Editing Kathleen Heany

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| name                = Kathleen Heany
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| othernames          = 
| affiliation         = [[Lyran Commonwealth]]
| profession          = [[Hauptmann General]]
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}}
'''Kathleen Heany''' was a [[Lyran Commonwealth|Lyran]] military officer and [[MechWarrior (pilot)]] from before the [[Fourth Succession War]] through the [[FedCom Civil War]].

==History==
===Early Life and Career===
[[File:Skyerangers4th.png|right|thumb|The [[4th Skye Rangers|Fourth Skye Rangers]]]]
Heany graduated from [[Sanglamore|Sanglamore Academy]], the secondmost respected military academy in the Lyran Commonwealth.<ref name=HTTD159-SR>''Heir to the Dragon'', p. 159&mdash;her Sanglamore class ring is mentioned</ref> The progression of her career suggests that she was born to a prestigious family, and may have hailed from the [[Federation of Skye]] region of the Commonwealth. Heany's career in the [[LCAF]] apparently progressed well, and at some point (apparently prior to her command of the [[4th Skye Rangers]]) she was a regimental commander in the [[Lyran Guards]].<ref name=TRO3039-168-HGKH-NS>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 168, "Atlas: Notable MechWarriors - Hauptmann-General Kathleen Heany"</ref>

By [[3025]], she held the rank of [[Hauptmann-Kommandant]], commanding the elite 4th Skye Rangers on [[Ryde]].<ref>''House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)'', p. 119, "Unit Deployment Table (as of 3025)"&mdash;Heany commands the Fourth Skye Rangers based on Ryde</ref> The Fourth's quality and performance during this time was acknowledged even by their enemies in the [[Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery]], although Heany's own performance was described as "spotty".<ref name=HTTD130-1>''Heir to the Dragon'', p. 130&mdash;Theodore Kurita reviews a report on the Fourth Skye Rangers</ref> Kuritan reports of Lyran female officers were typically biased though.

In the buildup to the [[Fourth Succession War]], conventional regiments were permanently attached to the Fourth Rangers, officially making them an [[Regimental Combat Team]], the same formation that had proved so successful for the allied [[House Davion]]. In addition, [[AFFS]] officers were brought in to "advise" Lyran units in the field, particularly in [[combined-arms]] tactics.<ref name=NAIS4SW1-42-LCAF-LC2>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 42, "Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces"&mdash;the LCAF attempts to adapt AFFS tactics</ref> A [[Lightning Company]] was also attached to the regiment, composed of light and medium [[BattleMech]]s and staffed by warriors who had been trained in mobile tactics in the [[Federated Suns]] so they could take advantage of their superior mobility.<ref name=NAIS4SW1-42-LCAF-LC>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 42, "Lyran Commonwealth Armed Forces"&mdash;about Lightning Companies</ref><ref name=NAIS4SW1-61-4SR-LC>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 61, "End of the Offensive"&mdash;the Fourth has a Lightning Company that joins Second Battalion on [[Komephoros]]</ref> None of this seemed to be met with approval by the traditionalist Heany, who preferred the standard Lyran practice of direct assaults with the heaviest 'Mechs available. 

===Fourth Succession War===
In August [[3028]], [[Operation GÖTTERDÄMMERUNG]] was launched, a massive invasion of the [[Draconis Combine]] under the overall command of [[General#Lyran_Commonwealth_and_Lyran_Alliance|General]] [[Nondi Steiner]]. 

