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{{infoBoxMilitaryCommand | image = [[File:4th Skye Rangers Insignia.png|150px]] | Designation = Fourth Skye Rangers | Formed = [[2504]] | Disbanded = | Previous Designation = | Nickname = Albion | Affiliation = | Parent Command = [[Skye Rangers]] | Sub-Command = }} {{infoBoxMilitaryCommand | image = [[File:Lyran Rangers (Stormhammers) logo.png|150px|Lyran Rangers]] | Designation = Lyran Rangers | Formed = [[3132]] | Disbanded = | Previous Designation = | Nickname = | Affiliation = | Parent Command = [[Stormhammers]] | Sub-Command = }} The '''Fourth Skye Rangers''', later the '''Fourth Skye Rangers RCT''', was an elite [[Lyran Commonwealth|Lyran]] [[BattleMech]] [[regiment]] and later a [[Regimental Combat Team]] in the nominal service of [[House Steiner]]. As the top regiment of the [[Skye Rangers]], the historic army of the [[Federation of Skye]], they became well-known for their ties to the [[Free Skye|Free Skye Movement]] in the [[thirty-first century]]. ==History== Their nickname "Albion" stems from the [[JumpShip]] freighter of the Federation's merchant founder, [[Ian McQuiston (23rd c.)|Ian McQuiston]]. The ''[[Albion (Individual JumpShip)|Albion]]'' originally brought McQuiston to the world of [[Skye]], which became his home and eventually the seat of his power. The ''Albion'' itself received its moniker for the ancient name of the island of Great Britain on [[Terra]], which also became the source of the Fourth Rangers' insignia.<ref name=FMLA100-4SR-NN>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 100: "4th Skye Rangers RCT: Albion", Fourth Skye Rangers' name and insignia are explained</ref><ref name=HSLC63-4SR>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 63: "Regimental Nicknames (continued)", Fourth Skye Rangers' nickname</ref><ref name=FMLA99-1>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 99: "Skye Rangers: Bravehearts", the Skye Rangers are described as the original army of the Federation of Skye</ref> ===Formation=== The Fourth Rangers were formed by [[Duke]] [[Connor Gilderoy]] of Skye during the reign of [[Archon]] [[Margaret Olsen]], employing recently trained [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]s drawn from all over the Federation.<ref name=ER2750-52-4SR-1>''Era Report: 2750'', p. 52: "Fourth Skye Rangers (Albion)", the Rangers are formed</ref> ===The Lyran Civil War=== [[File:Skye Rangers Insignia.png|right|thumb|The [[Skye Rangers]]]] Gilderoy formed the unit to help support Olsen's claim to the throne, which had been challenged by her nephew [[Robert Steiner (25th c.)|Robert Steiner]], the illegitimate son of [[Tatyana Steiner (25th c.)|Tatyana Steiner]], Olsen's deceased sister-in-law. Robert agreed to challenge his aunt's reign only after years of misrule, which saw Olsen rely on psychics and soothsayers, and the advice of Gilderoy and Duke [[Samuel Natesh]] of [[Tamar]]. The two Dukes had effectively taken advantage of Olsen's insanity, ruling the Commonwealth for their own benefit while the realm suffered severely. The result was the [[Lyran Civil War]], as Olsen and the two Dukes fled [[Tharkad]] in [[2503]] ahead of Robert and his supporters, regrouping on Skye. Knowing Robert would inevitably follow them, Duke Gilderoy hurriedly formed the Fourth Skye Rangers, equipping them with top-of-the-line machines.<ref name=ER2750-52-4SR-1/><ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 28: "Eagles Cry", Margaret Olson holds power with the support of the Dukes of Skye and Tamar</ref><ref name=HHS2021-1>''Handbook: House Steiner'', pp. 20–21: "Civil War", Robert Steiner challenges his aunt's claim for the throne</ref> In late [[2504]], Robert Steiner, recognized as Archon by the [[Estates General]], arrived in the Skye system at the head of several Lyran regiments that had pledged their loyalty to him, including the elite [[1st Royal Guards]].<ref name=HHS21-1>''Handbook: House Steiner'', p. 21: "Civil War", Robert Steiner attacks Skye</ref> Despite representing a newly formed unit, the Fourth Rangers reportedly gave a good accounting of themselves, mastering the so-called "Squatter's Strike" strategy, deploying away from the enemy and withdrawing every time the opposing forces engaged them. The Rangers continuously chose the field of battle, lulling their foes into a chase-and-fight mentality before finally catching the enemy forces off guard when the situation was ideal, inflicting heavy damage.<ref>''Era Report: 2750'', p. 52: "Fourth Skye Rangers (Albion)", the Rangers' tactics on Skye</ref> Despite some successes, numbers and momentum slowly saw the Rangers and other units loyal to Olsen pushed back to the capital city of New Glasgow. Just as Robert's forces had surrounded the capital and seemed poised to capture Olsen, reinforcements from Tamar arrived, interceding against Robert's troops and giving Olsen, Duke Gilderoy and their remaining forces the chance to escape to Tamar.<ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 28: "Repaying Old Debts", Robert's forces attack Skye while Olsen and her supporters escape to Tamar</ref> With the aid of Duke [[Nels Reynolds]] of [[Fatima]] (and the timely intervention of the [[Terran Hegemony]]), Archon Robert Steiner proved victorious on Tamar, capturing Olsen and both treacherous Dukes.<ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 29: "Repaying Old Debts", Robert's forces are victorious on Tamar</ref><ref name=HHS2122-1>''Handbook: House Steiner'', pp. 21–22: "Civil War", Robert Steiner is victorious</ref> Despite their ultimate defeat, the Fourth Skye Rangers remained active, transferring their loyalty to Archon Robert Steiner and to [[House Lestrade]], a prestigious family who had supported Robert and were now raised to the Dukedom vacated by Gilderoy (who was later executed for treason).<ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 29: "Repaying Old Debts", House Lestrade now rules the Federation of Skye</ref><ref name=ER2750-52-4SR-2>''Era Report: 2750'', p. 52: "Fourth Skye Rangers (Albion)", the Rangers remain active after the civil war</ref> ===The Star League Era=== The Fourth Skye Rangers were stationed on [[Vega]] in [[2765]]. There they defended the system from "unauthorized raiders" from the [[Draconis Combine]]. The command suffered serious losses, but refused to leave to rebuild. They preferred to remain in place until the end of their original tour.<ref name=FR:2765LCAFpp18-19>''Field Report 2765: LCAF'', pp. 18–19: "Skye Rangers" - Regimental Status</ref> The Fourth Skye Rangers would take their place among the elite regiments of House Steiner during the [[Star League]] era, although they were apparently not chosen to participate in the [[Reunification War]]. They continued to specialize in the "cautious-aggressive warfare" doctrine, and by the mid-2700s, nearly two-and-a-half centuries after their formation, the Rangers were defending several worlds along the border with the [[Free Worlds League]] while they continued to receive the most advanced BattleMechs and equipment the Commonwealth could produce.<ref name=ER2750-52-4SR-3>''Era Report: 2750'', p. 52: "Fourth Skye Rangers (Albion)", the Rangers since the civil war</ref> ===The Succession Wars=== The Fourth Skye Rangers continued to serve the Federation and the Commonwealth with distinction during the [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]], although flare-ups of Skye separatism prevented the unit from being held in the same regard as units such as the [[Royal Guards]]. In [[2990]], the Fourth Rangers were based on [[Deia]] when a group of [[pirates]] attacked the planet and caught them unawares. The Rangers lost three ''[[Catapult]]''s, among other losses, and the raiders escaped.<ref name=TRO3025R-80-4SR-D>''Technical Readout: 3025 Revised'', p. 80: "Catapult: Deployment", Redjack Ryan reportedly raids the Fourth Rangers on Deia in 2990; see Notes section regarding the fact that Redjack Ryan was two years old in 2990</ref> By the end of the [[Third Succession War]] in [[3025]], the Fourth Rangers were still considered an elite regiment, based on [[Ryde]] and commanded by [[Hauptmann-Kommandant]] [[Kathleen Heany]], a [[Sanglamore|Sanglamore Academy]] graduate.<ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 119: "Unit Deployment Table (as of 3025)", Heany commands the Fourth Skye Rangers based on Ryde</ref> The Fourth Rangers' quality and performance during this time was acknowledged even by their enemies in the [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery]], although Heany's own performance was described as "spotty".<ref name=HTTD130-1>''Heir to the Dragon'', p. 130: Theodore Kurita reviews a report on the Fourth Skye Rangers</ref> In the buildup to the [[Fourth Succession War]], and as had been done with many other Lyran units, conventional regiments were permanently attached to the Fourth Rangers, officially building them up to Regimental Combat Team (RCT) level, the same formation that had proved so successful for [[House Davion]]. In addition, [[AFFS]] officers were brought in to "advise" Lyran units in the field, particularly in [[combined-arms]] tactics.<ref name=NAIS4SW1-42-LCAF-LC2>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 42: "Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces", the LCAF attempts to adapt AFFS tactics</ref> A [[Lightning Company]] was also attached to the regiment, composed of light and medium 'Mechs and staffed by warriors who had been trained in mobile tactics in the Federated Suns so they could take advantage of their superior mobility.<ref name=NAIS4SW1-42-LCAF-LC>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 42: "Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces", on Lightning Companies</ref><ref name=NAIS4SW1-61-4SR-LC>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 61: "End of the Offensive", the Fourth has a Lightning Company that joins Second Battalion on Komephoros</ref> None of this seemed to meet with approval by the traditionalist Heany, who preferred the standard Lyran practice of direct assaults with the heaviest 'Mechs available. ===Fourth Succession War=== In August [[3028]], [[Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG]], a massive invasion of the [[Draconis Combine]], was launched under the overall command of [[General#Lyran Commonwealth and Lyran Alliance|General]] [[Nondi Steiner]]. Aware that the Skye Ranger regiments and other units native to Skye were fountains of Skye separatists, Archon [[Katrina Steiner]] seeded these regiments with intelligence operatives beforehand to monitor their activities and loyalty. In this way, she helped prevent Duke [[Aldo Lestrade (31st c.)|Aldo Lestrade]] from starting a rebellion during the war.<ref name=NAIS4SW-V2-21>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 21: "Skye", Katrina has intelligence operatives infiltrate the Rangers</ref> ====Marfik==== The Fourth Skye Rangers, along with 25 conventional regiments, were assigned to invade [[Marfik]]. Though a valuable world in and of itself, Marfik was defended by the [[11th Legion of Vega]], commanded by ''[[Tai-sa]]'' [[Theodore Kurita]], the [[Heir-designate]] of the Draconis Combine. Capturing Kurita, the only son and heir of [[Coordinator]] [[Takashi Kurita]], could potentially devastate the Combine for years to come. The Eleventh Legion of Vega, supported by 12 supporting regiments, was composed of the dregs of the Combine military, castoffs and malcontents using inferior, secondhand equipment, and it was believed the superior quality of the Fourth, combined with the AFFS tactics and plans, would be more than enough to easily crush the defenders and claim Theodore Kurita (whose assignment here followed a falling-out with his father) as a prize.<ref name=NAIS4SW1-49-M1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 49: "Marfik", the Fourth Skye Rangers attack Marfik in the first wave of Operation Götterdämmerung</ref> So determined were the Lyrans to trap the Dragon's heir on the planet that they used a [[Pirate Point#Pirate Jump Points|pirate jump point]], quickly making planetfall and seemingly reducing the chance for Kurita to make his escape.