Editing Aleksandr Kerensky

{{Cleanup|reason=review needed|date=September 2023}}
{{Update Needed|[[Handbook: Major Periphery States]]|[[Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 1]]|[[Destiny's Call]]|[[Way of the Champion]]|[[Field Manual: Warden Clans]]|[[First Succession War (sourcebook)]]|[[Icons of War]]|[[BattleTech: Legends]]}}
{{InfoBoxCharacter
| image               = Aleksandr Kerensky BTLegends.jpg
| caption             = Aleksandr Kerensky - Regent and Protector of the Star League
| name                = Aleksandr Sergeyevich Kerensky
| birthdate           = 16 December [[2700]]<ref name="HLOTV1p58">''Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 1'', pp. 58–59: "Aleksandr Kerensky"</ref>
| died                = 11 June [[2801]]<ref name="HLOTV1p58"/><ref>''Era Digest: Golden Century'', p. 8</ref><ref>''Operation Klondike'', p. 102</ref><ref>''The Clans: Warriors of Kerensky'', pp. 6, 9</ref>
| othernames          =
| affiliation         = [[House Kerensky]]
| rank                = [[Commanding General of the Star League Defense Force|Commanding General]]
| title               = [[Defender of the First Lord]]
| position            =
| profession          = [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarrior]]
| parents             = [[Nikolai Kerensky]] (father)<ref name="HLOTV1p58"/><br />[[Anna Kerensky]] (mother)<ref name="HLOTV1p58"/>
| spouse              = [[Katyusha Lumilova]]<ref name="HLOTV1p58"/>
| children            = [[Nicholas Kerensky]]<ref name="HLOTV1p58"/><br>[[Andery Kerensky]]<ref name="HLOTV1p58"/>
}}
'''Aleksandr Sergeyevich Kerensky''' was the [[Commanding General of the Star League Defense Force|Commanding General]] of the [[Star League]] who later liberated [[Terra]] from the rule of the Usurper [[Stefan Amaris]]. Later, after the collapse of the Star League, he led the vast majority of the survivors of the [[Star League Defense Force]] on an [[Operation EXODUS|Exodus]] into the [[Deep Periphery]].

==History==
===Life and career===
Born in 2700, Aleksandr Kerensky studied at Tharkad University, where his achievements eventually earned him a place in the [[Nagelring]], from which he graduated in the class of [[2723]].<ref name=WOK6>''Warriors of Kerensky'', p. 6</ref> He later enlisted in the military of the [[Star League]]. His rapid progression through the ranks coupled with his own personal charisma and integrity earned him the respect of his troops and made him famous throughout the Star League.

In [[2729]], during the [[War of Davion Succession]], he led his first combat command against Kuritan forces on the planet [[Royal]].<ref>''Era Report: 2750'', p. 32</ref>
As of [[2730]], he was colonel of the [[161st Royal Dragoon Regiment]].

Eventually, in [[2738]], he became the highest military officer of the Star League Defense Force after his precursor, [[Rebecca Fetladral]], resigned. Kerensky quickly eliminated inept officers of the SLDF and rewarded those more competent, eliminating corruption and instituting rigorous war games and drills to hone the SLDF's edge. Of this phase of his career it is known that Aleksandr Kerensky himself gave the specifications of the new ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]'' [[BattleMech]]: "a 'Mech as powerful as possible, as impenetrable as possible, and as ugly and foreboding as conceivable, so that fear itself will be our ally."<ref>''Era Report: 2750'', p. 53</ref>

In [[2751]], [[First Lord of the Star League|First Lord]] [[Simon Cameron]] died and his eight-year-old son, [[Richard Cameron II]], became First Lord of the Star League.<ref name=HOKp12>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 12</ref> The five House Lords gathered on [[Terra]] and appointed General Aleksandr Kerensky as Commander-in-Chief of the SLDF, and as ''Regent and Protector of the Star League'' for the remainder of Richard's childhood.

