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|caption= Todd Marshall
|caption= Todd Marshall
|callsign= Maniac
|callsign= Maniac
|placeofbirth= Leto, Proxima Centauri
|placeofbirth= [[Leto]], [[Proxima Centauri]]
|placeofdeath=
|placeofdeath=
|allegiance= [[Terran Confederation]]
|allegiance= [[allegiance:=Terran Confederation]]
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|serviceyears=2654-circa 2690
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'''Todd Marshall''', aka "Maniac", was a [[Terran Confederation]] fighter pilot assigned to the [[TCS Tiger's Claw]] in [[2654]]. He was born on [[Leto]] in [[2631]]. Marshall graduated from the [[Terran Confederation Naval Academy]] as part of the Class of 2654. Although he placed comparatively low in his Naval Academy standings, he was one of the year's highest-ranked overall graduates. He was known for having a strong disregard of naval regulations. He was featured in [[Pilot Profiles]] in April 2654, at which time he held the rank of 2nd Lt. He scored his fifth kill in April 2654 and was awarded the [[Ace Performance Service Ribbon]], which was reflected in that month's [[Comm Relay]].
'''Todd Marshall''', callsign "Maniac", was a [[Terran Confederation]] fighter pilot assigned to the [[TCS Tiger's Claw]] in [[2654]]. He was born on [[Leto]] in [[2631]]. Marshall graduated from the [[Terran Confederation Naval Academy]] as part of the Class of 2654. Although he was placed comparatively low in his Naval Academy standings, he was one of the year's highest-ranked overall graduates. He is known for having a strong disregard of naval regulations and was featured in [[Pilot Profiles]] in April 2654, at which time he held the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He scored his fifth kill in April 2654 and was awarded the [[Ace Performance Service Ribbon]], which was reflected in that month's [[Comm Relay]].


END CLAW MARKS VERSION
Despite some early setbacks and disillusionment, Marshall became one of the greatest pilots of the Confederation. He fought in several instrumental battles of the [[Terran-Kilrathi War]], was a key contributor to the resolution of the [[Border Worlds Conflict]], and a leading pilot in the [[Nephilim War]].
 
'''Todd Marshall''', callsign "Maniac", was one of the greatest fighter Pilots of the [[Terran-Kilrathi War]].  Despite some early setbacks and disillusionment, his career saw him fight instumental battles in the waning years of the war, be a key contributor to the resolution of the [[Border Worlds Conflict]], and a star player in the [[Nephilim conflict]].


== History ==
== History ==
Todd Marshall was born in [[2631]], on [[Leto]], [[Proxima Centauri]].  Todd’s father was Arnold “Boomer” Marshall, a star college athlete who was drafted into the [[Terran Confederation Marines|Marine Corps]] during the early days of Kilrathi War and served as a platoon leader, reaching the rank of [[captain]]. Todd was the youngest of Arnold’s four sons.


Todd Marshall was born in [[2631]], on [[Leto]], [[Proxima Centauri]].  Todd’s father was Arnold “Boomer” Marshall, a star college athlete who was drafted into the [[Terran Confederation Marines|Marine Corps]] during the early days of Terran-Kilrathi War and served as a platoon leader, reaching the rank of [[captain]]. Todd was the youngest of Arnold’s four sons.
Todd was exceptionally good at sports and was accepted into the [[Terran Confederation Space Naval Academy|Confederation Academy]] on an athletic scholarship. His grades were good and he kept a clean disciplinary record, excluding a couple of demerits for borderline insubordination. Marshall’s marksmanship and simulator scores were the highest in his class, but earned the callsign “Maniac” for his flying style.


Todd was exceptionally good at sports and was accepted into the [[Terran Confederation|Confederation]] [[Academy]] on an athletic scholarship. His grades were good and he kept a clean disciplinary record, excluding a couple of demerits for borderline insubordination. Marshall’s marksmanship and simulator scores were the highest in his class, but earned the callsign “Maniac” for his flying style.
Todd Marshall and [[Christopher Blair]] were classmates at the Academy. They were rivals in every way, even to the point of pursuing the affections of the same girl. Marshall and Blair were the only [[Ace Performance Service Ribbon|aces]] in the Kilrathi War top 40 list to enlist after [[Custer's Carnival - 2649|Custer’s Carnival]]. Upon graduation, Marshall and Blair were assigned to the ''[[TCS Tiger's Claw|TCS Tiger’s Claw]]''.
 