<ref name=HTTD126127-1>''Heir to the Dragon'', pp. 126–127: the Lyrans use a pirate point to attempt to trap Kurita on Marfik</ref> [[File:Theodore Kurita HistBrushWars.jpg|left|thumb|[[Theodore Kurita]], the Fourth Rangers' primary target on Marfik]] The original battle plan had called for joint use of 'Mechs, [[infantry]] and [[Combat Vehicle|armor]] against the Legion. However, when the Eleventh were not encountered at Netaltown, as [[Department of Military Intelligence|Davion Intelligence]] had expected, but were still in Massingham, Heany abandoned that strategy and ignored all AFFS advice. Leaving her armor and infantry behind, she led her heavy and assault 'Mechs in a direct, frontal attack on the Eleventh in the Massingham valley on 29 August, 3028. Kurita responded by leading his second battalion in a charge, all the while his own support regiments were withdrawing into DonnerBrau Forest. The charge was a feint, designed to buy the DCMS forces enough time to escape. The Legion withdrew into the forest in good order, though twelve 'Mechs were lost against the heavier machines of the Rangers. Heany overconfidently ordered her 'Mechs to pursue, where her slower machines and lack of knowledge of the terrain soon led her forces to become lost, having lost contact with the Legion.<ref name=NAIS4SW1-49-M2>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 49: "Marfik", Heany abandons her conventional forces and Kurita uses a feint attack against the Skye Rangers</ref><ref name=HTTD135136-1>''Heir to the Dragon'', pp. 135–136: Heany orders her troops to pursue the Legion</ref><ref name=HTTD139-1>''Heir to the Dragon'', p. 139: Heany loses contact with the Legion</ref><ref name=TFSWSVO-40-SM-1>''The Fourth Succession War Scenarios Volume One'', p. 40: "A Bold Prince - Situation: Marfik, 27 August 3028", Heany abandons her support regiments which are then attacked by ''Tai-sa'' Kurita</ref> Meanwhile, Kurita led his Legion 'Mechs against the unprotected support regiments in Gether's Jewel. Still leading second battalion, Kurita wiped out several Lyran conventional regiments there though he faced heavy resistance from the elite [[13th Assault Regiment]], who spent themselves bought the remaining Lyran forces enough time to take up defensive positions. The Legion then pulled back, having seriously bloodied the Lyrans.<ref name=TFSWSVO-40-SM-1/><ref name=NAIS4SW1-50-M3>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 50: "Marfik", Heany's conventional forces are attacked</ref><ref name=HTTD137139-1>''Heir to the Dragon'', pp. 137–139: the Lyran conventional forces are attacked in Gether's Jewel</ref> After this, Heany reluctantly returned to the original strategy, including her conventional forces in the campaign and using [[aerospace fighter]]s to help track the Legion down. This proved effective, and the Rangers slowly began pushing the Kurita forces further east on the North Galfree continent. Clashes between the two sides were brief, as the numbers and quality of the Fourth Rangers took a toll on the Eleventh Legion, which was running low on supplies and spare parts to keep their equipment operational. Theodore Kurita, for his part, did a masterful job keeping his force intact, using guerrilla warfare tactics and repeatedly striking at the Lyrans and fading away back into the forest.<ref name=NAIS4SW1-50-M4>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 50: "Marfik", the campaign progresses</ref> By 26 September, the battlefield losses and lack of supplies had forced the Legion and supporting units to prepare for their last stand in the hills of Sitika, a small coastal city. The Rangers and their own troops had been damaged, but had the overwhelming advantage in numbers, supplies, territory and air support.<ref name=NAIS4SW1-50-M5>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 50: "Marfik", the Rangers prepare to finish off the Legion</ref><ref name=HTTD148149-1>''Heir to the Dragon'', pp. 148–149: Heany prepares for the final assault</ref> The following day, the Fourth Rangers began their final push. The Legion seemed to be holding its remaining 'Mechs in reserve, even as the Lyrans used 'Mechs, armor, infantry and aerospace support to push the Combine troops back. In fact, most of the supposed remaining Legion 'Mechs were harmless scrap metal mock-ups. The real 'Mechs only appeared when Lyran armor breached the Legion's lines. When Heany spotted ''Tai-sa'' Kurita's ''[[Orion]]'' leading less than a company of active Legion 'Mechs, she ordered an [[artillery]] strike to bring it down, confident she had finally succeeded in her mission. She was dismayed to find that ''[[Sho-sa]]'' [[Esau Olivares]], the Legion's first battalion commander, was in fact piloting the machine. The entire defense was planned to buy Theodore Kurita enough time to escape Marfik on a [[DropShip]] disguised with Lyran colors.<ref name=NAIS4SW1-50-M6>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 50: "Marfik", the Battle of Sitika</ref><ref name=HTTD157159-1>''Heir to the Dragon'', pp. 157–159: the Battle of Sitika</ref> Heany and the Fourth Skye Rangers had successfully taken Marfik, but it had taken weeks longer than was expected and, more importantly, they had failed to capture or kill Theodore Kurita. As a result of the Gether's Jewel incident and the losses incurred there, Heany and several of her command staff were at one point placed under house arrest pending an inquiry by a furious [[Colonel]] Randolph J. Thompson of the Thirteenth Assault Regiment, acting under the orders of General Nondi Steiner.<ref name=TFSWSVO-40-VD-1>''The Fourth Succession War Scenarios Volume One'', p. 40: "Valiant Defenders", Thompson holds Heany under house arrest after the Gether's Jewel debacle</ref> Kurita himself escaped to [[Vega]], where he rallied two [[Legion of Vega]] regiments to a stunning victory. The Kurita heir continued to represent a major thorn in the side of the Lyran invaders for the remainder of the war. ====Later Actions==== In the follow-up attacks, the Fourth split into two groups. First and Third Battalions invaded [[Kimball II]], but were unexpectedly opposed by the [[3rd Dieron Regulars]]. Second Battalion and the attached Lightning Company struck at [[Komephoros]], where they were attacked by the [[17th Benjamin Regulars]]. Although they held their own on both fronts, being split up and outnumbered demoralized the Fourth Rangers.<ref name=NAIS4SW1-61-4SR-FU>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 61: "End of the Offensive", the Fourth's followup attacks face resistance</ref> This was the status quo when the war went into a "lull", an unofficial ceasefire that saw fighting even on contested planets reduced to a standstill. The Fourth Skye took full advantage of the lull, resting up and preparing new battle plans. By the time the lull ended, the Fourth Skye Ranger elements on Kimball II were ready to take full advantage, going on the offensive and driving the Kuritans back. On Komephoros, the Rangers managed to push the Seventeenth from their defensive positions, taking the advantage. Despite superior numbers, both Kuritan regiments withdrew from their worlds in late July,<ref name=NAIS4SW2-71-RT1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 71: "Ryde Theater", both contingents of Skye Rangers are successful</ref> and were eventually rerouted to participate in [[Operation Contagion]], an attempted counterassault against the Commonwealth. Overall, the Fourth Skye Rangers performed admirably during the conflict, capturing three worlds on their own. However, the failure to capture Theodore Kurita on Marfik and possibly the Gether's Jewel blunder would reflect on Kathleen Heany for the rest of her career, and she would be reassigned some years later. ===War of 3039=== [[File:Sunzhang.png|right|thumb|The Fourth Rangers faced two [[Sun Zhang Academy Cadre]] units on [[Kessel]]]] In [[3039]], [[First Prince]] [[Hanse Davion]] would launch the inevitable joint invasion of the Draconis Combine in an effort to destroy the ancient enemy of both the Commonwealth and the [[Federated Suns]]. The resulting conflict would be known as the [[War of 3039]]. The Fourth Skye Rangers were by this time listed as a permanent RCT on the rolls of the LCAF,<ref name=HW39-138-4SR>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 138: "Deployment Table: Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces", 4th Skye Rangers RCT status and movements during the war</ref> and more importantly were under the leadership of a new commander: [[Hauptmann General]] [[William Harrison von Frisch]].<ref name=HW3039-30-4SR-1>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 30: "Kessel (April - June)", von Frisch takes command</ref> Although a native "son of Skye", von Frisch, a veteran of the fighting on Marfik, fully embraced the new combined-arms strategies, soon whipping the Rangers into a truly formidable unit.<ref name=FMLA100-4SR-O>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 100: "4th Skye Rangers RCT: Albion - Officers", William Harrison von Frisch is described</ref> Finally, as they were considered a prestigious command with vital objectives, the Rangers were among those units issued experimental [[Listen-Kill Missile]]s, a rare new technology that was intended to give them a further edge in combat.<ref name=HW3039-30-4SR-2>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 30: "Kessel (April - June)", "advanced munitions" mentioned refer to Listen-Kill missiles</ref> The Fourth Rangers, already based on Ryde,<ref name=HW39-138-4SR/> a major jump-off point for the Lyran invasion, would find themselves joining the [[Second Donegal Guards]] RCT and [[Eleventh Lyran Regulars]] in the Allied attack on [[Kessel]], a key industrial and political capital that had long been disputed between the Commonwealth and Combine. Under the overall command of the Guards' commander, [[Leutnant-General]] [[Caesar Steiner]], both Allied RCTs assaulted the planet after jumping into the system from a [[pirate point]], catching the [[12th Sun Zhang Academy Cadre]] by surprise. Converging on the capital city of Sverdlovsk, the defending Kurita training cadre fought well against the Lyran forces, but von Frisch skillfully drew them out of position, feigning a retreat and pulling the Kuritans away from their fortifications. At that point, the Rangers and the Guards lit into the cadets, destroying a battalion's worth of the cadre. The Twelfth Sun Zhang retreated into the northern woods of the continent, and soon thereafter their [[DropShip]]s were seen boosting into orbit. Despite having apparently conquered the planet, the Lyrans faced a spirited insurgency from the supposed civilian population, facing acts of sabotage and civil disobedience. A number of soldiers were killed, and both units were forced to remain on-planet for months longer than was expected, making them unavailable elsewhere.<ref name=HW3039-30-4SR-3>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 30: "Kessel (April - June)", the Battle of Kessel</ref> The fighting with the Cadre had inflicted only light damage on the Rangers.<ref name=HW39-138-4SR/> On 12 July, Kuritan [[yakuza]] loyalists, with the support of the [[ISF]] and elements of the Twelfth Sun Zhang, began a series of terrorist acts against the occupying force, killing hundreds of Lyran soldiers. When the [[Diverse Optics Incorporated|Diverse Optics]] plant was raided by 'Mechs, the Lyrans realized the Twelfth Cadre had never left the planet. On 16 July, Kuritan reinforcements arrived. Not only would the Twelfth be joined by the [[5th Sun Zhang Academy Cadre]], but the elite [[Second Sword of Light]], one of the most infamous regiments in the history of the [[Inner Sphere]], joined the defenders. General Steiner, fearing for the planetary life-support infrastructure at the capital, instead challenged the Kuritans to face him at Gershtad spaceport on the southern continent. Steiner had a slight numerical superiority in his forces, and had several days to prepare defenses. They were disadvantaged, however, by the climate of Kessel, which effectively neutralized their infantry regiments. On 1 August, the Second Sword of Light began the main assault on the entrenched Lyran positions. This time, the Rangers found their LK missiles less effective, as the DCMS troops had developed an [[ECM]] jammer to neutralize the new guidance system. At the same time, the Steel Dragon used LK missiles themselves, against which the Lyrans had no defense. After over a week of sparring, the Skye Rangers fell back from their positions on the right flank, giving the Fifth Cadre an opening into which they charged. The Rangers and the Donegal Guards promptly turned on the Cadre, virtually destroying it while taking significant losses themselves. Meanwhile, the Second Sword used artillery and air strikes to smash the lines of the Eleventh before General Steiner and a relief force of Donegal Guards arrived to help push the Kuritans back. Both sides had been bloodied by the fighting, but the DCMS troops still had the support of the yakuza, the ISF and much of the civilian population. Over the next few weeks, both sides settled into a siege mentality, testing each other with pinprick attacks. On 3 September, ISF commandos successfully blew up their main ammunition dump, severely limiting the Lyrans' operations. When no reinforcements or support was forthcoming a month later, General Steiner recognized that victory was not achievable, and he ordered his troops to evacuate.