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Difference between revisions of "Prinz Eugen Mutiny"
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This dissension grew first among the many civilians, and later among the crews and officers of several vessels.  This growing mass of dissatisfied people would raise doubts about where they were headed, with some even wondering if the Great General even ''had'' a planned destination at all.  Soon enough, mutiny was thick in the air on many vessels of the Exodus fleet.<ref name=WCSp8/><ref name=TC:WOKp7/>
 
This dissension grew first among the many civilians, and later among the crews and officers of several vessels.  This growing mass of dissatisfied people would raise doubts about where they were headed, with some even wondering if the Great General even ''had'' a planned destination at all.  Soon enough, mutiny was thick in the air on many vessels of the Exodus fleet.<ref name=WCSp8/><ref name=TC:WOKp7/>
  
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The 27 June 2785, a meeting of high officers met onboard the [[SLS Hermes]] by admiral [[Robert Nicholls]] initiative, officially for the civilians to express their concerns,... but in fact, it was to plan their sedition. The unexpected presence of Kerensky's minor son, [[Andery Kerensky]] gave the seditionists an appearance of legitimity, though no open dissindence words were said.<ref>''Fall from Glory'', p. 28-35</ref>
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On 27 June 2785, a group of high-ranking officers met onboard the [[SLS Hermes|SLS ''Hermes'']] by admiral [[Robert Nicholls]]' initiative, ostensibly for civilians to express their concerns... but in fact, it was to plan their sedition. The unexpected presence of Kerensky's underage son, [[Andery Kerensky]], gave the seditionists an appearance of legitimacy, though no open dissent was voiced.<ref>''Fall from Glory'', pp. 28–35</ref>
  
 
Events finally came to a head in August of [[2785]], nearly 14 months after the massive fleet's departure from the [[New Samarkand]] rendezvous point.  Nine vessels, led by the ''[[Texas]]''-class ''[[Prinz Eugen]]'' and its commander, Admiral Votok, along with officers General [[Wilbur Braso]], Captain [[Peter Karpov]], and Captain [[Nigel Karrige]], amongst others, would announce that they were headed back to the Inner Sphere, tired of the long and seemingly pointless journey into the Deep Periphery.<ref name=H:OKp16,17/><ref>''Invading Clans'', p. 103 - "Anna Rosse"</ref><ref>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 111 - "Jason Karrige Profile"</ref><ref name=TRO:3057Rp160>''Technical Readout: 3057 Revised'', p. 160, "Texas Ship Profile"</ref>   
 
Events finally came to a head in August of [[2785]], nearly 14 months after the massive fleet's departure from the [[New Samarkand]] rendezvous point.  Nine vessels, led by the ''[[Texas]]''-class ''[[Prinz Eugen]]'' and its commander, Admiral Votok, along with officers General [[Wilbur Braso]], Captain [[Peter Karpov]], and Captain [[Nigel Karrige]], amongst others, would announce that they were headed back to the Inner Sphere, tired of the long and seemingly pointless journey into the Deep Periphery.<ref name=H:OKp16,17/><ref>''Invading Clans'', p. 103 - "Anna Rosse"</ref><ref>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 111 - "Jason Karrige Profile"</ref><ref name=TRO:3057Rp160>''Technical Readout: 3057 Revised'', p. 160, "Texas Ship Profile"</ref>   
  
