Akira Brahe

Property "Update Needed From" (as page type) with input value "Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers]], Mercenary's Handbook 3055, [[Blood Legacy" contains invalid characters or is incomplete and therefore can cause unexpected results during a query or annotation process. Cleanup tagged articles without a reason field Akira Brahe (b. 3001 - d. 307?) was a mercenary MechWarrior and officer with blood ties to the ruling Kurita family of the Draconis Combine; he is son of Sula Brahe-Kurita and Yorinaga Kurita.

Appearance

Tall, brown hair, bronze complexion, strong-boned face, with brown Asian eyes. These features clearly show his Rasalhague-Scandinavian heritage.

Character History

Early Life

First born as Akira Kurita, the young man was raised in the Rasalhague Military District of the Draconis Combine. He attended preparation school up to age 15 where he was to attend the Sun Zhang Academy. However, he was expelled from school in 3016 when word of his father’s disgrace arrived.

He and his mother were later sold into slavery by order of the Rasalhague Military District’s Lord Marcus Kurita, following the direction of Coordinator Takashi Kurita. His grandfather Gustav Brahe "rescued" him and his mother by purchasing them. After giving permission for his mother to commit suicide, he officially adopted Akria as his son.

Akira was sent to Alshain where he got a job learning to pilot 'Mechs off the assembly line for the Alshain Weapons Factory. He avoided contact with rebels and dissidents and instead concentrated on learning to pilot. After three years of piloting 'Mechs and learning to repair them, he was promoted to test-pilot fully operational 'Mechs. He was noted by factory designers to have a natural intuition for piloting 'Mechs.

After three years of test piloting for Alshain, Yakuza raided the factory Akira worked at and stole some 'Mechs. Akira took the controls of a Grand Dragon, which had been prepared for a morning combat test. Though this was his first engagement, he expertly closed in on them through darkened alleys as they tried to escape with four Panthers. The Yakuza thieves had little fighting skills, and Akira downed one of the stolen machines. The others tried to save their comrade, but were no match for him and were defeated. The ISF was shamed by the fact that they earlier rejected him as a MechWarrior, yet he had successfully stopped four 'Mechs at once. The ISF decided to reward him with a "promotion", by arranging his transfer into the Legion of Vega.

In service to the Draconis Combine Mustered Service & Genyosha

Akira was given a half-operational Dragon BattleMech and put into the 11th Legion of Vega under the command of Theodore Kurita. He was placed into a mixed-blood Rasalhague lance. He and the lance were part of a raid sent to the Lyran world of Ryde. He was given a "suicidal" order by his Chu-i, however he disobeyed it because it made no tactical sense. As his Chu-i died in the retreat from the raid, he was elected to replace him. Akira cut a deal with his fellow lancemates, to work together to succeed. He went on to prove to them making sure worked hard in his efforts, so they would not try dispose of him. Though his efforts, he and his lance salvaged, scrounged or outright stole parts to bring their 'Mechs to fully operational status. In the course of his career with the 11th, he managed to manipulate ISF informers and solidified his power base in the unit.

In October, 3027 Akira came to the notice of Chu-sa Narimasa Asano and Sho-sa Tarukito Niiro. They believed the young man would be able to bring the Genyosha's company of Rasalhague native MechWarriors together. Akira meets with his father for the first time in years, but both keep their composure when he greets Yorinaga as his father. He tells he wants the officers who brought him to his attention that he hearted his place in Genyosha. He recites his accomplishments and history to his future commanding officer. Yorinaga questions if he would obey any command including committing seppuku if his commanding officer orders it. Akira proudly removes his robe reveal his bare chest and abdomen. He proudly says he would ask his father to stand as his second if to relieve the pain. Yorinaga smiling at him orders his Asano and Niiro to prepare a place for Chu-sa Brahe. When alone, Yorinaga asks why Akira bares his mother's last name. Painfully, Akira explains it is his adopted father's last name and his mother committed suicide. It was the only way to save him from following her into death. He shortly later took command of the Rasalhague 'Mech company, becoming a formal member of the Genyosha.