====Marfik====
Heany's Fourth Skye Rangers, along with twenty-five conventional regiments, were assigned to invade [[Marfik]]. Though a valuable world in and of itself, Marfik was defended by the [[11th Legion of Vega]], commanded by ''[[Tai-sa]]'' [[Theodore Kurita]], the [[Heir-designate]] of the Draconis Combine. The Eleventh Legion of Vega was a punishment assignment for him because of a falling out with his father. Supported by twelve supporting regiments, it was composed of the dregs of the Combine military, castoffs and malcontents using inferior, secondhand equipment, and it was believed the superior quality of the Fourth, combined with the AFFS tactics and plans, would be more than enough to easily crush the defenders and claim Theodore Kurita as a prize.<ref name=NAIS4SW1-49-M1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 49, "Marfik"&mdash;the Fourth Skye Rangers attack Marfik in the first wave of Operation Götterdämmerung</ref>

[[File:Theodore Kurita at age 37.jpg|left|thumb|Heany's failure to capture [[Theodore Kurita]] was the pivotal moment in her career.]] Capturing Kurita, the only son of [[Coordinator]] [[Takashi Kurita]], could potentially devastate the Combine for years to come. So determined were the Lyrans to trap the Dragon's heir on the planet that they used a [[Pirate Jump Point]], quickly making planetfall and seemingly reducing the chance for Kurita to make his escape.<ref name=HTTD126127-1>''Heir to the Dragon'', pp. 126-127&mdash;the Lyrans use a pirate point in an attempt to trap Kurita on Marfik</ref> The original battle plan had called for joint use of 'Mechs, [[infantry]] and [[Combat Vehicle|armor]] against the Legion. However, when the Eleventh were not at Netaltown, as [[Department of Military Intelligence|Davion Intelligence]] had expected, but were still in Massingham, Heany abandoned that strategy and ignored all AFFS advice. Leaving her armor and infantry behind, she led her heavy and assault 'Mechs in a direct, frontal attack on the Eleventh in the Massingham valley on 29 August, 3028. Kurita responded by leading his second battalion in a charge, all the while his own support regiments were withdrawing into DonnerBrau forest. The charge was a feint, designed to buy the DCMS forces enough time to escape. The Legion withdrew into the forest in good order, though twelve 'Mechs were lost against the heavier machines of the Rangers. Heany overconfidently ordered her 'Mechs to pursue, where her slower machines and lack of knowledge of the terrain soon led her forces to become lost, having lost contact with the Legion.<ref name=NAIS4SW1-49-M2>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 49, "Marfik"&mdash;Heany abandons her conventional forces and Kurita uses a feint attack against the Skye Rangers</ref><ref name=HTTD135136-1>''Heir to the Dragon'', pp. 135-136&mdash;Heany orders her troops to pursue the Legion</ref><ref name=HTTD139-1>''Heir to the Dragon'', p. 139&mdash;Heany loses contact with the Legion</ref><ref name=TFSWSVO-40-SM-1>''The Fourth Succession War Scenarios Volume One'', p. 40, "A Bold Prince - Situation: Marfik, 27 August 3028"&mdash;Heany abandons her support regiments which are then attacked by ''Tai-sa'' Kurita</ref> Meanwhile, Kurita led his Legion 'Mechs against the unprotected support regiments in Gether's Jewel. Still leading second battalion, Kurita wiped out several Lyran conventional regiments though he faced heavy resistance from the elite [[13th Assault Regiment]], who bought the remaining Lyran forces enough time to take up defensive positions. The Legion then pulled back, having seriously bloodied the Lyrans.<ref name=TFSWSVO-40-SM-1/><ref name=NAIS4SW1-50-M3>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 50, "Marfik"&mdash;Heany's conventional forces are attacked</ref><ref name=HTTD137139-1>''Heir to the Dragon'', pp. 137-139&mdash;Heany's conventional forces are attacked in Gether's Jewel</ref>

After this, Heany reluctantly returned to the original strategy, including her conventional forces in the campaign and using [[aerospace fighter]]s to help track the Legion down. This proved effective, and the Rangers slowly began pushing the Kuritan forces further east on the North Galfree continent. Clashes between the two sides were brief, as the numbers and quality of the Fourth Rangers took a toll on the Eleventh Legion, which was running low on supplies and spare parts to keep their equipment operational. Theodore Kurita, for his part, did a masterful job keeping his force intact, using guerrilla warfare tactics and repeatedly striking at the Lyrans and fading away back into the forest.<ref name=NAIS4SW1-50-M4>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 50, "Marfik"&mdash;the campaign progresses</ref>