===Amaris coup===
While Aleksandr Kerensky was away commanding SLDF forces deployed in the [[Periphery]] suppressing rebellions, revolts, and movements of secession, the [[Terran Hegemony]] was usurped by [[Stefan Amaris]] of the [[Rim Worlds Republic]]. Amaris had masterfully deceived and manipulated Richard Cameron II and had carried out the [[Amaris coup]] in [[2766]]. Amaris gained control of the throne and murdered Richard and all remaining Camerons.<ref name=HOKp12/>

===Amaris-Kerensky Civil War===
Amaris would try to gain Kerensky's loyalty but ultimately failed. In [[2767]] the [[Amaris-Kerensky Civil War]] began. In response to the usurpation, the SLDF conquered and destroyed Amaris' native Rim Worlds Republic in [[2769]].<ref name=HOKp13>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 13</ref>

After regrouping and consolidating all available forces, Kerensky launched [[Operation CHIEFTAIN]], a campaign intended to reconquer the entire [[Terran Hegemony]]. He divided his forces up into three groups, one to travel through each of the accommodating houses toward the Hegemony.

In the early stages of the campaign, Kerensky's forces reclaimed some of the Hegemony worlds but paid a very high price in lives, military equipment, and resources. As Amaris' forces withdrew to regroup, Kerensky's army advanced further, finally capturing the world closest to Terra.

On 23 January [[2777]], [[Operation LIBERATION]], the final phase of Operation Terran Hegemony began, and SLDF soldiers staging from eight worlds advanced towards Terra. By November of [[2779]] the SLDF finally recaptured Humanity's homeworld<ref name=HOKp13/> after an intensive and costly battle that saw more than 100 million killed. After discovering the fate of [[Richard Cameron II|Richard Cameron]] and his family, Kerensky ordered the execution of Stefan Amaris and his family.

Liberating Terra also restored Kerensky's wife [[Katyusha Lumilova|Katyusha]] and his sons [[Nicholas Kerensky|Nicholas]] and [[Andery Kerensky|Andery]] to him.  They had been hiding in Moscow and were previously unknown even to his senior officers.<ref name=HOKp13/>

However, the Hegemony was left devastated, and worst of all, there was no rightful successor for the position of First Lord. With increasing disappointment, he saw that the feuding House Lords were simply unable to choose a new leader of the Star League.

A year later, on 10 October [[2780]], the Council Lords gathered and stripped Kerensky of his title of "Protector."<ref name=HOKp101>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 101</ref> Ten months later, the Lords still had not chosen a new First Lord, each claiming the title and position for him or herself, and the Council was dissolved by the Lords on 12 August [[2781]].<ref name=HOKp14>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 14</ref>

Kerensky refused a proposal by General [[Aaron DeChavilier]] to overthrow the House Lords.<ref name=HOKp14/>  The reasons for his refusal are unknown.

===Operation EXODUS===
In late [[2783]], Kerensky attended the ceremony to commemorate the official completion of the [[Hilton Head]] [[HPG]] complex, meeting privately with [[Jerome Blake]] afterward and confiding to the Minister of Communications his intentions to leave the Inner Sphere. Though angered and confused at this course of action, as a token of his respect and friendship with the general, Blake agreed not to reveal the Exodus plan to the Great Houses. Blake would also request Kerensky to speak to any of his troops who declined to join the Exodus and ask them to support his reconstruction efforts in the Hegemony.<ref name=MM-205>''Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers'', p. 205: "ComStar - Network Online"</ref><ref name=CS-11>''ComStar'', pp. 11–13: "History - Birth of ComStar - Operation Exodus - The First Circuit - Operation Silver Shield"</ref><ref name=FMCS-11>''Field Manual: ComStar'', p. 11: "Shadow Games"</ref><ref name=HLoTV2-115>''Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 2'', p. 115: "Aftermath - Crisis in the SLDF - Planning for Exile - Disposing of the Usurper"</ref>

On 14 February [[2784]], Kerensky summoned more than 200 commanders of the surviving SLDF to a secret meeting on Terra, outlining to them his plan for [[Operation EXODUS]].<ref name=HOKp15>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 15</ref> While the audience wholeheartedly approved of his intentions and many vowed to follow him, a small group disapproved, refusing to abandon the Hegemony and the Inner Sphere. Kerensky responded by instituting a poll in late February of every remaining member of the SLDF and giving them the option to join the mission or stay behind. By mid-March, more than 80% of the SLDF had agreed to Kerensky's proposal.<ref name=CS-11/><ref name=HLoTV2-115/>

