Sorenson's Sabres

This article is about the military company. For the scenario pack, see Sorenson's Sabres (scenario pack).
Sorenson's Sabres.jpg
Jisatsu Company
Formed April 3021
Previous Designation(s) Third Company, Tarwater's Battalion
Nickname Silversteen's Stallions;
Sorenson's Sabres
Affiliation Draconis Combine
Parent Command Fifth Sword of Light;
Otomo

Sorenson's Sabres was an elite independent thirty-first century BattleMech Company for the Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery belonging to the Fifth Sword of Light Regiment.

History[edit]

Third Succession War[edit]

Renaming[edit]

Late in the Third Succession War the commanding officer of Third Company, Tarwater's Battalion, Captain Abraham Silvereen, was killed in a food riot on Worrell. Then Tai-i Daniel Sorenson was placed in command of the company by Tai-sho Palmer Conti, commander of the Fifth Sword of Light Regiment. Tai-i Sorenson then officially renamed Third Company, Silvereen's Stallions to Sorenson's Sabres as of April 3021.[1]

Shortly after Tai-i Sorenson took command the DCMS reassigned all but one of his aerospace fighters to support the Galedon V campaign. Daniel Sorenson reorganized the company to follow a unique tactical doctrine. The Sabres' use of an aerospace fighter and a LAM as part of their 'Mech force made them the most unusually configured company in DCMS service at the time.[2]

The 3021–3022 Raids of the Lyran Commonwealth[edit]

In July 3021, the unit was deployed on its first mission as Sabres, conducting raids on the House Steiner worlds of Fatima, Fort Loudon, and Morningside. During these raids, the Fifth's doctrine of hitting fast and hitting hard served the unit well. The Sabres typically bypassed the defenders' positions to hit unguarded civilian complexes. These strikes were aimed to demoralize the opposition. On Fort Loudon and Fatima, the unit city fighting proved highly successful, especially with use of the unit's rare Phoenix Hawk LAM conducting pinpoint strafes when needed.

The most noted action during the campaign was on Fatima, where in the city of Nueve Lisbon. Tai-i Sorenson used tactical trickery to fool the defenders into believing the Sabres were a much larger force. By fooling the Lyran troops into retreating from the Sabres' "regimental" size, they were able to hit their city targets with ease.

By the time the unit pushed as far as the world of Pandora, the unit had depleted its resources and badly needed refitting. Fortunately, despite its weakened condition, the unit caught House Steiner defenders by complete surprise. In January 3022, the unit would return to the Galedon Military District stationed on Bad News. There the unit began a year of refit and relaxation from their long and successful string of raids.[3]

Garrison duty and Pirates[edit]

In August, the unit was assigned to serve with its parent Battalion and Regiment on Luthien as part of the world's garrison force.

The unit's garrison duties ended when it and the rest of Tarwater's Battalion were deployed to the Principality of Rasalhague world of New Caledonia May 3023. What was to be a mostly uneventful garrison assignment became effectively a relief mission, as a battalion of pirates raiding that world for water had ground down its militia, and besieged the city of Llyddwich.

The Sabres were deployed hastily via DropShip to the scene, where they squared off against a fast-moving group of light 'Mechs. The raiders, under the command of Bandit King Corvin "Scourge" Scantoli,[4] and were well coordinated, but were eventually driven off.[5]

Scantoli and his pirates would return three more times to New Caledonia, each time driven off by Tarwater's Battalion and Sorenson's Sabres, the last of which occurred on New Year's Eve raid in December 3023, and Scantoli was slain at last.

