Difference between revisions of "Patrick Kell"

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{{InfoBoxCharacter
 
{{InfoBoxCharacter
| image              = Patrick Kell.jpg
+
| image              = Patrick Kell TKH.jpg
 +
| caption            = Patrick Kell
 
| name                = Patrick Martin Kell
 
| name                = Patrick Martin Kell
| birthdate          = [[2988]]
+
| birthdate          = [[2988]]<ref>''The Kell Hounds'', p. 17</ref>
| died                = [[3027]]
+
| died                = May [[3027]]
 
| othernames          =  
 
| othernames          =  
 
| affiliation        = [[House Kell]]
 
| affiliation        = [[House Kell]]
| profession          = [[Lieutenant Colonel]]
+
| rank                = [[Lieutenant Colonel]]
| parents            =  
+
| title              =
 +
| position            =
 +
| profession          =
 +
| parents            = [[Margaret Maybelle Kell]] (mother)<ref name=ATSORc4>''A Tiny Spot of Rebellion'', ch. 4</ref>
 
| siblings            = [[Morgan Kell]]
 
| siblings            = [[Morgan Kell]]
| spouse              = [[Takara]]
+
| spouse              = [[Takara]] (lover)<ref name=RGiCv15p8>''Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 15'', p. 8</ref>
| children            = [[Christian Kell]] (illigitimate)
+
| children            = [[Christian Kell]] (illigitimate)<ref name=RGiCv15p8/>
 
}}
 
}}
'''Patrick Martin Kell''' ([[2988]]<ref>''The Kell Hounds'', p. 17</ref> &ndash; [[3027]]; aged 39 years) and his brother [[Morgan Kell]] were the co-founders of the famed [[Kell Hounds]] mercenary unit.
+
'''Patrick Martin Kell''' and his brother [[Morgan Kell]] were the founders of the famed [[Kell Hounds]] mercenary unit.
  
==Character History==
+
==History==
 
===Early Life===
 
===Early Life===
Patrick graduated in [[3009]] the top 2% of his class from [[Nagelring]], the premier military academy of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]], and was assigned to the [[10th Skye Rangers]]. By [[3010]] he had risen to the rank of [[Lieutenant Colonel]].
+
Patrick graduated in [[3009]] the top 2% of his class from [[Nagelring]], the premier military academy of the [[Lyran Commonwealth]], and was assigned to the [[Tenth Skye Rangers]]. By [[3010]], he had risen to the rank of [[lieutenant colonel]].
  
 
===The Kell Hounds Formation===
 
===The Kell Hounds Formation===
The Kell Hounds were born even before Morgan and Patrick had thoughts of running their own mercenary command. [[Arthur Luvon]], future husband of [[Archon]] [[Katrina Steiner]] and cousin to Morgan and Patrick, dubbed the two brothers the 'Kell Hounds' after witnessing them as young boys running around and terrorizing a neighbor's flock of sheep. Arthur drew up the Kell Hounds' crest and predicted that the two would grow up to become great [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]s. When Arthur died, Morgan and Patrick used the money left to them to form the Kell Hounds mercenary unit in [[3010]]. Though initially mocked as rich boys playing soldier, the two made quite the impression with their surprisingly advanced grasp of strategy and tactics, as well as recruiting a top-notch technical support staff. Patrick became executive officer of the unit.
+
The Kell Hounds were born even before Morgan and Patrick had thoughts of running their own mercenary command. [[Arthur Luvon]], future husband of [[Archon]] [[Katrina Steiner]] and cousin to Morgan and Patrick, dubbed the two brothers the "Kell Hounds" after witnessing them as young boys running around and terrorizing a neighbor's flock of sheep. Arthur drew up the Kell Hounds' crest and predicted that the two would grow up to become great [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]]. When Arthur died, Morgan and Patrick used the money left to them to form the Kell Hounds mercenary unit in [[3010]]. Though initially mocked as rich boys playing soldier, the two made quite the impression with their surprisingly advanced grasp of strategy and tactics, as well as recruiting a top-notch technical support staff. Patrick became executive officer of the unit.
 +
 