In August 3028, Akira joined his father and travelled to Terra with the Coordinator as part of his wedding party to witness the wedding of Hanse Davion and Melissa Steiner. They travel to from Savannah, Georgia's spaceport to Hilton's Head Island, headquarters of ComStar.

While on Terra, he took a tour of ComStar's facilities, while on the tour he meet young woman named, Riva Allard. The two of them became fast-friends while on the tour. During the tour they decided to do their own investigation of facilities. They notice a smell, which Akira identifies as 'Mech coolant. They soon are discovered, however they manage to fool the Acolytes that they were having a lover's dispute. Riva smacking Akira into one four robed men. When he was pushed into one of the Acolyte, Akira discovers that one of the Acolytes was wearing a MechWarrior's cooling vest under his robes. He elects to not tell Riva and says he needs investigate further.

Late that night, Akira prepared to investigate the secret facilities. He assembles a dismantled Katana from his luggage and draws a map of where he is going before leaving. He then moves to seaside complex where he and Misha smelled the 'Mech coolant. He climbs down into a vent that has been disguised as part of the rocky shore, there deep inside the vent he discovers amazing sight. He discovers the massive cache hanger, with almost countless rows of BattleMechs of various size and shape. These painted in gleaming white, all bearing emblem of ComStar. Alarmed and shocked by the sight of assumed ComStar in possession of powerful army of 'Mechs, he quickly tries turn to the surface. As attacked by ComStar foot patrol and its stunned. However, his father, along with Colonels Morgan Kell & Jaime Wolf arrive take out the patrol men before they can alert anyone. His father comes to his side, helps up as the colonels dispose of the bodies. Akira turns to him and says to him..

“

Down there, I got look beneath ComStar's façade. The Word of Blake is bounded by steel…

”

The next day, he & his father meet with the two colonels. Morgan tells them, that one of the patrol men who attack him was a former Periphery pirate. The former irate still had his pirate tattoo band marking on him. At his father urging, he tells them what found. Wolf asks if they are building their own 'Mechs. Akira says that based on his factory experience he saw no equipment that indicated that were being assembled, only for storage. Yorinaga tells them he has not and will not inform the Coordinator of situation. If he were to inform him, he may be rash to attack Terra, possibly trigger possible Interdiction and he feel that ComStar maybe safeguarding the 'Mechs from being used in war. They all mutually agree keep quiet of about 'Mechs. Akria's father spoke to Morgan regarding his action with his brother, Patrick Kell, & regretting to having kill him. The two men talk, where they have heated exchange about their shared new ability to fight without being harmed on the battlefield and consequences. Akira is confused by the exchange between Kell and his father, since they spoke to each other in vague terms to one another. He turns to Colonel Wolf and asks what they talking about. Wolf turns to him say says, that next time they meet each other in battle, they will kill each other.

4th Succession War & The Hunt for the Kell Hounds

The Genyosha arrives on the Davion world of Northwind, come aid some Combine units need assistance. They quickly realize that force's leader, General Palmer Conti, has lead his 5th Sword of Light & the 36th Dieron Regulars having attacked what was lead them to believe to be the Kell Hounds' Third Battalion, Bradley's Bravos. Which appears to be attempting steal glory from the Genyosha.

On the 11th, Akira's company engages elements of Team Banzai's battalion, the Blue Blazers in their attempt to attack General Conti's command headquarters. He engages the last of the enemy 'Mechs, a Phoenix Hawk. Which able force the pilot to eject from his 'Mech. Akira admire his work, thinking he found it strange that these warriors had fought so honorably. The unit he fought had sacrificed themselves, to save their own people. This conflicts with what Akira had heard about mercenaries in Combine ranks. As being bunch of dishonorable money grabbing warriors for hire. He then notices Kurita soldiers rough housing the captured pilot. Akira then stops the infantry unit's commander with his Orion from slaying the MechWarrior pilot he just had downed. He and his unit are recalled to the 5th's headquarters where they are confronted by General Conti and his ISF handler Hassan Fraud whom has been attempting influence control over the Genyosha. Tai-sho Conti announces he assembly everyone regarding Akira dispute about executing mercenary soldiers. Akira confronts ISF agent Fraud and his agency's reasons for these illegal acts. Conti "regrettably" tells him that the orders came from the Coordinator. The order was created to discourage any mercenaries to fight the DCMS. Fraud gloats over Akira, stating he surprised he is not willing to execute the "so-called" Kell Hounds they had captured. He tells Akira that they've received word that Genyosha's base on Nashira has been totally destroyed by their sister units.