Offensives with the Fifth Sword of Light[edit]

The Fifth Sword of Light's invasion of Ozawa crushed most of the Ozawa Urban Defense Brigade. With the Third Crucis Lancers arrival in 3026, Davion Forces were able to drive off the Fifth in a few days, with the help of the surviving elements of the Ozawa Urban Defense Brigade.[6] Though the fight was considered a defeat for the Fifth Sword of Light, it was considered a moral victory and indeed strengthened Sorenson's Sabres.[7]

The Fourth Succession War[edit]

Northwind[edit]

In the Fourth Succession War, the Sabres had been stationed with the Fifth Sword. Initially, the unit had not seen much action, being garrisoned along the House Steiner border. However, in 3029, the Fifth Sword deployed on Northwind with other elite regiments in an effort to assist House Liao against the onslaught of Hanse Davion's massive Fourth Succession War invasion of the Capellan Confederation, Operation RAT. The Fifth Sword's commander assigned the Sabres to a special mission: the unit was to apply a prescribed coating to the paint of their 'Mechs and then walk through the city of Cromarty's water reservoir. Unbeknownst to them, Tai-sho Conti and agents of the ISF had deployed a virus in this coating whose effects were purposed to disable and kill thousands, including the planet's principal defenders. The Fifth Deneb Light Cavalry was severely weakened, with only the mercenary support unit attached to it being unaffected. However, the Sabres, along with the Genyosha and Fifth Sword, would be forced to withdraw when the entire mercenary brigade of the Northwind Highlanders arrived to save the Davion forces.[8][9]

Nusakan[edit]

On Nusakan, the Sabres were used as flankers, while the majority of the unit engaged in Tai-sho Conti's gamble to attain glory for himself by destroying the Kell Hounds. However, the elite mercenary unit devastated the Fifth Sword, with the Sabres being spared heavy damage due to them being on the fringe of the battle. Conti's duel would soon be lost, and the war's end would mark disgrace for the Fifth Sword of Light.[10]

The Sabres' Crisis and Fall from Grace[edit]

The devastation to the Fifth Sword of Light would not affect the unit's status. Over the course of seven years, it would be used to execute quick strikes and fades across the House Davion border.

The formation of the Free Rasalhague Republic in 3034 sent the Sabres into chaos. Half of its numbers were of Rasalhagian descent, which caused a clash of loyalties while stationed on Togura. Two of the unit's MechWarriors, Izora Soderstrom and Cedrick Sveinson, turned on their fellow Rasalhagian longtime commander. Tai-i Daniel Sorenson was forced to arrest them. Aided by unknown parties, the pair would escape overnight with a number of other Rasalhagian members of the unit's support staff.[11]

Tai-i Sorenson would lead his remaining loyal warriors in pursuit of their wayward soldiers. He pleaded with them to honorably resign, but instead they fired on him. He and the rest of his warriors had no choice but to engage in combat with these now Ronin elements. The battle would turn ugly, and both were killed during the exchange of fire. A wayward laser from Vernon Marrone's Stinger would cause Eleanor Rubach, friend of Sveinson, to smash Vernon's cockpit with her 'Mech's fist. In response, Sorenson turned his Marauder's guns on her for her attack against one his own people.

Ragged and reduced to two lances worth of 'Mechs, the unit returned to base to discover they had orders to deploy to aid the KungsArmé on Damian as part to shore the new Republic up. The orders from Kanrei Theodore Kurita would also include orders that allowed for any personnel who wished to leave the DCMS to do so with no problem.

The unit arrived on Damian in February of 3035. By this time, the morale of the unit was shattered. Replacement personnel did not arrive until they reached the planet. When pirates under the command of Bandit King Hendrik Grimm came to raid the planet, the Sabres in their demoralized state were unable to prevent the pirates from making away with the stolen goods. The fight would mark the death of the unit's LAM pilot, Clay Moretti and their fall from grace.

The unit was then pulled from the active roster of the Fifth Sword of Light and exiled to garrison duty on the Periphery border.[12]

Exile and Rebirth[edit]

The Sabres were assigned to Enif, as part of defense of an Armor production complex. On world, Tai-i Sorenson was determined to rebuild his unit. With raw recruits and determination he had his new people and machine face each other in lance vs. lance training exercises. These proved to aid in rebuilding the camaraderie, improved its new members' skills. However, it was in 3042 where unit was put to the test when pirate arrived to raid the stocked food warehouse on the planet. The Sabres were able to intercept the raiders, capture the pirates, and their underarmed Union-class DropShip. Unit morale soared as the only damage was an actuator on the unit's Jenner.

