StarDrive 1/1
John A. Theisen
Chassis: Sian V
Power Plant: Pitban 20
Cruising Speed: 21 kph
Maximum Speed: 32 kph
Jump Jets: Anderson Propulsion 15
Jump Capacity: 60 meters
Armor: Starshield
Armament:
1 CeresArms Medium Laser
Manufacturer: Sian WeaponsCorp, Liao Vehicles Facility
Communications System: CeresCom Model 2-Rs
Targeting and Tracking System: Chamberlain Winesap
Record Sheet: SLP-2U Slowpoke
The SLP-2U Slowpoke was another early experimental design, and perhaps the only one of its class designed solely within the Capellan Confederation. Though it was the third House to develop an ultralight 'Mech (following Houses Davion and Kurita), the development and subsequent manufacture of the Slowpoke were inadequately planned and implemented, coming as a direct response to Davion Juniors used along the Davion/Liao border in the late 25th century.
Liao engineers hasty efforts failed twice before leading to a slow but tactically maneuverable 'Mech, designed for defense in urban combat situations. After entering production, the 'Mech was plagued by mechanical problems during its first few years, and select individual units were recalled for modifications and upgrading on at least three distinct occasions.
Designed by Sian WeaponsCorp, the Slowpoke was manufactured in limited quantities on the planet Liao for 'almost two hundred years, until the First Succession War ensued. During that conflict, every BattleMech factory on Liao (including the Slowpoke plant) was demolished by heavy raids and never reconstructed; this destruction also ended the vehicle-manufacturing capabilities of Sian, who thereafter limited its production to armaments.
No new Slowpokes have been built since the First Succession War. In light of its ease in destruction, the 'Mech has become rare, and certain systems and components (notably the tracking computer) are quite difficult to find spares for.
Capabilities:
In combat, the Slowpoke can be described as unimpressive in every respect. With a top speed of less than 40 kph and a single CeresArms medium laser for armament, many say the SLP is unable to run or fight. The Starshield armor is not exceptionally thin for its class, but because the 'Mech is so slow, it often presents an extended opportunity for weapons fire to penetrate, with unpleasant consequences. The Anderson jump jets are one of the unit's few saving graces, and their timely use has kept more than one SLP pilot alive in an awkward moment.
The Pitban engine is viewed by many with humor, not because it fails to perform (it has given excellent service), but because the heavily-shielded fusion plant is so small there is enough room in the engine compartment for storage of some of the pilot's personal effects. Even today, the compartment is used now and again for smuggling small goods past checkpoints. Many second-rate garrison units, never having seen the Slowpoke before, are unaware of its unique features and thus fail to check for contraband.
Both the CeresCom Model2-Rs communications and Chamberlain Winesap targeting & tracking systems are 1) obsolete; 2) almost impossible to find replacements for; and, 3) a major nuisance to any technician who tries to repair them. Neither system has been manufactured for many years (Chamberlain Communications and Circuitry has been out of business for more than a century), and parts are rarely found outside a few Star League depots or off another disabled Slowpoke. When damaged, the easiest and most common tactic is to junk the entire main module and insert a more modem equivalent. Surprisingly, rewiring is often not required on this 'Mech; instead, certain delicate circuit modifications must be made. This makes the task of replacement less time-consuming but far more technical than one might otherwise expect.
Battle History:
One engagement in which Slowpoke made a fair showing took place during the Second Succession War, when the planet St. Ives was briefly threatened by a small task force from the Federated Suns. A lance of Slowpokes, supporting a company of Vedettes, a platoon of minelaying trucks, and a battalion of infantry, made up the garrison of Georgetown, a moderately-sized industrial city heavily damaged in the First Succession War. In a surprise raid begun during very poor weather, a Davion Leopard Class DropShip landed nearby. (Liao intelligence later proved it was a minor diversionary attack.) The DropShip's complement, a Medium Lance (two Trebuchets, a Centurion, and a Stinger) and a Corsair Air Lance, debarked and moved against Georgetown.
With some advance warning, the Liao garrison had time to organize a hasty defense, despite worsening weather. In less than two hours, a sparse minefield had been laid and all units were in position. Severe storms, developing during the last hour, forced the AeroSpace Fighters to turn back, but the ground contingent pressed on without benefit of air cover.
Intimately familiar with the streets and alleys of Georgetown, the garrison arranged overlapping fields of fire while maintaining maximum cover. As the Davion lance approached the city's outskirts and spread out, the infantry opened fire. Their casualties were heavy, but the MechWarriors' attention had been diverted and they now expected no other opposition. Liao Vedettes then came in from behind, joined by Slowpokes jumping into battle and took the attackers completely by surprise. With their escape route cut off and fearing additional Liao reinforcements, the Trebuchets and Centurion elected to fight to the death. Only the Stinger (the sole Davion 'Mech possessing jump capability) escaped, and even it was badly damaged before it finally got away.
As a result, House Davion did not attempt another raid against Georgetown for over a year. The Davion commander, a Major Lindell, was cashiered for his role in preparing the attack, and the Liao garrison commander, BattleMech Captain Jason Wah, received a field promotion.
Notable 'Mechs and Mech Warriors:
Capellan Confederation Chancellor Maximilian Liao
During rare moments of leisure, this ruler personally maintains and pilots (as his auxiliary 'Mech) a Slowpoke called the Humble Warlord. Beautifully painted in House colors and in perfect condition, Liao describes his work on it as "joyous and humbling."
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