White Wolf #9
Stewart & Stephan Wieck
Record Sheets:
BX-8S Box
JCK-3E Jack
The JCK-3E Jack and the BX-8S Box were designed in the hopes of implementing a new ejection system safer than the seat ejector used in all other Mechs. The result was the placement of a light Mech inside of a larger assault 'Mech. A new assault Mech that was still under design, the Caliber, was chosen to be refitted with the new ejection system. A housing frame for the light Mech was added internally to the Caliber. The light Mech shared the same head assembly and engine of the heavier mech. When the Caliber was crippled or overheating, the light Mech simply ejected upwards and out of the Calibers internal housing frame carrying the head, cockpit, and engine with it. The MechWarrior then had a vehicle/Mech to transport him to safety.
When the housing frame was added to the Caliber's torso, it added tremendous volume to it, making it bulky and cubical. So, the designers renamed the Caliber to the Box. Naturally then, some tremendously witty engineer named the light ejection Mech the Jack. However, the Jack often has trouble ejecting if the Box's housing frame has suffered damage, or if the Box is not more or less upright since the Jack's small skeletal framework has its advantages and disadvantages. It is able to leave the battle scene very quickly, but if it is struck by almost any weapon it could very well be crippled. Also, the force exerted by the engine on the light structure of the Jack often collapses the legs from stress when the Jack is at full sprint.
Despite its flaws, the Jack and the Box are well liked in the Succession Wars. The Box carries quite an arsenal of ballistic weaponry for all ranges, and its battery of small lasers give any Mechs at close range quite a surprise. Finally, the leg mounted machineguns provide good anti-personnel fire. Many house nobles prefer the Box because of its life-saving system, and mercenaries enjoy the fact that even if the Mech is downed there is a chance to save life, limb, and a very valuable engine. There are a fair number of Box Mechs in the Liao service, and rumor has it that House Davion has obtained a few Box Mechs without the Jack ejection system which retain a sleeker appearance and the name of the Caliber. However, no records from Star League show production of any original design Calibers.
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