Marshall and [[Christopher Blair|Christopher “Maverick” Blair]] were classmates at the Academy. They were rivals in every way, even to the point of pursuing the affections of the same girl. Marshall and Blair were the only [[ace|aces]] in the Kilrathi War top 40 list to enlist after [[Custer’s Carnival]]. Upon graduation, Marshall and Blair were posted to the [[TCS Tiger’s Claw]].


== Early Career ==
== Early Career ==
* On [[2654|2654.135]], Marshall and Blair launched in [[CF-105 Scimitar|Scimitars]] from the Tiger’s Claw to patrol the [[Brimstone]] system in the lead-up to a Confederation invasion. The next day, they flew again to escort an [[Exeter-Class Destroyer|Exeter-class destroyer]] to the ''Tiger's Claw''. On 2654.137, Marshall and Blair launched in Scimitars again to destroy a [[Kilrathi]] [[Dorkir-Class Transport|Dorkir-class transport]].


On [[2654|2654.135]], Marshall and Blair launched in [[Scimitars]] from the Tiger’s Claw to patrol the [[Brimstone]] system in the lead-up to a Confederation invasion. The next day, they flew again to escort an [[Exeter]]-class [[destroyer]] to the Tiger's Claw. On 2654.137, Marshall and Blair launched in Scimitars again to destroy a [[Kilrathi]] [[Dorkir]] [[transport]].
* On 2654.271, Marshall and Blair escorted a [[Venture-Class Corvette|Venture-class corvette]] to a [[Jump-Point|jump point]] in the [[Cairo]] system, protecting it from a [[Ralari-Class Destroyer|Ralari-class destroyer]] en-route. A week later, they flew a three-point patrol around the Cairo system.
 
On 2654.271, Marshall and Blair escorted a [[Venture]]-class [[corvette]] to a [[jump point]] in the [[Cairo]] system, protecting it from a [[Ralari]] en-route. A week later, they flew a three-point patrol around the Cairo system.
 
On 2654.280, Marshall accidentally destroyed a Confederation transport with a [[Heat seeker|heat-seeking missile]] during an escort mission in the [[Rostov]] system. All fourteen of the crew are lost. Marshall was cleared of all charges relating to the incident.


During this time, Marshall suffered from depression, and by [[2655|2655.239]], the stress from the [[Vega campaign]] and [[Operation Thor’s Hammer]] weighed so heavily on him that he had to be taken off the flight roster and put into sickbay. He was put back on the flight roster on 2655.278 when all pilots were desperately needed, but he remained mentally unstable.
* On 2654.280, Marshall accidentally destroyed a Confederation transport with a [[Heat-Seeking Missile|heat-seeking missile]] during an escort mission in the [[Rostov]] system. All fourteen of the crew are lost. Marshall was cleared of all charges relating to the incident.


On 2655.293, Marshall and Blair launched in [[Raptors]] from the Tiger’s Claw to fly a three-point patrol in the [[Firekka]] system, clearing a path for her retreat. Later, they launched again in [[Rapiers]] to defend the Tiger's Claw against several waves of Kilrathi fighters.
* During this time, Marshall suffered from depression, and by [[2655|2655.239]], the stress from the [[Vega campaign]] and [[Operation Thor's Hammer|Operation Thor’s Hammer]] weighed so heavily on him that he had to be taken off the flight roster and put into sickbay. He was put back on the flight roster on 2655.278 when all pilots were desperately needed, but he remained mentally unstable.


Marshall’s mental condition eventually culminated in a nervous breakdown – he was put into hospital for several months, and so survived the eventual destruction of the Tiger’s Claw.
* On 2655.293, Marshall and Blair launched in [[A-14 Raptor|Raptors]] from the ''Tiger’s Claw'' to fly a three-point patrol in the [[Firekka]] system, clearing a path for her retreat. Later, they launched again in [[F-44 Rapier II|Rapiers]] to defend the ''Tiger's Claw'' against several waves of Kilrathi fighters.


On [[2666|2666.135]], Marshall considered the [[TCS Tarawa]] a “transport scow and a death trap”.
* Marshall’s mental condition eventually culminated in a nervous breakdown – he was put into hospital for several months, and so survived the eventual destruction of the ''Tiger’s Claw''.


* On [[2666|2666.135]], Marshall considered the ''[[TCS Tarawa]]'' a “transport scow and a death trap”.


