Overview -
     The Sidekick was designed to be just that - a 
companion 'Mech for Heavies and Assaults.  Its sole 
purpose is to provide extra defense against infantry, 
Elementals, and faster 'Mechs that try to get around to the 
rear of the heavier 'Mechs.  It is most commonly used to 
guard command 'Mechs, although it is fairly popular with 
mercenaries who want to protect their valuable Assaults 
with this relatively small investment.
     Another advantage of the Sidekick is its standard 
construction.  Although it does utilize an Endo Steel 
structure to save weight, the majority of the 'Mech uses 
equipment that can be cheaply and easily replaced or 
repaired.
     On its own, the Sidekick is widely criticized for its low 
speed and lack of any long-range weaponry.  The low 
speed was intentional, to help encourage Mechwarriors to 
stay near the 'Mechs they were charged with defending.  
No one can complain about its maximum armor load, 
however, and more than one Assault pilot owes his life to 
this escort 'Mech.


Capabilities -
     The Sidekick is built for short-range combat, and its 
payload reflects that.  Its LRM-5 and 1 ton of ammunition 
provides its longest range hitting power, backed up by 1 
Extended Range and 3 Standard Medium Lasers that it 
can bring to bear a bit closer in.  For use against infantry it 
carries a Flamer and an ER Small Laser in its right arm.  
More than once a Sidekick pilot has been forced to use 
his Flamer on the 'Mech he was guarding.  While this does 
cause some damage and raises the other 'Mechs heat 
level, it is preferable to having a leg blown off by an 
infantry swarm attack.  Finally, it mounts a Guardian ECM 
Suite to help protect itself and its charge against missile 
attacks.
     For its own defense, the Sidekick mounts 7.5 tons of 
standard armor, the maximum that can be supported by its 
frame.  For added maneuverability it has 4 jump-jets, 
allowing it to move around its charge with ease.
     Another area that the Sidekick has proven suitable for 
is urban combat.  Its slow speed, jump-jets, and mostly
short-range weapons serve it well in the close quarters 
combat of a city, and its armor protection allows it to stand 
up even to some Medium 'Mechs.

History -
Mechwarrior Johann Frederickson - In May of 3053, 
Johann Frederickson was assigned to defend a captured 
Clan Daishi during a raid his mercenary company was 
conducting on the world of Sleikur in the Free World's 
League.  The battle had been going well, and Johann's 
Sidekick was performing admirably against the 'Mechs and 
infantry focusing on the Daishi.  One platoon of infantry 
had gotten through, however, and had made it onto the 
Daishi's legs.  Johann saw this and let loose with his 
flamer, killing the entire platoon in one shot.  Unfortunately, 
he had been unaware of the extent of the damage done 
to the Daishi's heat sinks and engine.  The shot sent a 
heat spike through the Daishi, causing an ammo explosion 
which set off the reactor and destroyed the 'Mech 
completely.   Deprived of their primary weapon, the raid 
turned into an immediate rout.  Johann and the rest of the 
mercenaries were labeled bandits, captured, and 
executed.

Captain Carla Finley - As a Lieutenant Finley was known 
for her temper and her stubbornness - it was these 
qualities that landed her in a Sidekick.  After cussing out
her commanding officer, she was removed from her 
captured  Vulture an ordered to serve as escort for that 
very commander in his Gladiator.  During a planetary raid 
behind Smoke Jaguar lines, Lieutenant Finley and her 
commander were cut off from their primary forces and 
attacked by a Binary of second-line Medium and Light 
Clan 'Mechs.  When they were finally found, the Gladiator 
had been disabled and Finley's Sidekick was destroyed, 
but not a single Clan 'Mech was left standing.  Lieutenant 
Finley was quickly promoted to Captain and put back in 
her Vulture.  Although her temper has eased somewhat, 
her stubbornness is still well known by her troops.