 +
=== Securing Star League Books ===
 +
The Kell Hounds were involved in the Battle of [[Halstead Station]] in 3014. Initially planned under Prince [[Ian Davion]] in 3012 to destroy a [[Draconis Combine]] supply depot, the operational target was altered under [[Hanse Davion]] after the location of a former [[Star League]] University was discovered. The Kell Hounds succeeded in securing the majority of valuable books. Those which couldn't be removed before the [[Federated Suns]]' evacuation of the planet where piled up and supposed to be burned. However, after retreating from the planet it became clear, that most of the books left fell unharmed into the hands of Draconis Combines [[Internal Security Force]]'s officer [[Harrison Ukita]]. He evacuated them to the nearby planet of [[Murchison]]. After they learned from the situation, the Federated Suns immediately asked the Kell Hounds to attempt a planetary assault to secure the surviving books before they could be transferred to Luthien. Even though the raid was a military success, the books were hidden safely and couldn't be apprehended. When a Draconis Combine relief troop appeared, the Kell Hounds supposedly left the planet. Under disguise Patrick Kell succeeded to locate and secure the hidden books. In the course he met [[Tanaka]], a Kuritan ''[[Renketsu]]'', who helped him in completing his task and with who he apparently had a short relationship from which his son, [[Christian Kell]] originated.<ref>The affair is descripted in Shrapnel's short story ''[[The Judas Blind]]''. Though some details seem to be apocryphal, as the Battle of Halstead Station and the subsequent engagement on Murchison is described as being, whilst the [[Third Battle of Mallory's World]] is going on</ref>
  
 
===Mallory's World===
 
===Mallory's World===
The Kell Hounds had grown to regiment size by [[3013]]<ref>''Warrior: En Garde'', p. 33</ref>. Patrick became a Leftenant-Colonel when the unit expanded. While in service to the [[Federated Suns]], the Hounds were called to [[Mallory's World]] for an emergency extraction of [[First Prince]] [[Ian Davion]], whose forces where taking heavy casualties from the [[Draconis Combine]]'s elite [[2nd Sword of Light]]. Morgan led the relief force, while Patrick remained behind to safeguard the mercenary unit's dependents. The Hounds arrived too late, and Ian Davion died while covering his people's escape.
+
The Kell Hounds had grown to regiment size by [[3013]],<ref>''Warrior: En Garde'', p. 33</ref> with Patrick a Leftenant-Colonel in the expanded unit. While in service to the [[Federated Suns]], the Hounds were called to [[Mallory's World]] for an emergency extraction of [[First Prince]] [[Ian Davion]], whose forces where taking heavy casualties from the [[Draconis Combine]]'s elite [[Second Sword of Light]]. Morgan led the relief force, while Patrick remained behind to safeguard the mercenary unit's dependents. The Hounds arrived too late, and Ian Davion died while covering his people's escape.
  
{{main|Phantom 'Mech}}
+
To prevent the Second Sword from taking the First Prince's body as a war trophy, Morgan challenged its commander, the infamous [[Yorinaga Kurita]], to a duel. During the epic battle, Morgan Kell used the [[Phantom 'Mech]] effect to force an honorable withdraw by Yorinaga, giving the Hounds an opportunity to escape the planet with Ian Davion's body.
To prevent the 2nd Sword of Light from taking the First Prince's body as a war trophy, Morgan challenged its commander, the infamous [[Yorinaga Kurita]], to a duel. During the epic battle, Morgan Kell used the [[Phantom 'Mech]] effect to force an honorable withdraw by Yorinaga, giving the Hounds an opportunity to escape the planet with Ian Davion's body.
 
