Elden Parkensen
Sarna News
Elden Parkensen | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Personal | |
| Affiliation | Draconis Combine |
| Profile | |
| Rank | Sho-sa |
| Profession | Mercenary Liaison Officer |
Elden Parkensen was a Mercenary Liaison Officer from the Professional Soldiery Liaison.
Contents
History[edit]
Parkensen was a veteran of the Clan Invasion, serving with several units. He was on Tarnby with the Fourth Pesht Regulars. In the battle of Diver's Grotto, his unit was mauled by the Sixth Jaguar Dragoons and almost annihilated. He was one of the handful of survivors evacuated. He was wounded and returned to Luthien for treatment, and was still there for the Battle of Luthien. Despite not being fully healed, he volunteered to fight. The Clan Nova Cat forces destroyed his patchwork 'Mech within minutes. Commended by Theodore Kurita, Parkensen was later posted to the Fourth Alshain Regulars on Rubigen... just in time for the unit to be mauled by the Ghost Bears. Once again, he survived. He was assigned to the Northwind Highlanders in 3058 to oversee the contracted units for the Battle of Wayside (3058). The 2 June, he presented himself to the Highlanders' officers, including Colonel Andrea Stirling, pointing the risks of her plans.[1]
Wayside V[edit]
On 3 July, the assault group arrived at Wayside V, finding a full Galaxy of Clan Smoke Jaguar troops, Tau Galaxy. The sho-sa's DropShip, the Retribution, was downed by Jaguar fighters and crashed. He was almost killed by an Jaguar assault, but was saved by Stirling's XO, Loren Jaffray despite not wanting his help. The same day, he participated in an officer's meeting, where he blamed Jaffray for the destruction of the Retribution. When Jaffray suggested posing as Jaguar forces in order to draw Clan Nova Cat to Wayside to fight the Jaguars, he opposed the idea.[2]
On 10 July, when the Highlanders faced a headhunting attack, Parkensen fought in the battle, killing some Elementals, and was furious after a Highlander killed a Jaguar 'Mech which he was fighting.[3]
By then, Parkensen's company had been decimated, but he volunteered himself to participate in an attack against the Jaguars' aerodrome. On the way there, he was almost killed during an air strike by Jaguar forces upon the task force while they were traveling. It only saved him the fact than then he was dismounted. Thanks to that, both him and his 'Mech survived intact.[4]
Parkensen took care of some wounded Highlanders, and later participate the assault against the aerodrome, which was a total success. He and the surviving Highlanders destroyed every Jaguar fighter and successfully retreated.[5]
Aftermath[edit]
Parkensen, after the victory, raised the Combine's flag over Wildcat Station. For the first time, he thanked Colonel Stirling for the victory, and appeared to be very proud and positive about the next battles against the Clans. He was expecting to be garrisoned on Wayside for some time, but it is known than soon after, the Combine abandoned the planet, allowing the Jaguars to retake it.[6][7]
Personality[edit]
Parkensen's personality, during almost all Wayside's campaign, may be described as arrogant. Possibly influenced by the Combine's traditional hate of mercenaries, but also because his commands' previous losses had affected him. He always pointed out the problems in any plan and acted arrogantly, especially in battle, refusing help when he needed it, and never giving thanks when someone had saved his life. He appeared to have been actively searching for death. Only after the airfield attack did he begin acting more reserved. After the end of the Wayside campaign, however, he became more respectful of the Highlanders.[6]
BattleMech[edit]
Parkensen piloted a patchwork Grand Dragon on Luthien.[1] On Wayside V, his 'Mech was a Hatamoto-Chi.[8][9]
Notes[edit]
- Elden's surname is spelled Parkensen throughout Impetus of War, and Parkenson in Northwind Highlanders (scenario pack).
Gallery[edit]
Loren Jaffray with Parkensen