== Test Pilot ==
== Test Pilot ==
Marshall’s most spectacular exploit was in the [[Deneb Quadrant|Deneb sector]]. Leading a wing of [[F-27 Arrow V|Arrow]] fighters on routine patrol, he encountered two heavy Kilrathi capital ships. With no bombers available, Marshall managed to maneuver the battleships into a fatal collision with each other, and is reported to have saved an entire strike fleet as a result. After this incident, Marshall was promoted to [[Major|major]], and given command of the [[Wild Eagles]], a group of test pilots testing prototype [[F-95 Morningstar|Morningstar]] fighters. Marshall designed some of the special features of the Morningstar, including its [[Mace Nuclear Missile]] payload.


Marshall’s most spectacular exploit was in the [[Deneb sector]]. Leading a wing of [[light fighters]] on routine patrol, he encountered two heavy Kilrathi [[battleship|battleships]]. With no [[bombers]] available, Marshall somehow managed to maneuver the battleships into a fatal collision with each other, and is reported to have saved an entire strike fleet as a result. After this incident, Marshall was promoted to [[major]], and given command of the [[Wild Eagles]], a group of test pilots testing prototype [[Morningstar]] fighters. Marshall designed some of the special features of the Morningstar, such as its [[Mace]] nuclear missile payload.
* On [[2667|2667.098]], Marshall and his Wild Eagles arrived on the ''[[TCS Concordia (CVS-65)|TCS Concordia]]''. The Morningstar was plagued with random jump failure, so Marshall performed a test jump in the [[Canewdon|Canewdon system]] with Christopher Blair in a [[F-57 Sabre|Sabre]] recording the jump.


On [[2667|2667.098]], Marshall and his Wild Eagles arrived on the [[TCS Concordia]]. The Morningstar was plagued with random [[jump failure]], so Marshall performed a test jump in the [[Canewdon system]] with Christopher Blair in a [[F-57 Sabre|Sabre]] recording the jump.
* On 2667.099, Marshall flew with Blair and two members of his Wild Eagles on a Morningstar test patrol, with Blair in a [[Broadsword]]. The patrol encountered heavy resistance including a wing of [[Strakha]] stealth fighters.


On 2667.099, Marshall flew with Blair and two members of his Wild Eagles on a Morningstar test patrol, with Blair in a [[Broadsword]]. The patrol encountered heavy resistance including a wing of [[Strakha]] [[stealth fighter|stealth fighters]].
* On 2667.100, Captain [[Maria Grimaldi]] stole a Morningstar prototype and fled the ''Concordia'', setting an explosive to cover her escape. It took 25 minutes to repair the flight deck before Marshall and Blair could launch and pursue her. This delay, along with a co-ordinated Kilrathi presence, allowed Grimaldi to escape to the [[Society of Mandarins|Mandarins]] with the Morningstar.


On 2667.100, [[Maria Grimaldi|Maria “Minx” Grimaldi]] stole a Morningstar prototype and fled the Concordia, setting an explosive to cover her escape. It took 25 minutes to repair the flight deck before Marshall and Blair could launch and pursue her. This delay, along with a coordinated enemy presence, allowed Grimaldi to escape to the [[Mandarins]] with the Morningstar.
* Later, Marshall and Blair transferred to [[James Taggart]]’s [[Special Operations Division]]. They left Canewdon in Morningstars, with Taggart in the ''[[Grimalkin]]'', a captured [[Dorkathi-Class Transport|Dorkathi]] transport. Marshall and Blair escorted the ''Grimalkin'' to the Ayer’s jump point, but docked with the Grimalkin for the jump since the Morningstar was still susceptible to random jump failure.


Later, Marshall and Blair transferred to [[James Taggart|James “Paladin” Taggart]]’s [[Special Operations division]]. They left Canewdon in Morningstars, with Taggart in the [[Grimalkin]], a captured [[Dorkathi]] transport. Marshall and Blair escorted the Grimalkin to the Ayer’s jump point, but docked with the Grimalkin for the jump since the Morningstar was still susceptible to random jump failure.
* On 2667.101, Marshall and Blair launched in their Morningstars from the Grimalkin to intercept and destroy wings of Mandarin fighters before they could report to their base, [[Ayer's Rock|Ayer’s Rock]]. On the same day, Marshall and Blair escorted the ''Grimalkin'' to the nearest jump point in the Ayer’s system. They destroyed two [[Fralthra-Class Cruiser|Fralthra cruisers]] en-route. Later, they launched again to destroy the Mandarin base of Ayer’s Rock, along with two [[Kamekh-Class Covette|Kamekh-class corvettes]], and several Mandarin Sabres.