By 26 September, the battlefield losses and lack of supplies had forced the Legion and supporting units to prepare for their last stand in the hills of Sitika, a small coastal city. The Rangers and their own troops had been damaged, but had the overwhelming advantage in numbers, supplies, territory and air support.<ref name=NAIS4SW1-50-M5>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 50, "Marfik"&mdash;the Rangers prepare to finish off the Legion</ref><ref name=HTTD148149-1>''Heir to the Dragon'', pp. 148-149&mdash;Heany prepares for the final assault</ref> The following day, Heany personally commanded the attacks. The Legion seemed to be holding its remaining 'Mechs in reserve, even as the Lyrans used 'Mechs, armor, infantry and aerospace support to push the Combine troops back. In fact, most of the supposed remaining Legion 'Mechs were harmless scrap metal mockups. The real 'Mechs only appeared when Lyran armor breached the Legion's lines. When Heany spotted ''Tai-sa'' Kurita's ''[[Orion]]'' leading  less than a company of active Legion 'Mechs, she ordered an [[artillery]] strike to bring it down, confident she had finally succeeded in her mission. She was surprised to find that the 'Mech was actually piloted by ''[[Sho-sa]]'' [[Esau Olivares]], the Legion's first battalion commander. The entire defense was planned to buy Theodore Kurita enough time to escape Marfik on a [[DropShip]] disguised with Lyran colors.<ref name=NAIS4SW1-50-M6>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 50, "Marfik"&mdash;Battle of Sitika</ref><ref name=HTTD157159-1>''Heir to the Dragon'', pp. 157-159&mdash;Battle of Sitika</ref> Heany and the Fourth Skye Rangers had successfully taken Marfik, but it had taken weeks longer than expected and, more importantly, they had failed to capture or kill Theodore Kurita.

[[Colonel]] Randolph J. Thompson of the Thirteenth Assault Regiment was furious about Heany's tactics and the losses she caused to his third battalion in the Gether's Jewel incident. Acting under the orders of General Nondi Steiner, he held Heany and several of her command staff under house arrest pending an inquiry for a time.<ref name=TFSWSVO-40-VD-1>''The Fourth Succession War Scenarios Volume One'', p. 40, "Valiant Defenders"&mdash;Thompson's report to Nondi Steiner</ref> The outcome is unknown, but apparently had no adverse effect on Heany's career.

====Later Actions====
In the follow-up attacks, the Fourth split into two groups. First and Third Battalions invaded [[Kimball II]], but were unexpectedly opposed by the [[3rd Dieron Regulars]]. Second Battalion and the attached Lightning Company struck at [[Komephoros]], where they were attacked by the [[17th Benjamin Regulars]]. Although they held their own on both fronts, being split up and outnumbered demoralized the Fourth Rangers.<ref name=NAIS4SW1-61-4SR-FU>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1'', p. 61&mdash;"End of the Offensive", the Fourth's followup attacks face resistance</ref> 

This was the status quo when the war went into a "lull", an unofficial ceasefire that saw fighting even on contested planets reduced to a standstill. The Fourth Skye took full advantage of the lull, resting up and preparing new battle plans. By the time the lull ended, the Fourth Skye Ranger elements on Kimball II were ready to take full advantage, going on the offensive and driving the Kurita troops back. On Komephoros, the Rangers managed to push the Seventeenth from their defensive positions, taking the advantage. Despite superior numbers, both Kurita regiments withdrew from their worlds in late July,<ref name=NAIS4SW2-71-RT1>''NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2'', p. 71, "Ryde Theater"&mdash;both contingents of Skye Rangers are successful</ref> and were eventually rerouted to participate in [[Operation Contagion]], an attempted counterassault against the Commonwealth. 

Despite the strong overall performance of the Fourth during the war, Heany's failure to capture Theodore Kurita would reflect on her for the rest of her career, and she would never again serve as a regular field commander. The scathing critique by Colonel Thompson regarding the Gether's Jewel debacle may also have played a part in this.

