Michael Hawkins

Michael Hawkins
Character Profile
Affiliation Clan Ghost Bear
Rank Galaxy Commander
Profession MechWarrior

Galaxy Commander Michael Hawkins was a Clan Ghost Bear MechWarrior and veteran of the Clan Invasion, who was served in the Ourse Keshik and later was the commanding officer of Rho Galaxy from 3054 to 3077.[1][2][3][4]

History[edit]

Clan Invasion[edit]

During Operation Revival in 3052, the then Star Colonel Hawkins was the aide-de-camp to Khan Bjorn Jorgensson, as part of Ourse Keshik.[4]

He was a gifted speaker and accomplished in many other areas including chess, pistol marksmanship, and forest survival skills. While in Ourse Keshik, Hawkins had one of the best kill counts in the whole unit, the record for which went back and forth between himself and Star Captain Kaamil DelVillar. The rivalry between the two was the subject of much betting by other members of the Keshik.[3]

Galaxy Command[edit]

Following his sterling service as Khan Jorgensson aide during the Clan Invasion, where he showed exceptional skills as a MechWarrior and field commander, Hawkins was promoted to Galaxy Commander and command of the Bear's Rho Galaxy (Bear Essentials). This followed the death of Kassandra Gurdel, Rho's former commander, who was killed in battle during a Trial of Possession against Clan Hell's Horses on Bearclaw.

In this role Hawkins also led his Trinary Galaxy Command (Kabrinski's Keshik), which he used as a mobile reserve, and to be the vanguard on major offensives.[5][6]

Battle of Luthien[edit]

Hawkins was still commanding Rho Galaxy when it arrived on Luthien on 21 December 3074, to participate in the Battle of Luthien (3067)|Battle of Luthien]], during the Word of Blake Jihad. During the Second Battle of the Takashi Memorial Spaceport, the Galaxy hot-dropped over the 32nd Division's positions, resulting in 75% casualties to the Blakists in the initial assault and the execution of the remaining survivors in the aftermath.[2]

Battle of Dieron[edit]

In 3077, Hawkins led Rho Galaxy when it traveled to Dieron, and served as the main reserve force for the Ghost Bears. Rho saw little combat for the first month; their only opponent was the Eighth Dieron Regulars which fought with the members of the Galaxy over Word of Blake prisoners in late October 3077.[7]

Hawkins, operating under standing orders from his Khan, attempted to kill nearly 300 Blakist prisoners of war held by the 8th Dieron. The Regulars, under their own orders to gather intelligence from the prisoners, attempted to prevent the executions. Following a brief but intense fire fight, fueled by both commanders stubbornly believing themselves in the right, the two notional allies were interrupted by forces from the Blakist 23rd Division. The resulting confusing the Regulars were able to evacuate at least 40 prisoners, before the Bears leveled the buildings holding the remaining POWs. The incident was a public relations disaster for the Bears, providing fuel for attacks on their reputation for years afterwards.[8]

Shortly thereafter the Blakist Third Division attacked Rho Galaxy and killed most of their higher level commanders. Cast into confusion, Rho Galaxy counterattacked without any plan or coordination with other Ghost Bear or Combine units, which allowed the Second and Third Divisions to withdraw from Dieron.[7]

BattleMech[edit]

Hawkins was known to pilot a Mad Dog.[3]

Rules[edit]

Game Rules[edit]

Hawkins was a Heroic MechWarrior (Gunnery 1, Piloting 2) with the Tactical Genius and Forward Observer Special Piloting Abilities.[3]

Quote[edit]

{{quoteHawkins is a master of verbal martial arts. His political aspirations are plain and boundless.[3]}}

Notes[edit]

  • It is implied, but not explicitly confirmed, that Michael Hawkins was one of Rho Galaxy's high-level commanders killed on Dieron in 3077.[7]

References[edit]

  1. Jihad Turning Points: Luthien, p. 7: "Rho Galaxy [Clan Ghost Bear]"
  2. 2.0 2.1 Jihad Turning Points: Luthien, p. 11: "Damnation"
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 BattleTech: Clan Heavy Striker Star, "Michael Hawkins"
  4. 4.0 4.1 Invading Clans, p. 38
  5. Field Manual: Warden Clans, p. 91
  6. Field Manual: Updates, p. 77
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 Jihad Turning Points: Dieron, p. 8: Rho Galaxy [Clan Ghost Bear]
  8. Total Chaos, p. 59

Bibliography[edit]