Requiem
08/03/21 11:14 PM
124.184.171.41
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2650
Council Edict of 2650 or Cameron Act of 2650
Star League’s First Lord Michael Cameron II limits the size of all Great House, Periphery and private military forces they are allowed to muster. The SLDF continues to muster new units at a rapid rate …
<Response – the secret manufacture of armaments / mustering new units.>
2722
Council Directive 41
Star League’s First Lord Jonathan Cameron, at the suggestion of key Hegemony individuals, declare independence for the four Periphery states, eliminating restrictions placed on them following their conquest during the Reunification War – Periphery Administrators are removed.
<Response – With the removal of their Periphery Administrators all four states are exploited by key Hegemony corporations. Resentment and hatred towards the Star League intensify – organized successionist movements within all periphery states establish lines of communication with each other.>
2690
First Lord Michael Cameron retires – Jonathan Cameron, his eldest son is designated as his heir.
First Lord Jonathan Cameron engages in a massive build-up of the SLDF, as his mental condition deteriorates due to an ever-deepening paranoia regarding the Star League’s fall …
2700
Stefan Amaris (age 15 - dual citizenship – RWR and TH) is conscripted into the SLDF, as part of the quota system.
Family connections enables him to attend the War Academy of Mars - there he befriends his lifelong companion Marlene Leroy (graduating Naval Officer Cadet) – and his ‘Teacher’ and surrogate father figure General Ikolor Fredasa.
2705
Lieutenant Stefan Amaris graduates as a SLDF BattleMech Officer .
2707
Commanding General of the SLDF David Peterson dies in a DropShip accident.
First Lord Jonathan Cameron appoints Ikolor Fredasa as the new Commanding General of the SLDF.
<Nt – Ikolor Fredasa is dedicated to the original ideals of the Star League – a thoughtful and intelligent commander, his personal loyalty is to the League as-a-whole rather than to the First Lord.>
2725
Still plagued by prophetic visions of Terra burning, Jonathan’s mental instability triggers a crisis within the Star League as he refuses to intercede in the War of Davion Succession …
The War of Davion Succession – also known as the Second Hidden War – is a full scale war fought between House Kurita and House Davion over the question of succession to the throne of First Prince of the Federated Suns.
A high-ranking delegation from the SLDF led by Commanding General Ikolor Fredasa visits Mother Jocasta in an-attempt to convince her to ‘assist’ Jonathan in his rule of the Star League as she is the only person who can sway his growing paranoia – and as such she becomes the de facto leader of the Star League.
Still the SLDF are refuses to intervene by the First Lord …
2729
Impatience with the First Lord’s refusal to intervene is growing within the Court of the Star League, with Commanding General Ikolor Fredasa at the head … in direct opposition to the First Lord’s orders Ikolor Fredasa intervenes with the launch of Operation Smother, which quickly ends the war …
Where a seasoned Lieutenant General Stefan Amaris led the 39th Royal BattleMech Division’s 392nd Royal BattleMech Brigade whilst a young Captain Aleksandr Kerensky led forces of the 160th Division to victory on Royal ….
In victory rather than thanking Ikolor - First Lord Jonathan first censures both sides the Federated Suns and the Draconis Combine, though the Draconis Combine received the worst – pre-war borders were restored and Kurita’s claim to the Davion throne was denied to them forever. Though the brunt of his condemnation was for Commanding General Ikolor Fredasa – A thoughtful and intelligent Commander whose personal loyalty was dedicated to the League as a whole and ideals of the Star League, rather than to the First Lord – His belief that the SLDF mandate of protecting and maintaining the peace between Star League Members publicly rebuked the First Lord for his lack of action, and demonstrated to all House Lords and the SLDF that he was unfit for the position of First Lord … Publicly humiliated, and enraged First Lord Jonathan Cameron ordered vengeance upon HIS vassal Commander …
Jocasta, as de facto ruler of the Star League, recognised the political danger Okolor represented and prior to dispatching General Rebecca Retldral she showed her Jonathan’s letters predicting the destruction of the League. These ‘prophetic warnings’ greatly disturbed her …
November 11th 2729
Commanding General Ikolor Fredasa was arrested, tried (by a sham of a court), and hanged for treason – all on the same day! Fredasa protested that as a military officer he had a right to death by firing squad, a claim Fetladral ignored.