  
After the duel, Morgan became reticent and withdrawn, reducing the Hounds to 1/3 of its strength and eventually retiring from the mercenary unit to join a [[St. Marinus House|monastery]]. Patrick became commander of the remaining Kell Hounds, leading them through the lowest period of their history, a time called the "Defection".
+
After the duel, Morgan became reticent and withdrawn, reducing the Hounds to a third of its strength and eventually retiring from the mercenary unit to join a [[St. Marinus House|monastery]]. Patrick became commander of the remaining Kell Hounds, leading them through the lowest period of their history, a time called the "Defection."
  
 
===Commander of the Kell Hounds===
 
===Commander of the Kell Hounds===
Under Patrick's leadership, the unit overcame its depressive period. He managed to bring the unit back together with the support of [[Salome Ward]], [[Dan Allard]], [[Clarence 'Cat' Wilson]], and others.
+
Under Patrick's leadership, the unit overcame its depressive period. He managed to bring the unit back together with the support of [[Salome Ward]], [[Dan Allard]], [[Clarence Wilson|Clarence "Cat" Wilson]], and others.
  
By November of [[3026]] the Hounds were stationed on [[Pacifica]].<ref>''Warrior: En Garde'', p. 21</ref> where they garrisoned the planet from incursions or raids for the planet's plentiful water supply.
+
By November of [[3026]] the Hounds were stationed on [[Pacifica]],<ref>''Warrior: En Garde'', p. 21</ref> where they garrisoned the planet from incursions or raids for the planet's plentiful water supply.
  
In April, [[3027]], a battalion of the [[Kurita]]'s [[2nd Sword of Light]] assaulted Pacifica during Colonel [[Ardan Sortek]] and Leftenant [[Andrew Redburn]] visit/tour of the planet. Patrick and the Hounds had already tapped into various intelligence networks on the planet and were forewarned of the attacks.  Sortek, Redburn and visiting Lyran Hauptman-General Sarah Joss participated in repulsing and incoming raider company.  The battle concluded with the assistance of Colonel Sortek's ''[[Victor]]'' Assault 'Mech against a Kurita ''[[Awesome]]''.  However, two other companies of 'Mechs (initially [[Panther|Panthers]]) were spread around the planet, forming resistence guerrilla cells.
+
In April [[3027]], a battalion of the Second Sword of Light assaulted Pacifica during a visit by Colonel [[Ardan Sortek]] and Leftenant [[Andrew Redburn]]. Patrick and the Hounds had already tapped into various intelligence networks on the planet and were forewarned of the attacks.  Sortek, Redburn and visiting Lyran Hauptman-General Sarah Joss participated in repulsing one of the incoming raider companies.  The battle concluded with the assistance of Colonel Sortek's ''[[Victor]]'' Assault 'Mech dueling with and defeating a Kurita ''[[Awesome]]''.  However, the other two companies of 'Mechs, composed entirely of ''[[Panther]]s'', spread out across the planet, forming resistance guerrilla cells.
  