In late April, the Genyosha journey back to their base that was located on Nashira. Akira accompanied his father to top of the base's only surviving structure. He looks over the ruined base, where some of the building that had not been flattened completely have been changed in to odd structures. His father explains, that base has been made into an over size star map for the Genyosha to follow. The building they were standing on, was use to direct this creation and represent Terra. He then points out that map of worlds move where they would be positioned in June, that one rubble of bricks indicates Lyran world of Ryde. He then recants explains why he and Morgan are destined to fight.

His father tells him of his battles in 3013 and later 3016 with Morgan Kell. When he in command of the 2nd Sword of Light's 2nd Battalion, battled and killed Prince Ian Davion in assault on Mallory's World. However that Kell Hound's forces stopped him, disabled him and forces long enough retrieve the prince, robbing of his greatest victory. He says, later despite rumors of his disgrace, he that Coordinator Takashi Kurita promoted him to Tai-sa (Colonel), and given full command of the 2nd Sword. A great honor, but he felt disgraced by Kell Hound's actions. So his only goal was to destroy the Kell Hounds for what they had done.

Akira's father goes on to explain three years later, on Mallory's World, he meet the Kell Hounds again, on purpose. Leading his 2nd Sword and the 36th Dieron Regulars, he intended his units track down and kill the mercenaries. After finding Kell, the Colonel march his 'Mech from his defenses position and initiated a duel challenge in according to busidio tradition. Yorinaga tell him of details of their battle against one another. He tells Akira near the end of the battle, Morgan's strange abilities developed at the last moments of the fight. Yorinaga tells him that he had not notice. Then Morgan used rules of the duel to defeat him. He tells Akira that he had done everything in his power to defeat Morgan Kell, yet he had failed. He explains his infamous haiku, to say that it reflection of his discovery. Where he felt that Morgan Kell method of defeating him was the mythical yellow bird. Yorinaga tell Akira, his duel with Morgan Kell showed the Draconis Combine's restriction to busidio tradition, would lead to destruction of the Draconis Combine.

In June, the Genyosha arrived on Ryde to only find the Kell Hounds had not arrived. His father order re-creation of the battlefield where Kell had fought him. Genyosha forces captured militia scout. Akira forced the Lieutenant to communicate to his headquarters at the city of Heavy's Gate and convince them to not attack the Genyosha. He then handed a holovid tape to be sent through HPG to Morgan Kell regarding where attempt to meet next. After sending message father send message to Morgan Kell, that to meet on the world of Nusakan.

In August, Genyosha called to meeting on Moore by Prince Theodore Kurita. At meeting, Theodore Kurita explains his plan to strike at heart of the Isle of the Skye region of Lyran Commonwealth. Using the rebellious Lyran noble Aldos Lestrate's disarming the region, this would allow Theodore to take entire isle in one swoop. They will launch their attack from the Lyran world of Dromini VI, that the Nekekami assassins have comprised the militia's security and will allow for easy victory.

In October 24, Genyosha landed on Nusakan, where they found 5th Sword of Light had arrived ahead of them and had been engaged Kell Hounds for 20 hours grueling fighting. Akira contacted his father, asking him why they are rushing to the battle. He speculates thinking that he is worried that Conti will steal his victory from him. He rebuffed by his father stating with Morgan Kell's skills, there little chance of his defeat. He rushes so to save Coordinator embarrassment of losing elite regiment. Akira becomes more frustrated by Coordinator actions and Combine's treatment of his father. He asks why should they care about Coordinator's honor when he continues to dishonor them and tries to order you from regaining honor back. His father then scolds him stating that he defends the Dragon's honor is the Coordinator, is simple as that. What he lives to server him.