Those who refused had a variety of reasons, but the bulk began to coalesce around the [[151st Royal BattleMech Division]] and its outspoken CO [[Lauren Hayes]]. Concerned at leaving Hayes and her sizable SLDF forces without direction and recalling Jerome Blake's pleas for aid, Kerensky brokered a deal whereby Hayes could remain but had to obey Blake and the Ministry of Communications as the last vestige of the Star League.<ref name=MM-205/><ref name=CS-11/><ref name=FMCS-11/><ref name=HLoTV2-115/>

One of the general's last acts in the Inner Sphere was the final disposition of the Usurper's body, following the suggestion of one of his command staff and donating it to the [[University of New Samarkand]]'s medical school, a very public and unglamorous end for the foe who had caused him and Star League such grief.<ref name=HDTFS-59a>''House Davion (The Federated Suns)'', p. 59: "History - Under the Star League - Dissolution - Amaris's Grave"</ref><ref name=HLoTV2-115b>''Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 2'', p. 115: "Aftermath - Crisis in the SLDF - Planning for Exile - Disposing of the Usurper"</ref>

On 8 July [[2784]], General Kerensky sent a single order: "Exodus." Over the next three months, ships gathered at [[New Samarkand]].  They departed that system on 5 November [[2784]].  In Operation EXODUS six million men, women, and children followed General Aleksandr Kerensky into the [[Deep Periphery]] towards an unknown destination and future.<ref name=HOKp16>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 16</ref> This act effectively completed the collapse of the dying Star League. It was his dream that he and his followers, or most likely their children, would eventually return to rescue a devastated [[Inner Sphere]] and reunite it under a new Star League.

===Pentagon Worlds===
It is unknown if Aleksandr had any clear destination, and after a year of travel morale suffered greatly, and the crews of a small number of ships [[Prinz Eugen Mutiny|rebelled]]<ref name=HOKp16/> and announced their intention to turn back. With few alternatives, General Kerensky ordered the mutineers executed and issued [[General Order 137]] insisting on the need for discipline but serving to bolster the fleet's flagging morale.<ref name=HOKp17>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 17</ref>

After another year of travel, with discontent again increasing, the massive flotilla of Star League refugees came upon five marginally habitable worlds, the so-called [[Pentagon Worlds]], which they chose to settle on.<ref name=HOKp18>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 18</ref>  Upon arrival, Kerensky transmitted a personal message back to the Inner Sphere. This message was called the "[[Voice of Kerensky]]." After that, Kerensky and his followers tried to recreate a new [[Star League in Exile]] as best as possible. However within a year, cracks were beginning to form along cultural lines and soon the Pentagon Worlds were entering what would be later called the [[Exodus Civil War]], a state of anarchy and widespread devastation eerily similar to the early [[Succession Wars (History)|Succession Wars]] affecting the Inner Sphere. Increasingly frail after the death of his wife Katyusha in [[2796]]<ref name=HOKp19>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 19</ref> and friend [[Aaron DeChavilier]] during what would become known as the [[DeChavilier Massacre]],<ref name=HOKp20-21>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', pp. 20–21</ref> Kerensky in the midst of putting down more rebellions when he suffered a massive heart attack.<ref name=HOKp22>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 22</ref>

===Death===
In 2801, General Aleksandr Kerensky died at the age of 100 years, and as his dying wish left the remnants of the exiled Star League in the hands of his son, [[Nicholas Kerensky]].{{cn}} Kerensky's death was the last nail in the Star League in Exile coffin: his son was not accepted as successor by the majority of SLDF high-ranking officers. Nicholas was forced to launch a [[Second Exodus]] to Strana Mechty, to save something of the imminent disaster.<ref name=HOKp22/>

General Kerensky was laid to rest by his son Nicholas in a specially made glass coffin aboard the ''[[McKenna's Pride]]'' in a geosynchronous orbit above [[Katyusha City]], [[Strana Mechty]], allowing the population to look up and see the "Great Father." A Star of troops from each Clan rotates monthly to guard the body. Following the [[Battle of Terra (3151)|successful capture of Terra]] in [[3151]], Kerensky's body was interred on Terra.<ref name=HotWc40>''Hour of the Wolf'', ch. 40: "Court of the Star League 28 April 3151, 0900 Hours"</ref>