On May 26th, Kurita commandos and assassins led an assault on the Kell Hounds' compound. They managed to injure Patrick and collapsed his lung.  After the assassins were dispatched, a demi-company of ''Panther'' BattleMechs arrived to finish up. However, they were repelled by Hound 'Mechs lead by Cat Wilson's ''[[Marauder]]'', taking down three enemy 'Mechs in the process.  Doctors managed to save Patrick, saying as long he rest he would recover from his injuries. The Hounds withdrew from the planet, taking most of the salvaged Panthers with them. The Hounds' JumpShip, ''[[Cucamulus]]'', made a jump to Kurita space to throw off inbound forces seeking to destroy them.<ref>''Warrior: En Garde'', pp. 264-265 - "Hounds depart Steiner space for Kurita Space"</ref> After jumping into an uninhabited star system AC2341CA.<ref>''Warrior: En Garde'', pp. 279-280 - "Patrick explained that the move was part of plan".</ref> Here they would ''quickly'' recharge their 300 year old JumpShip and jump to the Styk system where they could do a ''Payback'' mission against House Kurita.  While in system charging, a Kurita [[Invader]] JumpShip arrived and forced the Hounds to change their plans. 
+
On 26 May, Kurita commandos led an assault on the Kell Hounds' compound, whereby a twist of fate only Patrick was injured, albeit by ''[[Katana (Weapon)|katana]]'' blow that collapsed his lung.  After the assassins were dispatched, a demi-company of ''Panther'' BattleMechs arrived to finish up. However, they were repelled by Hound 'Mechs led by [[Cat Wilson]]'s ''[[Marauder]]'', taking down three enemy 'Mechs in the process.  Doctors managed to save Patrick, telling him that as long he rested he would recover from his injuries. The Hounds withdrew from the planet, taking most of the salvaged Panthers with them, to their JumpShip the ''[[Cucamulus]]''.  As part of a plan Patrick had made with the JumpShip's captain, [[Janos Vandermeer]], the Kell Hounds made the jump ''into'' Kurita space to throw off inbound forces seeking to destroy them.<ref>''Warrior: En Garde'', pp. 264–265: "Hounds depart Steiner space for Kurita Space"</ref> After jumping into an uninhabited star system [[A2341CA]], the plan was for the JumpShip to "hot-load" its [[K-F drive]] so that they could jump again in eighteen hours instead of eight days and proceed to the [[Styx]] system, where they would hide out at a suspected [[Heimdall (organization)|Heimdall]] base.<ref>''Warrior: En Garde'', pp. 279–280: "Patrick explained that the move was part of plan"</ref>
Patrick decided to jump the ship sooner.  Through efforts of the Jumpship's captain [[Janos Vandermeer]] and his crew, they managed to hot-load the Ship's Engines and jump away.
 
 
 
Patrick's plan called for the company of Kell Hound 'Mechs, led by Captain Dan Allard, to secure a docking bay on the former mining planetoid, used sometimes by the resistance cell called [[Heimdall (organization)|Heimdall]]. They planned to use ten captured ''Panther'' BattleMechs and other [[Jump Jet]] capable 'Mechs to secure the base, while the rest of the unit secured other parts of the planetoid.
 
  
 
===Silver Eagle===
 
===Silver Eagle===
After Patrick's people discovered that among the people aboard the planetoid was the Lyran Commonwealth's [[Archon-Designate]].<ref>''Warrior: En Garde'', p. 302 - "Passengers and crew of the ''[[Silver Eagle]]'' found in an abandoned mining base".</ref> They discovered that the early DropShip contained [[ISF]] commandos whom successfully repulsed their attempt to seize [[Melissa Steiner]].
+
{{main|Silver Eagle Incident}}
 
+
When the Kell Hounds arrived at Styx, they found the Heimdall base under attack by House Kurita, a combined task force of [[ISF]] commandos and the [[Genyosha]], though the latter were not recognized at first.  When Captain [[Dan Allard]] and his team breached the base, they discovered that the ''[[Silver Eagle]]'' had been taken there and that among the passengers was Patrick's cousin, [[Archon-Designate]] [[Melissa Steiner (31st c.)|Melissa Steiner]]. During the course of the [[Silver Eagle Incident]], Patrick engaged the Genyosha 'Mechs in Sortek's ''Victor'', buying time for the Kell Hounds and Melissa to make her escape using while receiving a mortal wound from Yorinaga KuritaAboard the ''Silver Eagle'', a dying Patrick Kell met with Melissa, where she revealed the purpose of her trip was for a secret wedding to [[First Prince]] [[Hanse Davion]].  Patrick Kell wished his cousin happiness, and tells Dan Allard to pass a message to his brother:
However, elements of the [[Genyosha]] arrived on the planetoid and threatened the destruction of the ''Silver Eagle'' if the Kell Hounds would not turn over Melissa Steiner.<ref>''Warrior: En Garde'', p. 303 - "Genyosha threatens to destroy the passenger liner if Kell Hounds do not turn over the Archon-Designate".</ref> Patrick has Melissa sent off planet and orders an assault on the Kuritan units in order to save the passengers & crew of the ''Silver Eagle''. In this battle, Patrick's ''[[Victor]]'' [[BattleMech]] [[Phantom 'Mech|disappears]] from all electronic scanning devices.
+
{{Quote|''Dan, tell him...Morgan I understand. Tell him I finally understand.''}}
 
