StarDrive 1/1 (poem: BattleTechnology 0203)
John A. Theisen
Chassis: Chariot Type XA
Power Plant: Magna 135
Cruising Speed: 97 kph
Maximum Speed: 151 kph
Jump Jets: None
Jump Capacity: None
Armor: Lexington Limited
Armament:
1 Magna Mk I Small Laser
1 Firestorm Flamer
Manufacturer: Defiance Industries of Hesperus II
Communications System: TharHes Piccolo I-2
Targeting and Tracking System: TharHes Ares-9bis
Record Sheet: FXR-4R Foxfire
Karl von der Burg, a senior engineer employed by Defiance Industries, was also a amateur historian and became fascinated by accounts of the Eastern European Front during Terra's Second World War. After careful research and study, he realized an incendiary weapon mounted on a fast but lightly-armored 'Mech chassis might have tremendous potential for heating up other 'Mechs.
Spending several months of his own time developing a workable prototype, von der Burg sprung his design on Defiance Industries' top corporate executives, who were ecstatic over the proposal. They immediately presented the concept to an equally-receptive Lord IS, Steiner, and production began shortly thereafter.
Once the Foxfire started rolling out assembly lines, no one in the Lyran Commonwealth knew exactly what to do with it. Recognizing the value of its high speed, most generals deployed the FXR in reconnaissance units. It was not until special incendiary lances were formed, with Stefan the Usurper, that the Foxfire truly came into its own.
By the beginning of the First Succession War, a Foxfire lance was attached to almost every BattleMech and tank regiment in the Commonwealth. In the case of conventional armored formations, these were often the only 'Mechs to serve in the same combat sector. Though deemed as a "weapon of last resort" on defense, numerous creative uses were discovered when Foxfires took the offense and operated freely on the worlds of other states.
Exclusively manufactured at the Defiance facility on Hesperus II, the Foxfire has not been in production for at least half a century. Nevertheless, the best reports available indicate there arc between 2000 and 5000 still in service. Most of these are operating in Steiner controlled space but a few may also be with mercenaries and nearby Bandit Kings. Even today, the Foxfire remains a popular choice with several mercenary units, particularly the desperate ones.
Capabilities:
For the Foxfire, the Firestorm flamer is its only purpose for existence. In essence, the entire 'Mech was designed to house and transport the energy weapon on and off the battlefield in the quickest possible time; everything else was judged optional. Although the armament on the FXR places strict limits on the 'Mech's combat capabilities, it has been a stunning success.
The high speed of the Foxfire ranks it among the fastest armed BattleMechs in existence. Ironically, the Magna fusion power plant has one slight weakness: a tendency to overheat when running speed is maintained for very long.
The armor is of good quality, though unspectacular. Both communications and targeting systems have worked adequately, even though the Ares-9bis system has been described as cheaply built and not designed to last. Fortunately, the target acquisition process is somewhat less crucial for Foxfire pilots than it would be for other MechWarriors; it seems likely that Defiance chose this system to scrimp on, knowing it would be of secondary importance on the FXR.
Battle History:
One of the Foxfire's brightest moments is history took place on Hesperus II, less than 50 km from where the BattleMechs were manufactured. The Steiner defenders, a full regiment, had been diverted by misleading Kurita radio communications, and were now massed several hundred kilometers for the combat area. The only 'Mechs remaining were a single lance of Foxfires, detached for the regiment to stay behind. Meanwhile, an authentic Kurita force was advancing on the factory.
Lieutenant Kaylar Greene, the Foxfire lance leader, quickly came up with an imaginative plan to lure the attackers away and give reinforcements time to arrive. A large forest bordered the facility along the Kurita line of advance. Greene split her lance in two, dispatching one pair to either side of the forest. The next few minutes were spent in sending literally hundreds of decoy communications on frequencies Kurita commanders were known to monitor. This gave the false impression that large Steiner forces were mobilizing on both sides of the forest, the same tactic the Kurita general used to divert the Steiner force in the first place!
Though reluctant, the Kurita general believed the messages and saw no other choice but to enter through the forest, thinking the Steiner forces would not expect him to do that. As soon as the attacking battalion reached the half-way point, Greene ordered all Foxfires to begin igniting the woods. The ambush was a stunning success, and the Kurita force lost over 20 'Mechs as opposed to no Steiner casualties. The brilliant maneuver resulted in a field promotion and decoration of valor for Lieutenant Greene.
Notable 'Mechs and Mech Warriors:
MechWarrior Alexander Conorrbin
Known as the Laureate of Lancaster, Conorrbin has established a reputation as a skilled Foxfire pilot and noted poet. His works have won a number of major awards within the Lyran Commonwealth, and his poem "Fox-Twilight-Fire" was personally dedicated to Duchess Katrina Steiner in a command performance. When not in battle or on routine scouting duties, the intellectual Conorrbin can often be found sitting in the shade of his Foxfire, the Will-o'-the-Whisper, composing villanelles and free verse. He is currently serving with House Steiner's 3rd Lyran Guard regiment at Court on Tharkad, and he plans to dedicate his next collection to the members of his unit.
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by Alexander Conorrbin
a low backdrop sun glistening through
scorching tears of liquified plasma
the Foxfire gushes forth a stream of heat
and all before it turns to steam and smoke
fire and flame inferno and ash
"Another mission complete," he radios in
"Good job, Foxfire-2," she answers promptly
anonymous voices that dance back and forth
while the flames lick at the foot of the forest
the light from the fired salvos intensifies as
the light from the sun fades from view
he returns home confident he can go back tomorrow
and pick up where he left off
if anything should remain