Three months after the battle, unit was caught by surprise by pirates while in middle of mock fighting exercises. Fire Lance, the only lance which was not armed with training ammunition and weapon configurations stalled for time. While the rest of the company withdrew to rearm with live ammunition and make shift repairs. The raiders nearly cut unit's force in half, but last minute action took down two of the pirates' assault BattleMechs. This triggered the pirates to flee the field, with telltale sign that leader had just been taken down.

In one of the downed BattleMech was piloted by Florence "Tap" Tappis, consort to notorious Pirate Slaver: "Mad" Max Smythe who was based out of Periphery world of Antallos. The unit's resident integrator, Sharron Burgoz managed to reveal previous raid months early were elements of the Band of the Damned pirate band and they were planning a major strike against the Combine. In July, ISF interrogators arrive to work over Taps, However they gave new orders to Sorenson and his Sabres directly from Warlord of Galedon. They were ordered to secretly deploy to seek out the both Symth's Slavers and the Band of Damned. Seeking growing confidence in his unit, Tai-i Daniel Sorenson saw this as good sign for the unit. With a limited area work with, the Sabres over the months sought out the slavers and Damned. They only managed to intercept the slaver vessel with its escorts, within a year of searching they were ordered to Tabayama as a garrison force. However, notably, they were also reattached to the Fifth Sword of Light's TO&E, they had finally risen from disgrace at last.[13]

3048–3049 Border Raids[edit]

In late 3047, border raids against the Draconis Combine gradually increased. Concerned of pending action, Sorenson Sabres received orders from the Warlord of Galedon to probe Davion space to collect information regarding the Federated Commonwealth's actions.[14][11] From their base Fort Jinjiro on Capra in May 3048, the Sabres set off to check preparedness of the Draconis March.

In August, the unit made burn towards Udibi, to investigate the planet's status. Intelligence gathered so far revealed AFFC had been stocking up on provisions. On the ground, the Sabres clash with defending merc unit known as Fuchida's Fusiliers. Sabres were surprised to find mercenaries on an unimportant world. In the battle in Outer Gorge area, they managed to inflict considerable amount damage against the large mercenary force. The Fusiliers pulled back to the city of Paulo Bay, losing two their men to the Sabres as they withdrew from the planet. Sharron Burgoz interrogation of the captured mercenaries revealed nothing of value was occurring in Robinson Operational Area.[15]

After three months of probing the Davion border, the unit would soon return to Capri, where rendered refit and resupply of their force. In November, Capra came under attack by raiders, where the Sabres responded to repel the attack. The raiders turned out to be elements of the Band of the Damned. Tai-i Sorenson is able contact Warlord of Galedon, which dispatches the Seventh Pesht Regulars respond to deep raids by the Band.

Shortly after Sabres once more resume their probing of the Davion border.[16][11]

With information from the ISF, Sabres execute a deep raid against world of Brundage in February of 3049. There instructions were to stall, while intelligence mole can be recovered. The battle on outskirts of New Boyceton, turn out to be elements of the Third Lyran Regulars. Sabres managed to stall for time, so the ISF forces could extract their spy. Unit taking damage, but was able make good their escape and allowing the spy be retrieved. The ISF spy revealed Fox's Teeth Company had been behind the raids in Galedon District. Sorenson's decides go after the Foxes, on Benet III.[17]

In June, 3049, the two units clash outside of Foxes' base in Aurora Badlands. Sabres' battle with Foxes proves battle with where both side claims victory. As each other were wearing down, Sorenson calls for withdraw. In their fighting withdraw from the planet their comrade Busosenshi Burgoz is killed covering the Sabres' withdrawal from battle. The battle would proves to the DCMS High Command that Davions were not setting up for new conflict. Sabres would return home with score settled between them and the Raiders.[18][19]

Advance Equipment Trial Unit[edit]

For its service to House Kurita, Kanrei Theodore Kurita awarded the unit with the status of a true independence unit. No longer attached to the Fifth Sword of Light and other frontline regiments, the Sabres faded from TO&E and became a black ops unit, secret force.