+
As his final order, Patrick turned command of the Kell Hounds over to Salome Ward before finally dying.<ref>''Warrior: En Garde'', p. 319: "Patrick Kell's last moments"</ref>
However, the Genyosha is led by [[Yorinaga Kurita]] and he too has developed the mysterious ability.  Patrick begins to systematically destroy the Kuritan force threatening the civilian DropShip.  Yorinaga begins to stalk him, firing his PPCs and managing to hit Patrick's 'Mech.  Dan Allard only momentarily detects Patrick's invisible 'Mech on his sensors and to his horror sees Patrick's engine shielding has been damagedThe 'Mech's heat began to cook Patrick alive.<ref>''Warrior: En Garde'', p. 315 - "Dan sees Patrick's 'Mech is overheating as he sacrifices himself to save people of the ''Silver Eagle''"</ref> Noticing this, Yorinaga continued to fire at him despite Patrick's ability to be invisible to sensors.
 
Patrick continues to maul Genyosha ''Panther''s, until Yorinaga destroys the engine shielding of his 'Mech, forcing Patrick to eject. However, the Victor's engine explosion sends shrapnel into Patrick as he ejects.  Dan Allard takes his damaged ''[[Valkyrie]]'' and attempts to stop Yorinaga himself to save Patrick and everyone else. The ''Valkyrie'' is sent on its JumpJets into Yori's ''[[Warhammer]]'', and tackles him while also self-destructing. This destroys Yorinaga's ''Warhammer'' and forces him to eject.<ref>''Warrior: En Garde'', p. 321 - "Genyosha forced retreat".</ref> This also left ''[[Sho-sa]]'' Niiro in command, who panicked and ordered all forces to retreat.
 
 
 
While on the return trip, Patrick lies dying after the doctor failed to repair his wounds.  Melissa Steiner tearfully confides to him that she is to marry [[Hanse Davion]].  This brightens him up briefly, ignoring his death throes and he wishes her well.  He tells Dan Allard that he shall pass a message to Morgan. {{Quote|''Dan, tell him...Morgan I understand. Tell him I finally understand.''}}
 
 
 
He stiffens and says to Major Salome Ward that command is hers and dies.<ref>''Warrior: En Garde'', p. 319 - "Patrick Kell's last moments".</ref>
 
  
 
===Legacy===
 
===Legacy===
After the Kell Hound's actions in effort to rescue the passengers of the Silver Eagle, the Kell Hounds were rewarded by Hanse Davion with titles and lands. He asks the Hounds what he could do beyond those things. Captain Dan Allard suggested in memory of Patrick, that a scholarship be setup in his memory. The scholarship would be offered to potential MechWarrior candidates who share the spirit of bravery as Patrick did to them and give them a chance to become like him where they normally won't have an opportunity to.  Hanse Davion agrees and Melissa Steiner says a similar program would be setup in Lyran Commonwealth as well.<ref>''Warrior: En Garde'', pp. 324-325 - "Dan proposes scholarship in memory of Patrick Kell".</ref>
+
After the Kell Hound's actions in the Silver Eagle incident, First Prince Hanse Davion rewarded the Kell Hounds with lands and titles, but asked what else he could do in thanks. It was at Dan Allard's suggestion that a scholarship be set up in Patrick's memory, to be offered to potential MechWarrior candidates who shared the same spirit of bravery as Patrick did.  Hanse Davion agreed and Melissa Steiner also promised to create a similar program in the [[Lyran Commonwealth]] as well.<ref>''Warrior: En Garde'', pp. 324–325: "Dan proposes scholarship in memory of Patrick Kell"</ref>
  
Hanse Davion setup a memorial in Peace Park in [[New Avalon City]] in memory of the people who died in the Silver Eagle incident.
+
A memorial in Peace Park in [[Avalon City]] to honor the memory of those who died in the Silver Eagle incident was also created, with Patrick's name among those listed.
 