<Response – The statements and actions of Fredasa marked a major fracture in the cult of personality that House Cameron had held over the SLDF; following Fredasa’s execution, Officers in the SLDF began to fall into two camps – those who began to adjust their thinking and actions to fall more in line with what was best for the League, and those that believed the desires of the First Lord were absolute.>
<Response - Lieutenant General Stefan Amaris became the head of a plot to end the post of First Lord, whist retaining the SLDF.>
2729
General Rebecca Fetladral is appointed to Commanding General of the Star League Defence Force.
<Response – Everyone associated with the former Commanding General Ikolor Fredasa are posted to insignificant postings …
Lieutenant General Stefan Amaris is posted back to the Rim Worlds Republic; and
Vice Admiral Marlene Leroy is posted to Logistics – taking command of a merchantman Fleet.
Whist a young Captain Aleksandr Kerensky is posted to Fetladral’s Staff.>
2738
Commanding General Rebecca Fetladral resigns citing fatigue from the constant controversy within the SLDF as to how she obtained her position as the reason for her early retirement.
Rebecca recommends as her replacement the one person she believes can save the Star League from Jonathan’s nightmarish visions: her aide, Aleksadr Kerensky.
First Lord Jonathan Cameron confers Aleksadr Kerensky as Commanding General of the Star League Defence Force.
Shortly thereafter First Lord Jonathan Cameron dies of a stroke – Simon is nominated his successor (by Jocasta)
2739
In the pretext of eliminating corruption Kerensky quickly eliminated inept officers (pro Ikolor Fredasa supporters) of the SLDF and rewarded more competent (pro Rebecca Fetladral supporters).
<Response ¬- Lieutenant General Stefan Amaris is cashiered from the SLDF - Taking up politics within the Rim Worlds Republic.>
2741
The Third Hidden War, also known as the Phony War.
The weakness revealed by First Lord Jonathan Cameron’s inaction during the Second Hidden War leeds to an upswing in bandit activity along the border worlds, adding to an increasing tension between all the Great Houses and the Periphery States.
The situation escalated when a group of bandits raided the Lyran Commonwealth world of The Edge – as more than 500 civilians died in the raid, appalled Archon Michael Steiner offered a huge reward.
Once located the 12th Lyran Regulars caught the bandits unaware, capturing the majority of them.
Lyran Intelligence Corps discovered they were mercenaries employed and equipped by the Draconis combine.
2742
At the winter Council session of 2742 Archon Michael Steiner confronted Coordinator Takiro Kurita with irrefutable proof – Takiro laughed stating the evidence was falsified and insulted Michael … which resulted in Michael physically assaulting Takiro …
Both parties demanded Cameron and the SLDF to intercede on their behalf, Simon rather than seeking the truth evaded a decision, which prompted a furious Michael Steiner to threaten War.
2743
January
Five brigades of Commonwealth troops are massed on the Combine border, forcing the Combine to respond in kind – putting both realms on a war footing.
March
Simon dispatches a large contingent of SLDF troops and warships to the region.
Both sides stand down
<Result – The number of “Bandit” raids rapidly grow as all Great Houses Council Lords begin to use these tactics to settle their grudges and grievances.
This in turn forces First Lord Simon Cameron to issue a shoot-on-sight order …
House ships, therefore, begin to escort their ‘bandit’ forces – protecting them from SLDF assault. >
2746
Stefan Amaris is posted Ambassador Rim Worlds Republic to the First Lord’s Court on Terra – where he becomes known as the most socially active Ambassador, earning a reputation as being in a mid-life crisis and a playboy …
<Response – Though these many social engagements Stefan reconnects with many of his former SLDF comrades … and quietly determines their position … pro Ikolor Fredasa supporter or Rebecca Fetladral supporter.
Over time he will be able to amass a sizeable cabal to his (Ikolor Fredasa’s vision for the SLDF) cause – the reformation of the Star League and the Star League Defence Force.>
<Response – there Stefan also enlists the Outworlds Alliance, Taurian Concordat and the Magistracy of Canopus: As the Periphery States chafed under the Star League – slight increases in living standards and fewer pirate attacks were considered not worth the cost of being exploited and oppressed as a result of increasingly harsh rules under a distant Star League master. When Stefan Amaris approached the other Periphery leaders about a conspiracy to win their freedom, they agree.>
2749
With the Council Lords refusing to put aside their differences and barely acknowledging his authority. First Lord Simon Cameron in response, to ensure the continued unity of the Star League, decides to appeal directly to its people, launching his famed Grand Tour.