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General Kerensky and his staff's reaction was swift and brutal. A task force was detached from the rest of the fleet to bring the rebellious flotilla back into the fold.  Led by Major [[Elizabeth Hazen]], and accompanied by [[Andery Kerensky]] (who had played some role in the rebel's decision to head back<ref>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 16 - ''Colonel Absalom Truscott, Personal Journals, 30 September 2785''</ref>), 160 marines were sent in pursuit of the renegade ships. During the assault, the mutiny ships fired their weapons destroying at least half dozen of assault [[DropShip]]s. After a short boarding action accompanied by an intense firefight in the halls of the ''Prinz Eugen'', SLDF Marines secured the vessel. Admiral Votok died during the action, but most of the ringleaders and their cronies were identified and rounded up.  The other eight ships of the fleet surrendered without a fight soon afterward.<ref name=TRO:3057Rp160/><ref name=JFSp9>''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', p. 9 - "Elizabeth Hazen"</ref><ref name=H:OKp16>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 16 - ''Major Elizabeth Hazen, Personal Journals, 28 September 2785''</ref>
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General Kerensky and his staff's reaction was swift and brutal. A task force was detached from the rest of the fleet to bring the rebellious flotilla back into the fold.  Led by Major [[Elizabeth Hazen]], and accompanied by [[Andery Kerensky]] (who had played some role in the rebel's decision to head back<ref>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 16 - ''Colonel Absalom Truscott, Personal Journals, 30 September 2785''</ref>), 160 marines were sent in pursuit of the renegade ships. During the assault, the mutinous ships fired their weapons, destroying at least half dozen of assault [[DropShip]]s. After a short boarding action accompanied by an intense firefight in the halls of the ''Prinz Eugen'', SLDF Marines secured the vessel. Admiral Votok died during the action, but most of the ringleaders and their cronies were identified and rounded up.  The other eight ships of the fleet surrendered without a fight soon afterward.<ref name=TRO:3057Rp160/><ref name=JFSp9>''Jade Falcon Sourcebook'', p. 9 - "Elizabeth Hazen"</ref><ref name=H:OKp16>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 16 - ''Major Elizabeth Hazen, Personal Journals, 28 September 2785''</ref>
  
 
Major Hazen led the mutinous ships back to the fleet where swift trials were conducted at the jump point. All officers at or above the rank of Captain were executed, with Major Hazen giving the orders to carry out the punishment. Andery Kerensky likewise took part in the execution, reportedly at the request of his own father.<ref name=JFSp9/><ref name=H:OKp16/>
 
Major Hazen led the mutinous ships back to the fleet where swift trials were conducted at the jump point. All officers at or above the rank of Captain were executed, with Major Hazen giving the orders to carry out the punishment. Andery Kerensky likewise took part in the execution, reportedly at the request of his own father.<ref name=JFSp9/><ref name=H:OKp16/>
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In response to this, Kerensky issued his well-known ''General Order 137'', which is etched at eye level in the common rooms of every Clan vessel even to this day.  This directive was as much a justification for his reaction to the mutiny as it was a statement about the operation's goals.  It would come to be the core of what is known as the [[Hidden Hope Doctrine]].<ref name=WCSp9/>
 
In response to this, Kerensky issued his well-known ''General Order 137'', which is etched at eye level in the common rooms of every Clan vessel even to this day.  This directive was as much a justification for his reaction to the mutiny as it was a statement about the operation's goals.  It would come to be the core of what is known as the [[Hidden Hope Doctrine]].<ref name=WCSp9/>
  
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Andery Kerensky was deeply affected by the mutiny and deaths. The fact than his brother had manipulated him soured the relations between them for decades. Andery never forgot his execution of the [[Lieutenant Colonel Surkai]], and than probably inspired the Clans tradition of [[Surkai]] to ask forgiveness.<ref>''Fall from Glory'', p. 63</ref>
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Andery Kerensky was deeply affected by the mutiny and deaths. The fact that his brother had manipulated him soured the relations between them for decades. Andery never forgot his execution of [[Lieutenant Colonel Surkai]], and this probably inspired the Clans' tradition of [[Surkai|''surkai'']], to ask forgiveness.<ref>''Fall from Glory'', p. 63</ref>
  
 
After the formation of the [[Clans]], the mutiny was considered one of worst crimes <ref name=ACtA012>''Exodus Road'' p. 200</ref>. As for the ''Prinz Eugen'', it was used as a prison ship in orbit over [[Strana Mechty]] as an abject reminder of the price of dissension,<ref>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 139 - "Strana Mechty"</ref> until it was subverted by [[The Society]] and destroyed during the defense of the [[Tanis]] system in [[3073]], during the [[Wars of Reaving]].<ref name=TWoR-61>''The Wars of Reaving'', p. 61 - "Bandit Caste: Commodus Van Houten"</ref> <ref name=TWoR-126>''The Wars of Reaving'', p. 126 - "Steiner's Folly"</ref>
 