<ref name=HW3039-7475-4SR-1>''Historical: War of 3039'', pp. 74–75: "Kessel (July - December)", the Battle of Kessel continues</ref> Overall damage to the Fourth Rangers was heavy, but their successful tactics on Kessel helped the unit to maintain its elite standing even in defeat.<ref name=HW39-138-4SR/> After retreating back to Ryde,<ref name=HW39-138-4SR/> the Fourth Rangers were rotated to Komephoros,<ref name=HW39-138-4SR/> another planet they were already familiar with. ===Clan Invasion=== [[File:Clan Jade Falcon.jpg|left|thumb|[[Clan Jade Falcon]]]] {{main|Battle of Morges (3054)}} When the [[Clan Invasion]] struck in [[3050]], the Fourth Skye Rangers RCT were still based on Komephoros, in the newly reorganized Ryde Theater of the [[Skye March]] under the new [[Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth]]. Still under the command of von Frisch, they retained their elite status, as well as their questionable loyalty rating.<ref>''20 Year Update'', p. 26: "Skye March: Ryde Theater", Fourth Skye Rangers stationed on Komephoros, unit quality, loyalty and commander listed</ref> After the [[Truce of Tukayyid]], the Rangers were rotated to the [[Clan]] front, and in February [[3054]], they headed to [[Morges]] as part of a task force to counterattack against an invasion by [[Clan Jade Falcon]]'s [[Vau Galaxy (Clan Jade Falcon)|Peregrine Galaxy]]. In addition to the Fourth Rangers, the [[20th Arcturan Guards]] along with [[Beta Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Beta Regiment]] and the [[Black Widow Battalion]] of the elite [[mercenary]] [[Wolf's Dragoons]], including the legendary Colonel [[Jaime Wolf]], formed the relief force. The Rangers spearheaded the drive to force the Falcons from the planet in a series of intense clashes over a two-day period that saw three-quarters of the Falcon 'Mechs knocked out of the fighting with damage. Although they lost a battalion's worth of their own troops during the battle, the Rangers gained invaluable experience against the Clans. The entire campaign was considered a glowing success for the Rangers and the AFFC, and a humiliating defeat for the Falcons. The Fourth Rangers would remain on Morges afterwards, taking the place of Morges' destroyed garrison.<ref name=FMLA100-4SR-M>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 100: "4th Skye Rangers RCT: Albion", Fourth Skye Rangers fight on Morges</ref><ref name=JFS33-1>''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', p. 33: "Tukayyid Aftermath", Peregrine Galaxy fights the Fourth Rangers and other units on Morges</ref><ref name=WP8289-1>''Wolf Pack'', pp. 82–89: the Dragoons help the Fourth Rangers and the AFFC drive off the Falcons at the Battle of Morges</ref><ref name=ER3062-12-1>''Era Report: 3062'', p. 12: "Timeline of Events: 3053-3062", February - Battle of Morges</ref><ref name=OR23-4SR>''Objective Raids'', p. 23: "Armed Forces of the Federated Commonwealth (Deployment as of 3054) - Tamar March - Tharkad Military District", Fourth Skye Rangers RCT strength at two battalions based on Morges</ref><ref name=NS28-1>''Natural Selection'', p. 28: Victor comments on the Jade Falcon invasion of Morges</ref> ===Second Skye Rebellion=== {{main|Second Skye Rebellion}} [[File:4th Skye Guards logo.jpg|right|thumb|The [[4th Skye Guards]]]] In [[3056]], the Fourth Skye Rangers were relocated back to the Isle of Skye at the order of Duke [[Richard Steiner (31st c.)|Richard Steiner]], who had ascended to the Duchy of Skye through marriage and was already [[Field Marshal]] of the Skye March.<ref name=BH57-1>''Blood of Heroes'', p. 57: Fourth Skye Rangers return to Skye space</ref> Duke Steiner had entered into a pact with his cousin [[Ryan Steiner]], Duke of [[Porrima]] and leader of the Free Skye Movement, to secure the independence of Skye from the Federated Commonwealth.<ref name=BH5657-1>''Blood of Heroes'', pp. 56–57: Robert and Ryan Steiner enter a pact</ref> The Fourth Skye Rangers deferred to Duke Steiner and the Free Skye movement over the AFFC High Command, and the entire Skye Rangers brigade combined was seen as a strong foundation for the rebellion to build upon.<ref name=BH57-1/> As his first target, Duke Steiner chose to eliminate the mercenary [[Gray Death Legion]] on [[Glengarry]], the only formidable "pro-Davion" force remaining in the March. The task force he sent would fall under the overall command of [[Kommandant-General#Lyran_Commonwealth_and_Lyran_Alliance|General-Kommandant]] [[Wilhelm von Bulow]], one of Duke Richard's closest supporters and the hereditary heir to the defunct Barony of Glengarry, and would be composed primarily of the [[10th Skye Rangers]] (who officially had defected as individuals). For conventional assets, elements of the Fourth Rangers' armor and infantry brigades also "defected" and were attached to the task force. Designated the [[4th Skye Guards]] and under the command of Hauptmann-General [[Leonidas Brannock]], an officer formerly on the Duke's staff, the Free Skye rebels arrived in the Glengarry system on 1 April.<ref name=HTPG8-1>''Historical Turning Points: Glengarry'', p. 8: "Combatants: Fourth Skye Guards", Fourth Skye Guards are amalgamated from Fourth and Tenth Skye Rangers</ref><ref name=DH60-1>''Day of Heroes'', p. 60: "Campaign: The Second Skye Rebellion", Skye rebels attack Glengarry</ref> Despite being outnumbered three-to-one by their enemies and with most of their leadership off-planet, the Legion responded with an effective guerrilla campaign against the separatists, pushing back the Duke's timetable several months. In December, Loyalist reinforcements arrived in the form of [[Grayson Carlyle]] and elements of the [[Northwind Highlanders]]. Unsupported, low on supplies and exhausted after a long campaign, the separatists were forced to surrender.<ref>''Historical Turning Points: Glengarry'', p. 15: "To the Pipes: Aftermath", Carlyle and the Highlanders arrive and end the campaign</ref> With Ryan Steiner's death, the revolt would sputter and die. The Fourth Skye Rangers would return to the Clan front. ===Lyran Secession=== When the [[Lyran Alliance]] seceded from the Federated Commonwealth in [[3057]], the Fourth Rangers remained on Morges. [[Khan]] [[Phelan Ward]] arrived in the Morges system in November of that year with two [[Wolf Clan]] [[Galaxy|Galaxies]] in tow, bringing the [[Refusal War]] to Inner Sphere space, and they were granted safe passage by the Khan's father, Duke [[Morgan Kell]].<ref name=BFW262>''Bred for War'', p. 262: Fourth Skye Rangers on Morges at two battalions</ref> The Falcons would soon arrive and engage the Wolves and [[Kell Hounds]] in a climactic battle, but the Rangers and the Twentieth Arcturan Guard would apparently be kept out of that conflict. Meanwhile, the former Skye March was reorganized into the [[Skye Province]], nearly matching the borders of the old Federation of Skye. Little changed for the Fourth Skye Rangers, although from their base on Morges they would become part of the [[Arc-Royal Defense Cordon]], a semi-independent state formed by Grand Duke Morgan Kell, to defend against the Clans and unofficially to oppose Archon [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]]'s rule. The Fourth Rangers and their commander, [[Leutnant-General]] von Frisch, were particularly disturbed by the Archon designating their sister regiments in the Tenth and [[22nd Skye Rangers]] as "sink" units, filling them with incompetent officers and warriors with questionable loyalties, and primarily arming them with second-rate equipment.<ref name=FMLA100-4SR-ARDC>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 100: "4th Skye Rangers RCT: Albion", the Fourth Skye Rangers after the secession</ref> There were even reportedly attempts by the High Command to do the same to the Fourth Rangers,<ref name=SS46-1>''Shattered Sphere'', p. 46: "Military Assets", the Fourth Skye Rangers are listed as a "dumping ground" unit for "Davion loyalists"</ref> but their placement in the ARDC apparently prevented the LAAF from carrying through with that plan. The Fourth Rangers were again disturbed that the [[LAAF]] command did not decide to rebuild the Tenth Rangers after their sacrifice on [[Coventry]] during the [[Jade Falcon Incursion (3058)|Falcon incursion]] of [[3058]], instead folding them into the 22nd Rangers. The Fourth themselves, as part of the ARDC, were not directly impacted by the LAAF's policies. The Rangers were also disturbed Duke Kell did not release them to raid the Jade Falcon occupation zone, despite the protests of von Frisch, who proposed many offensive operations.<ref name=FMLA100-4SR-ARDC/> As part of the ARDC, the LAAF refused to send the Fourth Rangers any of the Alliance's new 'Mech designs or equipment, and they were forced to rely on Duke Kell for their logistical needs. Despite this, they continued to boast a high equipment quality, even fielding a small number of captured Clan [[OmniMechs]].<ref name=FMLA100-4SR-2-EQ>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 100: "4th Skye Rangers RCT: Albion - 4th Skye Rangers", Fourth Skye Rangers' equipment situation</ref> They were reportedly back up to full strength as an RCT by this time, with no indications of being short from either the battles against the Falcons or from elements of their conventional assets "defecting" to the Skye Guards back during the rebellion of 3056.<ref name=FMLA100-4SR-ABIB>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 100: "4th Skye Armored Brigade", "4th Skye Infantry Brigade", Fourth Skye Rangers RCT boast a full three armored regiments and five infantry regiments</ref> They were once again stationed on Morges, and were considered likely neutral in the simmering dispute between Katherine and her brother, deposed [[Archon-Prince]] [[Victor Steiner-Davion]].<ref name=SS49-1>''Shattered Sphere'', p. 49: "Lyran Alliance Armed Forces - Deployment as of 30 December 3061", the Fourth Skye Rangers' deployment</ref><ref name=FMLA125-4SR-1>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 125: "Lyran Alliance Forces - Deployment as of November 3062", the Fourth Skye Rangers' deployment</ref> They played no role in [[Operation Guerrero]] or in the destruction of the [[Clan Smoke Jaguar|Smoke Jaguars]] by [[Operation Bulldog]]. ===FedCom Civil War and the Third Skye Rebellion=== [[File:Robert Kelswa-Steiner.jpg|left|thumb|Duke [[Robert Kelswa-Steiner]], the Rangers' liege lord]] In late [[3062]], [[FedCom Civil War]] erupted across both realms of the former Federated Commonwealth. Officially neutral, the Fourth Rangers remained on Morges in the opening months of the war.<ref name=FCCW183-4SR-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 183: "Deployment Tables: Skye Rangers", 4th Skye Rangers RCT remain neutral on Morges</ref> ====Early Actions==== Before the first wave of the conflict ended, Duke [[Robert Kelswa-Steiner]], the son of Ryan Steiner who had succeeded his father as leader of the Free Skye Movement, called all three regiments of the Rangers home to the Skye Province. Although they lacked a [[Command Circuit|command circuit]] of JumpShips and making their way to Skye would take months, the progress of the war would allow them to make their way through the Alliance while drawing little attention to themselves from either the Lyran High Command or the Allies. In their first relocation, the Fourth Rangers made their way to [[Summit]].