Ace Darwin's WhipIts

Ace Darwin's WhipIts is best described as a non-traditional mercenary unit. Ace Darwin has a large group of friends and, after he signs a contract, he assembles the people he can gather on Outreach and en route. Rather than repaint their 'Mechs, "unit members" paint a pink paw on their 'Mech's heel. Darwin himself pilots a Panther he painted pink and named Pink Panther, which the unit insignia is a reference to. The unit has varied in size from six 'Mechs to two companies plus armor and aerospace fighters.

Unit History

The WhipIts were among the defenders when WH Hiritsu conquered Kaifeng in 3058. The attackers assumed their strength on Kaifeng to be 2 lances of BattleMechs.

The WhipIts supported the Sarna Supremacy militia (the Kaifeng SMM regiment) alongside other mercenary units that included Jacob's Juggernauts and Carlton's Brigade. After a final battle on 27 July 3058 they and the Juggernauts admitted defeat and requested standard terms of withdrawal. It was noted that the mercenaries had fared better than the Kaifeng SMM, which was obliterated almost to the last 'Mech.

The WhipIts nearly ceased to exist when Ace became famous and the momentary darling of the media. When the fickle hand of fate passed him by and the media found new darlings, he was left broke and on his own. His true friends stepped forward and helped bring him back into the mercenary fold.

Ace Darwin was reported killed during the fighting on Outreach in 3067. He had assembled a unit, but was ambushed by elements of the Waco Rangers and his infamous pink Panther was destroyed. With his reported death, his mercenary unit is no more.

References

• Double-Blind
• Field Manual: Mercenaries
• Mercenaries Supplemental 2
• Mercenaries Supplemental Update