===War of 3039===
[[File:Nondi Steiner.jpg|right|thumb|[[Nondi Steiner]], Heany's commanding officer and patron]]
At the start of the war he was the Hauptmann-General of the full brigade of the Lyran Guards.

Although Heany's career survived the debacle on Marfik, her time commanding a frontline unit was over. She would serve on Nondi Steiner's staff for several years, but continued to develop a very poor reputation among AFFS officers who served under her, who found her orders to be incompetent and who usually requested a transfer as soon as possible.<ref name=TRO3039-168-HGKH/> Even Heany recognized that she had been relegated in her new position, given hollow honors and promotions. She deeply resented younger LCAF officers coming through the ranks who favored innovative approaches and other "Davionist" thinking, favored even by Nondi Steiner.<ref name=HTTD331-1>''Heir to the Dragon'', p. 331&mdash;Heany reflects on her recent career and younger Lyran officers</ref>

In [[3039]], [[Hanse Davion]] finally launched a [[War of 3039|joint invasion]] of the Draconis Combine, looking to permanently destroy the Dragon. After a wildly successful first wave, General Nondi Steiner held a meeting of her command staff&mdash;including Heany&mdash;on 12 July on Vega to announce the second wave of the Lyran thrust, dubbed [[Operation WINTERSCHNEE]]. The meeting was attacked by [[DEST]] commandos acting under a plan conceived by [[Ninyu Kerai Indrahar]]. The special forces operatives killed many of the best young officers present and seriously injured others including General Steiner, who was sidelined for the remainder of the war. Heany, who saved Steiner's life during the incident, escaped with a leg injury. Realizing that she was the ranking officer present and active, Heany took command of the Lyran portion of the offensive.<ref name=HTTD331335-1>''Heir to the Dragon'', pp. 331-335&mdash;Heany takes command after an attack injures Steiner and kills others</ref><ref name=HW39-66-HGKH-1>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 66, "The ISF War"&mdash;DEST attack decapitates Lyran offensive with Heany taking command</ref> Heany resorted to her traditional Lyran "frontal assault" tactics and the offensive stalled, with Combine counterattacks threatening Lyran gains.<ref name=HW39-66-HGKH-2>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 66, "The ISF War"&mdash;Lyran Offensive stalls</ref> Heany's troops soon found themselves on the defensive, having lost the initiative.<ref name=HW39-69WTC-1>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 69, "Wave Two and Counterattack"&mdash;Heany's "old school" tactics threaten the offensive</ref> 

The attacks by the DEST and the ISF had also crippled Vega's communications network. When the [[2nd Legion of Vega]], reinforced by elements of the [[14th Legion of Vega]] arrived, the defending Lyran forces consisted of the [[3rd Davion Guards]] and the [[mercenary]] groups [[Snord's Irregulars]] and the [[Grave Walkers]]' [[1st Grave Walkers|First Regiment]]. Although possessing an edge in numbers, complete lack of coordination on the part of the allied forces and Heany's incompetent leadership and strategy allowed the attackers to make planetfall. When the [[2nd Dieron Regulars]] arrived to reinforce the Combine troops, the odds were suddenly even, and the Allies were still no better coordinated. The DCMS forces were supported by twenty conventional regiments, while Heany made poor use of her own armor and infantry forces.<ref name=HW39-7678-V1>''Historical: War of 3039'', pp. 76-78, "Vega (July - August)"&mdash;the Second Battle of Vega</ref> Brevet-Marshal James Seymour of the Third Davion Guards strongly advised Heany to stage a mobile defense, properly utilizing the combined-arms tactics that had been proven so effective.<ref name=HW39-69CT-BMJS-1>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 69, "Commonwealth Thrust"&mdash;Seymour's quotation on Heany's strategy</ref> Heany rejected his advice, choosing to meet the "Pride of Shionoha" of the Second Dieron in a frontal assault. Outmaneuvered in the field, the Allies slowly gave ground. Snord's Irregulars, cut off from their allies, left the planet, retreating back into the Commonwealth. By August 9, the Grave Walkers had also evacuated the planet with heavy losses. Outnumbered nearly three-to-one and demoralized under Heany's overall command, the Third Davion Guards continued to resist for three more days before Heany finally ordered the retreat.<ref name=HW39-7678-V1/> Heany later tried to blame the debacle on the Grave Walkers and Irregulars, but a review by the [[MRBC]] cleared them of wrongdoing, and both commands remained in Lyran employ.<ref name=HW39-78V-1>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 78, "Vega (July - August)"&mdash;the MRBC clears the mercenaries of wrongdoing</ref>