Akira is shocked by the scene they see. In a desert valley, he sees the carnage left over from the battle that continues to play out Nasaka's equatorial desert. Further in, in a bowel-like depression, operation units of Kell Hound and the 5th Sword stand on respective edges watching one-on-one duel. Fighting in area-like depression is Sword's commander Tai-Sho Conti physical battle with Kell Hound's 3rd Battalion commander, Scott Bradley. Akira realizes that Bradley is fighting to avenge men lost to Conti's assault on Northwind. Conti's Banshee grapples Bradley's Cyclops in ground where two roll over each other. Both combatants loss both legs actuators in struggle, but Bradley moves his 'Mech on top of Conti's downed Banshee. Bradley rips the head/cockpit from its body, however Conti ejects from it in time. Akira is amazed, that mere mercenaries, who Coordinator had order their death, fought with so-hard to honor those whom had been killed.

After the Hound's victory, Akira watches his father's 'Mech approach in now cleared area. There Morgan Kell enters the area in his Archer, where they bow to each other and duel once again. He listens to exchange between the two, where Colonel Kell telling Yorinaga that his ability is a curse. It has made him invincible on the battlefield, but it is a burden which he has tried run from. He offers that his father walk away from this and return to exile. His father refuses, stating it would dishonor themselves for it. Yorinaga tell Kell that way of warrior is to be the best they possibly can be. Colonel tells him that it will only lead to death and death honors no one. Morgan says to his father, that he will not kill him. He watched as his father fire his PPCs on Kell's Archer closed in on him. Skillfully, his father as if they were dancing with Kell's movement trying to primary weaponry in range. Yorinaga fired his entire's 'Mech's arsenal into Morgan's Archer. Causing it stumbles to one knee. After withering countless attacks, Kell stood his 'Mech and bowed to Yorinaga. His father started to bow his 'Mech, but it seized from high-heat & weapon use. Over radio Akira listens to Kell asking Yorinaga for his forgiveness him acting like a cowardly in their battle, by of refusing to fire. He believes if had fire his weaponry they both would be dead. Over the radio, Akira heard serenity of his father voice. Yorinaga apologizing for now seeing that way of sword was not the way. He states that there is no shame to lose to a superior skilled warrior, that their shared ability was not apex of being a warrior. He sees now that Kell’s actions in winning without having to fight was ultimate apex of the warrior.

Later in day, Akira assisted his father in his seppuku ceremony with all many of all three combatants witnessing it. The ceremony, he turned to crowd and spoke to them. He tells them father had not been treated fairly by the Combine, including the Coordinator himself. He then points to Tai-Sho Palmer Conti, where he tells the gathering that he is an example of corruption that taken now grips the Combine. How treated Genyosha as Ronin, making them do meager tasks instead of being treated as elite unit was. He tells that he found more honor in Colonel actions and deeds than Coordinator. With that resigns from Genyosha and pledges his honor to Colonel Kell if he would take him. Chu-sa Asano steps up and tells he too feels the same, but he will remain waiting for problems of the Coordinator will end. He tells Genyosha troops they may leave as well to follow Akira without fear. Akira's Rasalhague Company members follow him and join the Kell Hounds. Akira shaking wishing Asano well, he asks Colonel Kell if he could join the unit. Which Colonel Kell welcomes him to the unit.

Notes

• Akira was noted for piloting an Orion BattleMech during his service with House Kurita during the 4th Succession War. He was known to be gifted piloting skills that went beyond the factory designers impress of limits of Panther BattleMechs he was test piloting for factory on Alshain.

Bibliography

• Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers
• Warrior: Coupé
• Warrior: Riposte