2751
First Lord Simon Cameron is murdered at Star’s End. – Leaving his 8-year-old son, Richard Cameron II, the only successor.
The five Great House Lords, at the suggestion of the Lyran Commonwealth, decided to appoint a triumvirate at this stage … for the remainder of Richard’s adolescence … as placing too much power in one person’s hands is dangerous.
The SLDF Commander-in-Chief Aleksandr Kerensky is recognised as Protector of the Realm;
The Head of the Department of Administration, Katyusha Lumilova as Regent – responsible for Star League’s governments’ administration and finance; and
Duchess of Regulus Elsa Cameron-Jones (of the FWL) is appointed as Richard’s testamentary guardian.
2752
The Third Hidden War concludes as the Council Lord’s amendment to the Council Edict of 2650 or Cameron Act of 2650 allows for them to increasing the size of their militaries (All bandit forces are subsequently absorbed into their regular military).
2753
August
Stefan Amaris meets Richard Cameron II due to his courtship with Elsa Cameron-Jones.
2755
Upon SLDF Commander-in-Chief Aleksandr Kerensky’s orders several planets become the host to a Star League Defence Force garrison following “Birthday Proclamations.”
<Response – Kerensky is utilizing these garrisons as forward listing posts within each Great House and to remind then of the strength difference between the SLDF and their forces ie. Operation Persuasive Force. >
2756
SLDF Commander-in-Chief Aleksandr Kerensky appoints General Aaron DeChavilier as the Commanding officer of 1st Army - Amaris’ intelligence network identifies that Aleksandr Kerensky is courting Katyusha Lumilova.
<Response – from an outside perspective it appears Kerensky is emplacing his people to retain control of the Terran Hedgemony (ie. a Coup) prior to Richard coming of age.
Stefan Amaris begins counter measures to ensure the preservation of the Star League against a Kerensky Coup – even if it means protecting Richard Cameron.>
Rebecca Fetladral’s tenure as Commanding Officer of the SLDF Engineering Sub-Command ends – as a result she retires from the SLDF.
2757
Taxation edict of 2757 - Katyusha Lumilova with the backing of Aleksandr Kerensky and the five Great House Council Lords unilaterally subject all Periphery States to steep taxation. Suspecting the taxation hike was initiated to produce civil unrest within all Periphery States – to which the SLDF could use as a pretext for invasion to restore peace – thus they place their military on alert whist at the same time increase their arms production.
<Response – Many believed that by creating the military incident within the periphery it would provide a context for retaining the positions of Protector of the Realm and Regent post Richard’s ascension to First Lord (due to his inexperience) and in so doing provide an additional context to remove the young First Lord – and replace him with a seasoned leader …. SLDF Commander-in-Chief Aleksandr Kerensky.>
A nuclear weapon was detonated on Demeter a major military industrial complex and a source for trained personnel for the Second Arcadian Cuirassiers – sparking a border war between the Capellan Confederation and the Federated Suns.
Commander-in-Chief Aleksandr Kerensky refuses to intervene between the Capellan Confederation and the Federated Suns.
<Response – pro Ikolor Fredasa supporters who remain within the SLDF are infuriated at Kerensky’s lack of response with many more joining the faction due to the shame they feel at Kerensky’s lack of action. The decision is made to initiate Operation Reformation>
Additional SLDF forces are ordered close to all periphery States …
2758 - early
Events came to a head when the New Vandenberg Uprising began in early 2758. Protector Nicoletta Calderon provided 18 Taurian worlds her blessing to secede from the Star League. Though as the Taurian Concordat at least nominally remained a ‘loyal’ Territorial State the SLDF could not simply invade.
2758 - late
The Standoff demanded Aleksandr Kerensky’s attention – Hoping to put down the rebellion quickly, without bloodshed, required the redeployment of substantial force from the 1st Army of the SLDF to the systems adjacent to the Taurian Concordat under the command of Commander-in-Chief Aleksandr Kerensky and his XO General Aaron DeChavilier. The belief was the threat of invasion alone (sabre rattling) would bring the wayward worlds back to the fold.
Travelling onwards to New Vandenberg he ordered the militia units stationed there to stand down, thinking them still loyal and that such an act would inspire others to defuse the situation. The militia refused, the incident had the opposite effect of inspiring defiance elsewhere throughout the Periphery and making negotiations with the rebels increasingly onerous.