On 2667.101, Marshall and Blair launched in their Morningstars from the Grimalkin to intercept and destroy wings of Mandarin fighters before they could report to their base, [[Ayer’s Rock]]. On the same day, Marshall and Blair escorted the Grimalkin to the nearest jump point in the Ayer’s system. They destroyed two [[Fralthra]] [[cruiser|cruisers]] en-route. Later, they launched again to destroy the Mandarin base of Ayer’s Rock, along with two [[Kamekh]] corvettes, and several Mandarin Sabres.
* While the ''Grimalkin'' was on its way back to the ''Concordia'', Marshall and Blair attempted to locate and kill [[Zachary Colson]], who escaped Ayer’s Rock before it was destroyed. Marshall’s Morningstar broke down shortly after launch, however, leaving Maverick to find Colson on his own.


While the Grimalkin was on its way back to the Concordia, Marshall and Blair attempted to locate and kill [[Zachary Colson|Zachary “Jazz” Colson]], who escaped Ayer’s Rock before it was destroyed. Marshall’s Morningstar broke down shortly after launch, however, leaving Maverick to find Colson on his own.
== End of the Kilrathi War ==
Over the last decade of the Terran-Kilrathi War, Marshall rotated between combat and test piloting before [[Admiral]] [[Geoffrey Tolwyn]] assigned him to the ''[[TCS Victory]]''. Marshall had been the [[executive officer]] on the ''Victory'' under [[Wing Commander]] Dulbrunin before Christopher Blair was also assigned there. Marshall was also commanding officer of Gold Squadron aboard the ''Victory'' until Blair replaced him with [[Ralgha nar Hhallas]].


== Kilrathi War's End ==
* By [[2669|2669.203]], Marshall still held the rank of major.


Over the last decade of the Terran-Kilrathi War, Marshall rotated between combat and test piloting before [[Admiral]] [[Geoffrey Tolwyn]] assigned him to the [[TCS Victory]]. Marshall had been the [[executive officer]] on the Victory under [[Wing Commander]] Dulbrunin before Christopher Blair was also assigned there. Marshall was also commanding officer of Gold squadron aboard the Victory until Blair replaced him with [[Ralgha nar Hhallas|Ralgha “Hobbes” nar Hhallas]].
* On 2669.217, Marshall and three other pilots from Gold Squadron flew to an area where Blair and Ralgha had earlier been ambushed, and destroyed ten [[Dralthi IV|Dralthi]], a light cruiser, and a [[Kilrathi Supply Depot 3|supply depot]] hidden in a large [[Asteroids|asteroid]].


By  [[2669|2669.203]], Marshall still held the rank of major.
* On 2669.225, Marshall flew off on his own, chasing a Kilrathi fighter while leaving his wingman to defend the ''Victory'' without him.


On 2669.217, Marshall and three other pilots from Gold squadron flew to an area where Blair and nar Hhallas had earlier been ambushed, and destroyed ten [[Dralthi]], a light cruiser, and a [[supply depot]] hidden in a large [[asteroid]].
* On 2669.266, Marshall flew with Blair to [[Kilrah (star system)|Kilrah]] as part of [[Lancelot Flight]], his [[F-103 Excalibur]] labelled Excalibur 304. Marshall was forced to eject and was taken prisoner by a [[Hvar'kann-Class Dreadnought|Kilrathi dreadnought]]. He was interrogated viciously for several hours, but after the destruction of Kilrah, Marshall was given medical treatment and a ceremonial release.


On 2669.225, Marshall flew off on his own chasing a Kilrathi fighter while leaving his wingman to defend the Victory without him.
* After the Kilrathi War, Marshall resumed alternating between combat and test piloting for the Confederation.


On 2669.266, Marshall flew with Blair to [[Kilrah]] as part of [[Lancelot Flight]], his [[Excalibur]] is labelled Excalibur 304. Marshall was forced to eject and was taken prisoner by a Kilrathi [[dreadnought]]. He was “interrogated” viciously for several hours, but after the destruction of Kilrah, Marshall was given medical treatment and a ceremonial release.
* Marshall had a habit of sleeping with an armed blaster pistol under his pillow, and also liked to kiss his fighter before flying a mission.


