. Once preparations were complete, Kerensky began [[Operation CHIEFTAIN]] in [[2772]] to liberate the realm. The SLDF [[Operation LIBERATION|invaded]] [[Terra]] in [[2777]]. By [[2779]], the outcome of the battle and the war was a foregone conclusion. On 30 September 2779, Stefan Amaris was taken captive by the SLDF after Aleksandr Kerensky himself personally knocked down the palace doors in Unity City in his ''Orion'' [[BattleMech]]. + Kerensky began his operations by conquering the Rim Worlds Republic, led by Stefan's regent, the patriotic [[Mohammed Selim]]. An unambitious administrator, Selim served as a trustworthy advisor and regent to the newly crowned Emperor Amaris. The SLDF took [[Apollo (planet)|Terra Prime]] by [[2769]]. Upon completion of military operations within the Rim Worlds Republic, the [[SLDF]] prepared for several years. Once preparations were complete, Kerensky began [[Operation CHIEFTAIN]] in [[2772]] to liberate the realm. The SLDF [[Operation Liberation|invaded]] [[Terra]] in [[2777]]. By [[2779]], the outcome of the battle and the war was a foregone conclusion. On 30 September, 2779, Stefan Amaris was taken captive by the SLDF after Aleksandr Kerensky himself personally knocked down the palace doors in Unity City in his ''Orion'' [[BattleMech]]. ==Aftermath== ==Aftermath== Stefan and his accomplices were held humanely until enough evidence was found to confirm Stefan's atrocities. Stefan Amaris and his family were executed by firing squad; the order came from Aleksandr Kerensky himself.<ref name=SL94>''The Star League'', p. 94</ref> The fighting against Amaris was so bitter that everyone wanted revenge, and those connected with the Rim Worlds government were in most cases prosecuted for war crimes.<ref name=TPp57>''The Periphery'', p. 57</ref> Kerensky's troops slaughtered everyone that bore the name Amaris, though overlooked maternal cousins with surnames such as [[House Wong (Rim Worlds Republic)|Wong]], [[House Siever|Siever]], [[House Marcus|Marcus]], and [[House Chan|Chan]].<ref name=HDTFSp56>''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 56</ref> Stefan and his accomplices were held humanely until enough evidence was found to confirm Stefan's atrocities. Stefan Amaris and his family were executed by firing squad; the order came from Aleksandr Kerensky himself.<ref name=SL94>''The Star League'', p. 94</ref> The fighting against Amaris was so bitter that everyone wanted revenge, and those connected with the Rim Worlds government were in most cases prosecuted for war crimes.<ref name=TPp57>''The Periphery'', p. 57</ref> Kerensky's troops slaughtered everyone that bore the name Amaris, though overlooked maternal cousins with surnames such as [[House Wong (Rim Worlds Republic)|Wong]], [[House Siever|Siever]], [[House Marcus|Marcus]], and [[House Chan|Chan]].<ref name=HDTFSp56>''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 56</ref> − Despite the end of [[House Amaris]], the Rim Worlds Republic might have endured. However, the loss of the core of the Republic to annexation by the [[Lyran Commonwealth]], as well as the power vacuum left by the death of the Amaris family and the [[Rim Worlds Army]], meant the remaining independent worlds, more than twenty-four systems, were left to fend for themselves. Dozens of small bandit kingdoms arose in the vacuum of the collapse of the Republic, financed by privateering and ''de facto'' mercenary deals; the rest persisted as Periphery independents or disappeared. + Despite the end of [[House Amaris]], the Rim Worlds Republic might have endured. However, the loss of the core of the Republic to annexation by the [[Lyran Commonwealth]], as well as the power vacuum left by the death of the Amaris family and the [[Rim Worlds Republic Military]], meant the remaining independent worlds, more than twenty-four systems, were left to fend for themselves. Dozens of small bandit kingdoms arose in the vacuum of the collapse of the Republic, financed by privateering and ''de facto'' mercenary deals; the rest persisted as Periphery independents or disappeared. In the wake of the death of the [[House Cameron|Cameron line]], each Great House Lord coveted the possibility of becoming the next [[First Lord]]. General Aleksandr Kerensky was summarily stripped of the title "Protector" by the House Lords in [[2780]]. By this time, Kerensky had had enough. As the House Lords bickered over succession, Kerensky made ready to depart the Inner Sphere. By his reasoning, the succession to the First Lord's throne was going to be a bloody affair, and he would not let humanity's defenders become pawns of the ambitions of petty jealousies. Following Kerensky's famous [[Operation EXODUS|Exodus]] order on 8 July [[2784]], most of the SLDF gathered at [[New Samarkand]], departing on 5 November. The descendants of the Star League Defense Force would not be discovered for 260 years. In the wake of the death of the [[House Cameron|Cameron line]], each Great House Lord coveted the possibility of becoming the next [[First Lord]]. General Aleksandr Kerensky was summarily stripped of the title "Protector" by the House Lords in [[2780]]. By this time, Kerensky had had enough. As the House Lords bickered over succession, Kerensky made ready to depart the Inner Sphere. By his reasoning, the succession to the First Lord's throne was going to be a bloody affair, and he would not let humanity's defenders become pawns of the ambitions of petty jealousies. Following Kerensky's famous [[Operation EXODUS|Exodus]] order on 8 July [[2784]], most of the SLDF gathered at [[New Samarkand]], departing on 5 November. The descendants of the Star League Defense Force would not be discovered for 260 years.