Outbreak of the Insurrection – December 26th, 2758
Whilst on patrol, one of the vehicles within the convoy from the First New Vandenberg Militia broke down on the way back to Fort Gorki, a Militia Regimental Base. Anxious and assuming the worst, a patrolling SLDF Royal BattleMech Unit opened fire on the soldiers – killing them all in a running battle as they sought safety within Fort Gorki.
The Militia’s Regimental commander, Lieutenant General Dominique Petain, had no intention of retaliating, knowing that the Taurian negotiations hung in the balance.
The SLDF again assuming the worst, waited three tense hours for the retaliatory attack before launching their own assault.
The Battle for Fort Gorki was costly and resulted in a SLDF victory due to their superior technology; However, it was a strategic loss as news of the battle triggered by a Royal SLDF BattleMech Unit sparked rebellion on worlds across all Periphery States.
2759 – early - Uprising
Within the four realms of the Rim Worlds Republic, Taurian Concordat, Magistracy of Canopus and the Outworlds Alliance, SLDF units found themselves suddenly isolated on hostile planets whilst Kerensky ordered his forces to initiate invasion protocols upon all Periphery Worlds.
The Coup - Terra, the Terran Hegemony and throughout the Inner Sphere
As the go code for Operation Reformation spread throughout the Inner Sphere SLDF personnel loyal to Stefan Amaris’ cause acted …
Admiral Marlene Leroy, now Commander over all SLDF Logistics Transport Fleets throughout the Inner Sphere, gave her consent to the Coup – the majority of all vessels who’s Captains she chose for command immediately broke contact with Kerensky loyalist Units … rendezvousing instead with SLDF units loyal to Amaris, there they began transporting them and all available critical warehouses logistics stores to the Terran Hegemony … and with her came almost half of the entire SLDF Naval Warship Fleets …
News, however, for ‘Commander-in-Chief’ Aleksandr Kerensky went from bad to worse …
- Within those Armies still loyal to him assassins loyal to Amaris had penetrated their Command Bunkers – executing many of their command personnel …. throwing their chain of command into disarray.
- Civil War had broken out throughout the Terran Hegemony …. Rim World Republic forces together with ‘traitor’ SLDF Units were engaging ‘loyalist’ SLDF units as across the Hegemony and the Inner Sphere, similar dramas played out as Rebel SLDF used surprise to wipe out Loyalist Regular Army units as many effectively ceased to exist. Though a number were able escape the initial onslaught
- With the realisation that the bulk of the logistics transport fleet had sided with Amaris he discovered the SLDF units that he brought with him were now stranded, either in the Periphery or upon a garrison world waiting for transport.
- In addition he now found himself running dangerously low on all consumables due to the disappearance of many expected resupply fleets.
- Then word came though as to unit allegiance - both Army and Naval forces had split almost in half for each …
Broadcast
Having secured the Terran Hegemony and crippling the chain of command within may Kerensky Loyalist SLDF Armies within the opening months Amaris turned his attention to the last perceived threat.
Gathering Duchess of Regulus Elsa Cameron-Jones, himself (once more within his SLDF Uniform) to the Throne Room with Richard Cameron (also within a SLDF Uniform) sitting upon the Throne flanked by two Black-Watch Guards.
There the drama of the past few months played out …
In the Name of First Lord Richard Cameron II Commander-in-Chief of the Loyalist SLDF, Lord Protector of the Star League, Stefan Amaris put forward his evidence as to Kerensky’s plan to initiate a Coup – where he and his lover, Regent Katyusha Lumilova, were planning to initiate a coup to overthrow House Cameron – Thus forcing his hand, just as Commander-in-Chief Ikolor Fredasa was forced to do so many years ago, to protect the Star League.
He went on to recognise the Periphery and Great Houses legitimate grievances with the current administration – promising reform and return to the original Ethical Star League – Stefan then kept his word to the Periphery states, and in so doing to the Great Houses at the same time, he would recognise any states right to self-determination if they so desired …
Stefan then ordered former Commander-in-Chief Aleksandr Kerensky to stand down his forces and submit to a trial by his pears.