After the war, Marshall resumed alternating between combat and test piloting for the Confederation.
== Post-Kilrathi War ==
 
* By [[2673|2673.217]], Marshall still held the rank of major and served on the ''[[TCS Lexington (CV-44)|TCS Lexington]]''. He held the opinion that Christopher Blair becoming a farmer on [[Nephele II]] was disgraceful. Nevertheless, he went to Nephele to recall him to active military service under [[Emergency Decree 394A]]. Marshall and Blair left Nephele for [[Orlando Depot]] in [[Hellcat V|Hellcats]].
By [[2673|2673.217]], Marshall still held the rank of major and served on the [[TCS Lexington]]. He held the opinion that Christopher Blair becoming a farmer on [[Nephele II]] was disgraceful. Nevertheless, he went to Nephele II to recall him to active military service under [[Emergency Decree 394A]]. Marshall and Blair left Nephele II for [[Orlando depot]] in [[Hellcats]].
 
Marshall had a habit of sleeping with an armed blaster pistol under his pillow, and also liked to kiss his fighter before flying a mission.


* On 2673.224, Marshall was briefly promoted to [[Military Ranks|lieutenant colonel]] and wing commander on the ''[[BWS Intrepid]]'', after [[Military Ranks|Captain]] [[William Eisen]] departed for the Confederation. On the same day, the Intrepid jumped to the [[Peleus]] system to investigate system-wide [[jamming]]. Marshall retrieved an ejected Confederation pilot, who lead the ''Intrepid'' to the jamming device. Marshall lead a [[squadron]] to the jamming device and, together with the remainder of the ''Intrepid''’s fighters, destroyed it.


== Post-Kilrathi War ==
* In 2673, Marshall was promoted to [[Military Ranks|Colonel]] and given command of the [[carrier|light carrier]], ''[[TCS Kiev]]''. He was sent to patrol the border.
 
On 2673.224, Marshall was briefly promoted to [[lieutenant colonel]] and wing commander on the [[BWS Intrepid]], after [[Captain]] [[William Eisen]] departed for the Confederation. On the same day, the Intrepid jumped to the [[Peleus]] system to investigate system-wide [[jamming]]. Marshall retrieved an ejected Confederation pilot, who lead the Intrepid to the jamming device. Marshall lead a [[squadron]] to the jamming device and, together with the remainder of the Intrepid’s fighters, destroyed it.


In 2673, Marshall was promoted to [[colonel]] and given command of the [[carrier|light carrier]], [[TCS Kiev]]. He was sent to police the border.
* Marshall accepted his posting to the ''[[TCS Midway]]'' as “a personal favor to Senator James Taggart”. He flew in the [[Black Widow Squadron]] aboard the Midway in [[2681]], but had returned to the rank of major.


Marshall accepted his posting to the [[TCS Midway]] as “a personal favor to Senator James Taggart”. He flew in the [[Black Widow squadron]] aboard the Midway in [[2681]] but had returned to the rank of major.
* On [[2681|2681.011]], Marshall achieves his 2000th and 2001st kills by shooting down two armed smugglers during a routing sweep of the [[Hawkins]] system.


On 2681|2681.011, Marshall achieves his 2000th and 2001st kills by shooting down two armed smugglers during a routing sweep of the [[Hawkins]] system.
* Marshall recorded five kills during the raid on the [[Demon’s Eye pirates]] in [[Valgard]]. As of 2681.022, Marshall was the highest-ranked ace on the [[Terran Confederation Space Force|Space Forces]] flight roster and was rated the fourteenth highest-scoring ace in Space Force history.


Marshall recorded five kills during the raid on the [[Demon’s Eye pirates]] in [[Valgard]]. As of 2681.022, Marshall was the highest-ranked ace on the [[Terran Confederation Space Force|Space Forces]] flight roster and was rated the fourteenth highest-scoring ace in Space Force history.
* After the ''Midway''’s retreat to the [[H'hrass|H’hrass system]], Marshall’s bluster and apparent disrespect for the dead irritated fellow ''Midway'' pilot [[Lance Casey]] to the point that Casey physically assaulted him.


After the Midway’s retreat to the [[H’hrass]] system, Marshall’s bluster and apparent disrespect for the dead irritated fellow Midway pilot [[Lance Casey]] to the point that Casey physically attacked him.
* While the ''Midway'' was in the [[T'lan Meth|T’lan Meth system]], Marshall was promoted to commander of the Black Widow Squadron, a position he took on with great delight. However, Marshall was distraught after having a pilot go missing-in-action in T’lan Meth and losing another two rookie pilots in the [[G'mar|G’mar system]]. Marshall voluntarily steps down from his post as squadron commander of the Black Widows by the time the ''Midway'' reached the [[H'rissith|H’rissith system]].