===Clan Invasion Era===
By [[3050]], Heany held the rank of [[Hauptmann General]] in the new [[AFFC]], and was [[Marshal (rank)|Marshal]] [[Spiro Fairchild]]'s second-in-command of the Accrington Command in the [[Skye March]].<ref>''20 Year Update'', p. 26, "Skye March: Ryde Theater - Accrington Command"&mdash;Heany is second-in-command in Accrington</ref> Although a high-ranking assignment, Heany's lack of a field command may have been a reflection of her past failures. In the aftermath of the [[Clan Invasion]] and the subsequent reorganization of the [[AFFC]], Heany was placed in command of the Accrington Command as early as [[3054]].<ref>''Objective Raids'', p. 18, "Skye March: Ryde Theater - Accrington Command"&mdash;Heany commands the Accrington Command</ref> She was not, however, promoted to the rank of [[Marshal_(rank)#Armed_Forces_of_the_Federated_Suns|Marshal]], which was the traditional rank for a province commander at the time.

===FedCom Civil War and Retirement===
In the aftermath of [[Operation Bulldog]] and the secession of the [[Lyran Alliance]] from the [[Federated Commonwealth]], Heany was promoted to full [[General#Lyran_Commonwealth_and_Lyran_Alliance|General]] and placed in command of the [[Donegal Guards]] brigade.<ref name=FMLA62-KH1>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 62, "Commanding Officer"&mdash;Kathleen Heany recently appointed (as of December 3062)</ref> Heany's top aide was Hauptmann General [[Sarah Steiner]], former commander of the [[10th Donegal Guards]].<ref name=FMLA62-SS>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 62, "Commanding Officer"&mdash;Sarah Steiner</ref> Granted the position based largely on her loyalty to [[Archon]] [[Katherine Steiner-Davion]], Heany's assignment kept ker from a frontline command,<ref name=FMLA62-FLC>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 62, "Commanding Officer"&mdash;Heany does not command in the field</ref> and apparently kept her from seeing any actual combat during the inevitable [[FedCom Civil War]]. Heany was unwilling to accept [[Peter Steiner-Davion]] as Archon, particularly after his killing of Nondi Steiner in single combat on [[Tharkad]]. Heany retired, with [[Caesar Steiner]] taking command of the Donegal Guards.<ref name=FMU169-KH>''Field Manual: Updates'', p. 169, "Donegal Guard"&mdash;Heany retires from command</ref>

==Personality and Traits==
Kathleen Heany was described as capable in military administration with the ability to motivate her troops. However, she was staunchly "old school" Lyran in her approach, and rejected all attempts at using more innovative tactics,<ref name=FMLA62-KHP>''Field Manual: Lyran Alliance'', p. 62, "Commanding Officer", Kathleen Heany is described</ref> particularly advice coming from Davion officers. Indeed, her reputation for prejudice against AFFS personnel and units followed her long after the Fourth Succession War, and eventually led to her enthusiastically placing her loyalty with Katherine Steiner-Davion.<ref name=TRO3039-168-HGKH>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 168, "Atlas: Notable MechWarriors - Hauptmann-General Kathleen Heany"&mdash;Heany is described as an "old school" Lyran General</ref>