<ref name=FCCW69-4SR-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 69: "Strategic Movements", Fourth Skye Rangers RCT reach Summit under the orders of Duke Kelswa-Steiner</ref><ref name=FCCW183-4SR-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 183: "Deployment Tables: Skye Rangers", Fourth Skye Rangers RCT reach Summit</ref> Leutnant-General von Frisch had an easy time concealing the Rangers' movements as they made their way to [[Mesa Verde]] during the second wave.<ref name=FCCW8990-4SR-1>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 89–90: "Strategic Movements", Fourth Skye Rangers RCT reach Mesa Verde under concealment</ref><ref name=FCCW183-4SR-3>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 183: "Deployment Tables: Skye Rangers", 4th Skye Rangers RCT reach Mesa Verde</ref> 10 June, [[3064]], the Fourth Rangers finally arrived on Skye, greeted by Duke Kelswa-Steiner who honored them with a parade.<ref name=FCCW105-4SR-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 105: "Strategic Movements", the Fourth Skye Rangers RCT reach Skye and are given a parade by Duke Kelswa-Steiner</ref><ref name=FCCW183-4SR-4>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 183: "Deployment Tables: Skye Rangers", 4th Skye Rangers RCT reach Skye</ref> There are indications that Duke Robert Kelswa-Steiner also helped equip the Fourth Rangers with some of the new Lyran 'Mechs and equipment they had previously been denied in the ARDC, such as the ''[[Hauptmann (OmniMech)|Hauptmann]]'' OmniMech.<ref name=TDT-137-H1>''The Dying Time'', p. 137: Colonel Kalmar-Carlyle engages a Fourth Rangers' ''Hauptmann'' on Hesperus</ref> On 16 April [[3065]], Duke Kelswa-Steiner was arrested by Archon Katherine on charges of sedition and treason. The Duke had planned for this, however, as nominal command of the Free Skye Movement fell to his top aide, General [[John Claverhouse Dundee]]. With the situation in the Skye Province further inflamed, the situation was ripe for the rebellion that Duke Robert Kelswa-Steiner had planned.<ref name=FCCW130131-1>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 130–131: "The Free Skye Revolt", Duke Kelswa-Steiner is arrested</ref> The [[Third Skye Rebellion]] had begun. ====Hesperus II==== {{main|Hesperus_II#Fifteenth_battle|l1=Fifteenth Battle of Hesperus}} =====Arrival===== On 28 June, the Fourth Skye Rangers arrived in the [[Hesperus II|Hesperus]] system, accompanied by two ''[[Fox (WarShip class)|Fox]]''-class [[WarShips]], the LAS ''Illustrious'' and the FCS ''Indefatigable'', both under control of the Free Skye military. Their ultimate objective was the [[Defiance Industries]] complex on Hesperus II, the largest BattleMech factory in existence. Fourteen times opposing powers had attempted to seize Hesperus, and fourteen times the Lyrans had rallied to push back the invaders. With Hesperus in its hands, Free Skye would have the military industrial base needed to win its independence from the Alliance. Albion and its Free Skye allies intended the fifteenth occasion to be the charm, with their commanding General, von Frisch, in overall command of the operation, and the Fourth Rangers designated the primary attack force. The Twenty-second Skye Rangers were already on-planet, having used Hesperus III for cover. The Fourth Rangers' flotilla was confronted by the FCS ''Simon Davion'', an ''[[Avalon]]''-class cruiser easily outmassing the two ''Fox''-class corvettes accompanying the Rangers.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-A-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", the Fourth Skye Rangers arrive in-system with WarShip support</ref><ref name=TDT49-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 49: Von Frisch named commander of the primary attack force</ref> The ''Simon Davion'' destroyed the ''Illustrious'', but a surprise attack by the ''Indefatigable'' allowed a successful boarding action, giving the rebels control of the ship and opening the door for the Fourth Skye to approach the planet.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-A-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", WarShip battle results in the Skye Rangers' capture of the ''Simon Davion''</ref> Defending the planet were [[15th Lyran Guards]], the [[36th Lyran Guards]], the corporate [[Defiance Self-Protection Force]], and the infamous mercenary Gray Death Legion, who had earned the enmity of Free Skye ten years earlier on Glengarry.<ref name=FCCW146147-4SR-1>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 146–147: "Hesperus II", Loyalist defenders of Hesperus II</ref> [[File:Defiance Industries logo.png|right|thumb|150px|[[Defiance Industries]], the Rangers' primary target]] Von Frisch's plan called for the Fourth to launch their opening assault on [[Doering Electronics]] in the Caran River basin, far from the planet's capital city of Maria's Elegy and further still from the main objective of the Defiance mountain complex,<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-D-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", the Fourth Rangers land at Doering, forcing the defenders to withdraw</ref><ref name=TDT133-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 133: the Rangers' DropShip head towards the Doering plant</ref> hoping to lure the defenders away from their base. Indeed, once the Fourth's opening target became clear, the Loyalists, commanded by Leutnant-General [[Gina Ciampa]], sent the Legion and a battalion of her own 'Mechs from the Fifteenth to defend Doering, along with two Lyran Guard conventional regiments.<ref name=TDT134-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 134: Ciampa sends forces to defend Doering</ref> On June 30, the two forces clashed, with von Frisch boldly dropping two companies of light and medium 'Mechs on the facilities themselves in a combat drop while the rest of the Fourth Rangers landed and engaged the main enemy force.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-D-1/><ref name=TDT136-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 136: the Fourth drop two companies of 'Mechs on Doering before landing</ref> The Loyalist forces attempted to hold Doering, but took serious losses once Albion was able to bring its full strength to bear, scattering the Lyran Guards battalion and driving Legion back. The defenders were forced to retreat to their DropShips and withdraw back to the capital, effectively surrendering the facility to the rebels.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-D-1/><ref name=TDT140142-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 140–142: the Skye Rangers drive the defenders away from Doering</ref> General Von Frisch left an armor regiment and two infantry regiments to hold Doering,<ref name=TDT149-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 149: Von Frisch leaves a holding force to defend the Doering plant</ref> then set his sights on his primary objective. The rest of the Fourth Rangers loaded back into their DropShips, and headed towards Defiance Industries.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-D-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", the Fourth Rangers lift off and begin moving on Defiance Industries</ref> The Defiance Self-Protection Force found themselves under attack by Skye aerospace fighters and artillery, looking to clear the way for both Ranger units to attack. Skye Ranger 'Mechs soon followed, as the Fourth and Twenty-second began their first push. Although the corporate force couldn't match the skill of the rebels (and certainly not the Fourth Rangers) they, equipped with some of the best 'Mechs Defiance could offer, were well entrenched with their own artillery support, and used static defenses and minefields to good effect. With a six-to-one advantage, however, the Rangers drove the DSPF back. It would be up to the Fifteenth Guards and the Gray Death Legion to stop the rebels from taking the factories.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-DI-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Free Skye fighters attack the DSPF</ref><ref name=TDT153162-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 153–162: the Skye Rangers meet the DSPF in battle, driving them back</ref> The Gray Death Legion desperately attempted to make it back to the Myoo Highlands using [[Maglev engine|MagLev]] trains, but Skye Rangers were able to ambush the train and scatter much of the Legion.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-MAG-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Loyalists ambush Maglev trains taking the GDL to Defiance</ref> The commander of the Fifteenth, Leutnant-General [[Gina Ciampa]], attempted to send a call for reinforcements from the LAAF High Command through [[ComStar]].<ref name=FCCW147-GC-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Ciampa issues request for reinforcements through ComStar</ref><ref name=TDT198-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 198: Ciampa attempts to send an HPG message</ref> The ''Simon Davion'', with its advanced sensors, detected the signal, and alerted von Frisch. Realizing the danger, von Frisch ordered the ''Simon Davion'' to bombard the ComStar [[HPG]] station from orbit in order to prevent the transmission. Von Frisch understood the danger, but intended a surgical strike.<ref name=FCCW147-SD-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Von Frisch orders the HPG station destroyed; the bombardment destroys much of the spaceport, kills many in the Fifteenth Guards</ref><ref name=TDT198199-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 198–199: Von Frisch orders bombardment of the Hesperus HPG station</ref> The WarShip [[Captain|Kaptain]], Elena Cerlenko, inadvertently exceeded this, however, destroying not only the HPG station but much of the entire spaceport of Maria's Elegy, where both the Fifteenth Guards and the Legion had been based.<ref name=FCCW147-SD-2/><ref name=TDT199200-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 199–200: Kaptain Cerlenko orders a broadside</ref> Thousands were killed, including much of the Fifteenth Guards' conventional forces along with several 'Mechs. The barracks the Gray Death Legion had been using was also destroyed, as well as several Legion aerospace fighters.<ref name=TDT200202-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 200–202: the HPG station is destroyed along with the GDL barracks, GDL fighters, Lyran 'Mechs and vehicles</ref> This action could be considered a war crime under the [[Ares Conventions]], and a horrified Von Frisch resolved himself to capturing the planet to ease the dishonor done to his command and to Skye.<ref name=FCCW147-VF-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Von Frisch believes redemption will only come in victory</ref><ref name=TDT203204-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 203–204: Von Frisch believes he must win the battle of Hesperus to avoid political ramifications</ref> For a full week, the loyalists and rebels sparred. The GDL raided Free Skye positions, attempting to harass and harry them. Despite some successful strikes by the Legion, longtime legionnaire [[Lieutenant Colonel]] [[Davis McCall]], the unit's executive officer, was killed during the fighting on 8 July, crippling the Legion's morale and forcing them to retreat.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-GDL-DM-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Lieutenant Colonel Davis McCall is killed</ref><ref name=TDT248-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 248: McCall is killed fighting a ''Rakshasa'' and a ''Guillotine''</ref> A few days later, the Rangers received reinforcements when the [[32nd Lyran Guards]] RCT, who had been negotiating with Duke Robert Kelswa-Steiner and his representatives for some time, arrived in-system under Skye's banner. Also arriving were the [[17th Skye Rangers]], who had finally made it back to their home province. Von Frisch ordered the Thirty-second, which would make planetfall on the 18th, to make a low-altitude drop directly on the Defiance complex. The Fourth and Twenty-second Rangers would support the landings, and the entire force would then attack in force. He further ordered the Seventeenth to head to Maldon to keep the Thirty-sixth Guards from joining the other defenders in the Myoo Highlands.