The unit's role as an advance equipment trial unit for Experimental Technology became mainstay of Sabres' mission. Since 3040s, the Sabres' 'Mechs had been fitted out with experimental equipment or prototypes. Due to this status, the unit never fought in front lines of the Clan Invasion of 3050. Working with scientists, the unit would be first try C3 computer and Combine's first generation of OmniMechs.[20]

The Combine–Ghost Bear War[edit]

In 3061, unit's founder and commanding officer Tai-i Daniel Sorenson of Sorenson's Sabres retired from service. Command was handed to longtime unit member, Albert Benton. In moving change of command speech, Tai-i Benton announced Sorenson's Sabres would retain its name instead of changing it as old Fifth Sword of Light tradition decrees. He had said retention of the name was to honor the man who led the unit through good times and bad.

As after taking command of the unit, the Sabres were ordered to the Ghost Bear Dominion border with the Combine. By 3062 the unit deployed into the conflict with Ghost Bears, that Black Dragon Society influenced Alshain Avengers triggered. The unit, for first time since 3049, saw active combat. The unit took independent actions raiding the Dominion border, gaining reputation from the Bears. So much so, that Tai-i Benton and Sabres were specifically request to attend a Trial of Possession for Courchevel to end the war. Benton single-handily took down a Kingfisher assault OmniMech in one-on-one combat.

After the war, the unit was recalled to Luthien where it was reassigned as part of the Otomo by request of Coordinator Theodore Kurita, as part his bodyguard unit.[21]

Jihad[edit]

Sorenson's Sabres were assigned to operate as an independent company under the command of the First Genyosha as of December 3067 and were used to flank opponents and provide a reserve force in the Battle of Luthien. The unit departed the planet in 3071 and were seen under contract to Chandrasekhar Kurita on Arcturus in 3073.[22]

Officers[edit]

Rank Name Command
Commanding Officers of Silversteen's Stallions
Tai-i Abraham Silversteen ?–3021[23]
Commanding Officers of Sorenson's Sabres
Tai-i Daniel Sorenson 3021–3061[23][24]
Tai-i Albert Benton 3061–3???[25][26]

Tactics[edit]

3021–3034[edit]

The Sabres' composition in 3021 of 12 units rather than the usual 14 (12 'Mechs plus an Air Lance) increases the flexibility of the lances. The unusual composition allows for unique tactics to be employed, including those in which the fighter and LAM work closely with the 'Mechs, providing fire support and spotting enemy units. They have the ability to pin down and outmaneuver an enemy's faster 'Mechs. The Sabres during this era developed their skills as urban fighters and masters of deception. On one occasion the unit fooled less experienced defenders into thinking they were a larger, regiment-sized force. The unit principally specializes in attack and fade operations for independent actions such as raids or probes. In the very early days, the Sabres would bypass highly defended targets for less defended locations.[27]

Composition History[edit]

3021[edit]

3030[edit]

3036[edit]

3049[edit]

3062[edit]

3070[edit]

Colors and Unit Insignia[edit]

Sorenson's Sabres use the same red color scheme as the Sword of Light. However, after their inclusion into the Otomo, they would add gold highlights to save face. The Sabres' insignia is a mushroom-shaped pillar of black smoke on a gray shield behind a yellow-flamed scimitar.[29]

Notes[edit]