 
==Family==
 
Patrick's only known immediate family members were his brother Morgan Kell and his uncle, [[Arthur Luvon]], who was Duke of [[Donegal]].  He was cousin (by marriage to Arthur) to [[Katrina Steiner]] and her daughter, [[Melissa Steiner-Davion|Melissa Steiner]].
 
 
 
Morgan named his son, [[Phelan Kell|Phelan Patrick Kell]], in part to honor his brother's memory.
 
 
 
 
 
Unknown to him, Patrick had sired a son named [[Christian Kell]] with a mistress named [[Takara]]. <ref>[http://www.classicbattletech.com/index.php?action=text&page=Kell_Hounds] BattleTech timeline - Kell Hound history</ref> He first appeared to Morgan Kell in [[3042]] on [[Arboris]], presenting evidence provided by his late mother. Morgan brings him to Outreach where he has him trained by [[Wolf's Dragoons]]. He later joins the Kell Hounds as an officer.
 
  
 
==BattleMechs==
 
==BattleMechs==
Patrick Kell was noted to pilot a ''[[Thunderbolt]]'', but used [[Ardan Sortek]]'s ''[[Victor]]'' Assault Mech in his final moments.  He was qualified to pilot the ''Victor'' while at the Nagelring Academy, and took part in rebuilding a captured [[Kurita]] ''Victor'' during his senior year.
+
Patrick Kell was noted to pilot a ''[[Thunderbolt]]'', but used [[Ardan Sortek]]'s ''[[Victor]]'' Assault 'Mech in his final moments.  He was qualified to pilot the ''Victor'' while at the Nagelring Academy, and took part in rebuilding a captured Kurita ''Victor'' during his senior year.
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
Line 73: Line 62:
  
 
==Bibliography==
 
==Bibliography==
* ''[[The Kell Hounds]]''  
+
* ''[[The Kell Hounds]]''
* ''[[Not the Way the Smart Money Bets]]'', a [[BattleCorps]] short story (2008)
+
* ''[[Not the Way the Smart Money Bets]]'' (short story)
* ''[[Warrior: En Garde]]'' (Novel)
+
* ''[[Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 15]]''
 
+
* ''[[A Tiny Spot of Rebellion]]'' (novella)
 +
* ''[[Warrior: En Garde]]'' (novel)
  
[[Category:Mercenary Characters|Kell, Patrick]]
 
 
[[Category:Lyran Commonwealth Characters|Kell, Patrick]]
 
[[Category:Lyran Commonwealth Characters|Kell, Patrick]]
 +
[[Category:Kell Hounds Characters|Kell, Patrick]]
 +
[[Category:Nagelring Alumni|Kell, Patrick]]

Latest revision as of 23:26, 12 January 2024

Patrick Martin Kell
Patrick Martin Kell
Personal
Born2988[1]
DiedMay 3027
AffiliationHouse Kell
Profile
RankLieutenant Colonel
Family
ParentsMargaret Maybelle Kell (mother)[2]
SiblingsMorgan Kell
SpouseTakara (lover)[3]
ChildrenChristian Kell (illigitimate)[3]

Patrick Martin Kell and his brother Morgan Kell were the founders of the famed Kell Hounds mercenary unit.

History[edit]

Early Life[edit]

Patrick graduated in 3009 the top 2% of his class from Nagelring, the premier military academy of the Lyran Commonwealth, and was assigned to the Tenth Skye Rangers. By 3010, he had risen to the rank of lieutenant colonel.

