Editing Daniel Sorenson (31st c.)

{{InfoBoxCharacter
| image               = Daniel Sorenson.jpg
| caption             = 
| name                = Daniel Sorenson
| birthdate           = [[2991]]
| died                = [[3067]]<ref>''Starterbook: Sword and Dragon'', p. 38</ref>
| othernames          = 
| affiliation         = [[House Sorenson]]
| profession          = 
| parents             = [[Richard Sorenson]] (father)
| siblings            = [[Ilyana Sorenson]]
| spouse              = [[Julie Isesaki]]
| children            = [[Ivan Sorenson II|Ivan Sorenson]]<br/>[[Evette Sorenson]]
}}
'''Daniel Sorenson''' was a [[thirty-first century]] [[House Kurita]] [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]], nobleman, famed Commanding Officer and founder of [[Sorenson's Sabres]].

==Character Description==
In his youth, Daniel had a slender stature, with brown hair and notable strong jaw. He was described as having the look of a born leader.  He had the typical Rasalhagian disgust for House Kurita in his early life, only later would he become fanatically loyal to it.

==History==
===Early Life & Early Military Career===
Born on the capital world of the [[Rasalhague Military District]] of Draconis Combine, he was the son of the District's Lord, [[Richard Sorenson]].

He attended the [[Rasalhague Military Academy]], where he planned after graduating to become a mercenary.  However, in [[3007]], his father, Warlord of Rasalhague, was killed in a Steiner raid.  This would thrust him on road for revenge for his father's death. He then turn to join the [[DCMS]], he had decided secretly to devote himself to excel as a MechWarrior so he could win a position in one of the Combine's Sword of Light Regiments.  By doing so, he would have the best position he could obtain to avenge his father.  Daniel formulated a plan to desert from the military to find and kill his father's killer and return to Rasalhague as a hero.  After graduation, he did indeed succeed in classes and was assigned to the [[5th Sword of Light]]. He only lacked information to find who his father's killer was.<ref>''Sorenson's Sabres'', p. 16: Daniel Sorenson character profile - Original detailed background included</ref>

He was attached to the 5th Sword's Tarwater's Battalion, as Silvereen's Stallions Company's Fire Lance leader.  While attached to the Stallions, his company was deployed to the world of [[Worrell]] in February [[3021]] as its garrison force.  The planetary governor had called for assistance due to food riots.  The Command Lance had responded, but once in the city the Stallions' company commander was killed outside of his 'Mech by a rioting mob. Daniel was then appointed as interim-Captain of the Company.  He was then appointed by 5th Sword of Light's commander [[Colonel]] [[Palmer Conti]] as new Commander of the Company, renaming it Sorenson's Sabres.<ref>''Sorenson's Sabres'', pp. 10, 12: Daniel's rise from school to Captain of his own company</ref><ref>''Starterbook: Sword and Dragon'', p. 33: History & For the Glory of the Golden Pillar - Update info on Daniel Sorenson's early career leading to command the Sabres</ref>

===Formation of Sorenson's Sabres===
After taking command of the Sabres, Daniel recruited a new Command Staff, due to the execution of the old one for failing to protect the previous commanding officer.  Daniel had to reorganize the Company due to FedSun raids which took away fighter support of the Company's [[Air Lance]].  His reorganization was noted to be among the most unusual in all forces of the Combine of the time.<ref>''Sorenson's Sabre'', p. 12: Early formation and reorganization being unusual</ref>

===Steiner Space Campaign of 3021===
In July [[3021]], the Company was dispatch for independent campaign along the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] border.  Daniel led his company in strikes on [[Morningside]], [[Fatima]], and [[Fort Loudon]].  These strikes were aimed at less defended civilian infrastructure, as part of the Combine's campaign to demoralize the enemy.

On Fatima, Daniel proved his superior tactical skills in the city of Nuevo Lisbon.  He managed to convince a House Steiner Battalion commander that his force was a regiment in size. Then his camouflage forces used heavy smoke, fast moving air raids and electronic countermeasures to fool the defenders. The defenders pulled back from the boroughs of the city, leaving them easy targets for plundering by Sorenson and the 5th Sword of Light.

Sorenson's leadership and his force's skills led to a successful raid, leaving few casualties among his supporting personnel.  After a successful campaign, he and the rest of the unit were assigned to [[Luthien]] for rest and refit.<ref>''Sorenson's Sabre'', pp. 12–13: Sorenson's campaign in 3021 in Steiner Space</ref>

===Refit, Garrison Duty & Pirates===
Through January [[3022]] to April [[3023]], the unit was assigned to [[Galedon Military District]]. During his time in garrison, Daniel, who would normally would argue for a more active assignment, allowed idle time so the unit could refit equipment and its get much needed downtime.  Bouncing from periphery world of [[Bad News]] to capital of Combine, [[Luthien]].