During 3049 campaign into FedCom space, Sorenson's Sabres utilized a DropShip, named Marrakesh Express.[30]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ Starterbook: Sword and Dragon, p. 33: For the Glory of the Golden Pillar - Actual order to Daniel Sorenson take command of Third Company, announcement of the creation of Sorenson's Sabre after dissolving Stallions
  2. ↑ Sorenson's Sabres, p. 12: Brief History
  3. ↑ Sorenson's Sabres, p. 12: Sorenson's Sabres - Original raid against House Steiner after its formation in 3021
  4. ↑ Starterbook: Sword and Dragon, p. 33: Fourth Succession War & Death of a Pirate
  5. ↑ Sorenson's Sabres, p. 13: Sorenson's Sabres (History) - Water Raid of New Caledonia's Llyddwich city
  6. ↑ Sorenson's Sabres, p. 42
  7. ↑ Sorenson's Sabres, pp. 39–45: "The Ozawa Campaign"
  8. ↑ NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1, p. 78: Northwind - Fifth Sword of Light battle on Northwind
  9. ↑ Starterbook: Sword and Dragon, p. 34: Details of Sabres' actions on Northwind
  10. ↑ Starterbook: Sword and Dragon, p. 34: Sabres' action on Nusakan
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 Combat Manual: Kurita, p. 29
  12. ↑ Starterbook: Sword and Dragon, p. 35: War of the Ronin - Sabres are shattered in the wake of the formation of the Free Rasalhague Republic
  13. ↑ Starterbook: Sword and Dragon, pp. 35–36: Border Guards/The Path of the Damned - Sabres return from disgrace by stumbling on lead on dangerous pirate band
  14. ↑ Starterbook: Sword and Dragon, pp. 36, 65: Orders to probe FedCom received
  15. ↑ Starterbook: Sword and Dragon, pp. 76–77: Touchpoint Udibi - Recon/Probe mission on Udibi, the unit's action on planet
  16. ↑ Starterbook: Sword and Dragon, pp. 77–78: Touchpoint Capra - Band of the Damn raided Capra while Sabres are resupply/repairing their equipment in November 3049
  17. ↑ Starterbook: Sword and Dragon, pp. 79–80: Touchpoint Brundage - Extraction raid in FedCom leads Sabres to Fox's Teeth base
  18. ↑ Starterbook: Sword and Dragon, p. 80: Touchpoint: Dust Up - Sorenson's Sabres raid the Fox's Teeth's base on Benet III to settle the score between their two nations
  19. ↑ Starterbook: Sword and Dragon, p. 44: Sharron Burgoz profile - Burgoz's death notes how the battle ended for the Sabres
  20. ↑ Starterbook: Sword and Dragon, p. 37: Serving the Dragon - Unit made independent, Clan War years and role as new equipment trial unit
  21. ↑ Starterbook: Sword and Dragon, p. 37: Bears and Beyond - New commanding officer, Ghost Bear War, and position of honor as bodyguard unit to the Coordinator
  22. ↑ Jihad Turning Points: Luthien, pp. 6–7: "Combatants"
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 Sorenson's Sabres, p. 16: Daniel Sorenson named as Commander in original publication of book
  24. ↑ Starterbook: Sword and Dragon, p. 38: Daniel Sorenson confirmed as commanding officer of Sorenson's Sabres from its conception
  25. ↑ Starterbook: Sword and Dragon, pp. 36–37: Command Lance (3062), (3070) - Albert Benton named as Tai-i (Captain) of Sorenson's Sabres in Starterbook
  26. ↑ Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents, p. 68: Albert Benton's profile - Albert Benton shown as commanding officer of Sorenson's Sabres as of 3075
  27. ↑ Sorenson's Sabres, pp. 13–14: Sorenson's Sabres, Composition and Tactics - basic organic makeup of 12 units, instead of independent company at that time usually containing 14 (including 2 aerospace fighters)
  28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 28.3 28.4 28.5 Starterbook: Sword and Dragon, pp. 32–37: "Unit Compositions"
  29. ↑ Starterbook Sword and Dragon, p. 32
  30. ↑ Starterbook: Sword and Dragon, p. 65: Daniel Sorenson mentions in his personal journal his unit's impending mission into FedCom and ship they'd be using

Bibliography[edit]

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