Kerensky refused, requesting aid from all loyal Great Houses he surveyed the situation …
First did he have to extricate himself from the war within all the periphery states? … he would need a vast military industrial complex from which he could rebuild a loyalist army to fight the traitor Amaris …
Realising it could take years for his forces to assemble and to be equipped to initiate the war within the Hegemony due to the lack of transport Jump-ships … that existing supply levels were becoming an issue, as Amaris’ forces had ransacked many critical warehouses … and new commanders within many ‘Loyalist’ Armies were still being put in place – so any forward units he could muster towards the Hegemony would require covert bases, as any utilization of existing bases only invited attack by renegades …
His Plan therefore was simple - assemble all Loyalist Forces from throughout the Inner Sphere to his position within the Taurian Concordat and in so doing conquer them. Utilize their military industrial capabilities to rearm, reequip and rebuild through a recruitment of loyalists throughout the Inner Sphere …
He even pondered if he could even force Amaris to come out of hiding within the Hegemony and to attack him? … if the Taurian Concordat requested military assistance that is ….
Kerensky now found himself outside the Hegemony, with no allies, little supplies and a marginally adequate transport and logistics fleet …
Get thee to Coventry … Now is the winter of our discontent, made glorious by this daughter of Tharkad … Our army shall march through. Well to New Avalon tonight.
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Cray
08/04/21 06:30 AM
71.47.151.234
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Quote:
Response – With the removal of their Periphery Administrators all four states are exploited by key Hegemony corporations. Resentment and hatred towards the Star League intensify – organized successionist movements within all periphery states establish lines of communication with each other.
But that's exactly what happened while they were under Star League rule. Without the Star League to keep the Periphery oppressed the Periphery states would probably easily regulate Inner Sphere corporations with their local governments. (Also: *secessionist.)
Quote:
Stefan Amaris (age 15 - dual citizenship – RWR and TH) is conscripted into the SLDF, as part of the quota system.
Why would the SLDF use conscription? SLDF troopers are almost 1-in-a-million people. There's not more than a few million SLDF personnel while the Inner Sphere offers trillions of people to pick from. The SLDF could literally reject thousands of candidates per position.
Mike Miller, Materials Engineer
Disclaimer: Anything stated in this post is unofficial and non-canon unless directly quoted from a published book. Random internet musings of a BattleTech writer are not canon.
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Requiem
08/04/21 07:20 AM
124.184.171.41
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Quote:
Without the Star League to keep the Periphery oppressed the Periphery states would probably easily regulate Inner Sphere corporations with their local governments. (Also: *secessionist.)
Current Globalization tactics within third world countries comes to mind here – what happens when a corporation has a larger GDP than the state they are entering?
Computers is a very good example of this – ever seen what happens when a local government attempts to regulate them. Then the computer organization decides to restrict access to the governments platforms who use their programs as the basis of their documents .. it is not pretty when the local government has to back down or lose all functionality within their country!
It is just Mega corporations flexing their financial muscles - either that or they bribe their way to conducting quasi ethical practices within the third world … thus exploiting local people, reduced wages, lower quality of life in comparison to what they would have to pay in wages in a developed country … or even environmental issues (pollution) etc (all the really bad things that people believe globalization stands for).
As for secessionist - if this is referring to anti Star League groups talking with each other then Yes this is definitely secessionist ... people want out of the League, they want a better life etc .. and can only see violence as a solution ...
Quote:
conscription
It is not the SLDF who are using conscription … it is the RWR (who even though they did not sign the Star League Accords – by the terms of their surrender during the Reunification War, they too must supply soldiers and war material …)
https://www.sarna.net/wiki/Star_League
“… Each of the States of the Star League was required to provide soldiers and war materiel for the mutual protection of the Star League Defense Force, … “
If the Star League Accords, signed July 9 2571, states that each state is required to provide a specific number of soldiers as well as military industrial complex materials – how do you go about this?
With soldiers you could have recruiting stations but there is no way of guaranteeing quota numbers … hence either the Government transfers regular soldiers to the SLDF (which seems like a waste after you have spent how much on their training). Thus, wouldn’t it be more economically feasible just to provide them with recruits and let them pay for their training? (to make up the quota number required)
But who do you select to go? …. What I considered at this point was Vietnam …. Draft Card or the Lottery as per Australia …
In my realm Amaris is more honorable than most – Creedence Clearwater Revival Fortunate Son came to mind here “I ain’t no senator’s son …”
He chose to be included and he went willingly as an example that rank does not exclude you from your duty …
Get thee to Coventry … Now is the winter of our discontent, made glorious by this daughter of Tharkad … Our army shall march through. Well to New Avalon tonight.
Edited by Requiem (08/04/21 07:36 AM)
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