After the formation of the [[Clans]], the mutiny was considered one of worst crimes <ref name=ACtA012>''Exodus Road'' p. 200</ref>. As for the ''Prinz Eugen'', it was used as a prison ship in orbit over [[Strana Mechty]] as an abject reminder of the price of dissension,<ref>''Historical: Operation Klondike'', p. 139 - "Strana Mechty"</ref> until it was subverted by [[The Society]] and destroyed during the defense of the [[Tanis]] system in [[3073]], during the [[Wars of Reaving]].<ref name=TWoR-61>''The Wars of Reaving'', p. 61 - "Bandit Caste: Commodus Van Houten"</ref> <ref name=TWoR-126>''The Wars of Reaving'', p. 126 - "Steiner's Folly"</ref>
  
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==List of Officers executed==
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==List of Officers killed==
 
* Admiral Votok (killed in the assault).  
 
* Admiral Votok (killed in the assault).  
 
* Admiral Robert Nichols (executed).  
 
* Admiral Robert Nichols (executed).  

Revision as of 10:10, 1 August 2022

The Prinz Eugen Mutiny was a rebellion and desertion that took place in 2785 during the Exodus from the Inner Sphere. It was dealt with quickly and ruthlessly by forces loyal to General Kerensky and would have far-reaching repercussions.[1]


Prinz Eugen Mutiny
Part of Exodus from the Inner Sphere
Start Date August of 2785
Location Prinz Eugen Texas-class Battleship and other various vessels
Planet Uncharted star system midway along Kerensky's Exodus route
Result Victory for the SLDF task force
Commanders and leaders
Major Elizabeth Hazen General Wilbur Braso, Admiral Votok (mutineer leaders)
Forces involved
Small SLDF task force and marines Various officers and crews of nine vessels
Environment
Space
Conditions
n/a


History: Prologue

General Aleksandr Kerensky led the bulk of the Star League Defense Force away from the Inner Sphere in 2784, in an attempt to save the men and women of the Regular Army from the horrors of war and the machinations of the self-serving House Lords. His fleet was not only made up of soldiers, but also many civilian families who chose to accompany them into exile in the Deep Periphery. Through several months of travel on a meandering course meant to discourage pursuit, the fleet moved deeper and deeper into the unknown. Before long, tensions due to the hardships of travel - as well as from the strain of confinement in the cramped space of JumpShips and DropShips - would manifest in horrific ways,[2] but most often as simple dissent.[3][4]

Sedition and Mutiny

This dissension grew first among the many civilians, and later among the crews and officers of several vessels. This growing mass of dissatisfied people would raise doubts about where they were headed, with some even wondering if the Great General even had a planned destination at all. Soon enough, mutiny was thick in the air on many vessels of the Exodus fleet.[3][4]

On 27 June 2785, a group of high-ranking officers met onboard the SLS Hermes by admiral Robert Nicholls' initiative, ostensibly for civilians to express their concerns... but in fact, it was to plan their sedition. The unexpected presence of Kerensky's underage son, Andery Kerensky, gave the seditionists an appearance of legitimacy, though no open dissent was voiced.[5]

Events finally came to a head in August of 2785, nearly 14 months after the massive fleet's departure from the New Samarkand rendezvous point. Nine vessels, led by the Texas-class Prinz Eugen and its commander, Admiral Votok, along with officers General Wilbur Braso, Captain Peter Karpov, and Captain Nigel Karrige, amongst others, would announce that they were headed back to the Inner Sphere, tired of the long and seemingly pointless journey into the Deep Periphery.[1][6][7][8]

General Kerensky and his staff's reaction was swift and brutal. A task force was detached from the rest of the fleet to bring the rebellious flotilla back into the fold. Led by Major Elizabeth Hazen, and accompanied by Andery Kerensky (who had played some role in the rebel's decision to head back[9]), 160 marines were sent in pursuit of the renegade ships. During the assault, the mutinous ships fired their weapons, destroying at least half dozen of assault DropShips. After a short boarding action accompanied by an intense firefight in the halls of the Prinz Eugen, SLDF Marines secured the vessel. Admiral Votok died during the action, but most of the ringleaders and their cronies were identified and rounded up. The other eight ships of the fleet surrendered without a fight soon afterward.[8][10][11]

