EST-89 CELT

Minesweeping is a dangerous task, best handled by specialist units. The Celt has been designed especially for this purpose. The lower hull and drive train are based on the Hun, though considerable modifications have been made to reinforce the structure to face the requirements of the new operation role. The entire front section of the tank is occupied by a large armored mine plow. The sensor pods, which contain the highly sensitive mine detectors, are placed in blisters located on either side of the chassis. Extra armor is bonded to the bottom of the hull, providing extra protection against exploding mines. In addition, the low fuel capacity and the improved self-sealing tanks further reduce the chances of catastrophic detonation in case a mine slips by. The turret is replaced by a det-cord launcher which uses plastic explosive hoses carried by small rockets to clear a path through the suspected minefield area. Celts and other minesweepers are rarely encountered by grunts. The fluid battlefield and skirmish tactics used nowadays don’t mix well with extensive minefields.

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ENT-2 BAXTER

The Baxter answers a need for a dedicated battlefield “towtruck” capable of salvaging the heaviest Main Battle Tank. The Baxter is based on the chassis of the Klemm, the most common light battle tank in the Norlight army. In this case, however, the chassis has been extensively modified and strengthened for its new role. The engine and transmission have both been replaced by more powerful systems for an increased towing capacity. The turret is a new high torque model that carries a sturdy crane capable of lifting nearly 50 tons with the tank appropriately braced. A hydraulically activated earthmoving blade is attached to the front of the hull for filling in ditches and digging earthworks. Attachment points for digging cannons are provided on both sides of the hull, which also features numerous handles and tie- down rings. The Northern Guard engineering companies attached to mechanized units always have at least one Baxter in service, more if they can manage to get them. Since they are unarmed, Baxters are kept out of the way during battles.

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Talon Lead

The pilot known as “The Shadow of Gomorrah” is actually a Black Talon member who has gone native to assist the Liberati. The pilot, whose name and identity are classified, served as the team leader for Talon 1 on Caprice during their now famous operation. Rumors and conspiracy theorists often claim this individual to be the terrorist Ernesto Jaxon although opponents of this theory point to his presence on Terra Nova during Talon 1’s operation. When the Black Talons returned to Caprice, this pilot was detached as an advisor to the Liberati but soon went silent. They would eventually reappear, participating in raids and operations alongside Liberati cells. Contacts within the Liberati and CEF 5th Column have reported the name “The Shadow of Gomorrah” being used to identify this pilot. Black Talon command considers this agent to have “gone native” although they have aided Talon teams on Caprice without incident. The Shadow pilots their Dark Mamba which saw action on Caprice with Talon 1. It has since been heavily modified to use local weaponry and parts in an effort to stay serviceable. If they need something more specific, Talon teams are more than willing to provide those parts after receiving the Shadow’s assistance during operations.

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