In May 3023, Sorenson and his company were deployed with rest of its parent 5th Sword's parent Battalion, Tarwater's Battalion to world of [[New Caledonia]].  There unit was used to garrison the [[Rasalhague Military District]] world to fend off Water raiders.  During this period, a well-coordinated raid on opposite side of the planet had Daniel and his people rushed to fend off well-coordinated Pirate raid.  The Pirate's light 'Mech force had bottled up local militia forces. However Daniel was able utilize his fighter and [[LAM]] cover to help turn tide to allow Militia infantry forces break out of their defensive positions.

After the successful, routing the pirates from District, the Daniel his people were recalled back to the Galedon Military District to serve in garrison force on its [[Galedon V|capital world]] until September [[3024]].<ref>''Sorenson's Sabre'', p. 13: Daniel Sorenson's Garrison duty and fighting pirates in Rasalhague space</ref>

===The Sun Zhang Academy and the Raids of 3025 & '26===
Daniel and his force were sent to [[New Samarkand]], where they had to provide additional cover for the [[Sun Zhang Academy]].  The school had come under threat by anonymous officers at the facility.  Daniel despised the duty due to his dislike of the school and the type of officers it produced.  The threats turned out to be empty and the duty had dulled the sharp edge that made his unit what it was.  In August 3025, Daniel's luck changed with new deployment orders.

Deployed with the rest of the 5th Sword, Daniel and his people were called into action to counter the Davion offensive. Being given supplies, he led the unit in a series of raids along the Davion border with mixed results by the time it ended in October [[3026]].
<ref>''Sorenson's Sabres'', p. 13: Daniel hated garrisoning duty of New Samarkand its academy and the 5th Sword's raids into House Davion space from 3025-3026</ref>

One of Daniel's unit's notable actions during the raids was part of clinching the Dragon's bid to take the Davion-held world of [[Ozawa]].  General Palmer Conti credited Daniel and his people for the 5th Sword's success. However, a week later, the world was recaptured by the [[3rd Crucis Lancers]]. This was not at fault of Daniel and his people.<ref>''Sorenson's Sabres'', p. 40: Scenario 1: Day of the Dragon - Daniel Sorenson credit as patriot to help made the capture of Ozawa possible, though temporary</ref>

===Fourth Succession War===
Daniel and his comrades were deployed in [[3029]] as part of the 5th Sword's commander's ambition plan to take back worlds from the Davions.  First Deployed on [[Northwind]], the unit Daniel his people's 'Mechs were painted (later discovered) with special paint.  Their 'Mech were deployed across a reservoir for city of Cromarty.  It was revealed several years later that the "paint" was in fact a bioagent which unleashed a virus that struck down the 5th Deneb Light Cavalry and five thousand civilians.

Late, Daniel led his unit on fringe of the 5th Sword's battle with [[Kell Hounds]] Regiment on [[Nusakan]]. Majority of the 5th Sword was destroyed, while Daniel managed keep his unit from being severely damaged by the elite mercenaries. This left the Sabres dishonored by the actions of Palmer Conti's and 5th Swords' loss with end of the [[Fourth Succession War]].<ref>''Starterbook: Sword and Dragon'', p. 34: Fourth Succession War - Daniel unit's missing history during the conflict</ref><ref>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 78: Northwind - 5th Sword of Light battle on Northwind</ref>

===The Unit's Civil War and Fall from Grace===
For seven years, Daniel and the unit were used on light attack and fade raids, however Daniel's life would be changed forever.  The first blow came in the form of the death of his beloved Uncle [[Ivan Sorenson]] in a freak auto accident.  Then the announcement of the formation of the [[Free Rasalhague Republic]], where began strive in the unit in 3034.  His uncle's death and devotion to the Dragon caused Daniel to remain with the [[DCMS]], despite the feelings of his youth.  While his members of his unit while station on [[Togura]], namely his friends of ''[[Busosenshi]]'' Izora Soderstrom and ''[[Chu-i]]'' Cedrick Sveinson would come to blows with Daniel due to his decision. They would force him to incarcerate them.  They would overnight his fellow Rasalhagian comrades would be freed and lead cadre of tech and support staff to try to rendezvous with a friendly Republic-bound DropShip.  However, once discovered, Daniel and his remaining people pursued the rogue MechWarriors trying to plead for them to resign with honor.  Instead they opened fire on him and the remaining Sabres. Daniel would be forced with his remaining of his loyal Sabres to take down the deserters.  In course of the fight, another of his members, [[Eleanor Rubach]], would turn on Vernon Marrone's 'Mech and kill masked MechWarrior for killing Sveinson their attack.  Daniel once more, would be forced to kill another once loyal MechWarrior as well.  After the battle, Daniel his two remaining lances of 'Mechs would return to base to soon informed of their ironic orders ''[[Kanrei]]'' [[Theodore Kurita]].  Orders pertaining that would have allowed his now dead comrades who wish only defect to go freely to Republic and for them to travel to [[Damian]] to assist in the training of the new Republic's troops there.