Major Hazen led the mutinous ships back to the fleet where swift trials were conducted at the jump point. All officers at or above the rank of Captain were executed, with Major Hazen giving the orders to carry out the punishment. Andery Kerensky likewise took part in the execution, reportedly at the request of his own father.[10][11]

Aftermath and Legacy

This incident would have a further negative effect on morale within the Exodus fleet. The mutiny itself was seen as bad enough, but General Kerensky's harsh reaction was viewed in a shocking light by many who accompanied him on the Exodus.[12]

In response to this, Kerensky issued his well-known General Order 137, which is etched at eye level in the common rooms of every Clan vessel even to this day. This directive was as much a justification for his reaction to the mutiny as it was a statement about the operation's goals. It would come to be the core of what is known as the Hidden Hope Doctrine.[12]

Andery Kerensky was deeply affected by the mutiny and deaths. The fact that his brother had manipulated him soured the relations between them for decades. Andery never forgot his execution of Lieutenant Colonel Surkai, and this probably inspired the Clans' tradition of surkai, to ask forgiveness.[13]

After the formation of the Clans, the mutiny was considered one of worst crimes [14]. As for the Prinz Eugen, it was used as a prison ship in orbit over Strana Mechty as an abject reminder of the price of dissension,[15] until it was subverted by The Society and destroyed during the defense of the Tanis system in 3073, during the Wars of Reaving.[16] [17]

List of Officers killed

  • Admiral Votok (killed in the assault).
  • Admiral Robert Nichols (executed).
  • Major General Wilbur Braso (executed).
  • Lieutenant Colonel Surkai (executed).

Notes

  • The Prinz Eugen mutiny was instigated to a degree by Nicholas Kerensky, an early example of his machinations. Sensing the dissatisfaction among some officers in the Exodus fleet, Nicholas allowed their mutiny to happen (and even duped his brother Andery Kerensky into playing an unwitting role in it, using his friend Jess, really Jennifer Winson, to manipulate him) so that the mutineers could be made an example of.[18]
  • Another of the mutinous ships was the SLS Hermes, but this one haven't the Prinz Eugen bad reputation, and after being renamed, appropriately, Treachery, was added to Clan Snow Raven fleet in the 32nd century.[19]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Historical: Operation Klondike, p. 16, 17 - "Prinz Eugen"
  2. ↑ Historical: Operation Klondike, p. 17 - Lieutenant Nigel Polczyk, letter to his brother, 22 May 2786
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Wolf Clan Sourcebook, p. 8 - "Exodus"
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 The Clans: Warrior of Kerensky, p. 7 - "Exodus"
  5. ↑ Fall from Glory, pp. 28–35
  6. ↑ Invading Clans, p. 103 - "Anna Rosse"
  7. ↑ Historical: Operation Klondike, p. 111 - "Jason Karrige Profile"
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Technical Readout: 3057 Revised, p. 160, "Texas Ship Profile"
  9. ↑ Historical: Operation Klondike, p. 16 - Colonel Absalom Truscott, Personal Journals, 30 September 2785
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 Jade Falcon Sourcebook, p. 9 - "Elizabeth Hazen"
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Historical: Operation Klondike, p. 16 - Major Elizabeth Hazen, Personal Journals, 28 September 2785
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Wolf Clan Sourcebook, p. 9 - "Hidden Hope"
  13. ↑ Fall from Glory, p. 63
  14. ↑ Exodus Road p. 200
  15. ↑ Historical: Operation Klondike, p. 139 - "Strana Mechty"
  16. ↑ The Wars of Reaving, p. 61 - "Bandit Caste: Commodus Van Houten"
  17. ↑ The Wars of Reaving, p. 126 - "Steiner's Folly"
  18. ↑ Fall from Glory
  19. ↑ Field Manual Warden Clans p. 133

Bibliography

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