While the Midway was in the [[T’lan Meth]] system, Marshall was promoted to commander of the Black Widow squadron, a position he took on with great delight. However, Marshall was distraught after having a pilot go missing-in-action in T’lan Meth and losing another two rookie pilots in the [[G’mar]] system. Marshall voluntarily steps down from his post as squadron commander of the Black Widows by the time the Midway reached the [[H’rissith]] system.
* Marshall married twice during his career - one relationship lasting three years, and the other 22 days. He had no children.


Marshall married twice during his career - one relationship lasting three years, and the other 22 days. He had no children.
* Marshall retired from active duty to become a consultant and test pilot for a civilian defence contractor. During that time he also wrote his autobiographical memoir, [[ME: The Life and Battles of "Maniac" Marshall]].


Marshall retired from active duty to become a consultant and test pilot for a civilian defence contractor. During that time he also wrote his autobiographical memoir [[ME: The Life and Battles of "Maniac" Marshall]].”
== Images ==
== Images ==
<gallery>
<gallery>
Image:cm-maniac.png|Todd Marshall from the 2654 issue of [[Claw Marks]]
Image:cm-maniac.png|Todd Marshall from the 2654 issue of [[Claw Marks]]
Image:So2 maniac1.png|Todd Marshall in 2668 during his command of the Wild Eagles.
image:Swc-maniac.jpg|Todd Marshall as seen in [[Super Wing Commander]]
image:Maniac.png|{{PAGENAME}} as seen in the [[Wing Commander SNES Manual|Super Famicom Manual]]
Image:So2 maniac1.png|Todd Marshall in 2668 during his command of the [[Wild Eagles Squadron|Wild Eagles]].
Image:maniac2681.png|Todd Marshall in 2681.
Image:maniac2681.png|Todd Marshall in 2681.
</gallery>
</gallery>


[[Category:Terrans]][[Category:Confederation Space Force personnel]][[Category:88th Fighter Wing]]
==[[source:=Wing Commander IV: The Price of Freedom Playguide|Origin's Official Guide to Wing Commander IV: The Price of Freedom]] ==
Maniac and Blair share history all the way back to the academy. Even then, Maniac was a loose gun, too intoxicated on the thrill of adventure to fly by the book. His flying style was effective, his instructor had to agree, but tended to be a hazard to anyone flying at his side. That, along with his lack of propriety — in particular, his habit of trying to “pick up” any female staff at the flying school — nearly got him expelled more than once.
 
== [[Behind the Screens]] ==
Todd Marshal was played by actor [https://m.imdb.com/name/nm0001855/?ref_=tt_cl_t_5 Tom Wilson] in [[Wing Commander 3]], [[Wing Commander 4]] and [[Wing Commander Prophecy]] and by actor [https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000498/?ref_=tt_cl_t_4 Matthew Lillard] in the [[Wing Commander Movie]].
 
{{#set:source=Wing Commander Movie}}
{{#set:source=[[Wing Commander]]}}
{{#set:source=Official Authorized Wing Commander Confederation Handbook}}
{{#set:source=[[Wing Commander: Pilgrim Stars]]}}
{{#set:source=[[Wing Commander: Pilgrim Truth]]}}
{{#set:source=[[The Secret Missions]]}}
{{#set:source=[[The Secret Missions 2: Crusade]]}}
{{#set:source=[[Wing Commander: Freedom Flight]]}}
{{#set:source=[[Special Operations 2]]}}
{{#set:source=[[Wing Commander: Academy]]}}
{{#set:source=[[Wing Commander III: Heart of the Tiger]]}}
{{#set:source=[[Wing Commander: Heart of the Tiger]]}}
{{#set:source=[[Wing Commander IV: The Price of Freedom]]}}
{{#set:source=[[Wing Commander: The Price of Freedom]]}}
{{#set:source=[[Wing Commander: Prophecy]]}}
 
[[Category:Humans]]
[[Category:Confederation Space Force personnel]]
[[Category:88th Fighter Wing]]
[[Category:998th Fighter Wing]]
[[Category:Flight Wing 36]]

Latest revision as of 15:05, 3 November 2023

Todd Marshall
2631.038-????
WC1-Maniac.png
Todd Marshall
Callsign Maniac
Place of birth Leto, Proxima Centauri
Allegiance Terran Confederation
Years of service 2654-circa 2690
Rank Major
Relations Arnold “Boomer” Marshall (Father)


Todd Marshall, callsign "Maniac", was a Terran Confederation fighter pilot assigned to the TCS Tiger's Claw in 2654. He was born on Leto in 2631. Marshall graduated from the Terran Confederation Naval Academy as part of the Class of 2654. Although he was placed comparatively low in his Naval Academy standings, he was one of the year's highest-ranked overall graduates. He is known for having a strong disregard of naval regulations and was featured in Pilot Profiles in April 2654, at which time he held the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. He scored his fifth kill in April 2654 and was awarded the Ace Performance Service Ribbon, which was reflected in that month's Comm Relay.