===Legacy===
Upon Aleksandr's death his son Nicholas Kerensky led a [[Second Exodus]] to escape the fighting, eventually reforming his loyal followers into the basis of the [[Clans]]. The Clans revere General Aleksandr Kerensky as the '''Great Father''', a messianic leader who led his chosen people to safety while promising their return to the Inner Sphere to rebuild the Star League. The Inner Sphere holds much more mixed views of the General, where previously he was seen as a protector of the Star League of old and a man who chose the honorable option of exile instead of becoming mired in the Great Houses' political squabbles, the actions of his descendants have tainted his memory to the point some view him as bad as Amaris himself. Although Aleksandr was long deceased, he was used as a motivator by Alaric of why he fought and to remind him of his purpose. When Alaric became ilKhan, he would finally bring him home and lay his body to rest.

==BattleMechs==
Kerensky originally piloted a [[Revenant (Individual Orion BattleMech)|customized ''Orion'']] BattleMech. Its worn-out shell was left behind on the eve of the Exodus. This same ''Orion'' was recovered and refurbished by [[House Kurita]] some two centuries later and piloted by [[Theodore Kurita]]. It was eventually destroyed at the battle of [[Marfik]] during the [[Fourth Succession War]].<ref>''Heir to the Dragon''</ref>

Kerensky also briefly piloted an ''[[Atlas II]]'' in combat during the [[New Vandenberg Uprising]].<ref name=SL81>''The Star League'', p. 81</ref>

==Notes==
* In addition to playing a key role in the design of the ''Atlas'', Kerensky was also responsible for the design of the ''[[King Crab]]''.<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 120</ref>
* It is also said that Kerensky himself had drawn up the specifications for the ''[[Devastator]]'' BattleMech, to make up for the flaws of the ''[[Titan II|Titan]]''. He wanted a machine capable of doing tremendous damage at long range.<ref>''McCarron's Armored Cavalry'', p. 19</ref>
* The novel ''[[Destiny's Call]]'' has other characters referring to Aleksandr Kerensky as "Alek." In Russian, the nickname for Aleksandr is actually "Sascha" or "Sasha," or, much more rarely: "Alik";<ref>[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/RussianNamingConvention TV Tropes Article on Russian Naming Conventions]</ref> it has not been commented on if the use of "Alek" as a nickname instead is an intentional plot point or an error. Although it is also likely it is just one of many cases of cultural blending in the future setting.
* As of [[2784]], [[Illya Ivaovitch]] was his aide.<ref name=MHp7>''Mercenary's Handbook'', p. 7</ref>
* He was the editor of ''[[A Primer to Tactics and Strategy: 34th Edition]]''.<ref name=FMSLDF>''Field Manual: SLDF'', p. 11</ref><ref name=LT1>''Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 1'', p. 126</ref>
* He wrote ''[[Applied Concepts of Attack and Defense]]''. during the final years of the [[Star League]].<ref name=WCSp14>''Wolf Clan Sourcebook'', p. 14: "Clan Society"</ref>

==Quotes==
{{Quote|A 'Mech as powerful as possible, as impenetrable as possible, and as ugly and foreboding as conceivable, so that fear itself will be our ally|On the ''[[Atlas (BattleMech)|Atlas]]''<ref>''Technical Readout: 3025'', p. 122</ref>}}

{{quote|Politics is supposed to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very close semblance to the first.}}

{{quote|You have cruelly stripped me of my title as Protector, my position as Commander, my honor as a loyal supporter of the Star League. You have turned a solemn victory against tyranny even more bitter, and you have tainted the innermost dreams of many believers. I will not oppose you, but neither shall I support you. I have been your friend and Guardian for three decades: i shall be no more.|Aleksandr Kerensky's words to the High Council, 17 February 2784}}<ref>''The Succession Wars (board game)'', p. 18</ref>