The Kell Hounds Formation[edit]

The Kell Hounds were born even before Morgan and Patrick had thoughts of running their own mercenary command. Arthur Luvon, future husband of Archon Katrina Steiner and cousin to Morgan and Patrick, dubbed the two brothers the "Kell Hounds" after witnessing them as young boys running around and terrorizing a neighbor's flock of sheep. Arthur drew up the Kell Hounds' crest and predicted that the two would grow up to become great MechWarriors. When Arthur died, Morgan and Patrick used the money left to them to form the Kell Hounds mercenary unit in 3010. Though initially mocked as rich boys playing soldier, the two made quite the impression with their surprisingly advanced grasp of strategy and tactics, as well as recruiting a top-notch technical support staff. Patrick became executive officer of the unit.

Securing Star League Books[edit]

The Kell Hounds were involved in the Battle of Halstead Station in 3014. Initially planned under Prince Ian Davion in 3012 to destroy a Draconis Combine supply depot, the operational target was altered under Hanse Davion after the location of a former Star League University was discovered. The Kell Hounds succeeded in securing the majority of valuable books. Those which couldn't be removed before the Federated Suns' evacuation of the planet where piled up and supposed to be burned. However, after retreating from the planet it became clear, that most of the books left fell unharmed into the hands of Draconis Combines Internal Security Force's officer Harrison Ukita. He evacuated them to the nearby planet of Murchison. After they learned from the situation, the Federated Suns immediately asked the Kell Hounds to attempt a planetary assault to secure the surviving books before they could be transferred to Luthien. Even though the raid was a military success, the books were hidden safely and couldn't be apprehended. When a Draconis Combine relief troop appeared, the Kell Hounds supposedly left the planet. Under disguise Patrick Kell succeeded to locate and secure the hidden books. In the course he met Tanaka, a Kuritan Renketsu, who helped him in completing his task and with who he apparently had a short relationship from which his son, Christian Kell originated.[4]

Mallory's World[edit]

The Kell Hounds had grown to regiment size by 3013,[5] with Patrick a Leftenant-Colonel in the expanded unit. While in service to the Federated Suns, the Hounds were called to Mallory's World for an emergency extraction of First Prince Ian Davion, whose forces where taking heavy casualties from the Draconis Combine's elite Second Sword of Light. Morgan led the relief force, while Patrick remained behind to safeguard the mercenary unit's dependents. The Hounds arrived too late, and Ian Davion died while covering his people's escape.

To prevent the Second Sword from taking the First Prince's body as a war trophy, Morgan challenged its commander, the infamous Yorinaga Kurita, to a duel. During the epic battle, Morgan Kell used the Phantom 'Mech effect to force an honorable withdraw by Yorinaga, giving the Hounds an opportunity to escape the planet with Ian Davion's body.

After the duel, Morgan became reticent and withdrawn, reducing the Hounds to a third of its strength and eventually retiring from the mercenary unit to join a monastery. Patrick became commander of the remaining Kell Hounds, leading them through the lowest period of their history, a time called the "Defection."

Commander of the Kell Hounds[edit]

Under Patrick's leadership, the unit overcame its depressive period. He managed to bring the unit back together with the support of Salome Ward, Dan Allard, Clarence "Cat" Wilson, and others.

By November of 3026 the Hounds were stationed on Pacifica,[6] where they garrisoned the planet from incursions or raids for the planet's plentiful water supply.

In April 3027, a battalion of the Second Sword of Light assaulted Pacifica during a visit by Colonel Ardan Sortek and Leftenant Andrew Redburn. Patrick and the Hounds had already tapped into various intelligence networks on the planet and were forewarned of the attacks. Sortek, Redburn and visiting Lyran Hauptman-General Sarah Joss participated in repulsing one of the incoming raider companies. The battle concluded with the assistance of Colonel Sortek's Victor Assault 'Mech dueling with and defeating a Kurita Awesome. However, the other two companies of 'Mechs, composed entirely of Panthers, spread out across the planet, forming resistance guerrilla cells.