Despite some early setbacks and disillusionment, Marshall became one of the greatest pilots of the Confederation. He fought in several instrumental battles of the Terran-Kilrathi War, was a key contributor to the resolution of the Border Worlds Conflict, and a leading pilot in the Nephilim War.

History

Todd Marshall was born in 2631, on Leto, Proxima Centauri. Todd’s father was Arnold “Boomer” Marshall, a star college athlete who was drafted into the Marine Corps during the early days of Kilrathi War and served as a platoon leader, reaching the rank of captain. Todd was the youngest of Arnold’s four sons.

Todd was exceptionally good at sports and was accepted into the Confederation Academy on an athletic scholarship. His grades were good and he kept a clean disciplinary record, excluding a couple of demerits for borderline insubordination. Marshall’s marksmanship and simulator scores were the highest in his class, but earned the callsign “Maniac” for his flying style.

Todd Marshall and Christopher Blair were classmates at the Academy. They were rivals in every way, even to the point of pursuing the affections of the same girl. Marshall and Blair were the only aces in the Kilrathi War top 40 list to enlist after Custer’s Carnival. Upon graduation, Marshall and Blair were assigned to the TCS Tiger’s Claw.

Early Career

  • On 2654.280, Marshall accidentally destroyed a Confederation transport with a heat-seeking missile during an escort mission in the Rostov system. All fourteen of the crew are lost. Marshall was cleared of all charges relating to the incident.
  • During this time, Marshall suffered from depression, and by 2655.239, the stress from the Vega campaign and Operation Thor’s Hammer weighed so heavily on him that he had to be taken off the flight roster and put into sickbay. He was put back on the flight roster on 2655.278 when all pilots were desperately needed, but he remained mentally unstable.
  • On 2655.293, Marshall and Blair launched in Raptors from the Tiger’s Claw to fly a three-point patrol in the Firekka system, clearing a path for her retreat. Later, they launched again in Rapiers to defend the Tiger's Claw against several waves of Kilrathi fighters.
  • Marshall’s mental condition eventually culminated in a nervous breakdown – he was put into hospital for several months, and so survived the eventual destruction of the Tiger’s Claw.

Test Pilot

Marshall’s most spectacular exploit was in the Deneb sector. Leading a wing of Arrow fighters on routine patrol, he encountered two heavy Kilrathi capital ships. With no bombers available, Marshall managed to maneuver the battleships into a fatal collision with each other, and is reported to have saved an entire strike fleet as a result. After this incident, Marshall was promoted to major, and given command of the Wild Eagles, a group of test pilots testing prototype Morningstar fighters. Marshall designed some of the special features of the Morningstar, including its Mace Nuclear Missile payload.

  • On 2667.098, Marshall and his Wild Eagles arrived on the TCS Concordia. The Morningstar was plagued with random jump failure, so Marshall performed a test jump in the Canewdon system with Christopher Blair in a Sabre recording the jump.
  • On 2667.099, Marshall flew with Blair and two members of his Wild Eagles on a Morningstar test patrol, with Blair in a Broadsword. The patrol encountered heavy resistance including a wing of Strakha stealth fighters.
  • On 2667.100, Captain Maria Grimaldi stole a Morningstar prototype and fled the Concordia, setting an explosive to cover her escape. It took 25 minutes to repair the flight deck before Marshall and Blair could launch and pursue her. This delay, along with a co-ordinated Kilrathi presence, allowed Grimaldi to escape to the Mandarins with the Morningstar.
  • Later, Marshall and Blair transferred to James Taggart’s Special Operations Division. They left Canewdon in Morningstars, with Taggart in the Grimalkin, a captured Dorkathi transport. Marshall and Blair escorted the Grimalkin to the Ayer’s jump point, but docked with the Grimalkin for the jump since the Morningstar was still susceptible to random jump failure.
  • On 2667.101, Marshall and Blair launched in their Morningstars from the Grimalkin to intercept and destroy wings of Mandarin fighters before they could report to their base, Ayer’s Rock. On the same day, Marshall and Blair escorted the Grimalkin to the nearest jump point in the Ayer’s system. They destroyed two Fralthra cruisers en-route. Later, they launched again to destroy the Mandarin base of Ayer’s Rock, along with two Kamekh-class corvettes, and several Mandarin Sabres.
  • While the Grimalkin was on its way back to the Concordia, Marshall and Blair attempted to locate and kill Zachary Colson, who escaped Ayer’s Rock before it was destroyed. Marshall’s Morningstar broke down shortly after launch, however, leaving Maverick to find Colson on his own.