{{quote|Return to the Inner Sphere is impossible for us. Our heritage and our convictions are different from those we left behind. The greed of the five Great Houses and the Council Lords is a disease that can only be burned away by the passing of decades, even centuries. And though the fighting may seem to slow, or even cease, it will erupt again as long as there are powerful men to covet one another's wealth. We shall live apart, conserving all the good of the Star League and ridding ourselves of the bad, so that when we return, and return we shall, our shining moral character will be as much our shield as our BattleMechs and fighters.|The [[Hidden Hope Doctrine]] of General Order 137}}<ref name=HOKp17>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 17</ref>

{{quote|To all citizens of the Inner Sphere do I, Aleksandr Kerensky, send greetings.<br>Know that I have taken the remnant of the Star League Defense Force which has remained true to its purpose beyond the boundaries of the Inner Sphere, beyond the Periphery. I have done this, neither out of disappointment with those whom we leave behind, nor out of spite or disdain, as some will say. No, we have left the Inner Sphere because we love it too much to see it destroyed. In the wake of the Usurper's coup, and the long, bitter fighting that came with it, I fear that my forces would do incalculable, possibly irreparable, harm to our society. We are sworn to ward the Star League and its subjects, not destroy it.<br>Thus, we have left the only homes we have ever known to place the destructive capability of this armada beyond the reach of those who would use it, not for defense, but for conquest. Perhaps, with the might of our 'Mechs and ships out of reach, the leaders who now grapple with one another will relinquish their dreams of subjugating their neighbors and learn to live in peace with them.<br>Perhaps, one day, should mankind step back from the brink of the abyss, we, our children, or our children's children will return, to once more serve and protect and guide the Star League in mankind's quest for the stars.<br>Farewell.|The "[[Voice of Kerensky]]," September 9, [[2786]]}}

==Titles and Positions==
{{s-start}}
{{s-bef|before=[[Rebecca Fetladral]]}}
{{s-title|title=Commander-in-Chief of the [[Star League Defense Force]]|years=[[2738]] – [[2801]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Victor Steiner-Davion]]}}
{{s-bef|before=None}}
{{s-title|title=Regent of the [[Star League]]|years=[[2751]] – [[2762]]}}
{{s-aft|after=None}}
{{s-bef|before=None}}
{{s-title|title=Protector of the [[Star League]]|years=[[2751]] – [[2780]]}}
{{s-aft|after=None}}
{{s-end}}

==Gallery==
<gallery>
General-kerensky.jpg|Aleksandr Kerensky
Aleksandr Kerensky.jpg|From ''[[The Star League]]''
Aleskandr-Kerensky.png|From ''[[House Kurita (The Draconis Combine)|House Kurita]]''
Aleksandr Kerensky HLTCC.jpg|From ''[[House Liao (The Capellan Confederation)|House Liao]]''
Aleksandr Kerensky 1.jpg|An older Kerensky
Orion (A Kerensky) BTL.png|Kerensky's ''Orion'' from ''[[BattleTech: Legends|BT:Legends]]''
Amaris surrenders to Kerensky 1stSW.jpg|Stefan Amaris surrenders to Kerensky
BloodRibbon ceremony at tomb of Kerensky.jpg|Kerensky's tomb in Unity City.
</gallery>

==References==
<references/>

==Bibliography==
{{div col|colwidth=25em}}
* ''[[The Clans: Warriors of Kerensky]]''
* ''[[ComStar (sourcebook)|ComStar]]''
* ''[[Era Digest: Golden Century]]''
* ''[[Era Report: 2750]]''
* ''[[Field Manual: ComStar]]''
* ''[[Heir to the Dragon]]''
* ''[[Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 1]]''
* ''[[Historical: Liberation of Terra Volume 2]]''
* ''[[Hour of the Wolf]]''
* ''[[House Davion (The Federated Suns)]]''
* ''[[Masters and Minions: The StarCorps Dossiers]]''
* ''[[McCarron's Armored Cavalry (scenario pack)|McCarron's Armored Cavalry]]''
* ''[[Operation Klondike]]''
* ''[[The Star League]]''
* ''[[Technical Readout: 3025]]''
{{div col end}}

[[Category:Star League Characters|Kerensky, Aleksandr]]
[[Category:Notable Orion Pilots|Kerensky, Aleksandr]]
[[Category:Nagelring Alumni|Kerensky, Aleksandr]]