<ref name=FCCW147-4SR-REF-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", reinforcements arrive in the Thirty-second Lyran Guards and Seventeenth Skye Rangers</ref><ref name=TDT259-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 259: Von Frisch orders the Thirty-second Guards to join in the main offensive and the Seventeenth Rangers to Maldon</ref> This gave the three remaining Free Skye units, led by the elite Fourth, a distinct numerical advantage over the other defending units - the Fifteenth, the Legion and the HSPF - who had all already taken serious damage during the campaign. =====First Assault on Defiance===== [[File:Gray Death Legion logo.jpg|left|thumb|The [[Gray Death Legion]] opposed the Rangers on Hesperus]] On 18 July, the rebels launched their main assault, with the relatively fresh Thirty-second Guards leading the main drive, supported by the Skye Rangers. The result was the bloodiest fighting of the campaign.<ref name=FCCW147-J18-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", the Rebels assault Defiance itself on July 18</ref> The Red Arrows pushed directly into the Gray Death Legion while the Rangers pressured the Fifteenth Lyran Guards, driving them back towards the mountain facility.<ref name=TDT266-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 266: the Skye Rangers hit the Fifteenth</ref> The Fifteenth managed to destroy the Twenty-second Rangers as a cohesive unit, though with heavy losses.<ref name=FCCW147-22SR-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", the Fifteenth Lyran Guards crush the Twenty-second Rangers</ref><ref name=FCCW183-15LG-W5-H-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 183: "Deployment Tables: Lyran Guards", 15th Lyran Guards take heavy damage during Wave Five on Hesperus II</ref> The Legion, however, was forced to hold the line against the turncoat Thirty-second, supported by elements of the Fourth Skye Rangers.<ref name=FCCW147-GDL-2OO-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", the Legion faces two Free Skye regiments</ref><ref name=TDT266-4SR-S-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 266: a Skye Ranger ''Salamander'' is seen among the Free Skye 'Mechs attacking the Legion</ref> Despite massive casualties to all sides, the defenders were driven back into the mountain complex. Lead elements of the Thirty-second Guards actually drove deep into the Defiance cavern in a running battle with the loyalists.<ref name=TDT266268-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 266–268: the Rebels drive the defenders into Defiance</ref> In the end, the Legion successfully checked the assault, capturing the Thirty-second's commander, Leutnant-General Alice Day, when her ''[[Axman]]'' was destroyed by Captain Brewer and his lance.<ref name=FCCW147-GDL-AD-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Alice Day, the Thirty-second's commander, is captured</ref><ref name=TDT273-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 273: Alice Day is captured after ejecting from her ''Axman'' by GDL infantry</ref><ref name=TDT276-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 276: Alice Day identified</ref> The loss of their commander led the Thirty-second Guards to withdraw, and the Skye Rangers were forced to follow suit. The Legion, however, had been all but obliterated themselves. Colonel [[Lori Kalmar-Carlyle]], the Gray Death Legion's commander, was killed by Free Skye infantry after ejecting from her ''[[Victor]]''.<ref name=FCCW147-GDL-D1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 147: "Hesperus II", Colonel Kalmar-Carlyle is killed along with most of the Legion; survivors join DSPF</ref><ref name=TDT269-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 269: Lori Kalmar-Carlyle is killed by a grenade</ref> Less than a company of 'Mechs had survived, with other combat elements suffering even worse casualties. With most of their ranking officers killed, the Gray Death Legion, one of the most respected mercenary units in the Inner Sphere for fifty years, had effectively been destroyed, their survivors - led by Duke [[Daniel Brewer]], Captain in the Legion and CEO of Defiance - incorporated into the HSPF.<ref name=FCCW147-GDL-D1/><ref name=TDT275276-1>''The Dying Time'', pp. 275–276: less than a dozen damaged 'Mechs still standing at the end</ref> Despite destroying the Legion and heavily damaging the Fifteenth Guards, the Fourth Rangers and their allied units had all been mauled over the course of the fighting.<ref name=FCCW163164-4SR-1-C>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 163–164: "Hesperus II", the Free Skye forces had taken damage</ref> The Thirty-second Lyran Guards, without their commander, were completely demoralized with internal dissent, despite having only suffered moderate damage overall.<ref name=FCCW163164-4SR-1-C/><ref name=FCCW183-32LG-W5-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 183: "Deployment Tables: Lyran Guards", 32nd Lyran Guards RCT takes moderate damage during wave five</ref> The Seventeenth Rangers had been mauled opposing the Thirty-sixth Guards,<ref name=FCCW163164-4SR-1-C/><ref name=FCCW183-4SR-H2-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 183: "Deployment Tables: Skye Rangers", 17th Skye Rangers take moderate damage during Wave Five on Hesperus II</ref> and the Twenty-second Rangers, who had spearheaded the campaign to begin with, were down to a few survivors, a unit existing mostly on paper.<ref name=FCCW163164-4SR-1-C/><ref name=FCCW183-4SR-H2-3>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 183: "Deployment Tables: Skye Rangers", 22nd Skye Rangers listed as destroyed during Wave Five on Hesperus II</ref> The Fourth Rangers, for their own part, had escaped with moderate damage,<ref name=FCCW163164-4SR-1-C/><ref name=FCCW183-4SR-H2-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 183: "Deployment Tables: Skye Rangers", 4th Skye Rangers RCT take moderate damage during Wave Five on Hesperus II</ref> but could not capture the vaunted factories themselves. As the defending loyalist units lacked the strength to drive the rebels from the planet, however, the campaign fell into a lull. Months passed, with neither side able to do anything to dislodge the other. Meanwhile, the Loyalists of Katherine Steiner-Davion were denied the 'Mechs of Defiance Industries. =====Second Assault on Defiance===== On 3 March, [[3066]], General Dundee was able to send reinforcements in the form of the [[14th Lyran Guards]], another RCT defecting to the Free Skye movement. The Fourteenth, despite being under orders to wait for [[Maria Esteban]] to arrive, immediately assaulted the Thirty-sixth Guards at the Maldon mining complex. Although the Fearsome Fourteenth were successful in smashing the Air Surfers and driving them away, the Fourteenth took significant losses themselves during a counterattack by the Air Surfers.<ref name=FCCW164-4SR-14LR-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 164: "Hesperus II", the Fourteenth Lyran Guards RCT arrives and attacks the Thirty-sixth Lyran Guards</ref> Overall, losses to both Lyran Guard units were moderate at that point.<ref name=FCCW183-LG-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 183: "Deployment Tables: Lyran Guards", The Fourteenth and Thirty-sixth Lyran Guards both take moderate damage during wave five</ref> Meanwhile, Leutnant-General von Frisch and his troops, seemingly recharged by the Fourteenth's actions, rallied and drove on Defiance once again. The Fifteenth Guards and the HSPF were pushed nearly to the brink with serious losses, but the Free Skye forces were once again forced to retreat.<ref name=FCCW164-4SR-1-LD>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 164: "Hesperus II", the Fourth and their Free Skye allies again attack Defiance, but cannot breach the defenses</ref> This time, losses to the Fourth were heavy.<ref name=FCCW183-4SR-6W-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 183: "Deployment Tables: Skye Rangers", The Fourth Skye Rangers take heavy losses during the sixth wave</ref> This last setback convinced von Frisch that the Free Skye forces could not achieve a victory on Hesperus, and that his troops had shed enough blood in the name of independence. He ordered his Fourth Rangers to begin withdrawing on 11 April,<ref name=FCCW164-VF-R-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 164: "Hesperus II", Von Frisch orders the Fourth Rangers to retreat</ref><ref name=FMU173-SR-2>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 173: "Skye Rangers: Fourth Skye Rangers RCT", the Fourth Rangers abandon Hesperus</ref> heading back to Skye. Ironically, General Esteban was already in-system, burning towards the planet, along with the newly formed [[1st Skye Guard|Skye Guard]] as further reinforcements.<ref name=FCCW164-4SR-E>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 164: "Hesperus II", Maria Esteban arrives just as the Fourth has left</ref><ref name=FMU173-SR-SG-1>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 173: "Skye Rangers: Skye Guards", the Skye Guards on Hesperus</ref> The question of whether Esteban could have won if the Fourth Skye Rangers had remained would be left to the historians.<ref name=FMU173-SR-1>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 173: "Skye Rangers: Skye Guards", the 'what if' debate if the Fourth hadn't pulled out</ref> ====Skye==== [[File:Peter Steiner-Davion HBHS.jpg|right|thumb|[[Archon]] [[Peter Steiner-Davion]]]] On 19 June, the Fourth Rangers arrived back in the Skye system. Their arrival proved seemingly fortuitous to the rebels, as Skye was under attack by the elite [[Eleventh Arcturan Guards]] RCT. Although Skye had been defended by the [[1st Skye Jaegers|Skye Jaegers]] and numerous planetary militias, they proved no match for a unit that had previously chased Prince Victor's [[Allies (FCCW)|Allied]] task force halfway across the Inner Sphere. At the direction of General Dundee, the Jaegers had been forced to abandon the capital of New Glasgow, engaging in a mobile defense all over the continent of New Scotland. When they heard the arrival of the Fourth Skye Rangers, the Eleventh Arcturan, commanded by Leutnant-General [[Linda McDonald (31st c.)|Linda McDonald]], broke off pursuit of the Jaegers and focused instead on the capital, which was still loyal to the Free Skye movement and full of insurgents.<ref name=FCCW164-S-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 164: "Skye", the situation on Skye between loyalists and rebels</ref> General von Frisch, however, contacted McDonald, informing her he intended to remain neutral in the battle, having already lost too many men in the name of independence during the crucible of Hesperus. Before McDonald could resume her pursuit of the Jaegers, however, she received a recall order from General Nondi Steiner on Tharkad. Allied forces were gathering with a presumed strike against the capital, and every Loyalist unit available was needed for the defense. The Eleventh soon boosted off Skye, headed to Tharkad.<ref name=FCCW164-S-4SR-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 164: "Skye", the Fourth Rangers arrive at Skye but declare themselves neutral</ref><ref name=FCCW183-4SR-S-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 183: "Deployment Tables: Skye Rangers", The Fourth Skye Rangers RCT move to Skye where they see no combat, then on to Tharkad</ref><ref name=FMU173-SR-4SR-T-1>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 173: "Fourth Skye Rangers RCT", the Rangers hinder the fighting on Skye then move on to Tharkad</ref> Meanwhile, Robert Kelswa-Steiner decided to hedge his bets by sending word from his prison cell for the Fourth Rangers to join [[Peter Steiner-Davion]] and his "Pan-Lyran" allied coalition at Tharkad. Although effectively ending his war for independence, it would earn the Duke a much better political position in the Alliance in the coming new order.<ref name=FCCW183-4SR-S-1/><ref name=FMU173-SR-4SR-T-1/><ref name=FCCW164-4SR-S-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 164: "Skye", the Fourth Rangers head to Tharkad to declare themselves for Peter Steiner Davion</ref> Not long thereafter, Duke Robert Kelswa-Steiner was released from Garvinny prison on [[Donegal]] in October, a feat achieved by the [[Twenty-fifth Arcturan Guards]] RCT at the direction of Morgan Kell.