Rating V / I / L Unit History 3010: Admiral Craig Mazur, adamantly believing that AeroSpace superiority was vital to the success of any major military action, convinced Janos Marik to allow him to form a special AeroSpace unit which could virtually guarantee that superiority. Recovery Operation, Stanzach 3029 Admiral Mazur spent over a year personally choosing the pilots for the unit from among the elite of House Marik and equipping them with the very best AeroSpace vehicles available; including such rare DropShips as a Vengeance fighter carrier, an Achilles, and two Avengers. The unit was named the Magpies. 3011-3013: Despite their status as one of the most powerful AeroSpace units ever created, the Magpies spent their time in uneventful garrison duty. Considered too valuable to be used in anything but a major operation, the Magpies had no opportunities to fight in the raids and border skirmishes that were characteristic between Succession Wars, much to the frustration of Admiral Mazur. 3014: Admiral Mazur, disgusted that House Marik would turn against itself, defected to the Free Worlds League's greatest rival, the Lyran Commonwealth. He had intended to take only his family with him to the Commonwealth, however the loyalty of the unit he had created was such that more than eighty percent of the Magpies followed the Admiral into exile. House Steiner signed on the nowmercenary unit and assigned it to garrison the world of Tamar. This posting delighted merchants, for the heavy AeroSpace presence resulted in a dramatic reduction of Kurita raids into the system. 3016: The Magpies were sent to relieve the beleaguered defenders on Laurent. They arrived in time only to harass Combine troops as they boosted offworld. The Magpies still managed to inflict significant losses. The Magpies newest member, Admiral Mazur's daughter Debbie, distinguished herself in the engagement by destroying five fighters. Not only a gifted pilot, but a natural leader with a flair for innovative tactics, Debbie began a meteoric rise through the Magpie ranks. 3024: The Magpies supported Commonwealth forces attempting to retake Sevren. They quickly established AeroSpace dominance and maintained it throughout the offensive, inflicting heavy losses among Kurita AeroSpace units. During the invasion, Debbie Mazur became the Magpies' top pilot by setting a career record of fiftythree confirmed kills. 3025-27: Admiral Mazur retired in favor of his daughter. Debbie immediately began to build up the unit. The number of AeroSpace fighters was doubled; conventional aircraft and VTOLs were added, greatly increasing the power and flexibility of this already potent unit. 3028: With the outbreak of the Fourth Succession War, the Magpies were assigned to support the Eighth Donegal Guards. In the invasion of Moritz, the Magpies went up against the understrength AeroWing of the Fifth Sun Zhang Academy Cadre. The Cadre never stood a chance, suffering losses in excess of ninety-five percent. Magpie losses were minimal. 3029: In the offensive against Stanzach, the Magpies faced determined opposition from the AeroWings of the Thirteenth Rasalhague Regulars and the Ninth Pesht Regulars. It cost the Magpies dearly, but by the time the Combine retreated from Stanzach, the Draconian AeroWings were all but destroyed. 3030: After the signing of the ComStar Peace Pact, the Magpies returned to Tamar. They have been a loyal garrison ever since. Recent History The Magpies are still technically mercenary, they have over the years become almost a House unit of the Lyran Commonwealth. It is highly unlikely that the Magpies will ever leave the service of House Steiner. The majority of the unit is made up of Lyrans or the children of original members who have grown up in the Commonwealth. Although some elements of the Magpies served to pacify the Tamar Pact during the Skye Crisis of 3034, their loyalties might be torn if the Tamar Pact ever did revolt. It has been their home for so long now. It is reported that elements also served with the Lyran troops training Rasalhague's new military, and that other elements were detached to back up the 3039 invasion of the Draconis Combine through the Ryde Theater. These reports are unconfirmed, although the Magpies are said to be hiring. Mercenary Requirements The Magpies hire only mercenary pilots with experience; under no circumstance will green troops be employed. The Magpies are especially strict in their requirements for AeroSpace pilots, employing only those of veteran or elite status. Those applying to the unit need not have their own vehicles. The Magpies will repair the equipment of those coming to the unit with damaged vehicles. The Magpies desire that the individual they hire have a strong sense of commitment, and are willing to stay with the unit through the long haul; hence the two year minimum contract. Mercenaries whose contracts have expired are often encouraged to become regulars. Guarantees Advance/completion: upon joining the Magpies, the mercenary unit/warrior will be provided with a ten percent advance on the pay due for the agreed-upon term of service. The balance will be paid out over the contractual period. Command Rights The mercenary trooper will be fully integrated into the unit. Full mere units are almost never hired; only those of exceptional quality are ever even considered. The rare full units that are employed are placed under the Command House System, with the unit commander directly answerable to an officer appointed by Colonel Debbie Mazur. Transport All transport will be provided by the Magpies. Units with their own transportation may be given preferential terms of employment. Assessment The Magpies are a prestigious unit that pays well, especially to AeroSpace pilots. As the unit has their pick from amount the best House Steiner has to offer, and as they have an excellent training system for their own pilots, the Magpies rarely have a need to hire mercenaries to fill their ranks. On the few occasions where openings do exist, the high skill requirements eliminate many from consideration. Due to the elite nature of the unit, those in service to the Magpies can expect to be sent on high risk missions. It is recommended that only merc pilots of exceptional skill seek employment with the Magpies. Ticket Details The duties of mercenary troops joining the Magpies will depend on the type of duty that the Lyran Commonwealth chooses for the unit. It is possible to make general statements concerning potential service, based on the unit's history. Missions Retainer Combat Campaign (Offensive) Invasion (Planetary Assault, Relief Duty) Static Defense (Garrison Duty) Length of Service 24 months minimum, usually with an option of becoming permanent. Remuneration Aircraft, VTOL Pilots (per pilot, per week) AeroSpace Pilots (per pilot, per week) Technicians, Engineers (per person, per week) Elite: Cb 2,500 Cb 3,500 Cb 2,500 Veteran: Cb 2,000 Cb 2,500 Cb 1,750 Regular: Cb 1,500 not hired Cb 1,500 Back to BattleTechnology 11 Table of Contents Back to BattleTechnology List of Issues Back to MagWeb Magazine List © Copyright 1989 by Pacific Rim Publishing. This article appears in MagWeb.com (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. 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