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{{Update Needed|[[Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 1]]|[[Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 2]]}} | {{Update Needed|[[Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 1]]|[[Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 2]]}} | ||
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| conflict = Amaris Civil War | | conflict = Amaris Civil War | ||
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| caption = Amaris Civil War | | caption = Amaris Civil War | ||
| − | | date = | + | | date = December 26th [[2766]]<ref name=SL82>''The Star League'', p. 82</ref> |
| enddate = November [[2779]]<ref name=SL93>''The Star League'', p. 93</ref> | | enddate = November [[2779]]<ref name=SL93>''The Star League'', p. 93</ref> | ||
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| − | The '''Amaris Civil War''' (also referred to as the '''Amaris Crisis''', the '''Amaris-Kerensky Civil War''', the '''Star League Civil War''', and the '''Amaris Coup''') was the series of events that led to the dissolution of the [[Star League]]. | + | The '''Amaris Civil War''' (also referred to as the '''Amaris Crisis''', the '''Amaris-Kerensky Civil War''', the '''Star League Civil War''', and the '''Amaris Coup''') was the series of events that led to the dissolution of the [[Star League]]. The Civil War, fought in both the [[Periphery]] and the [[Terran Hegemony]], occurred between (December 26th [[2766]] and [[2780]]). The Amaris Civil War also resulted in the destruction of the [[Rim Worlds Republic]], and [[Operation Exodus]], the departure of [[Aleksandr Kerensky]] and three-quarters of the surviving [[SLDF]] from the [[Inner Sphere]]. |
==Preparations== | ==Preparations== | ||
| − | The chain of events leading to [[Stefan Amaris]] | + | The chain of events leading to [[Stefan Amaris|Stefan Amaris's]] destruction of both the Star League and the Rim Worlds Republic began in [[2751]]. Then [[First Lord]], the fair and just [[Simon Cameron]], died in February as he toured a mining complex on [[New Silesia]]. It was later proved than his death was a murder, but who was behind it and why he did it remains unknown. This left eight-year-old [[Richard Cameron]] as First Lord, ruler of the entire Human Sphere. [[Aleksandr Kerensky]] was named Protector and Regent of the Star League, but Stefan Amaris quickly joined the Terran Court. The young Richard became paranoid and megalomaniacal under the tutelage of the Terran courtiers, including Stefan. |
By [[2762]], when Richard came of age, Stefan Amaris was already a close confidant. Richard began his reign by ordering all House armies disbanded, and forced to join the SLDF, with the issuance of [[Executive Order 156]]. When the Great House Lords refused, Richard was forced to accept the refusal, but disbanded the Star League High Council, ruling the Human Sphere unilaterally. Richard then issued the [[Taxation Edict of 2763]], a steep increase in taxes throughout the Human Sphere, but especially upon the Periphery. As the tax increase was a clear infraction on the [[Reunification Treaties]], the Periphery governments quickly became militarized, and prepared for another Inner Sphere invasion. | By [[2762]], when Richard came of age, Stefan Amaris was already a close confidant. Richard began his reign by ordering all House armies disbanded, and forced to join the SLDF, with the issuance of [[Executive Order 156]]. When the Great House Lords refused, Richard was forced to accept the refusal, but disbanded the Star League High Council, ruling the Human Sphere unilaterally. Richard then issued the [[Taxation Edict of 2763]], a steep increase in taxes throughout the Human Sphere, but especially upon the Periphery. As the tax increase was a clear infraction on the [[Reunification Treaties]], the Periphery governments quickly became militarized, and prepared for another Inner Sphere invasion. | ||