End of the Kilrathi War

Over the last decade of the Terran-Kilrathi War, Marshall rotated between combat and test piloting before Admiral Geoffrey Tolwyn assigned him to the TCS Victory. Marshall had been the executive officer on the Victory under Wing Commander Dulbrunin before Christopher Blair was also assigned there. Marshall was also commanding officer of Gold Squadron aboard the Victory until Blair replaced him with Ralgha nar Hhallas.

  • By 2669.203, Marshall still held the rank of major.
  • On 2669.217, Marshall and three other pilots from Gold Squadron flew to an area where Blair and Ralgha had earlier been ambushed, and destroyed ten Dralthi, a light cruiser, and a supply depot hidden in a large asteroid.
  • On 2669.225, Marshall flew off on his own, chasing a Kilrathi fighter while leaving his wingman to defend the Victory without him.
  • On 2669.266, Marshall flew with Blair to Kilrah as part of Lancelot Flight, his F-103 Excalibur labelled Excalibur 304. Marshall was forced to eject and was taken prisoner by a Kilrathi dreadnought. He was interrogated viciously for several hours, but after the destruction of Kilrah, Marshall was given medical treatment and a ceremonial release.
  • After the Kilrathi War, Marshall resumed alternating between combat and test piloting for the Confederation.
  • Marshall had a habit of sleeping with an armed blaster pistol under his pillow, and also liked to kiss his fighter before flying a mission.

Post-Kilrathi War

  • On 2673.224, Marshall was briefly promoted to lieutenant colonel and wing commander on the BWS Intrepid, after Captain William Eisen departed for the Confederation. On the same day, the Intrepid jumped to the Peleus system to investigate system-wide jamming. Marshall retrieved an ejected Confederation pilot, who lead the Intrepid to the jamming device. Marshall lead a squadron to the jamming device and, together with the remainder of the Intrepid’s fighters, destroyed it.
  • Marshall accepted his posting to the TCS Midway as “a personal favor to Senator James Taggart”. He flew in the Black Widow Squadron aboard the Midway in 2681, but had returned to the rank of major.
  • On 2681.011, Marshall achieves his 2000th and 2001st kills by shooting down two armed smugglers during a routing sweep of the Hawkins system.
  • Marshall recorded five kills during the raid on the Demon’s Eye pirates in Valgard. As of 2681.022, Marshall was the highest-ranked ace on the Space Forces flight roster and was rated the fourteenth highest-scoring ace in Space Force history.
  • After the Midway’s retreat to the H’hrass system, Marshall’s bluster and apparent disrespect for the dead irritated fellow Midway pilot Lance Casey to the point that Casey physically assaulted him.
  • While the Midway was in the T’lan Meth system, Marshall was promoted to commander of the Black Widow Squadron, a position he took on with great delight. However, Marshall was distraught after having a pilot go missing-in-action in T’lan Meth and losing another two rookie pilots in the G’mar system. Marshall voluntarily steps down from his post as squadron commander of the Black Widows by the time the Midway reached the H’rissith system.
  • Marshall married twice during his career - one relationship lasting three years, and the other 22 days. He had no children.

Images

Origin's Official Guide to Wing Commander IV: The Price of Freedom

Maniac and Blair share history all the way back to the academy. Even then, Maniac was a loose gun, too intoxicated on the thrill of adventure to fly by the book. His flying style was effective, his instructor had to agree, but tended to be a hazard to anyone flying at his side. That, along with his lack of propriety — in particular, his habit of trying to “pick up” any female staff at the flying school — nearly got him expelled more than once.

Behind the Screens

Todd Marshal was played by actor Tom Wilson in Wing Commander 3, Wing Commander 4 and Wing Commander Prophecy and by actor Matthew Lillard in the Wing Commander Movie.

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