So, as the curtain draws on the end of Season 5 GameArena Battlefield 2142, we close another chapter in the books of The Mercenaries. Early in 2006, a select number of MERCs pre-ordered the new installment of the Battlefield series from DICE. With 5 or 6 active players, we didn't make the cut for the GameArena Australian Tournament. However, as the new year rolled round, we had enough to make a team for season one of the GA competition.

The team was formed on the 8th January, 2007 and we were ready for action. However, it took until February to get the scrims started though. The 10th February, 2007 saw our first ever 2142 Ladder match. Since then, more than two years later, we have completed 70 regulation ladder matches. On top of that we have had countless practice sessions, practice scrims and hours on hours of public game server play.

So, 70 official scrims later has seen MERC through many highs and lows. Season one saw us in the top half of the ladder with 50 odd teams, however, a minor ladder stuff up saw us slip to 43rd position to finish the season. Season 2 we climed back up the ladder with some great wins and we finished in 9th spot, narrowly missing finals contention. Season 3 was much more successful, MERC securing a spot in the finals and finishing up in 6th. Season 4 saw some interest dwindle, and a string of losses left us finishing in 13th.

After an influx of recruits, season 5 was rumoured to be the last. We started off to a shaky start with forfiets to AEF as people hadn't installed correct maps. We had some convincing wins, some disappointing losses and an incredible nail-biter with Lords of chaos 108-106 on Highway Tampa. Finishing the season on a 4 game losing streak is not a true representation of our ladder efforts. Winding down the season in 10th position is a truely commendable effort.

Some memorable moments for me include

• Long Pings jihad on the Gunship on Shuhia Taiba.
• My epic teamdown of Ringstinger on rollout on Verdun
• Smurfys solo cap of EU main on suez
• Numerous lols in Vent/TS from Aussie

(If you have any others, please post them up, I'll add them in.)

On behalf of the whole 2142 team, I'd like to thank the people who have made the MERC 2142 team great. Firstly, BlackGI and Dogrot for their never ending support as left/right hand men. Secondly, DanTheMan, Aussie and Exodus for their efforts in helping maintain the team. From booking servers, managing pracs and endless chats on MSN and Vent about strats they have really shon. Lastly, to everyone that has spent any time with the 2142 team, I applaud your efforts and thank you. Without you, the MERC 2142 team would have not been as awesome as what it was. I must also give thanks to the teams who we have pracced and versed over the years, most notably to nubb3r and his ADP boys, JangoFett and his AgN team, and GWADS and the Rss^ team.

Once again, thanks to all who were involved in The Mercenaries 2142 Campaign. It's been challenging, but most importanly, FUN!

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Three years ago we came to be in Battlefield Vietnam under the wings and guidance of Howl. And, although he has passed the torch on, with a little luck we will remain for more than another three years.

So we say thanks to all that have helped us thoughout the last year. Some joined, some came back, and some left.

With so many clans coming and going these days, it is with true testament to MERC that we can step above the clan status, and say we thrive as a close knit gaming community.