On 26 May, Kurita commandos led an assault on the Kell Hounds' compound, whereby a twist of fate only Patrick was injured, albeit by katana blow that collapsed his lung. After the assassins were dispatched, a demi-company of Panther BattleMechs arrived to finish up. However, they were repelled by Hound 'Mechs led by Cat Wilson's Marauder, taking down three enemy 'Mechs in the process. Doctors managed to save Patrick, telling him that as long he rested he would recover from his injuries. The Hounds withdrew from the planet, taking most of the salvaged Panthers with them, to their JumpShip the Cucamulus. As part of a plan Patrick had made with the JumpShip's captain, Janos Vandermeer, the Kell Hounds made the jump into Kurita space to throw off inbound forces seeking to destroy them.[7] After jumping into an uninhabited star system A2341CA, the plan was for the JumpShip to "hot-load" its K-F drive so that they could jump again in eighteen hours instead of eight days and proceed to the Styx system, where they would hide out at a suspected Heimdall base.[8]

Silver Eagle[edit]

When the Kell Hounds arrived at Styx, they found the Heimdall base under attack by House Kurita, a combined task force of ISF commandos and the Genyosha, though the latter were not recognized at first. When Captain Dan Allard and his team breached the base, they discovered that the Silver Eagle had been taken there and that among the passengers was Patrick's cousin, Archon-Designate Melissa Steiner. During the course of the Silver Eagle Incident, Patrick engaged the Genyosha 'Mechs in Sortek's Victor, buying time for the Kell Hounds and Melissa to make her escape using while receiving a mortal wound from Yorinaga Kurita. Aboard the Silver Eagle, a dying Patrick Kell met with Melissa, where she revealed the purpose of her trip was for a secret wedding to First Prince Hanse Davion. Patrick Kell wished his cousin happiness, and tells Dan Allard to pass a message to his brother:

Dan, tell him...Morgan I understand. Tell him I finally understand.

As his final order, Patrick turned command of the Kell Hounds over to Salome Ward before finally dying.[9]

Legacy[edit]

After the Kell Hound's actions in the Silver Eagle incident, First Prince Hanse Davion rewarded the Kell Hounds with lands and titles, but asked what else he could do in thanks. It was at Dan Allard's suggestion that a scholarship be set up in Patrick's memory, to be offered to potential MechWarrior candidates who shared the same spirit of bravery as Patrick did. Hanse Davion agreed and Melissa Steiner also promised to create a similar program in the Lyran Commonwealth as well.[10]

A memorial in Peace Park in Avalon City to honor the memory of those who died in the Silver Eagle incident was also created, with Patrick's name among those listed.

BattleMechs[edit]

Patrick Kell was noted to pilot a Thunderbolt, but used Ardan Sortek's Victor Assault 'Mech in his final moments. He was qualified to pilot the Victor while at the Nagelring Academy, and took part in rebuilding a captured Kurita Victor during his senior year.

References[edit]

  1. The Kell Hounds, p. 17
  2. A Tiny Spot of Rebellion, ch. 4
  3. 3.0 3.1 Recognition Guide: ilClan, vol. 15, p. 8
  4. The affair is descripted in Shrapnel's short story The Judas Blind. Though some details seem to be apocryphal, as the Battle of Halstead Station and the subsequent engagement on Murchison is described as being, whilst the Third Battle of Mallory's World is going on
  5. Warrior: En Garde, p. 33
  6. Warrior: En Garde, p. 21
  7. Warrior: En Garde, pp. 264–265: "Hounds depart Steiner space for Kurita Space"
  8. Warrior: En Garde, pp. 279–280: "Patrick explained that the move was part of plan"
  9. Warrior: En Garde, p. 319: "Patrick Kell's last moments"
  10. Warrior: En Garde, pp. 324–325: "Dan proposes scholarship in memory of Patrick Kell"

Bibliography[edit]