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On December 27, Stefan Amaris had a nine o'clock appointment with the First Lord in his private Audience Chamber within his palace in Unity City. Amaris was allowed through the palace's security systems, accompanied by four bodyguards, unchallenged. He found the First Lord eagerly awaiting his arrival, and after exchanging pleasantries presented Richard with a wrapped box. After tearing through several layers of wrapped boxes, Richard finally uncovered a jewel-encrusted laser pistol bearing the crest of the Amaris family. Stefan held the pistol up to the light to reflect off the jewels, then leveled it at Richard's forehead and pulled the trigger.<ref name=SL82/> | On December 27, Stefan Amaris had a nine o'clock appointment with the First Lord in his private Audience Chamber within his palace in Unity City. Amaris was allowed through the palace's security systems, accompanied by four bodyguards, unchallenged. He found the First Lord eagerly awaiting his arrival, and after exchanging pleasantries presented Richard with a wrapped box. After tearing through several layers of wrapped boxes, Richard finally uncovered a jewel-encrusted laser pistol bearing the crest of the Amaris family. Stefan held the pistol up to the light to reflect off the jewels, then leveled it at Richard's forehead and pulled the trigger.<ref name=SL82/> | ||
| − | Immediately he seized control of the automated security systems with the palace, using the control panel within the Audience Chamber which Richard himself had proudly shown Stefan how to operate. However, Stefan was unaware of the full extent of the security system, which had picked up the laser blast and immediately warned the palace guards and Richard's personal regiment the [[Royal Black Watch]].<ref name=SL82/> The palace guards attempting to enter the Audience Chamber through the hallways found themselves cut down by hidden laser systems, while the Black Watch suffered heavy losses in the traps set for them by the [[ | + | Immediately he seized control of the automated security systems with the palace, using the control panel within the Audience Chamber which Richard himself had proudly shown Stefan how to operate. However, Stefan was unaware of the full extent of the security system, which had picked up the laser blast and immediately warned the palace guards and Richard's personal regiment the [[Royal Black Watch]].<ref name=SL82/> The palace guards attempting to enter the Audience Chamber through the hallways found themselves cut down by hidden laser systems, while the Black Watch suffered heavy losses in the traps set for them by the [[4th Amaris Dragoons]]. Still, the coup was on the brink of failure: a [[platoon]] of jump pack–equipped guards, flying low across the palace's roofs to avoid anti-air laser turrets, were able to reach the roof of the Audience Chamber, and two [[lance]]s of Black Watch 'Mechs were able to escape the traps and confronted the 4th Dragoons at Gorst Flats, protected by high forested hills on one side and [[w:Puget_Sound|Puget Sound]] on the other, which forced the Dragoons to confront them individually.<ref name=SL82/> Both efforts, however, were ultimately doomed. After losing ten 'Mechs to the entrenched Black Watch soldiers, all of whom had been graduates of the famous [[Gunslinger Program]], the Dragoons' commander withdrew his forces and wiped them out with a nuclear strike. An image of the battle, however, shows a Republican ''Archer'' being shot down by the Watch 'Mechs when the nukes started to fall, so probably the Republicans left behind some of their forces to hold the Watch in place. Then the Watch had at least 4 active 'Mechs: Major [[Hanni Schmitt]]'s ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'', 2 ''[[Highlander]]s'', one with only one arm, and a ''[[Black Knight]]''. The Dragoons' commander also sent reinforcements to the palace, and the Republican infantry arrived in time to confront the palace guards and defeat them moments before they could finally cut through the Audience Chamber roof.<ref name=SL83>''The Star League'', p. 83</ref> |
[[File:Stefan Amaris in the Throne Room (Historical, Liberation of Terra 2).png|right|thumb|Stefan Amaris in the Throne Room, after having executed Richard Cameron.]] | [[File:Stefan Amaris in the Throne Room (Historical, Liberation of Terra 2).png|right|thumb|Stefan Amaris in the Throne Room, after having executed Richard Cameron.]] | ||
| − | All across the Hegemony, similar dramas played out as the Republicans used surprise to wipe out Regular Army units, many before they could get out of their barracks or troopships, especially through the use of chemical and nuclear weapons. A number of units were able to escape the initial onslaught, including elements of the [[191st Royal BattleMech Division]] located on Terra, and proceeded to wage a guerrilla war against Amaris that lasted for years.<ref name=SL83/> At least five regiments were able to hold out within their Castles Brian against several Republican assaults until their destruction by repeated nuclear bombardment. Most units, however, if not entirely destroyed were so badly mauled in that opening day that they effectively ceased to exist or took heed of the ultimatum that Amaris broadcast, falsely declaring he would kill the First Lord if they did not surrender. Those who laid down their arms were forced to dig their own graves and summarily executed. By the end of the day, 95 of the Hegemony's 103 worlds were under Republican control, as well as many intact Castles Brian and Space Defense Systems.