Even before the alliance with the Federated Suns, Heany seemed to hold an unhealthy prejudice against [[Nagelring]] graduates, probably a carryover from old school rivalries turned into career elitism (being a Sanglamore graduate herself).<ref name=HTTD331332-1>''Heir to the Dragon'', pp. 331-332&mdash;Heany's views on Nagelring graduates</ref> Heany also seemed to have been particularly religious, to the point where she regarded her assumption of command on Vega as a form of divine intervention.<ref name=HTTD334335-1>''Heir to the Dragon'', pp. 334-335&mdash;Heany expresses religious convictions</ref> [[Caradoc Trevena]], one of the most respected strategists of the 3060s, was one of many who categorized Heany's general demeanor as "arrogant" when writing his [[Historical: War of 3039|acclaimed treatise on the War of 3039]].<ref name=HW39-77V-KH-2>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 77, "Vega (July - August)"&mdash;Heany described as "arrogant"</ref>

==Quotations==
{{quote|''The Dracs rolled over in Götterdämmerung. We’ll give them a good kicking this time too.''|Hauptmann-General Kathleen Heany, in preparation for the War of 3039<ref name=HW39-11TW39-HGKH>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 11, "The War of 3039"&mdash;Heany's quote entering the War of 3039</ref>}} 

{{quote|''A frontal assault on the enemy? Oh, very inspired.''|Brevet-Marshal James Seymour of the [[3rd Davion Guards]] on Heany's defense strategy of Vega<ref name=HW39-69CT-BMJS-1>''Historical: War of 3039'', p. 69, "Commonwealth Thrust"&mdash;Seymour's quotation on Heany's strategy</ref>}}

==BattleMechs==
Heany was a noted ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'' pilot throughout her active career as a MechWarrior, favoring its sheer overwhelming power.<ref name=TRO3039-168-HGKHA>''Technical Readout: 3039'', p. 168, "Atlas: Notable MechWarriors - Hauptmann-General Kathleen Heany"</ref><ref name=HTTD135-1>''Heir to the Dragon'', p. 135&mdash;Heany opens the cockpit of her ''Atlas'' on Marfik</ref><ref name=BPFSW14-1>''BattlePack: Fourth Succession War'', p. 14, "Scenario 2: Rise of the Revenant"</ref>

==Notes==
* In an obvious typo, Heany's name is misspelled "Hearny" within ''[[Field Manual: Updates]]''.<ref name=FMU169-KH/>
* Within the novel ''[[Heir to the Dragon]]'' it is strongly implied that Heany's own ''Atlas'' was part of a lance that was ambushed on Marfik by Kurita forces.<ref name=BPFSW1415-2>''BattlePack: Fourth Succession War'', pp. 14-15, "Scenario 2: Rise of the Revenant", Fuhito's company ambushes the Ranger assault lance</ref> However, the scenario from ''[[BattlePack: Fourth Succession War]]'' recreated the ambush establishes one [[Hauptmann]] [[George Carlson]] piloting an ''Atlas''. Though Heavy appears in the scenario fluff she is not active on the board for the scenario.
* Various publications give Heany the rank of [[Hauptmann-Kommandant]] (or senior [[battalion]] commander) at the time of the invasion of Marfik.<ref name=HTTD130-1/><ref name=BPFSW1415-2/> This appears to be an error, as it does not match more prevalent publications and an officer of such a rank would be unlikely to command a regiment, much less an elite 'Mech regiment reinforced by dozens of conventional regiment.    

==References==
<references/>

==Bibliography==
*''[[20 Year Update]]''
*''[[BattlePack: Fourth Succession War]]''
*''[[Field Manual: Lyran Alliance]]''
*''[[Field Manual: Updates]]''
*''[[The Fourth Succession War Scenarios Volume One]]''
*''[[Heir to the Dragon]]''
*''[[Historical: War of 3039]]''
*''[[House Steiner (The Lyran Commonwealth)]]''
*''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 1]]''
*''[[NAIS The Fourth Succession War Military Atlas Volume 2]]''
*''[[Objective Raids]]''
*''[[Technical Readout: 3039]]''

[[Category: Lyran Commonwealth Characters|Heany, Kathleen]]
[[Category: Notable Atlas pilots|Heany, Kathleen]]