<ref name=FCCW177-FSR-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 177: "Free Skye Revolt", Duke Robert Kelswa-Steiner is released from prison</ref> ====Tharkad==== The Fourth Rangers made [[Battle of Tharkad (3066)|planetfall]] on Tharkad in mid-January [[3067]], joining allied forces already on-planet.<ref name=FMU173-4SR-T-2>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 173: "Skye Rangers: Fourth Skye Rangers RCT", the Fourth Rangers arrive at Tharkad to support Peter Steiner-Davion</ref> These included the [[1st Kell Hounds|first regiment]] of the Kell Hounds, the [[Twenty-first Rim Worlds]] and [[1894th Light Horse Regiment]]s of the mercenary [[Blue Star Irregulars]], the [[4th Wolf Guards (Clan Wolf-in-Exile)|Fourth Wolf Guards]] of [[Clan Wolf-in-Exile]], and the Fourth Rangers' old ally from the fighting on Morges, the Twentieth Arcturan Guards RCT. They were opposed by the First and [[Second Royal Guards]] RCTs, the [[1st Alarion Jaegers|Alarion Jaegers]], the [[Twenty-fourth Lyran Guards]] RCT, the Eleventh Arcturan Guards RCT and ComStar's [[66th Division (ComStar)|66th Division]], all under the command of General Nondi Steiner, Katherine's Regent on Tharkad.<ref name=FCCW175176-1>''FedCom Civil War'', pp. 175–176: "Tharkad", roll call for Allies and Loyalists</ref> By the time the Rangers arrived, both sides had taken losses, with the Alarion Jaegers destroyed by the Kell Hounds and the Twenty-first Rim Worlds having been savaged by the Eleventh Arcturan.<ref name=FCCW176-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 176: "Tharkad", Alarion Jaegers and Twenty-first Rim Worlds are knocked out of the fight</ref> The task force was based at the [[The Nagelring|Nagelring]], where Peter Steiner-Davion held a meeting of the unit commanders, including von Frisch, on 19 January. Steiner-Davion made it clear that he was not pleased with the Fourth Skye Rangers, given their actions on Hesperus in support of Free Skye. He expressed the belief that the Fourth Rangers were on Tharkad to salvage Duke Robert Kelswa-Steiner's political position. Nevertheless, given the massive stakes of the coming battle, Steiner-Davion, in his bid to become Archon, could not decline the offer.<ref name=E202203-1>''Endgame'', pp. 202–203: Peter Steiner Davion addresses von Frisch and the presence of the Fourth Rangers</ref> The Allies settled in, skirmishing with the Loyalists over the next month and waiting for his great-aunt to make the first mistake.<ref name=FCCW176-2>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 176: "Tharkad", Allies and Loyalists settle in</ref><ref name=E204205-1>''Endgame'', pp. 204–205: Peter Steiner Davion decides to wait his aunt out</ref> On 23 March, the Regent made her move, leading most of her units against the Allies and engaging them at the Wash. The Fourth Rangers played a key role, using their specialty and leading the elite Eleventh Arcturan out of position as Linda McDonald attempted to hunt Albion down. This forced Nondi Steiner to commit her reserves, the [[Com Guards]], to prevent her flank from being exposed. Steiner-Davion exploited this, pressuring the Sixty-sixth and Twenty-fourth Lyran Guards until they were pushed back so far that the First Royal Guards were split in two. The Loyalists were routed, with Peter and his Allies taking a decided advantage.<ref name=FCCW176-3>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 176: "Tharkad", the battle of the Wash results in an Allied victory</ref><ref name=E216-1>''Endgame'', pp. 216: the Fourth Rangers lure the Eleventh away from the Loyalist formation</ref><ref name=E215225-1>''Endgame'', pp. 215–225: Peter and the Allies rout Nondi's Loyalists</ref> Four days later, the Allies moved on Tharkad City, eventually emerging successful.<ref name=FCCW176177-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 176: "Tharkad", the battle of Tharkad City results in an Allied victory</ref> Casualties to the Fourth Rangers were considered serious,<ref name=FCCW183-4SR-T-PSD-1>''FedCom Civil War'', p. 183: "Deployment Tables: Skye Rangers", the Fourth Skye Rangers RCT join Peter Steiner-Davion at Tharkad; take serious damage</ref> though they fared better than most Allied units and certainly better than the Loyalist forces. After the war, the Fourth Rangers relocated back to Skye for rebuilding. Their rather odd actions during the conflict led to them being watched not only by the [[Lyran Intelligence Corps]] but by its fellow units in the Skye Rangers brigade, suspicious over their departure from Hesperus.<ref name=FMU173-4SR-S-3>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 173: "Skye Rangers: Fourth Skye Rangers RCT", the Fourth Rangers are watched by their fellow Skye Rangers</ref> By 1 August, the Fourth Rangers' 'Mech regiment was up to 55 percent strength, with 65 percent of those machines boasting advanced technology. Their aerospace and armored vehicle brigades were at similar levels. Their infantry brigades claimed only 35 percent strength. Yet all units of the RCT continued to merit an elite rating. Hauptmann General von Frisch retained command.<ref name=FMU177-4SR-1>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 177: "Lyran Alliance Armed Forces: Skye Province", Fourth Skye Rangers RCT based on Skye, current strength levels</ref> ===Jihad=== In December 3067, with the dissolution of the [[Second Star League]], the [[Word of Blake]] [[Jihad]] struck the Inner Sphere. ====The Burning of Skye==== On 4 February [[3068]], a Free Worlds League fleet led by the FWLS ''[[Percival]]'', an ''[[Eagle (WarShip class)|Eagle]]''-class WarShip, arrived in Skye's orbit using a pirate point. The Marik ships ignored hails and quickly detached their DropShips. Although the aerospace elements of the Skye Jaegers had some success blunting the initial landings, all that changed when the ''Percival'' turned its naval guns on the planet, as a devastating orbital bombardment rained down upon New Glasgow and the Fourth Skye Rangers. Landing north of the city, the invaders wore the colors of the [[2nd Sirian Lancers]].<ref name=DOJ4546-1>''Dawn of the Jihad'', pp. 45–46: "Skye Assaulted!", the Second Sirian Lancers and an FWL fleet assault Skye</ref> Although at full strength, the Lancers were quickly attacked by the Rangers and the Jaegers, who contained the FWLM troops. Duke Robert Kelswa-Steiner conscripted all militias and mercenary units on-planet, including [[Gannon's Cannons]], to help defend the heart of the Federation. Within a day the Seventeenth and Twenty-second Rangers arrived as reinforcements, supported by the ''Fox''-class LAS ''Katrina Steiner'', forcing the Marik troops to retreat. Although Skye and the Fourth Rangers had survived, tremendous damage had been done to heavy industry and agriculture, leaving millions on Skye impoverished.<ref name=DOJ4647-1>''Dawn of the Jihad'', pp. 46–47: "Skye Assaulted!", Skye is bombarded as the Fourth Rangers and their allies fight to drive the Free Worlders away</ref><ref name=TC52-S-GC>''Total Chaos'', p. 52: "The Skye Is Falling!", Gannon's Cannons are among the mercenary units called on by Duke Robert Kelswa-Steiner</ref><ref>''Dawn of the Jihad'', pp. 148–149: "The Skye Is Falling!", a lance from the Fourth Skye Rangers RCT accompanies IE mercenaries in an attack on a "Marik" airfield</ref><ref name=JSBD21-F-1>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 21: "Flashpoint", Sirian Lancers' attack devastates Skye in February attack</ref><ref name=JHS3070-14-1>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3070'', p. 14: "Timeline of the Jihad", the ''Percival'' and the Second Sirian Lancers attack Skye on 4 February, leading Duke Robert Kelswa-Steiner to declare war</ref> As Archon Peter Steiner-Davion was incommunicado on Tharkad, Duke Robert Kelswa-Steiner wasted little time unilaterally declaring war on the League on behalf of the Skye Province,<ref name=JHS3070-14-1/> with the [[Bolan Province]] following suit a month later.<ref name=DOJ77-1>''Dawn of the Jihad'', p. 77: "Bolan Declares War", the Bolan Province declares war on the Free Worlds League</ref> The Free Worlds League would later insist the Lancers and the ''Percival'' had gone renegade in their attack on Skye. Only later would it be revealed that the Word of Blake had engineered the entire event. The Sirian Lancers were actually Word of Blake troops flying under false colors, and their actions were supposedly in response to the assassination of [[Helen Thrall]] by the Word in December of 3067, an event blamed on the Lyrans in general and Skye agents in particular.<ref name=DOJ75-1>''Dawn of the Jihad'', p. 75: "Assassins Gun Down Head of Sirian Concordance", Helen Thrall is killed with Free Skye implicated</ref><ref name=JHS3070-13-1>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3070'', p. 13: "Timeline of the Jihad", Helen Thrall is assassinated on 26 December, 3067, supposedly by Skye agents</ref> For their own part, the Fourth Rangers went to bold lengths to remain combat effective after the bombardment of Skye, including conscripting qualified field mechanics into crewing their combat vehicles, including such machines as the ''[[Typhoon (Combat Vehicle)|Typhoon]]''. Although their combat performance may have been relatively poor, these crews helped maintain units that would otherwise have been unsalvageable.<ref name=TRO58p106/> ====Operations ÜBERSCHATTEN and Broken Fist==== {{main|Operation Broken Fist}} The Fourth Skye and their fellow Rangers spearheaded [[Operation ÜBERSCHATTEN]], the invasion of the Free Worlds League, capturing many worlds. These included [[Cascade]], [[Megrez]] and [[Togwotee]] in the first wave. Albion, despite being understrength, distinguished themselves particularly well, capturing [[Thermopolis]] in the second wave during three weeks of fighting and destroying the proud [[Fifth Fusiliers of Oriente]].<ref name=FRLAAF15-SR-4SR-1>''Field Report: LAAF'', p. 15: "Skye Rangers: Condition", the Fourth Skye Rangers capture Thermopolis and destroy the Fifth Fusiliers of Oriente</ref><ref name=DOJ50-1>''Dawn of the Jihad'', p. 50: "Alliance Under Siege - Day 115", LAAF forces attack Thermopolis</ref><ref name=DOJ7880-1>''Dawn of the Jihad'', pp. 78–80: "Steiners Launch Second Wave", the Fourth Rangers are inbounds on Thermopolis as of late March 3068</ref> However, as [[Jeremy Brett]], Marshal of [[Duchy of Tamarind|Tamarind]], and the FWLM rallied, commencing [[Operation Broken Fist]], the Lyran forces were quickly driven back. Within three months, the LAAF troops had not only been forced to give up their gains, but had lost many underdefended Lyran worlds as well. The Rangers and their allies were forced to retreat, desperately trying to defend their own worlds.<ref name=DOJ73-1>''Dawn of the Jihad'', p. 73: "Eagle Screams", Jeremy Brett rallies the FWLM, driving the Lyrans back over the border and taking former Lyran worlds</ref><ref name=JSBD2122-1>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', pp. 21–22: "Turning Point", Operation Broken Fist forces the LAAF troops to retreat</ref> Although the Lyrans were able to retake some of those planets, the Jihad had by then heavily impacted both nations, who were no longer in position to launch major offenses against each other. By December [[3069]], it had bogged down, and by [[3071]] the fighting had reached a complete halt.<ref name=JSBD22-CW-X-1>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 22: "War Derailed", fighting bogs down in part due to loss of military infrastructure</ref> During the conflict, the Rangers continued to receive the best equipment Duke Kelswa-Steiner could acquire for them, such as the redesigned ''[[Condor (Combat Vehicle)|Condor]]'' Hover Tank, produced by the [[Quikscell Company]].