Rikkard Nova Cat

Rikkard
Personal
Affiliation	Spirit Cats
Profile
Profession	Galaxy Commander

Rikkard Nova Cat was a 32nd Century trueborn Clan MechWarrior of the Spirit Cats who achieved the rank of Star Colonel. He was a good friend to his Clan’s leader Galaxy Commander Kev Rosse after saving his life. His support for Kev Rosse was well-known within the Clan, which made him a target of Spirit Cat warriors such as Janis Nova Cat.

Rikkard believed it essential that the Spirit Cats find a sanctuary amidst the coming Dark Age, to ensure their survival.

Character History

In early 3133 Rikkard led a Trinary of Spirit Cats against forces of Bannson's Raiders on the planet of Ozawa. Using hit and run tactics and lighting the nearby forests on fire, Rikkard forced the Bannson's forces off-world in defeat.

In March 3135, a contingent of Spirit Cat warriors under Kev Rosse and Rikkard were exploring Mallory's World. Rikkard was particularly drawn to the world due to its history. Finding himself in Desolate Pass, where First Prince Ian Davion had sacrificed his life to save his men, Rikkard soul-searched for some inspiration. Kev Rosse and Rikkard discussed at length a vision of Rikkard's, that of "A predatory bird astride a tornado moving across an endless, hot and dry landscape." Kev suggested to Rikkard that he would not find his answer on Mallory's World, but to instead search in Prefecture VII of the Republic. Before Rikkard left, he used his canteen to scoop up some sand from the pass.

Rikkard’s force arrived and stationed itself on Irian in June. Rikkard began gathering up various Spirit Cat commands in preparation for his search. During an argument with Star Commander Janis Nova Cat, he became inspired to look "beyond" the Republic's borders for his people's sanctuary.

In March 3136, after months of travelling to various worlds, Rikkard contacted Clan Sea Fox. He struck a bargain with OvKhan Petr Kalasa, commander of the Sea Foxes’ CargoShip, Voidswimmer to transport his people to the world of Marik.

In October, Rikkard’s Clusters invaded the planet Marik, owned by the Marik-Stewart Commonwealth. His efforts were opposed by General Daniella Briggs. Rikkard tried to show by example that no matter how dirty the Commonwealth force might fight, he would fight like a Clansman and not stoop to their level.

By November Rikkard led his forces to the metropolis of Dormuth. His warriors quickly became bogged down trying to take the city, as Commonwealth forces used guerrilla tactics and sabotage to tie down his forces. The Battle for Marik began to drag out over months, as both sides counted on reinforcements to give them some edge over their opponents.

In February of 3137 Lady Julietta Marik arrived to negotiate with Star Colonel Rikkard. She offered an alliance in order to wrest the planet from the Commonwealth and Anson Marik, above all else. Rikkard initially rejected the offer, but when news reached him of Kev Rosse's assassination and Clan Nova Cat calling all Nova Cats in the Republic home, he realized no reinforcements would be coming. Rikkard was demoralized by the news of his friend's death, and saw the alliance with the Oriente Protectorate as the only way to save his people from death on Marik. Rikkard also reaffirmed his commitment to take Marik as a sanctuary for the Spirit Cats.

By April, no Protectorate forces had arrived and the Spirit Cat position had become desperate. Julietta Marik then revealed that Oriente would not be sending ground reinforcements, having never clarified originally what kinds of assistance her realm could offer. Angered by the duplicity, Rikkard struck Julietta. Rikkard was then challenged by Janis Nova Cat to a Trial of Grievance over his hesitation and deal-making with the Oriente Protectorate. Defeating her, Rikkard was forced to kill Janis as she refused to yield and accept the trial's outcome. In his moment of great despair, Rikkard drew inspiration from Julietta and her duty to her nation. Rikkard realized his honor in winning Marik was only worthwhile if it helped his people, not in how he conducted himself.

Dispatching a courier to the orbiting Sea Fox Voidswimmer, Rikkard struck a deal with the Sea Foxes. They would give Clan Sea Fox warehouse rights on the planet if they provided reinforcements to defeat the Commonwealth forces. Ovkhan Petr Kalasa agreed and together the Spirit Cats/Sea Foxes were able to overwhelm and wipe out their opposition.

When Julietta Marik was gravely injured from an assassination attempt, Rikkard would venture to Oriente with Clan scientists in order to save her life. Julietta was taken back to Marik in order to continue her recovery with the assistance of Clan medicine. She would become an advisor to the Spirit Cats on customs and culture within the Free Worlds League.

In 3138, at the suggestion of Lady Julietta, Rikkard led an expedition to the surrounding worlds around Marik to bring them under the protection of his Clan conclave, forming what would become known as the Clan Protectorate.

July 3139, Rikkard and others arrived on Atreus for the swearing-in of Jessica Marik as the new Captain-General of the reborn Free Worlds League.

As of 3145, Rikkard Nova Cat holds the rank of Galaxy Commander, and is the undisputed leader of the Spirit Cats. Still active leading military forces, Rikkard commands the Clan Protectorate's Shiva Keshik Cluster and lead the unit in several Trials of Possession by Wolf Empire's Clan Wolf forces.

Character Notes

• Rikkard was a noted Shadow Hawk IIC 4 pilot. He fought in the Battle for Marik in February to March of 3137. In his earlier career, he piloted a Firestarter BattleMech which he named "Soulbearer".

Bibliography

• MWDA Novel: Pandora's Gambit
• MWDA Novel: To Ride the Chimera
• Spirit Cats - Rikkard Nova Cat - Dossier