<ref name=SL83/> | + | All across the Hegemony, similar dramas played out as the Republicans used surprise to wipe out Regular Army units, many before they could get out of their barracks or troopships, especially through the use of chemical and nuclear weapons. A number of units were able to escape the initial onslaught, including elements of the [[191st Royal BattleMech Division]] located on Terra, and proceeded to wage a guerrilla war against Amaris that lasted for years.<ref name=SL83/> At least five regiments were able to hold out within their Castles Brian against several Republican assaults until their destruction by repeated nuclear bombardment. Most units, however, if not entirely destroyed were so badly mauled in that opening day that they effectively ceased to exist or took heed of the ultimatum that Amaris broadcast, falsely declaring he would kill the First Lord if they did not surrender. Those who laid down their arms were forced to dig their own graves and summarily executed. By the end of the day, 95 of the Hegemony's 103 worlds were under Republican control, as well as many intact Castles Brian and Space Defense Systems.<ref name=SL83/> |
==Throne Room Massacre== | ==Throne Room Massacre== | ||
| + | |||
Having secured the Terran Hegemony, Amaris turned his attention to one last perceived threat to his reign. Gathering all seventy-nine surviving members of [[House Cameron]] within the Palace Throne Room, he gave them an ultimatum: swear allegiance to him or die. One by one the family members were brought before him, sitting upon the Star League Throne, and asked to submit. The first twenty refused and were returned to the rest of the group, but the twenty-first, [[Jason Cameron-Bashina]], agreed to bow to Amaris.<ref name=SL83/> | Having secured the Terran Hegemony, Amaris turned his attention to one last perceived threat to his reign. Gathering all seventy-nine surviving members of [[House Cameron]] within the Palace Throne Room, he gave them an ultimatum: swear allegiance to him or die. One by one the family members were brought before him, sitting upon the Star League Throne, and asked to submit. The first twenty refused and were returned to the rest of the group, but the twenty-first, [[Jason Cameron-Bashina]], agreed to bow to Amaris.<ref name=SL83/> | ||
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==Civil War== | ==Civil War== | ||
[[File:Amaris Civil War 4 (Historical, Liberation of Terra Vol 2).png|right|thumb|The Amaris Civil War.]] | [[File:Amaris Civil War 4 (Historical, Liberation of Terra Vol 2).png|right|thumb|The Amaris Civil War.]] | ||
| − | Stefan's first act, after renaming the Star League to the [[Amaris Empire]], was to order Aleksandr Kerensky to maintain operations against the Taurian Concordat. Kerensky refused. Both sides then requested aid, both of them flatly refused by the Territorial States and each Inner Sphere State. Thus started the Amaris Civil War. Though the SLDF was the most powerful fighting force in the Human Sphere, it faced a gigantic Republican war machine numbering more than 100 regiments of [[BattleMechs]] alone. | + | Stefan's first act, after renaming the Star League to the [[Amaris Empire]], was to order Aleksandr Kerensky to maintain operations against the Taurian Concordat. Kerensky refused. Both sides then requested aid, both of them flatly refused by the Territorial States and each Inner Sphere State. Thus started the '''Amaris Civil War''' ([[2766]]–[[2779]]). Though the SLDF was the most powerful fighting force in the Human Sphere, it faced a gigantic Republican war machine numbering more than 100 regiments of [[BattleMechs]] alone. |
| − | Kerensky began his operations by conquering the Rim Worlds Republic, led by Stefan's regent, the patriotic [[Mohammed Selim]]. An unambitious administrator, Selim served as a trustworthy advisor and regent to the newly crowned Emperor Amaris. The SLDF took [[Apollo ( | + | Kerensky began his operations by conquering the Rim Worlds Republic, led by Stefan's regent, the patriotic [[Mohammed Selim]]. An unambitious administrator, Selim served as a trustworthy advisor and regent to the newly crowned Emperor Amaris. The SLDF took [[Apollo (planet)|Terra Prime]] by [[2769]]. Upon completion of military operations within the Rim Worlds Republic, the [[SLDF]] prepared for several years. Once preparations were complete, Kerensky began [[Operation CHIEFTAIN]] in [[2772]] to liberate the realm. The SLDF [[Operation Liberation|invaded]] [[Terra]] in [[2777]]. By [[2779]], the outcome of the battle and the war was a foregone conclusion. On 30 September, 2779, Stefan Amaris was taken captive by the SLDF after Aleksandr Kerensky himself personally knocked down the palace doors in Unity City in his ''Orion'' [[BattleMech]]. |