<ref>''Technical Readout: 3075'', p. 54: "Condor Hover Tank (Upgrade): Deployment", Fourth Rangers received large shipments of Condor Hover Tanks</ref><ref>''Jihad Hot Spots: 3070'', pp. 136–137: "Condor Hovertank (Upgraded): Deployment", Fourth Rangers received large shipments of Condor Hover Tanks</ref> Nevertheless, the Fourth Rangers took approximately over 50 percent losses during the conflict with the League,<ref name=JSBD22-CW-1>''Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents'', p. 22: "Turning Point", Skye's forces took 53 percent casualties in the heaviest fighting</ref><ref name=MMSD-98-SR-1>''Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers'', p. 98: "Skye Rangers", all Skye Rangers units have taken over 50 percent losses</ref> and with so many military production facilities destroyed or captured by the Blakists by this point, there would be great difficulty in recovering from those losses.<ref name=JSBD22-CW-X-1/> ====Defending the Homeland==== [[File:Devlin Stone MM.jpg|left|thumb|The Fourth fought alongside [[Devlin Stone]] on Skye]] Over the next few years, the Rangers and other Skye forces did the best they could to recover from their losses, but found themselves trying to defend the Isle of Skye from the expanding [[Word of Blake Protectorate]]. Outnumbered, all the Rangers regiments were forced to give up ground, often rotated from the front as they desperately attempted to rebuild. The Fourth Rangers, while continuing to serve as the vanguard of the brigade, where somewhat limited in their movements, perhaps due to their RCT status. They opposed the Blakists whenever they could, however, taking heavy losses along the way.<ref name=MMSD98-SR-WOB-1>''Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers'', p. 98: "Skye Rangers", the Skye Rangers are outnumbered defending their homes against the Word of Blake</ref><ref name=FRLAAF15-SR-4SR-2>''Field Report: LAAF'', p. 15: "Skye Rangers: Condition", the Fourth Skye Rangers are limited in movements after ceasefire</ref> In [[3073]], word reached [[Devlin Stone]]'s [[Stone's Coalition|Coalition]] that the Word of Blake [[Precentor Martial of the Word of Blake|Precentor Martial]] [[Cameron St. Jamais]] was preparing to launch a massive invasion of Skye itself.<ref name=TC55-S-STJ-1>''Total Chaos'', p. 55: "Skye", St. Jamais prepares for another attack on Skye</ref> Stone proposed personally leading a coalition force to reinforce Skye, an offer Duke Kelswa-Steiner was forced to accept given the projected enemy forces he would face.<ref name=MMSD96-S-RKS-1>''Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers'', p. 96: "Skye", Duke Kelswa-Steiner is forced to accept help from Devlin Stone</ref> [[Stone's Lament]], Stone's personal command, would join their commander in combat,<ref name=TC54-S-C-3>''Total Chaos'', p. 54: "Skye: Combatants", Stone's Lament participates</ref> along with the [[13th Wolf Guards (Clan Wolf-in-Exile)|13th Wolf Guards]] from [[Beta Galaxy (Clan Wolf-in-Exile)|Beta Galaxy]] of Clan Wolf-In-Exile,<ref name=TC54-S-C-1>''Total Chaos'', p. 54: "Skye: Combatants", CWiE Beta Galaxy participates</ref> the [[1st Wolf Lancers (Clan Wolf)|1st Wolf Lancers]] from [[Delta Galaxy (Clan Wolf)|Delta Galaxy]] of the parent [[Clan Wolf]],<ref name=TC54-S-C-2>''Total Chaos'', p. 54: "Skye: Combatants", CW Delta Galaxy participates</ref> along with elements of the Com Guards.<ref name=TC55-S-CS-1>''Total Chaos'', p. 55: "Skye", ComStar forces are among Stone's multinational force</ref><ref name=MMSD96-S-1-CG>''Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers'', p. 96: "Skye", Com Guards are part of the coalition force that represents roughly three regiments</ref> In total, these troops represented approximately three regiments,<ref name=MMSD96-S-1-CG/><ref name=TC55-S-REF-T-1>''Total Chaos'', p. 55: "Skye", roughly three regiments arrive on 21 March</ref> with the addition of a small number of coalition WarShips in orbit. These reinforcements would join the forces already on-planet, including the Fourth Skye Rangers RCT<ref name=TC54-S-C-4>''Total Chaos'', p. 54: "Skye: Combatants", Fourth Skye Rangers RCT participates</ref> and the hastily rebuilt Skye Jaegers,<ref name=TC54-S-C-5>''Total Chaos'', p. 54: "Skye: Combatants", First Skye Jaegers participate</ref> as well as surviving elements of other Skye Ranger and Skye Guard forces. All of the LAAF troops were understrength, however, having been through the meat grinders of the civil war, the conflict against the Free Worlds League and finally the defense against the Word of Blake. Stone and his troops arrived on 21 March,<ref name=TC55-S-REF-T-1/> and had barely enough time to engage in preparations with the Skye troops when the Word of Blake task force arrived on 27 June using a pirate point to avoid most of Skye's orbital defenses.<ref name=TC55-S-1>''Total Chaos'', p. 55: "Skye", invasion force uses a pirate point</ref> The task force included the [[3rd Division (Word of Blake)|3rd]]<ref name=TC54-S-C-6>''Total Chaos'', p. 54: "Skye: Combatants", Word of Blake Third Division participates</ref> and [[18th Division (Word of Blake)|18th Division]]s,<ref name=TC54-S-C-7>''Total Chaos'', p. 54: "Skye: Combatants", Word of Blake Eighteenth Division participates</ref> a [[Light of Mankind]] special forces unit<ref name=TC54-S-C-8>''Total Chaos'', p. 54: "Skye: Combatants", Word of Blake Light of Mankind special forces participate</ref> and two regiments of mercenaries.<ref name=TC55-S-1-WOB-M>''Total Chaos'', p. 55: "Skye", two regiments of Word of Blake mercenaries participate</ref> Four WarShips (armed with nuclear weapons) would support the invasion.<ref name=TC55-S-1-WS-1>''Total Chaos'', p. 55: "Skye", WarShips with nuclear weapons support the attack</ref> Though outnumbered, the defenders formed a hard defensive line around New Glasgow, and inflicted heavy losses on the invaders when they struck. For over a month the battle stalemated. The coalition fleet then attempted to force the issue and drive the Blakist ships away, only for the Blakist armada to respond by unleashing their WMDs. Clan Wolf-in-Exile lost their flagship, the ''[[Cameron (WarShip class)|Cameron]]''-class CWS ''Ulric Kerensky'' in the onslaught, and Clan Wolf lost their ''[[Texas]]''-class CWS ''Nicholas Kerensky''. Duke Robert Kelswa-Steiner attempted to order his forces to respond in kind with their own hidden cache of nuclear weapons, and it was only Devlin Stone's intervention that stayed his hand. The following day, Stone led a mixed battalion against the Third Division, capturing their commander. This broke the morale of the remaining invaders, and they soon retreated off-planet. Not before, however, an orbital bombardment destroyed much of the Sanglamore Academy, as well as the on-planet facilities for the [[Shipil Company]] and [[Avanti Industries]]. Despite the vast damage, most of Skye's industry and population survived intact.<ref name=TC55-S-B-1>''Total Chaos'', p. 55: "Skye", the battle of Skye</ref><ref name=MMSD96-S-B-1>''Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers'', p. 96: "Skye", the battle of Skye, damage from bombardment</ref> ====Later Jihad==== Continuing to work to rebuild as they had for nearly a decade, the Fourth Skye Rangers continued to defend the Isle of Skye.<ref name=FRLAAF15-SR-4SR-2/> They were apparently not chosen to participate in [[Operation SCOUR]], Stone's liberation of the Protectorate, and drive on Terra. By [[3079]], they were up to only 40 percent strength, but retained their elite status. It is possible their rebuilding was slowed by a desire to maintain their quality. Regardless, they had been rotated to garrison [[Graceland]] on the Jade Falcon border.<ref name=FRLAAF-15-RS-4SR>''Field Report: LAAF'', p. 15: "Skye Rangers: Regimental Status", Fourth Skye Rangers are at 40 percent strength on Graceland</ref> ===Republic of the Sphere=== [[File:Hastati Sentinels logo.png|right|thumb|The [[Hastati Sentinels]]]] After the formation of the [[Republic of the Sphere]] and the Sphere-wide downsizing of military assets, the Fourth was among those commands "gifted" by the Lyran Alliance to the new [[Republic Armed Forces]], along with much of the surviving Skye brigade.<ref name=FM3085-167-4SR-1>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 167: "Forces Gifted to the Republic: LAAF", the Fourth Skye Rangers are among the units transferred to the Republic</ref> This was naturally accepted by the Rangers, as Skye and most of the old Federation worlds would become part of the Republic, realizing Free Skye's long held dream of "independence" with Duke Robert Kelswa-Steiner emerging as Lord Governor of Prefecture IX. The Fourth Rangers were broken up, with many of its units becoming the foundation of the [[18th Auxiliaries]]. In the wake of the [[Capellan Confederation]]'s attack on the Republic in [[3081]], the Eighteenth Auxiliaries were combined with the [[4th Auxiliaries]] (built from the former [[Nova Cat Grenadiers]] Cluster), to form the new [[IV Hastati Sentinels]]. The Fourth, one of the most elite commands in the new RAF, soon saw action on [[Tikonov]] and [[Algol]], emerging successful despite facing heavy fighting on both occasions.<ref name=FM3085-166-4SR-1>''Field Manual: 3085'', p. 166: "Forging the RAF", the Fourth Skye Rangers form Eighteenth Auxiliaries, eventually the Fourth Hastati Sentinels</ref> ===Dark Age Legacy=== By [[3130]], many descendants of the original Fourth Skye Rangers were part of the Republic Skye Militia, protecting their "native" world of Skye. After the fall of the [[HPG]] network in [[3132]], [[Landgrave]] [[Jasek Kelswa-Steiner]], the grandson of Robert Kelswa-Steiner, seized the opportunity to try and break away from the Republic, forming a new command out of the Skye Militia in the tradition of the old Skye Rangers. Known as the [[Lyran Rangers]], this new unit would help champion Jasek's position that Skye and its worlds should return to the Lyran Commonwealth. The Lyran Rangers reportedly favored the "traditional" Lyran approach of heavier 'Mechs.<ref name=SHMWDAD>''Storm Hammers MW:DA Dossier'': "Lyran Rangers", formed from the Republic Skye Militia which had been formed from the Fourth Skye Rangers</ref> Unlike the traditional emblems of Skye, the Rangers brigade or the Fourth Rangers in particular, the Lyran Rangers incorporated an insignia showing the white blade of a stylized halberd against a blue disk,<ref name=SHMWDAD/> an obvious homage to the [[Lyran Regulars]] brigade of the Succession Wars era. The unit motto was "Why use a small 'Mech when a bigger one will do?" In August [[3133]] a detachment of the Lyran Rangers [[Battle of Towne (3133)|tried to raid]] [[Towne]] and hijack the [[HPG]], but run afoul of the [[21st Centauri Lancers]] who had been hired to defend the planet. The fierce fighting failed to prevent the Rangers from commandeering the communications grid and accomplishing their mission broadcasting his call to all [[House Steiner]] loyalists to support his movement.<ref name="ED:DAp7">''Era Digest: Dark Age'', p. 7: "Important Military Actions of 3133"</ref> ==Officers== {| class="wikitable" |- ! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Rank ! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Name ! scope="col" width="220" style="background: #dedede;" | Command |- | colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of the 4th Skye Rangers Regimental Combat Team''' |- | [[Hauptmann-Kommandant]]||[[Kathleen Heany]]||[[3025]] – [[3028]]<ref name=HSp119>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 119: "Unit Deployment Table", Heany commands Fourth Rangers</ref> |- | [[Hauptmann-General]]||[[William Harrison von Frisch]]||[[3039]] – [[3067]]<ref name=FMLA100-4SR-O/> |- | colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of the Republic Skye Militia''' |- | colspan="4" style="background: #efefef;" | '''Commanding Officers of the Lyran Rangers''' |- | [[Colonel]]||[[Antonio Petrucci]]||[[3134]]<ref name=EDDA>''Era Digest: Dark Age'', p. 17: "Purifier Cluster"</ref> |- | [[Colonel]]||[[Drew Quentin]]||[[3136]]<ref name=FAWP>''Fire at Will'', Prologue</ref> |- |} ===Other Officers=== * [[Lieutenant-Colonel]] [[Ríona Ní Chaoimh]], unit executive officer in [[3134]].<ref name=EDDA/> * [[Specialist]] [[Sunshine Reagan]], [[Combat Vehicle|armored vehicle]] operator in the Jihad.<ref name=TRO58p106>''Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade'', p. 106: "Typhoon Urban Assault Vehicle - Notable Crews"</ref> ==Tactics== [[Hauptmann-Kommandant]] Kathleen Heany, although an inspirational leader and competent administrator, proved herself an "old school" Lyran General, with little willingness to adjust to modern military strategies.