Daniel's force remained under staff on Damien, where he then faced the pirate King [[Hendrik Grimm III|Hendrik Grimm]] in raid in [[3035]].  His unit still capable, the faltered in preventing the pirates from taking three DropShips worth of stolen goods.  The unit's failure to prevent the pirates taking Rasalhagian goods would cause Daniel and his people fall in disgrace and reassigned right out of the [[5th Sword of Light]].<ref>''Starterbook: Sword and Dragon'', pp. 34–35: War of the Ronin - Daniel take down the unit's Ronin elements causes it to break, fall in disgrace after a pirate raid later</ref>

===The Rebuilding and Resurgence===
Daniel was reassigned with his company to [[Enif]], where they garrisoned an armor production facility.  This duty would be a challenge, with little support from the [[DCMS]] and an [[ISF]] verdict of roninism on Togure and failed training/garrison duty in Republic.  Daniel would over the course of ten years rebuild the unit's roster and camaraderie.  During the defense of the armor plant, Daniel final able bring his new fresh face people to hot fires of live combat.  In [[3034]], pirates attempted to raid the Enif plant, but the Sabres successfully intercepted and destroyed the majority of the pirates and captured a ''[[Union]]'' Class DropShip to boot.

When a second raid hit the planet a few months later, Daniel's people were able to capture one of the pirates, who turned out to be a member of the pirate group, the [[Band of the Damned]].  ISF personnel interrogated the pirate and soon discovered the raiders were part of the pirate band that had been causing Combine problems.  The Warlord of Galedon then authorized Daniel and his people to begin a limited search for the pirates.  The Sabres searched parts of the Periphery border as far [[Land's End]] for the pirates. Daniel had only came upon a slaver vessel which they liberated, came up with dead ends.  A year of pirate hunting ended with them returning to [[Tabayama]] for garrison duty.  However, to the satisfaction of Daniel, the Sabres had been returned to the 5th Sword of Light's TO&E listings.  This restored the Sabres to front-line service, ending their disgrace in exile.<ref>''Starterbook: Sword and Dragon'', pp. 35–36: War of the Ronin & Border Guards - Daniel rebuilding the unit's edge after it is sundered, returning it to honor after fighting pirates</ref>

===Later Career & Retirement===
Daniel continue to lead the unit during the [[Clan Invasion]] of early 3050s. However, ''Kanrei'' Theodore Kurita kept the unit out of the conflict.  The Sabres were designated as an independent company and became a secret unit not seen on the TO&E of any other front-line unit.  The unit was used as a testbed force, Trialing new technologies on [[Luthien]].

Daniel during these years found a wife in [[Julie Isesaki]], with whom he settled down and had twins. He also kept in touch with former Sorenson's Sabres members such as [[Shakir Jerrar]].<ref>Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents, pp. 76–77: Shakir Jerrar profile - Shakir profile notes maintaining his friendship with Daniel Sorenson after his reassignment</ref>

In 3061, Daniel retired from active service, handing over command of the Sabres to ''[[Tai-i]]'' [[Albert Benton]]. He then spent time with his family, before eventually passing away in [[3067]].<ref>''Starterbook: Sword and Dragon'', pp. 36–38: Fox's Den to Serving the Dragon & Daniel Sorenson's Profile - His history with unit and his retirement and death</ref>

==Notes==
Daniel Sorenson was noted as the pilot of a slightly rundown ''[[Marauder]]'' BattleMech for the first half of his career with the Sabres.  He would later be personally honored with a new ''[[Hatamoto-Chi#custom_variants|Hatamoto-Chi]]'' by the Coordinator. This 'Mech was fitted out with experimental weapons of the time, prototype LB-X 10 Autocannons in place of its [[PPC]]s. It also received prototype endo steel.  These experimental systems were later replaced by standard production quality versions.<ref>''Starterbook: Sword and Dragon'', pp. 38, 103, 112: Daniel awarded by Takashi Kurita with a ''Hatamoto-Chi'' with experimental weaponry. Record sheets for both version show prototype and production equipment</ref>

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Daniel Sorenson SS.jpg|Daniel Sorenson at age 35
</gallery>

==References==
<references/>

==Bibliography==
* ''[[Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents]]''
* ''[[Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers]]''
* ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''
* ''[[Sorenson's Sabres (scenario pack)|Sorenson's Sabres]]''
* ''[[Starterbook: Sword and Dragon]]''


[[Category:Draconis Combine Characters|Sorenson, Daniel (31stc.)]]