==Aftermath== | ==Aftermath== | ||
Stefan and his accomplices were held humanely until enough evidence was found to confirm Stefan's atrocities. Stefan Amaris and his family were executed by firing squad; the order came from Aleksandr Kerensky himself.<ref name=SL94>''The Star League'', p. 94</ref> The fighting against Amaris was so bitter that everyone wanted revenge, and those connected with the Rim Worlds government were in most cases prosecuted for war crimes.<ref name=TPp57>''The Periphery'', p. 57</ref> Kerensky's troops slaughtered everyone that bore the name Amaris, though overlooked maternal cousins with surnames such as [[House Wong (Rim Worlds Republic)|Wong]], [[House Siever|Siever]], [[House Marcus|Marcus]], and [[House Chan|Chan]].<ref name=HDTFSp56>''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 56</ref> | Stefan and his accomplices were held humanely until enough evidence was found to confirm Stefan's atrocities. Stefan Amaris and his family were executed by firing squad; the order came from Aleksandr Kerensky himself.<ref name=SL94>''The Star League'', p. 94</ref> The fighting against Amaris was so bitter that everyone wanted revenge, and those connected with the Rim Worlds government were in most cases prosecuted for war crimes.<ref name=TPp57>''The Periphery'', p. 57</ref> Kerensky's troops slaughtered everyone that bore the name Amaris, though overlooked maternal cousins with surnames such as [[House Wong (Rim Worlds Republic)|Wong]], [[House Siever|Siever]], [[House Marcus|Marcus]], and [[House Chan|Chan]].<ref name=HDTFSp56>''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 56</ref> | ||
| − | Despite the end of [[House Amaris]], the Rim Worlds Republic might have endured. However, the loss of the core of the Republic to annexation by the [[Lyran Commonwealth]], as well as the power vacuum left by the death of the Amaris family and the [[Rim Worlds | + | Despite the end of [[House Amaris]], the Rim Worlds Republic might have endured. However, the loss of the core of the Republic to annexation by the [[Lyran Commonwealth]], as well as the power vacuum left by the death of the Amaris family and the [[Rim Worlds Republic Military]], meant the remaining independent worlds, more than twenty-four systems, were left to fend for themselves. Dozens of small bandit kingdoms arose in the vacuum of the collapse of the Republic, financed by privateering and ''de facto'' mercenary deals; the rest persisted as Periphery independents or disappeared. |
In the wake of the death of the [[House Cameron|Cameron line]], each Great House Lord coveted the possibility of becoming the next [[First Lord]]. General Aleksandr Kerensky was summarily stripped of the title "Protector" by the House Lords in [[2780]]. By this time, Kerensky had had enough. As the House Lords bickered over succession, Kerensky made ready to depart the Inner Sphere. By his reasoning, the succession to the First Lord's throne was going to be a bloody affair, and he would not let humanity's defenders become pawns of the ambitions of petty jealousies. Following Kerensky's famous [[Operation EXODUS|Exodus]] order on 8 July [[2784]], most of the SLDF gathered at [[New Samarkand]], departing on 5 November. The descendants of the Star League Defense Force would not be discovered for 260 years. | In the wake of the death of the [[House Cameron|Cameron line]], each Great House Lord coveted the possibility of becoming the next [[First Lord]]. General Aleksandr Kerensky was summarily stripped of the title "Protector" by the House Lords in [[2780]]. By this time, Kerensky had had enough. As the House Lords bickered over succession, Kerensky made ready to depart the Inner Sphere. By his reasoning, the succession to the First Lord's throne was going to be a bloody affair, and he would not let humanity's defenders become pawns of the ambitions of petty jealousies. Following Kerensky's famous [[Operation EXODUS|Exodus]] order on 8 July [[2784]], most of the SLDF gathered at [[New Samarkand]], departing on 5 November. The descendants of the Star League Defense Force would not be discovered for 260 years. | ||