StarDrive 1/1
John A. Theisen
Chassis: Corean Model 2AC
Power Plant: VOX 165
Cruising Speed: 119 kph
Maximum Speed: 184 kph
Jump Jets: Norse Industries 1G
Jump Capacity: 60 meters
Armor: Riese-110
Armament:
None
Manufacturer: Star League and Corean Enterprises
Communications System: Lynx-shur Multiband 12.6M
Targeting and Tracking System: Beta Finder 101
Record Sheets: MBSDR-I Ambassador
One of the most unusual BattleMechs ever produced, the MBSDR-I Ambassador was designed solely for diplomatic rendezvous. During the Unification War, occasions arose when two leaders of roughly equal status needed to meet in face-to-face discussions. Communication by radio or hyperpulse generator was often unsatisfactory for political negotiations due to the time lag, or because it was simply too impersonal. Intimate, confidential talks and bargaining generally yielded better results. However, any attempts for direct contact were far too risky for both sides; snipers, assassins, and ambushes remained an everpresent danger.
In an effort to encourage diplomatic relations between all parties involved (including both remnants of outlying governments and Star League nation-states), Star League engineers designed a specially equipped BattleMech, incapable of offense but well-suited for preserving the life of its dignitary/pilot.
In a politically-motivated move of generosity, the Star League provided Ambassadors free of charge to any prince, archon, chancellor, duke, or duchess who requested one. Accepted reluctantly at first, the Ambassador slowly won adherents among senior leaders of every House. Though the Star League nominally loaned these 'Mechs, it soon became a matter of honor and pride for each "borrower" to maintain and preserve his own 'Mech in the best possible condition. In fact, some leaders refused to conduct diplomatic talks in any other way, insisting that their counterpart be equally equipped as a show of good faith and comparable standing. By the end of the Good Years, over 200 MBSDRs were being used by the six major Houses, and the Star League maintained nearly 100 more for its highest-ranking dignitaries.
After the Second Succession War concluded, few Ambassadors remained operational or intact. With every state and duchy short on supplies due to the preceding century of unbridled destruction, almost all of these 'Mechs were stripped for parts to re-equip combat-capable BattleMechs. (It is known that approximately 30 new 'Mechs of this type did leave for the Periphery during General Kerensky's exodus.)
It is not known which House now possess functional Ambassadors, or which leaders may be in control of them. It is believed that at least 150 still exist, scattered throughout the Inner Sphere, though most of those will likely be out of service. Many of the Ambassadors now found among the Successor States are missing their engines, heat sinks, and communications equipment; even the armor has been removed from some, leaving the skeleton bare. However, a recent unconfirmed ComStar report indicates the model is once again in production of Terra, at the rate of two per month.
Capabilities:
Many BattleMech designers agree the MBSDR-I Ambassador was one of the finest models ever built, certainly not in terms of efficiency or combat potential, but from the standpoint of craftsmanship. Conceived and constructed during the Star League's finest years, the quality of components used has rarely been equaled yet alone exceeded. Many of the original parts (what few remain), including the excellent League-designed heat sinks, represent a level of technology now lost to 31st-century Successor States. Numerous cockpit fixtures and incidentals were hand-crafted, and the overall feel to the Ambassador pilot is one of unparalleled splendor and comfort.
The light Riese armor, heavily concentrated in the head to better protect the pilot, is of high quality and requires virtually no care. The huge VOX engine runs with exceptional reliability and has never been directly or indirectly responsible for a pilot casualty. Of course, with a top speed in excess of 175 kph, anyone who wishes to do harm to an MBSDR must be able to keep up the pace. During prototype trials, one Ambassador even outran a stock skimmer over a 1500-meter measured course, possibly making this the fastest 'Mech design ever constructed.
Lacking any weapons and thus not equipped with a targeting system, the Beta Finder tracking system is used primarily for transmitting and receiving IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) recognition signals. The communication system more than makes up for it, however, with one of the most sophisticated multi-channel frequency scramblers ever mounted in a vehicle. This permits undetectable communication between two participating 'Mechs, thus preserving diplomatic integrity.
The Ambassador strikes many first-time pilots as a gadget-oriented 'Mech. However, the Star League heat sinks are of greater interest to battle-hardened MechWarriors: each sink has double the heat-dissipation efficiency of current designs. Unfortunately, few 'Mechs have their original heat sinks anymore; most were removed long ago.
If any valid complaint can be raised against the 'Mech's structure or features, it would have to involve the Norse jump jets. The exhaust ports have a tendency to ice over in sub-freezing temperatures, a condition that can make jumping slightly hazardous to say tile least.
Battle History:
Though difficult to believe, records seem to reflect that MBSDRs have never heard more than a handful of shots fired in anger. This astonishing fact is due entirely to the way the model was employed. Many Ambassadors remained in rear-area systems, never venturing beyond tile securely-maintained confines of their nation-state's borders. On rare occasions when these 'Mechs (not truly "Battle"Mechs, but no other term existed) did venture forth, their respective DropShip and JumpShip received heavy escort for safe passage.
After arriving at their destination, preliminary communications would be established with the other party. The Ambassadors and dignitaries would only land on a planet after complete, mutual agreement for a peaceful summit had been arranged on both sides. Each party would then drop a 'Mech, and both would race to a predetermined rendezvous point. Once there, the two leaders would sit in their respective cockpits perhaps 30 meters apart and talk for as long as desired, adjourning whenever one chose to leave. Such conferences could last few hours to days.
Large garrisons and DropShips might be elsewhere on (or above) the same world, but the sheer presence of Ambassadors signified high level political discussions; all other parties combatants and noncombatants were cleared from the meeting area's immediate vicinity, without exception. Throughout the Good Years, these rules of conduct were preserved with remarkable dedication and fewer than a dozen breaches of faith are recorded.
Notable 'Mechs and Mech Warriors:
First Lord of the Star League Michael Cameron
Lord Cameron often traveled to High Council sessions in his Ambassador, known as tile Rising Star of Terra. Although he occasionally came with a sizable BattleMech escort when protocol demanded, he expressed a preference to travel alone. Cameron personally-negotiated several deals concerning the fate of Rim Worlds Lord Tadeo Amaris, visiting with other Lords and their representatives in carefully arranged Ambassador meetings.
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