<ref name=FMLA62-KH1>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 62: "Donegal Guards: Commanding Officer", Kathleen Heany described</ref> ''[[Hauptmann General]]'' William Harrison von Frisch took command. A Sanglamore Academy graduate like Heany and most Rangers officers, he otherwise stood in stark contrast to his predecessor. Von Frisch fully embraced the tactics and strategies of the new AFFC, and his Rangers were skilled in a wide variety of tactics. Commanding the Rangers for at least 30 years, von Frisch was a loyal "son of Skye", ultimately supporting his Duke's push for independence.<ref name=FMLA100-4SR-O/><ref name=TDT147-1>''The Dying Time'', p. 147: Von Frisch graduated from the Sanglamore Academy in 3028, a year ahead of Ciampa</ref> At their creation and for centuries afterwards, the Fourth Skye Rangers employed a "cautious-aggressive" strategy, waiting for their opponents to make mistakes and avoiding direct confrontation with the enemy until then. Pulling back whenever an engagement was forced and constantly driving their opponents to give chase tended to result in fighting on territory of Albion's choosing, giving them a decisive advantage.<ref name=ER2750-52-4SR-3/><ref name=ER2750-142-4SR-1>''Era Report: 2750'', p. 142: "BattleTech Rules: Lyran Commonwealth - Fourth Skye Rangers", the Rangers' tactics at the time of the Star League</ref> At the time of the Fourth Succession War, under Hauptmann-Kommandant Heany, the Rangers, although still an elite unit, seemed to have become more reliant on "traditional Lyran" tactics, leading with heavy and assault 'Mechs and consigning conventional elements to their rear areas. They showed little signs of their previous innovation, largely as a result of their leadership.<ref name=FMLA62-KHP-1>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 62: "Commanding Officer", Kathleen Heany's leadership and "strategic thinking" are described</ref> Under von Frisch, however, the Rangers became effective in a wide range of imaginative combat tactics, fully employing the diverse range of units in the RCT. Like the original Fourth Rangers, they preferred to lure an enemy into overextending themselves before attacking at a time of their choosing.<ref name=FMLA100-4SR-T2>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 100: "4th Skye Rangers RCT: Albion - Tactics", the Fourth Rangers' tactics</ref> ==Composition History== ===2765=== '''Fourth Skye Rangers''' (Regiment/Regular/Questionable)<ref name=FR:2765LCAFpp18-19/> : Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Vega]]. === 2786–2821=== '''4th Skye Rangers ''' (Regiment/Regular/Questionable)<ref name=1SWp139>''First Succession War'', p. 139</ref> : Note: At this point in time the light-weight unit was stationed on [[Vega]]. In 2821 the command was reduced to 51 percent of its strength and was deployed on [[Baxter]].<ref name=1SWp139/> === 2830 === '''4th Skye Rangers''' (Regiment/Regular/Questionable)<ref name=2SWp99>''Second Succession War'', p. 99</ref> : Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on [[Baxter]] with an operational readiness of 117 percent.<ref name=2SWp99/> === 2864 === '''4th Skye Rangers''' (Regiment/Regular/Questionable)<ref name=2SWp99/> : Note: At this point in time the medium-weight unit was stationed on [[Eltanin]] with an operational readiness of 88 percent.<ref name=2SWp99/> ===3025=== '''4th Skye Rangers ''' (Regiment/Elite/Questionable)<ref name=HSTLCp117>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 117: "LCAF Deployment Table"</ref> :* CO: Hauptmann-Kommandant Kathleen Heany<ref name=HSTLCp117/> : Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Ryde]].<ref name=HSTLCp117/> ===3040=== '''4th Skye Rangers RCT''' (Regiment/Elite/Questionable)<ref name=HW39-138-4SR/> :*CO: Hauptmann General William Harrison von Frisch :Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Komephoros]].<ref name=HW39-138-4SR/> ===3050=== '''4th Skye Rangers RCT ''' (Regiment/Elite/Questionable)<ref name=20yup26/> :* CO: Hauptmann General William Harrison von Frisch<ref name=20yup26/> :Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Komephoros]].<ref name=20yup26>''20 Year Update'', p. 26</ref> ===3054=== '''4th Skye Rangers RCT''' (2 Battalions/Elite/Questionable)<ref name=OpjRp23/> :* CO: Hauptmann General William Harrison von Frisch<ref name=OpjRp23/> :Note: At this point in time the command was stationed on [[Morges]].<ref name=OpjRp23>''Objective Raids'', p. 23</ref> ===3062=== '''4th Skye Rangers''' (BattleMech Regiment) :CO: Leutnant General William Harrison von Frisch<ref>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 100: "4th Skye Rangers RCT: Albion", the Fourth Skye Rangers RCT composition</ref><br> ::XO: Colonel [[Mary Edwards]]<br> '''4th Skye Rangers Aerospace'''<br> :CO: Kaptain [[Alman Jackson]] :* 91st Skye Air Wing :* 113th Skye Air Wing '''4th Skye Armor Brigade''' (3 Regiments)<br> :CO: Colonel [[Hanson Lourdes]] ::Aide: Leutnant-Colonel [[Maire Richards]] :* 19th Skye AR - CO: Colonel [[Duggan Brennan]] :* 44th Skye LA(R) - CO: Colonel [[Archibald Myles]] :* 22nd Eaton AC(R) - CO: Colonel [[Louis Badoglio]] '''4th Skye Infantry Brigade''' (5 Regiments) : CO: Colonel [[Dwayne Corelli]] :: Aide: Leutnant-Colonel [[Devla Clavell]] :* 191st Skye LI (R) - CO: Colonel [[Candace Lawhead]] :* 21st Summer HI (R) - CO: Colonel [[Harper Timmons]] :* 11th Skye MR (R) - CO: Colonel [[Morgwen Luchenko]] :* 19th Alphecca MTR - CO: Colonel [[Rowan Thomas]] :* 3rd Skye CMR - CO: Colonel [[Shane Welsch]] ===3067=== '''4th Skye Rangers''' (BattleMech Regiment)<ref name=FMU177-4SR-1/> : CO: Hauptmann General William Harrison von Frisch :* The Fourth Rangers 'Mechs was at 55 percent strength '''4th Skye Aerospace''' : CO: Kaptain Alman Jackson :* The Fourth Rangers aerospace assets was at 60 percent strength, with 70 percent of those units considered upgraded '''4th Skye Armor Brigade''' : CO: Colonel Hanson Lourdes :* The 4th Rangers Armor brigade was at 55 percent strength, with half of those units considered upgraded '''4th Skye Infantry Brigade''' : CO: Colonel Dwayne Corelli :* The Fourth Rangers Armor brigade was at 35 percent strength ===3079=== '''4th Skye Rangers''' (Regiment/Elite/Questionable) : Note: At this point in time the unit was stationed on [[Graceland]]. The Fourth Rangers had been reduced to 40% of full strength by 3079, although 75% of their equipment featured upgraded technology. ==Insignia and Color Scheme== The Fourth Skye Rangers' regimental insignia shows the green island of Britain against a sea of blue, in reference to McQuiston and Skye's Scottish settlers.<ref name=FMLA100-4SR-NN/> Their standard color scheme is primarily dark red with 'Mech arms, vehicle turrets and aerospace fighter rudders painted black.<ref name=FMLA99-2>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 99: "Skye Rangers: Bravehearts": "Colors and Insignia", the color scheme used by the Skye Rangers and their support units</ref> The Fourth's signature on the traditional Skye Ranger scheme are green highlights.<ref name=FMLA100-4SR-GH>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 100: "4th Skye Rangers RCT: Albion", Fourth Skye Rangers use green highlights</ref> Infantry dress uniforms employ dark green in contrast to Lyran blue.<ref name=FMLA99-2/> <gallery> Image:Skye Rangers Commando.jpg|''[[Commando]]'' in Fourth Skye Rangers' colors Image:Skyerangers4th.png|The Fourth Skye Rangers insignia Image:Skye Flag.jpg|The flag of [[Skye]] </gallery> ==Notes== * According to ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised]]'', the pirates who attacked [[Deia]] in [[2990]] was commanded by [[Redjack Ryan]].<ref name=TRO3025R-80-4SR-D/> This seems impossible, as Ryan would have been two at the time according to other sources. Most likely, it was some other "bandit king". * There is some discrepancy as to when the Fourth Skye Rangers fought the [[Clan Jade Falcon|Jade Falcons]] alongside [[Wolf's Dragoons]] on [[Morges]]. Many sources support the assertion that the battle took place in [[3054]], well before the Lyran Secession, and involved Beta Regiment and the Wolf Spider Battalion.<ref name=FMLA100-4SR-M/><ref name=JFS33-1/><ref name=WP8289-1/><ref name=ER3062-12-1/><ref name=OR23-4SR/><ref name=NS28-1/> Meanwhile, ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised]]'' clearly states unnamed elements of the Falcons attacked Morges during the incursion of [[3058]], also facing the Fourth Rangers, the Twentieth Arcturan Guard, and elements of the Dragoons, namely [[Alpha Regiment (Wolf's Dragoons)|Alpha Regiment]]. (Again, resulting in a victory for the Inner Sphere forces.)<ref name=FMMR112-WD-M-4SR-1>''Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised'', p. 112: "Wolf's Dragoons: Wolf Pack", the Dragoons fight alongside the Fourth Skye Rangers on Morges during the Falcon Incursion</ref><ref name=FMMR114-AR-M-4SR-2>''Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised'', p. 114: "Alpha Regiment: Dire Wolves", Alpha Regiment fights alongside the Fourth Skye Rangers and Twentieth Arcturan on Morges during the Falcon Incursion</ref> However, most sources chronicling the [[Jade Falcon Incursion (3058)|Falcon Incursion of 3058]] make no mention of the Falcons attacking Morges during that conflict, and seem to contradict it. The developers, as of this writing, have suggested that mention of the 3058 conflict was in error, confused with the supported 3054 battle.<ref>''CBT Forum Battle of Morges questioned''</ref> Therefore, this article assumes that the second conflict did not take place. * According to the ''Storm Hammers MW:DA Dossier'' originally posted on the [[WizKids]] website, the Fourth Skye Rangers were never disbanded but instead became the [[Republic Skye Militia]], a unit that was technically part of the [[Republic of the Sphere]] but still owing its loyalty to the Duke of Skye.<ref name=SHMWDAD/> This obviously contradicts the account given in ''[[Field Manual: 3085]]''.<ref name=FM3085-167-4SR-1/><ref name=FM3085-166-4SR-1/> Because the ''Field Manual'' takes precedence in canon, this article assumes the view that the Fourth Rangers were ultimately broken up into the [[Hastati Sentinels]] as explained above, but that the relevant descendants of those soldiers were inevitably drawn home to join the Skye Militia, ultimately explaining their origins before joining the [[Lyran Rangers]]. ==References== <references /> ==Bibliography== {{div col|colwidth=25em}} * ''[[20 Year Update]]'' * ''[[Blood of Heroes]]'' * ''[[Bred for War]]'' * ''[http://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php/topic,25611.0.html CBT Forum Battle of Morges question]'' * ''[[Dawn of the Jihad]]'' * ''[[The Dying Time]]'' * ''[[Endgame]]'' * ''[[Era Digest: Dark Age]]'' * ''[[Era Report: 2750]]'' * ''[[Era Report: 3062]]'' * ''[[FedCom Civil War (sourcebook)|FedCom Civil War]]'' * ''[[Field Manual: 3085]]'' * ''[[Field Manual: Lyran Alliance]]'' * ''[[Field Manual: Mercenaries, Revised]]'' * ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]'' * ''[[Field Report: LAAF]]'' * ''[[Field Report 2765: LCAF]]'' * ''[[Fire at Will]]'' (novel) * ''[[First Succession War (sourcebook)|First Succession War]]'' * ''[[Handbook: House Steiner]]'' * ''[[Heir to the Dragon]]'' * ''[[Historical: War of 3039]]'' * ''[[Historical Turning Points: Glengarry]]'' * ''[[House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)]]'' * ''[[Jade Falcon Sourcebook]]'' * ''[[Jihad Hot Spots: 3070]]'' * ''[[Jihad Secrets: The Blake Documents]]'' * ''[[Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers]]'' * ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]'' * ''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2]]'' * ''[[Natural Selection]]'' * ''[[Objective Raids]]'' * ''[[Second Succession War (sourcebook)|Second Succession War]]'' * ''[[Shattered Sphere]]'' * ''Storm Hammers MW:DA Dossier'' * ''[[Technical Readout: 3025 Revised]]'' * ''[[Technical Readout: 3058 Upgrade]]'' * ''[[Technical Readout: 3075]]'' * ''[[Total Chaos]]'' * ''[[Wolf Pack]]'' {{div col end}} [[Category:Lyran Commands|Skye Rangers, 04]] [[Category:Federated Commonwealth Commands|Skye Rangers, 04]]

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