The Crimson Shrikes
"I've heard a little of the Crimson Shrikes during a rather fancy little soiree some decades ago. Back then they'd had an excellent reputation as void escorts, and it seems some of their old reputation has stuck. Time and attrition seem to have taken their toll, but if you're looking for experienced fighters you could do far worse." ~Doctor Beryl Benjamin
Structure
The Crimson Shrikes operate under a special wing system with each wing composed of five bombers or ten fighters. A special wing of ten fighter-bombers, the Thorns, are composed of the Crimson Shrike aces.
Public Agenda
A veteran mercenary force dedicated to void escort and intercept missions. The Shrikes were equal-opportunity employers and are particularly sympathetic to the Neo-Human cause, often taking contracts against the New Economic Block with relish.
Assets
Two wings of assorted fighters, one wing of assorted bombers, and one wing of advanced fighter-bombers.
History
The Crimson Shrikes were originally a band of adventurous nobles from the Jeweles of De Mairan. Their longing for adventure and disposable income were rapidly shattered by the realities of freelancer life. All but six of the original nobles fled back to their home system. The others stuck it out, recruited, trained, and became somewhat good at their job. They stuck around De Mairan space for some time, protecting their frontiers, before finally moving out into the galaxy at large.
The Crimson Shrikes existed for decades, experiencing constant turnover. All of the original founders are long dead, but their brethren live on. Constant fighting and the expense of operating their ships has kept them fairly poor, and the loss of every fighter was sorely felt by the Shrikes. This culminated in a disastrous mission where the Shrikes lost their converted carrier, the Acacia, to an unknown New Economic Block battlegroup. There was some sort of political fallout; the Jewels of De Mairan were afterwards unwilling to help bankroll the Shrikes.
Nowadays the Shrikes spend most of their money on transit fees and carrier rentals. Their ships are falling into disrepair and there's talk of disbandment. They've begun taking cheaper and cheaper jobs in the hopes of maintaining their freelancer band. Though the Jewels of De Mairan still offer them jobs, it's clear they're a spent force unless something drastic saves them.
On Your Six
Type
Military, Mercenary Group
Training Level
Semi-professional
Veterancy Level
Veteran
Demonym
Shrike
